《Magma Dragon Cultivation (Book one complete)》


 Chapter 1 - Twin Suns

    45th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle,


    the day of summer solstice


    The mine shaft was dim, illuminated by the dull glow of spirit gem detritus embedded into the walls. The dry air suffused with fine dust hampered Newt¡¯s breathing, still, the young man¡¯s worn out pickaxe struck the granite with a bang, sending a spark and a trickle of crushed rock to the ground.


    Nothing.


    Steel struck rock again and again, much like it did the past three years, ever since Newt¡¯s uncle had turned him into a slave and imprisoned him in the depleted spirit gem mine.


    Digging for spirit gems was a fool¡¯s errand, a prison, and a humiliation served all at once. And yet, Newt had no choice. In the early days, he was defiant, then he grew hungry. He started considering himself, his past actions, and how his decisions had led him where he was.


    Day after day, month after month, the same questions haunted him.


    Did this happen because of me?


    Another spark burst into life before darkness swallowed it.


    Would Uncle have defeated Father if he had not captured me and used me as a hostage?


    He knew the answer, and the universe responded with another spark, a brief flare of light which illuminated the darkness.


    Is this divine punishment?


    Spark.


    What happened to Mother?


    Spark.


    To Father?


    Spark.


    Will I find a stray spirit gem and get meat tomorrow?


    Spark.


    The youth toiled, producing flashes of light in the dark, digging inside what history has proven to be his ancestor¡¯s ruinous mistake.


    Newt¡¯s ancestor, Lord Blazing Salamander, had purchased the Dragon¡¯s Rest volcano seven cycles ago, in an age long forgotten. The patriarch of the once mighty Blazing Salamander clan had gambled all his wealth on a slim chance to increase his realm, to extend his longevity. He followed a folktale, which stated that the entire mountain range was a magma dragon¡¯s burial ground.


    The grand ancestor¡¯s gamble failed. The mountain became his tomb, and his family declined, wasting centuries on digging and failing to find anything more extraordinary than a mid-sized spirit gem mine in the mountain¡¯s bowels. A mine not worth the price they had paid.


    Even after their great patriarch¡¯s death, the Blazing Salamander clan searched for the dead dragon¡¯s double core. Generation after generation, they grew poorer and poorer, weaker and weaker, swallowing humiliation and disrespect from local upstarts, until the mighty clan was but a pale shadow of its illustrious past.


    Finally, they exhausted the spirit gem mine during Newt¡¯s father¡¯s reign, and the Blazing Salamander family plummeted, falling from the status of a small local power to a family of irrelevant, low-ranking cultivators living at the fringes of the empire.


    And Newt, Newt wasn¡¯t even a cultivator yet. He was sixteen; once a young master of a cultivator family, a shoo-in for a spirit beast¡¯s core. And yet his uncle threw him into the gloom when he was merely thirteen. His scrawny hands clutched the pickaxe¡¯s shaft, smashing at the rock with despair and impotent rage. Always asking the same question.


    Is this my fault?


    Metal met granite, and another spark flew in the dark as the sun blazed high above the ground, beyond Newt¡¯s shadowy world. The gigantic celestial body reached its zenith, baptizing the forgotten grave with the purest fire energy.


    The unremarkable spark, one of countless tiny flames Newt had offered as sacrifice over the years, froze mid air. Newt struck the rock again, sacrificing yet another handful of granite, and a second spark blossomed, freezing just beneath her sister. The cosmic power fueled the twins, and in an instant, they grew from imperceptible white dots into eye-sized white marbles, then into miniature suns larger than a grown man¡¯s fist.


    Newt covered his eyes to shield himself from the blazing orbs, frozen in shock and fear. The air shimmered with scalding heat. The localized conflagration should have turned Newt into a charred skeleton, but the burning fury disappeared, becoming a life-nurturing warmth.


    ¡°What the?¡± the youth said, his voice cracking, his throat dry.


    He removed his hands from his eyes and gazed at the orbs. They were the same size, but of different colors. The lower orb pulsated like a heart, dark red, the color of spilled blood, marbled with crimson lines, throbbing with power. The upper orb was brownish-yellow, its tiny form pulsating with the weight of the world.


    Newt gaped in wonder. He knew what had appeared before him. His father and mother had told him the stories and family legends since before he could remember. The stars which accepted him, which searched for a new master, were the dead dragon¡¯s cores. The unreachable goal his ancestor struggled for centuries to find. They had to be.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Newt reached for the lower orb, his hand shaking from excitement. The pickaxe clattered to the ground, and Newt¡¯s heart trembled in euphoric excitement as his fingers crawled towards the fire which could burn bronze.


    Suddenly, the tiny suns flickered. The stellar alignment which fueled them, which made their inner worlds visible, had passed, its energy receding.


    The panicked young man pounced, his hand no longer inching forward, but darting for the cores. If he could reach them in time, if he could internalize the dragon¡¯s cores, and claim the spirit beast¡¯s cultivation, he would immediately become a powerhouse, a dragon¡¯s scion.


    His fingers passed through the illusory flame, grabbing nothing, and in that moment, Newt¡¯s elation turned to despair.


    ¡°No!¡±


    Newt¡¯s head spun. He wanted to die then and there, to end himself with the pickaxe. He was too late. The chance had slipped through his hesitant hands. Once more he was the architect of his family¡¯s doom.


    Just as he screamed in despair and self-loathing, fire incinerated his heart, and a star exploded behind his eyes.


    Writhing in pain, Newt collapsed, thinking himself dead.


    He awoke drenched in sweat, blistering heat seared his skin and lungs, warm, hard rock pressing against his back. His eyes stung, and he squinted upwards before opening them wide.


    He was in hell. The sky above burned, its expanse bright red, painting Newt¡¯s blue eyes violet. Strange black pines obscured half the scene, and a sulfurous reek assailed Newt¡¯s nostrils as he watched plumes of red smoke drift like clouds high above.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± he whispered in surprise before recalling the burning sensations which caused him to faint.


    Newt clenched his chest, but the pain was gone. Still laying on the ground, he struggled to make sense of his situation. His mind raced before he sighed in dejection.


    I failed to integrate the magma dragon¡¯s cores, but at least I suffered no injuries. I either died instantly, or this is a secret realm created when the dragon died. Newt knew a lot of cultivation related information. He had spent most of his childhood preparing for the day he would integrate a spirit beast¡¯s core to form a spirit root and start drawing in spiritual energy. The grand ceremony should have taken place on his fifteenth nameday, had fate not played a cruel game with his life.


    Newt struggled to control his breathing, and after calming down enough, he scanned his surroundings, still remaining on his back.


    He was in an unknown, exotic forest. The sloped ground was hard and black, like lava which had cooled. The steep incline indicated he was atop a mountain, his feet facing down. The trees were tall and the same shade of black as the ground, their leaves pinky-long spines, their conical crowns shaped like those of pines, with enough space between them to see the sky and red clouds, but probably not enough to fit another tree.


    There was no movement nor visible danger, so after several minutes of lying patiently, Newt rose to his feet.


    The pervading heat was insufferable and seemingly grew as he stood. It pinched and clawed at Newt¡¯s skin, drilling through it, and yet it did not harm him. The needles of energy stabbing at his skin pierced into his flesh and followed a flow only to disappear between his eyebrows and within his heart.


    Is this spiritual energy? But I haven¡¯t manifested a spirit root. I can¡¯t cultivate yet.


    As these thoughts passed through Newt¡¯s mind, a part of him could not help but hope. If he could cultivate, he might be able to find out about his mother¡¯s and father¡¯s fate. He could break his shackles and free himself. He could grow powerful and defeat his uncle, avenging all loyal relatives who had perished and suffered after the coup.


    Newt forced himself to calm down and approached the closest tree, wishing to meditate next to its base, but the closer he drew, the hotter the air grew.


    The heat is coming from the trees?


    Newt squinted, examining the thick, black trunk, and saw the air shimmer around it. He also noticed that its rough, scale-like bark was calcified. It looked like stone from a long forgotten era, bleeding sap, which resembled fire frozen in time. The awed youth glanced up into the branches, finding fruits similar to pinecones, if pinecones were crystalline and translucent.


    ¡°Are those spirit gems?¡± the boy muttered in disbelief. The surrounding trees housed at least twenty, more valuable crystals than he had mined in the three years of his slavery. And not just that, the spirit gems were purer, more translucent than the inferior dregs he managed to scavenge in his family¡¯s depleted mine.


    Newt gulped, his eyes burning with desire. High quality spirit gems? Which realm? I¡¯m rich, assuming I leave this realm alive.


    The greedy thought stole Newt¡¯s attention away from more urgent questions, but the problem was, he had nothing on him with which to carry the harvested gems. He was shirtless, his tattered pants barely covering his knees, and even if he knew how to weave a basket, which he did not, nothing in the inhospitable terrain looked like proper material for weaving.


    And there was one final question burning in his mind. How do I pluck them?


    He looked around, but saw no loose stones laying on the volcanic rock he stood on. There were no broken branches or bushes growing from the impregnable soil. The only choice he had, if he wanted to get those spirit gems, was to climb the calcified pine.


    He who dares¡­


    Newt drew a deep breath and hardened his resolve before advancing towards the rough, black tree trunk. The heat was infernal, but he endured. Sweat streamed down his scrawny back and bare chest. The muck and grime which had stuck to his skin in the mines fell off, washed away by perspiration. His skin was the tortured bone-white of those who had not seen the sun in years, all his ribs visible, his vertebrae forming a miniature range of ridges running down his back.


    Persistence and despair forced his hand, and Newt plowed through the unbearable heat. He reached the dark bark and touched it. Sweat on his palm sizzled and turned to steam, but the blaze which should have seared his flesh became a nourishing warmth, passing through his skin. The energy followed a brand-new channel leading towards his heart, where it disappeared, satiating a hunger Newt did not know he suffered from.


    This isn¡¯t a real flame, it¡¯s fire-attributed spiritual energy, and I can absorb it!


    A tear of joy slid down Newt¡¯s cheek, evaporating before it reached his smiling lips. He did not know why, or how, but somehow he had awakened a spirit root, and he met the minimal requirement to start cultivating.


    His life was about to change. He would correct all the injustices he had suffered and restore his family. He would¡ª


    Sky¡¯s red light dimmed.


    Newt looked up, expecting to find a really thick cloud, but found a giant black blot covering the heavens. A pair of vicious red eyes, burning with hunger, scanned the forest, searching for food.


    Newt swallowed a lump and cowered, almost hugging the rough, black pine for safety.


    He hid from the colossal pterosaur, two words crossing his mind. The terror his father warned him of and scared him with when he misbehaved had appeared above him.


    A heart demon.

 Chapter 2 - Enter Magmin

    45th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    The gargantuan creature swept the forest with its gaze, but its bloodshot eyes failed to find prey. The monster screeched in frustration, sending shivers down Newt¡¯s spine, before it flapped its leathery wings and flew away.


    The youth heaved a breath of relief and looked around, fearing other heart demons might prowl the sweltering, calcified forest.


    ¡°Is it gone?¡± a dark-red serpent asked, gazing at the sky.


    Newt jumped back and tripped, banging the back of his head against the igneous rock.


    The serpent seemed just as startled, mimicking Newt¡¯s actions, including somehow falling over, hitting its head, and returning the human¡¯s panicked stare tit for tat.


    ¡°Who are you? What are you doing here? You can talk?¡± They said simultaneously, then went into contemplative silence, examining each other.


    The serpent was five feet long and merely two fingers thick, its garnet scales peppered with crimson blots, which resembled tattooed writing in a language Newt did not know. Its brownish-yellow eyes were distinctly reptilian, its vertical pupils locked on the youth before it, taking in the ghostly white skin, dark-red hair nearly the same shade as its scales, and blue eyes, wide open from fear.


    ¡°Snake?¡± Newt blurted, and the snake hissed at the same time. ¡°A scaleless inferior species! Ancestral titanoboa, smite it!¡±


    Ancestral titanoboa spared Newt its wrath. The young man shielded his head with his arms, just in case, frowning at being called inferior, but he remained quiet, fearing the mighty reptile.


    The awkward silence stretched for several heartbeats, until the distant pterosaur¡¯s frustrated shriek broke it.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Unsmitten, Newt asked again, while the serpent snapped its head towards the predator¡¯s cry.


    ¡°And who are you?¡± the garnet snake asked back.


    First conversation in months, and I¡¯m talking to a snake. Newt wanted to demand an answer first, but dropped the matter. Three years in the mine had curbed his ego. He was no longer a young master, but a slave.


    ¡°I am Newstar. My parents gave me the name because the sky flashed with a bright light the night I was born, and a new star appeared in the sky. But my friends and parents used to call me Newt. Nice to meet you¡­?¡± Newt left the word hanging, implicitly asking for a name, but the snake remained oblivious of his intent.


    ¡°You are one strange newt, but that explains the lack of scales and the weird, flimsy crest running down your back. Are you shedding?¡± The snake¡¯s gaze lingered on Newt¡¯s torn trousers for another moment, its pupils shrinking until it finally nodded. ¡°Nice to meet you, shedding newt. I am magmin serpent. Your snake-speech is admirable. Good hisses. Who taught you?¡±


    Newt opened his mouth, about to say he did not know what snake-speech was, but then he closed it. Staring at nothing.


    How am I talking to a snake?


    ¡°I didn¡¯t even know I could speak it,¡± Newt stuttered, and Magmin nodded.


    ¡°I can tell you have not mastered it fully, but it is the effort that counts. Do you mind telling me what you are doing inside my realm? I have never seen a specimen of your kind, so you should not be a heart demon, but then again, strange things can happen right before a breakthrough.¡±


    ¡°Your realm?¡± Newt tried to make sense of Magmin¡¯s words, but failed.


    Breakthrough, realm, is this¡ª


    ¡°Yes, my spiritual realm. I am trying to overcome my heart demons, so I can advance my realm perfectly and evolve according to my design. You must be very young.¡± Magmin¡¯s words turned enthusiastic. ¡°Even though you are a lowly amphibian, you should also have the ability to cultivate and evolve into higher life forms. Who knows, if you try hard, you might become a lizard and then walk the path of mighty dinosaurs, developing wings.¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Magmin stared up at the red sky with longing. ¡°I have dreamed of flying ever since I hatched, and a pterodactyl snatched two of my siblings. I yearn to look down on all others who slither and crawl. Do you dream of flying?¡±


    Newt stared at Magmin dumbfounded, trying to find the correct answer to the blathering snake¡¯s question. It was trying to advance its realm, which meant its cultivation was at the peak of the first realm. Aside from its color, the snake looked no different from random snakes Newt had seen, and he knew he could kill those with a common stick. But a peak first realm spirit beast could slay him with a slap of its tail.


    The youth was starting to confirm his suspicions, and did not know whether to be afraid or excited.


    Silence slowly turned Magmin¡¯s eagerness into disappointment. ¡°Of course you do not dream of flying. Your kind lives in dark caves, in shallow ponds, you would dream of a larger pool of water or deeper caves, not¡ª¡±


    ¡°Actually, I have often dreamed of flying,¡± Newt said, and Magmin perked up, staring at him with bright eyes.


    ¡°You did? I am not the only one? My jealous siblings ridiculed me for wanting to evolve wings. They said I should develop poisonous skin, venomous fangs, or increase my body so I could crush my prey. But I think wings would open the world to me.¡±


    Newt nodded, then hesitated for a moment before asking the obvious question.


    ¡°How does that work, evolution, I mean?¡±


    ¡°Ah, you do not know how to cultivate? Makes sense, makes sense, amphibian brains would have trouble understanding higher concepts unrelated to eating, sleeping, and mating.¡±


    Newt barely resisted the urge to speak, mostly because he was overwhelmed by the numerous protests fighting for their right to be heard.


    He wanted to say he understood more than just eating and sleeping. He knew elemental theory, astronomy, how to cultivate¡­ His father had been drilling him on arcane subjects ever since he had turned six years old, but through sheer force of will, Newt kept his mouth shut and listened to the snake ramble.


    ¡°Now, young newt, each of us has a second heart, one which lets us take in this world¡¯s warmth. Others have a third eye, which lets them see the world¡¯s truth. Every moment of our lives, our second heart or third eye draws energy from the world, expanding an intangible realm within ourselves. When we sleep or bask in the sun, we use the time of our body¡¯s inactivity to shape and structure this ever-growing realm. The better we organize it, the more energy we can draw, the more we increase the speed with which we grow. Are you following?¡±


    Newt nodded, and Magmin gave him a smug look. ¡°How old do you think I am? Come, guess.¡±


    Newt stared at the snake, with no idea what to say, but Magmin merely opened its mouth, waiting for an answer.


    ¡°Fifty years,¡± Newt said, and the snake hissed in laughter.


    ¡°Oh, newt, you know nothing about higher life forms like reptiles. Snakes like me need at least one evolution to extend our longevity to fifty years. I am in my prime, at the peak of my strength, twelve years old, and I am already at the threshold of evolving. I am a genius; you may bask in my infinite wisdom.¡±


    Newt was not impressed. The snake was just a kid.


    ¡°Twelve years old?¡± he asked, and Magmin nodded, deaf to the tone with which Newt said the words.


    ¡°I am legendary, am I not?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are,¡± Newt said flatly, ¡°and you were explaining how cultivation works.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Magmin said, sounding pleased. ¡°We take in energy, expand our inner realm, and then give it structure so that it draws even more energy from outside our bodies.¡±


    ¡°You already said that,¡± Newt interrupted, much to Magmin¡¯s displeasure.


    ¡°I need to build up the explanation. Now, where was I? Right, I know not about your species, if you are a newt then you should rely on energy from water, since that is where you live. I am a magmin serpent, living near volcanoes, and I thrive in heat and rocks, so I draw my energy from them. The few of my kind with the ability to cultivate have a realm resembling a volcano we live on, but I thought it was boring, unoriginal, and underperforming to just expand a single volcano over and over as I advanced my realm. I was certain I could draw heat from outside in a better way than relying on a single volcano. And so I invented these,¡± Magmin pointed at the scalding tree with the tip of its tail.


    ¡°World is full of trees drawing water from the ground, and I thought to myself, why limit yourself. If the ground has heat instead of water, they could draw heat, right?¡±


    Newt nodded in confusion, struggling to follow Magmin¡¯s logic.


    ¡°Well, wrong!¡± Magmin hissed with way too much enthusiasm as it slapped its tail against the rocky ground. ¡°If you use the trees from outside, they burst into flames, crumble to ashes, and then your head hurts for hours.¡±


    Magmin flashed Newt with a fanged grin before continuing. ¡°But if you change the flammable thing called a tree, and infuse it with more earth energy, it transforms into wonderful, comfortable rock, and draws the energy quite nicely. Albeit, most of it is now earth energy, which in part defeats its purpose.¡±


    The snake whispered the last sentence, then pointed towards the spirit gems with the tip of its tail.


    ¡°And behold! Spiritual energy keeps flowing.¡± The gem accommodated the demonstration, falling off the branch, and rolling down the hill. ¡°They go down, down, all the way until they strike the barrier and expand my realm bit by bit.¡±


    Newt swallowed.


    This snake actually is clever.

 Chapter 3 - Greetings Teacher

    45th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°What would happen if I grabbed one of those spirit gems and absorbed its energy?¡± Newt asked, gazing at the shiny pinecones with undisguised longing.


    ¡°I would bite you for stealing.¡± Magmin glowered at Newt viciously, and the youth backed a step.


    ¡°No need to be hostile. I was merely asking.¡± Newt failed to hide his dejection, but then he cheered up and changed his approach. ¡°Is there something I can do for you to earn those spirit gems?¡±


    ¡°No! Mine!¡± Magmin hissed, its initial amiability gone without a trace. Then the pterosaur screeched, and the snake coiled, shrinking into a ball the size of a human head.


    ¡°I will never defeat it,¡± Magmin whispered, peeking out of its self-made shelter. ¡°It is invincible. It can fly.¡±


    Newt looked at the snake, and then into the treetops, towards the distant hungry shrieks. He immediately understood how to win Magmin over.


    ¡°How about I help you defeat your heart demon? I bet we can¡¯t leave this place until you defeat it.¡±


    Magmin stared at Newt with despondent, empty eyes, before the light of reason returned to them, along with the distrustful glare.


    ¡°How did you get here? Did you stumble across the rock I am hiding under while advancing my realm? Are you doing something strange to my body?¡±


    ¡°No! What? Oh,¡± Newt cleared his throat, buying himself a moment to think. ¡°I¡¯m here, I can¡¯t do anything weird to your body, I think. And, yes, there was this really big rock near me. Very impressive. Very, very big.¡±


    ¡°Damn it! I should have chosen a less conspicuous location to break through, but I needed a solid shield against the pterodactyluses. They are out to get me.¡±


    Pterodactylus? That huge thing is a pterodactylus? Newt bit his lip to stop himself from shouting at Magmin. The pterosaurs were smaller than the serpent, almost certainly weaker, and had nothing in common with the behemoth circling above the forest in search of its one and only prey.


    ¡°I can help you fight the pterodactylus. I used to throw rocks at them with a sling when I was younger.¡±


    Magmin stared at Newt. ¡°Are you telling the truth?¡±


    The youth nodded. Pterodactyluses were a nuisance, practically a flying vermin attacking his family¡¯s orchard, and he was allowed to target them with a sling. The mature saurians were a foot long, with a wingspan of less than three feet. Even without a bodyguard, a ten-year-old with a stick could stand against a non-spirit beast specimen.


    ¡°You look too weak and lanky to me. You know nothing about cultivation and you are salivating over droplets of my realm. How could you possibly defeat a pterodactylus? It can fly!¡±


    Newt shrugged. ¡°You can puncture its wing with a thrown rock. They are very clumsy on the ground, and I can bet you can finish it off even without my help.¡±


    Magmin opened its mouth, then closed it, flicking its tongue. ¡°That does sound like a plan, assuming you can throw a stone hard enough to make a hole in its wing.¡±


    ¡°You said I would grow stronger through cultivation. I could hit it harder,¡± Newt bluffed, recalling what his father had said about heart demons.


    Once formed, they would never change unless the cultivator overcomes and destroys them or advances their realm. No matter how much they rationalize, or how much they learn of the enemy¡¯s weakness, heart demons would remain just as strong as the cultivator believed them to be when they damaged their psyche. Once set, a heart demon¡¯s weaknesses and strengths would never change within the same realm.


    Likewise, if the source of a heart demon were an invincible entity, but the cultivator just believed in a fraction of their strength, or considered a trick they played as the full extent of their might, their real power would not matter, even after the cultivator grasped the scope of their invincibility.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Magmin hesitated, but another distant screech helped him make up his mind. ¡°You are fortunate, your abhorrent form and physical weakness have evoked pity in this mighty reptile. I shall instruct you on cultivation and grant you some energy. In return, you shall help me distract the pterodactylus so that I may defeat it.¡±This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Newt stared at the serpent puffing its chest. The young man struggled to process the sight. Was Magmin pathetic or funny? Was he joking or serious? The expectant look and the short extra breath the snake took to closer resemble a balloon answered that question.


    Magmin was serious, which made him all the more pitiable.


    ¡°Oh, wow, thank you.¡± Newt forced himself to sound enthusiastic, but Magmin noticed nothing amiss.


    ¡°You are welcome.¡± The serpent somehow grinned. ¡°You may call me, Teacher. Now, for my first lesson, we need to find a good rock for you to slither under. Then you can cultivate your realm and¡ª¡±


    ¡°But, er, teacher,¡± Newt interrupted his wise instructor. ¡°I don¡¯t have a realm.¡±


    ¡°Right, right. Naturally, I was going to take care of that.¡± The serpent outstretched its tail and two pinecones fell off their branches, landing into its grasp. Magmin flicked its tail, and the spirit gems flew towards Newt. The youth barely snatched them before they struck his chest, yet the force of the throw still made him stagger back a step.


    ¡°You need to swallow them,¡± Magmin said matter-of-factly.


    ¡°Swallow?¡± Newt looked at the crystals roughly the shape and size of a hefty duck egg. They were pleasantly warm, and seemed to turn to vapor on contact with his skin, resulting in a faint mist lingering in Newt¡¯s palms. None of these were traits of real spirit gems.


    ¡°Yes, swallow. You open your jaw wide like thish.¡± Magmin ignored the magical sight of solid crystal turning to vapor in Newt¡¯s hand and demonstrated dislodging its jaw, then continued speaking incomprehensible words, which Newt translated to himself as a wordy version of ¡®just swallow.¡¯


    The youth looked back at the two spirit gems.


    I¡¯ll choke or break my teeth on this.


    Still, Newt had little choice if he wanted to grow his realm.


    Magmin nodded and watched with too much enthusiasm as the youth opened his jaw so wide it made a suspicious click before placing a spirit gem into his mouth. The moment Newt closed his aching jaw, the crystal dissolved and poured into his flesh. Half the current surged up, straight towards Newt¡¯s glabella, while the other half rushed into his heart.


    Spiritual lava burned the flesh it passed, but caused no physical harm other than the searing pain. Still, the uncomfortable sensation was enough to make Newt scream.


    ¡°Right, you are probably water aligned, being a newt and all. Fire and earth energies inside my core might be a bit too much for you. Try not to die,¡± Magmin said with some embarrassment, but little empathy.


    It was obvious the snake felt no remorse for hurting Newt, what bothered it was the miscalculation it had made, and the wasted time the spirit gem would take to reform, in case Newt died.


    Luckily, Newt was nowhere near dying. The pain passed after several seconds, and he was already sweating buckets. The only lingering mark of his momentary surprise were his trembling hands and wide-open eyes.


    That energy was tailored for me, but I absorbed it too quickly. He realized, confirming his original suspicion. The red world around him was the remains of the deceased magma dragon¡¯s core, the first realm of its cultivation.


    But why is the realm¡¯s spirit guardian talking to me instead of attacking me?


    Powerful spirit beasts and cultivators left secret realms and pocket dimensions behind after passing away. These dimensions often contained a treasure of knowledge, high concentrations of spiritual energy, and sometimes they even housed artifacts powerful enough to exist on the spiritual plain.


    But other than bounty, secret realms also housed the deceased owner¡¯s unresolved heart demons, and in case of spirit beasts, they also housed the so-called spirit guardians, an imprint of the realm¡¯s owner shortly before they advanced their realm or perished.


    This Magmin must be the magma dragon¡¯s initial form, the first step of its evolution all the way until it became a dragon.


    ¡°Are you alive, newt?¡± Magmin poked at the youth with its tail, and Newt nodded. ¡°Never doubted myself for a breath! With my spiritual energy, you will become a tri-elemental powerhouse and face off against the pterodactylus.¡±


    Newt doubted that, but acted along. ¡°Should I consume the other spirit gem, teacher?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, you eat them, and I will provide as many as you need. You will feel the realm within you swell. Once it becomes uncomfortable, when you feel itchy, like shedding, that means the time has come for you to slumber beneath a rock and structure your realm.¡±


    Newt looked around, but other than the trees, there were no other features.


    ¡°Where can we find a rock?¡± he asked.


    ¡°There are plenty of hiding places all around us.¡± Magmin eyed Newt one more time. ¡°We might have trouble finding one big enough for you. Could you lose some weight? You know, become slimmer to slither under rocks more easily?¡±


    Newt was gaunt, starved nearly to the point of becoming a human skeleton, and Magmin wanted him to lose more weight.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can get any thinner without dying.¡±


    Magmin tsked with its forked tongue, sizing up Newt once more.


    ¡°There are some larger caves near the top of the volcano.¡± Magmin motioned uphill with its jaw. ¡°You can squeeze into one of them and slumber safely. I will try to defeat the pterodactylus on my own while you are cultivating your realm, but I must warn you, should I defeat it on my own, I expect a payment for the trouble and losses you have caused me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you. I won¡¯t let you down,¡± Newt said, overflowing with enthusiasm. ¡°How many spirit gems do you think I will need?¡±

 Chapter 4 - Prodigious Expansion

    45th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Magmin graciously gifted Newt with a total of sixty-four spirit gems, and the youth devoured them voraciously.


    ¡°How much time does a spirit gem take to form?¡± Newt asked, looking at the tree, counting six remaining fruits, confirming that this one too only had eight sparkling crystals on it.


    Magmin led the way uphill, taking two spirit gems from each tree they passed.


    ¡°The time varies, but I do not know why. Around a year on average. I have erected one thousand and twenty fire-earth trees in eight layers around the crater, and each of them sprouts eight spirit gems. I have done a lot of experimenting, destroying and recreating the fire-earth trees until I was satisfied. Packing them more densely or designing them to bear more fruit means spirit gems take longer to reach their ideal size. If they are too small and frail they shatter when they fall, and their energy does not reach the realm barrier. Instead, the volcano reabsorbs it to grow taller.¡±


    Magmin looked back towards the invisible end of the slope, and Newt followed its gaze. ¡°Positioning them is also important. A spirit gem will decay over time if it rolls down and gets stuck behind a tree, and the volcano will claim it to further its growth.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re talking about the volcano as if it has its own will and desires.¡± Newt went back to climbing, spotting a reddish-orange glow of lava lazily flowing downhill a good fifty yards away.


    ¡°Your creations will have a nature, yes. Fire and earth combined wish to grow infinitely.¡± Magmin hissed in frustration. ¡°Wish is a wrong word. They have no wishes. They have tendencies. Yes! Fire and earth when combined, tend to grow taller and taller and wider and wider the more lava they spew. Ha! I am a genius! I was not even aware that I had attained such a high level of enlightenment. You are a useful student. Good newt.¡±


    Newt gave Magmin a flat stare, but the reptile remained oblivious, unable to read the emotion from circular pupils and the lack of tongue flicking.


    ¡°As I have said, what I have gifted you is about a year¡¯s worth of spiritual energy a third layer of the first realm gathers. It should help you reach the third layer and start building your own realm. Once you have cultivated your realm, we will proceed until you reach the fifth layer of the first realm. Then you should be strong enough to help me defeat the mighty pterodactylus.¡±


    Newt nodded, noting that Magmin would only help him reach the fifth layer, not the peak of the tenth. He also noticed that the plan had changed, Magmin no longer mentioned fighting the pterosaur alone.


    It either fears me, or plans to use me as a discardable pawn.


    ¡°Why the fifth layer?¡±


    ¡°Because I will teach you a technique, and you need at least that much spiritual energy to use it,¡± Magmin replied without pause.


    ¡°Which technique?¡±


    ¡°I call it Magmin Scales. It makes your skin impervious to fire. No mere stone would hurt the mighty pterodactylus, and if you want to attack it at range, you will have to throw lava at it.¡±


    ¡°Throw lava? You know a technique which can make me immune to fire?¡± Newt could not believe what he was hearing. Becoming immune to fire would give him an immense advantage over a large population of cultivators and warriors. More importantly, it would make him invincible within his family, which has practiced fire-related techniques for generations.


    ¡°I would not say immune. Just temporarily impervious. Unless I am wrong, at the fifth layer you should have enough time to fire two shots before expending all your spiritual energy.¡±


    Newt nodded, staring into the distance. He wants to use me to throw two missiles and become the object of pterodactylus¡¯s wrath. Then, while the pterosaur is distracted, he will attack it, maybe even finish me off while he¡¯s at it since running out of spiritual energy would make me helpless.


    Newt tried to think of the situation just like his father had taught him, by putting himself into the other¡¯s skin, or scales in this instance, and then making sense of their words from the new perspective.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°Do you perhaps know any other techniques?¡± Newt asked. ¡°Something offensive to improve the odds of hitting the pterodactylus or a way for me to fight it in close quarters?¡±


    Magmin stopped slithering and turned around. He gave Newt a long squint before nodding.


    ¡°I could teach you how to coat your fangs in flames and inflict burns with every bite,¡± the serpent offered.


    That sounds absolutely useless. Wait¡­


    ¡°Do you know how to cover all of yourself with flames?¡± Being able to set himself ablaze without suffering injuries sounded like a useful skill, but Magmin hesitated, its stare boring into Newt¡¯s skull.


    ¡°Yes, I could teach you Magmin Flames as well,¡± Magmin said slowly. ¡°But you would have to reinforce your skin, lest you immolate yourself. You are an amphibian, your scaleless skin is water aligned, fire would quickly consume it and proceed to burn your own flesh for fuel. My nature is partially fire aligned, so both techniques are more effective and require less spiritual energy for me to use.¡±


    We should share elemental affinities if my spirit root was formed from your core, meaning you are overestimating the amount of spiritual energy I would need to use your techniques. Which is good, but still¡­


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I will need a bit more spiritual energy to use Magmin Flames and protect myself with Magmin Scales.¡± The youth hesitated for a moment, then decided he stood little to lose by flattering the magma dragon¡¯s primordial form. ¡°It would make me part Magmin, I might even evolve in that direction.¡±


    Magmin did a strange side-to-side dance with its head for a second, before its pupils narrowed and it violently flicked its tongue.


    ¡°Yes, yes, we shall see. Now let us leave,¡± the serpent said, resuming their upward journey.


    He¡¯s definitely going to throw me off the cliff once I¡¯m no longer useful.


    Newt struggled not to gulp or show his nervousness while trying to figure out how to defeat Magmin. He had the same affinity as the serpent, but even if it helped him reach the sixth layer, he would still be far behind, both in terms of power and experience.


    My only chance is to let it and the pterodactylus fight until they severely injure each other or better yet until they kill each other, reaping the fisherman¡¯s profit.


    ¡°Here we are,¡± Magmin snapped Newt out of his plots. The youth looked around in a daze, noticing they were near the edge of the black forest, with a volcanic crater several thousand feet away.


    ¡°The cave is over there.¡± Magmin pointed towards a small crack in the ground.


    ¡°I can¡¯t fit there,¡± Newt said, staring at the foot-high and three-feet-wide crevice. For Magmin, it must have been a spacious cavern, but for Newt it looked like a recipe to get stuck.


    ¡°Sure you can. Just squeeze.¡± Magmin hissed the last word, flicking its tongue before moving again. ¡°Come, follow me.¡±


    The serpent did not wait, nor did it check whether Newt followed. The young man glared at its back, clenching his teeth, then dragged his feet towards the crack.


    Magmin slithered into the fissure, and Newt went down on his belly, inwardly muttering curses. The ground was bumpy, but the bumps were smooth, lava covering whatever jagged edges once existed before cooling and becoming solid, warm stone.


    Just as Newt went halfway into the hole, a shriek echoed from the flaming sky above.


    The youth scrambled forward in wild panic when he caught the sound of rushing air. He grabbed a smooth protrusion and pulled himself inside.


    Newt thought he had made it when his foot flashed with pain. He clenched his teeth and bent his legs, drawing them further in as blood stained the rock behind him. Unlike the gloomy mine, the cavern was pitch black. Newt could not see, could not turn, and the only sound he could hear was the pterodactylus scraping at the ground outside, clawing at the cavern entrance while trying to grab him.


    Magmin slithered beside him, moving towards the hole leading outside.


    Oh, no! If the pterodactylus has landed and it¡¯s trying to crawl in, Magmin can grab it and either constrict or burn it to death, and I¡¯m utterly helpless here.


    ¡°It flew off,¡± Magmin hissed, and even though he could not see him, Newt knew the serpent was angry. ¡°And stop trashing, it is just a scratch, barely any blood leaking. You will be fine.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain it won¡¯t try to crawl in here?¡±


    ¡°Of course it would never crawl! Pterodactylus is a mighty predator, a terror of the skies, why would it ever touch ground? Even lowering itself to reach us must insult its pride.¡±


    Newt blinked. ¡°You mean it doesn¡¯t land? Ever?¡±


    ¡°Never,¡± Magmin said with fanatical conviction. ¡°If it can live in the sky, why would it crawl on the ground?¡±


    You have never seen a real pterodactylus, have you? Newt thought, recalling how the pterosaurs tore at the fruits in his family¡¯s orchard, fighting over scraps and wallowing on the ground. They were not the most agile creatures on their stubby hind legs and folded wings, but they walked and pecked at each other well enough. That¡¯s not bad. If it thinks the pterodactylus can¡¯t crawl, that means its heart demon most definitely can¡¯t move properly on the ground, and we can exploit that.


    ¡°Now, enough chatting. Close your eyes and focus on your realm. I will explain everything, you just follow my instructions.¡±

 Chapter 5 - Building Foundations

    45th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt knew a lot about cultivation. His father had expounded on the topic ever since Newt was old enough to understand his words. The realm was a blank slate, a barren wasteland of mortal dust for the cultivator to sculpt, to cultivate.


    Cultivators populated their realm with symbolic objects and structures, fields of swords or spears, forests of shields, complex fortresses vaster than any material structures, and much more. Most cultivators shaped their first realm to help them better draw spiritual energy from the outside world through their spirit root.


    Gigantic mines, bonfires, pumps, and bellows were the most basic means of harvesting energy for the main elemental affinities. Alchemists formed boiling cauldrons, smiths blazing forges, herbalists made giant plows, all of them adding whatever insight they had to improve their future growth.


    However, few to no cultivators added offensive or defensive abilities to their first realm, or Foundational Realm, as some called it. A stable first realm, focused on drawing spiritual energy, was a prerequisite for success, and only the ignorant few left anything else inside it before breaking through the realm barrier. Those who needed the extra edge or advantage, tore down such emergency structures, and rebuilt them into whatever would increase their future growth before advancing and setting their cultivation in stone.


    ¡°Your first two layers should form a volcano,¡± Magmin explained. ¡°At first it will be flat, but the more lava it spews, the taller it will grow. In the third layer, you will erect fire-earth trees. They will concentrate the spiritual energy you gather. That way, the energy will flow towards the edges, expanding your realm instead of wasting a portion to increase the volcano¡¯s size. Make no mistake, more than half the energy your lava possesses will seep back into the volcano, making it taller and sturdier, and the rest will reach the edge, poured into your growth and expansion.¡±


    ¡°Does lava flow all the time, or only when you meditate?¡± Newt asked because the structures humans created in their realms only aided cultivation during meditation, when actively used. The rest of the time, cultivators drew in spiritual energy at the rate natural for their spirit root.


    ¡°What does ¡®meditate¡¯ mean?¡± Magmin asked.


    ¡°When you are sleeping or sunbathing,¡± Newt used Magmin¡¯s terms.


    ¡°All the time. How else could it work?¡± Magmin hissed in confusion. ¡°Is this a metaphysical question, like does the pterodactylus exist if I do not see it? Because, trust me, it will snuff your life regardless of whether or not you can see it. In fact, it slashed your limb just a moment ago even though you did not see it.¡±


    The first portion of Magmin¡¯s answer shocked Newt so much that he did not consider the insult to his intelligence that the second part represented.


    ¡°All the time?¡± Newt repeated the words, much to Magmin¡¯s frustration.


    ¡°Yes, all the time. Now focus on the task before you, limp newt. Make a stable realm, otherwise it will collapse, and you will just burn to death when trying to use Magmin Scales to scoop lava. Listen to my voice. Close your eyes and see the empty plain of rock with your mind¡¯s eye.¡±


    Newt obeyed, closed his eyes and found himself an insignificant little boy, beaten and bloody. Just like Magmin had said, there was nothing in the gray, formless world, other than the single gigantic plain of dust on which Newt stood. He guessed the difference came from not being a magmin serpent.


    Just as he considered the slight difference, Newt heard a distant bark and turned around, but nothing stirred in the bleak landscape.


    ¡°Useless weakling, should have thrown him off a cliff when he was born,¡± Newt¡¯s uncle said, his voice distant and ghostly.


    ¡°The only redeeming quality he has is his father,¡± a servant he once sparred with muttered, thinking certain the young master was nowhere near him. ¡°I could beat him to death, if only I had the chance.¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Newt said, trembling.


    ¡°Focus on the task at hand,¡± Magmin¡¯s words echoed, followed by the pterodactylus¡¯s screech.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Newt shuddered. ¡°Is it even possible to develop a heart demon based on someone else¡¯s heart demon?¡±


    He slapped his cheeks and got to work. First, he wished to find the center of his realm and immediately felt a pull to the right. He followed it until the feeling disappeared.


    Still focusing on the same intent, Newt kept going forward, but the feeling urged him to return, so he did. After testing it two more times by moving in different directions, Newt confirmed he had indeed found the center of his realm, and started digging, feeling excited because he was finally beginning to cultivate his realm, yet disappointed because his cultivation boiled down to digging a hole.


    He pushed away the distractions, and focused on his work. The loose soil was softer than sand under Newt¡¯s hands as he dug into it, but unlike sand, it remained where he left it. He clawed, deepening the pit, the heat growing harder to resist the deeper down he went. Soon enough, he had made a vertical shaft dozens of feet deep, and the heat was becoming unbearable.


    There was no reasonable way to explain it, but Newt stopped when he knew magma was just beyond a layer of dirt as thin as an egg¡¯s shell. He did not know why the dust had not melted already, or erupted under the pressure. In fact, he knew the barrier would never break. Not unless he willed it.


    So, he climbed out of the tunnel, stared down it for another moment, then willed the thin sheet of loose dust to break. That was a mistake.


    A thunderous roar followed the sharp crack, and lava surged up the shaft. Newt fled for his life, his heart racing. He had barely made five steps before lava gushed out of the hole in the ground, spraying into the sky for a while before falling back to the ground with a heavy splat.


    The dust sizzled and melted behind Newt, but he did not stop running until he had cleared a hundred yards between himself and the embryonic volcano.


    ¡°A real shame that spurt of lava didn¡¯t burn him to death.¡± Newt heard his uncle say just behind his back. The youth turned around, but found nobody there. ¡°My brother would not have lost, if the whelp had met an untimely end.¡±


    ¡°Get ahold of yourself,¡± Newt said aloud, once more smacking his cheeks. ¡°Uncle never would have said anything like that. In fact, he was overjoyed that Father had a weak waste of a son like me. A pawn he could blackmail him with.¡±


    Newt could not help choking on the memory of that fateful day.


    ¡°My realm is still unstable, my heart demons won¡¯t manifest for a while yet, and when they do, I have to eliminate them as fast as I can, or flee from them.¡±


    Newt watched lava surge out of the ground, its edges cooling as the pool grew wider and wider until it started growing taller. While lava gushed into the air, the ground beneath Newt¡¯s feet swelled, gradually forming a gentle incline, changing into rock despite lava being quite some distance away.


    ¡°Now, how do I form the fire-earth trees?¡± Newt looked at the sandy soil, then turned around, but other than the solidifying rock and lava he had little to work with. ¡°I¡¯ll ask Magmin.¡±


    He willed himself awake and found himself back inside the uncomfortable crack in the ground Magmin called a cave. His injured foot burned with pulsating pain as if he had stepped into lava with it.


    ¡°Finally, you have been slumbering for two days now. What were you doing? How is your progress?¡± Magmin said.


    ¡°Two days? Impossible. I¡¯m not hungry.¡± Newt mumbled.


    ¡°You need not eat when your body has enough spiritual energy. Now, how is your progress?¡±


    ¡°I dug the hole to make the volcano. It erupted, but now I don¡¯t know how to make the fire-earth trees.¡±


    Magmin¡¯s eyes glowed a menacing yellow in the dark, its pupils narrowing. The serpent yearned to keep its secrets, but needed Newt¡¯s help as soon as possible, besides, there was little reason to keep its secrets from the youth.


    ¡°They took me years to make,¡± Magmin hissed. ¡°At first, I sculpted them with my body before I realized I could will things into whichever shape I liked within my realm. It takes time, but the process is still quicker than physical labor.¡±


    Will things into shape? Father always mentioned he had to physically build his bonfire and field of swords.


    ¡°You have no idea what I am talking about. Do you?¡± Magmin asked.


    Newt remained silent for a moment, embarrassed because a snake younger than he was outclassed him in cultivation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± he finally admitted, swallowing his pride.


    ¡°Focus on your mind while shaping your realm. Visualize, conceptualize, and concentrate. Make it happen.¡±


    Newt gulped. Magmin almost sounded angry because of his lack of confidence.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡±


    He was about to close his eyes, when the serpent hissed, ¡°There is no try. You do or you get devoured because you are weak.¡±


    Newt gulped again and nodded, bumping his head against the low ceiling. He closed his eyes and focused.


    The volcano did not seem to have changed in the few minutes Newt had spent outside meditation.


    ¡°I guess I won¡¯t be able to confirm it can grow on its own until I take a longer break.¡±


    ¡°You are a fool and a weakling,¡± his uncle¡¯s voice whispered behind him. ¡°Nothing you do is worth a damn. The world is better off with you being a mine slave.¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Newt shouted and spun around, but like before, there was nobody there. His heart demons were barely a whisper, yet they could impact his cultivation. He shuddered, thinking what would happen once they took physical form.


    ¡°Focus,¡± he told himself. ¡°You have work to do.¡±


    With that, he tried to concentrate.

 Chapter 6 - Third Eye

    47th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt closed his eyes and tried to focus on his third eye, the mind¡¯s eye. He willed himself to observe the world through his glabella, but his world remained dark, with lava gurgling and bubbling in the background.


    Newt¡¯s parents lacked the mythical organ. In fact, the last of their line who possessed the second spirit root was the honored ancestor, Lord Blazing Salamander. Unfortunately for the Blazing Salamander family, cultivators had no chance of leaving cores like spirit beasts. Their remains could not be used to augment others, and even their realm persisting as a secret realm, a bubble of space in a different reality, was a matter of chance. At least, as far as Newt was aware.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel anything,¡± the youth sighed and plopped down on his butt, watching the lava gush to form a volcano several hundred feet away from him.


    Relax. Close your eyes and try again.


    He did. Again and again, growing more irritated with each failed attempt.


    I saw it form. I know I have it. But what if I don¡¯t? My forehead burned with pain, just like my heart, but I only grabbed the lower orb.


    Newt shuddered at the thought, his heart beating faster. Blood rushed through his neck so fast, he could feel it throb, and his vision spun. He closed his eyes and tried to relax, failing miserably.


    ¡°Even with a magma dragon¡¯s core you are still trash,¡± his uncle¡¯s voice whispered poison into his ear.


    Newt¡¯s heart moved from canter to a full gallop. His head started hurting and he grit his teeth, trying will the migraine away or plow through it. He squeezed his eyes shut, and the pain only burned stronger. A crack boomed in his ears, blood ran down his nose, and Newt¡¯s dark world transformed.


    The darkness became a swirl of colors. They ranged from nearly yellow orange to a violet that was nearly blue, from an almost white pink to an almost black color of blood. The ground pulsed with browns of all shades, and the jet of lava was an ever-flowing upward pillar which blended the colors.


    How did I do this? Newt could see with his eyes closed, and when he reached for his forehead, he saw his fingers as vibrant red outlines, with earthen brown hidden beneath.


    He winced in pain and jerked back his hand the moment he touched his cracked glabella. The third eye was extremely sensitive. And in the brief instant of contact, Newt¡¯s fingers told him he was touching firm, smooth glass, rather than a squishy, slimy eyeball.


    ¡°Strange,¡± he muttered, then kept watching his realm. There were no solid edges, no definite lines separating objects. Even his hand seemed to evaporate and draw vapor from the air at the same time, ever flowing, ever shifting.


    This will take some getting used to. He drew a deep breath to calm the queasiness in his stomach, then opened his eyes.


    The familiar sight of his realm shuddered, then merged with the foggy vision of his third eye. Together, they blended into what humans might normally perceive, but with an added caveat of visible flows of energy. The most obvious one was the fountaining lava.


    Fire energy stayed in the air, while the earth energy crashed down into the pool. Fire was still the dominant element close to the source, but towards the edges of the pool earth started to prevail as fire had drifted up into the air, until fire was almost completely gone and lava grew into a solid ring of volcanic rock.


    Newt stared at lava¡¯s bank, wondering what would happen if he punched a fist-sized hole in it.


    Would it gush out, or stay the same? Several seconds after the question cropped up, an invisible force pierced the solid ring. Lava oozed out, viscous like honey, dribbling several small chunks to the ground before cooling and sealing the hole once more.


    Neat!


    Newt did not wait a second before focusing on the gentle slopes several yards away from him, at a place he believed the volcano¡¯s crater would not reach. He imagined the tall pines from Magmin¡¯s realm, but nothing happened.


    A dozen seconds passed, Newt concentrating all the while, until suddenly a finger-thin spike grew from the ground. The geyser of lava diminished, reduced to half its height, growing weaker still as the thin stake reached ten feet in height. The construct wobbled, still rising, then it snapped and collapsed to the side.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Newt panted, sweat streaming down his face.


    ¡°You will never succeed. You¡¯re a failure,¡± his uncle¡¯s voice whispered a curse.


    ¡°Oh, shut up,¡± the youth grumbled and tried again, and again, and again. The whispers, taunts, and insults were distracting, and he did not dare imagine how difficult the work would be once those incorporeal voices became corporeal. Still, he made good progress, making his fire-earth trees thicker and taller with each attempt.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to destroy these things as soon as they manifest.¡±


    ¡°You will never beat me, former young master,¡± Newt¡¯s old sparring partner said. ¡°Let alone the new master. He has defeated your father in honorable combat, and you are but a pale shadow of a once great man.¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Newt screamed, the heart demon having struck a nerve. ¡°That snake didn¡¯t even dare fight my father, using me as a hostage instead.¡±


    Newt panted, but the servant and his uncle guffawed, roaring in mocking laughter.


    ¡°Laugh all you want. I will destroy you here, and I will beat you in the real world as well. Once I¡¯m done, I¡¯ll turn you into charcoal.¡±


    The heart demons kept laughing, and Newt struggled to ignore them and focused on the task at hand.


    The lava pool had grown wider and taller, slowly solidifying into a cone. Just like Magmin had said, there was no need for Newt to focus on drawing spiritual energy, the entire process was natural and self-sustaining.


    The fire-earth tree had grown to two hundred feet, its crown massive, but Magmin¡¯s creations were larger and more impressive than Newt¡¯s attempts. The youth had trouble breathing, sweat streaming down his face and back. He sat down and wiped his face, looking at his masterpiece.


    ¡°Not good enough.¡± He tore it down, his third eye watching the earth energy and its fire core tumble down, crashing into the rocky ground.


    The slope greedily devoured the debris; their earth and fire energies absorbed fully to help it grow.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired. I need a break.¡±


    He went down on his back, the black sky above showing a hint of red. It was nowhere near Magmin¡¯s realm. The air was barely warm, and the ground had cooled slightly, the heat concentrating into the air and the bubbling lava pit, starting to separate earth and fire elements.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Newt suddenly realized something which should have been obvious from the start. ¡°Magma dragon is a dual element spirit beast. Magmin should have earth techniques, not just fire-based ones.¡±


    He lay on his back, scratching his scalp through the messy, long hair.


    ¡°That technique is probably good enough that Magmin is afraid I could tip the scales with it, or at least give me a fighting chance, if it exhausts itself fighting the pterodactylus. Whatever the case, I need to learn it. It could be the difference between life and death when I confront Uncle.¡±


    He just breathed, staring into shimmering nothingness above.


    ¡°How do I trick him into teaching me?¡±


    Newt pondered, minutes trickling by, yet he found no answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired.¡± He yawned. ¡°I need to sleep.¡±


    With that, he snapped out of meditation and yawned in Magmin¡¯s realm.


    ¡°Did you make any progress? It has been three days. The pterodactylus shrieked and circled around us for almost a full day before going elsewhere to hunt for food.¡± Magmin¡¯s nervousness was palpable, the very air pushing Newt down.


    The youth took a moment to realize it was the ceiling pressing down on him. The space seemed to have grown tighter.


    ¡°Could you make the cave a little bigger?¡± He finally understood that Magmin had full control over his realm, and with a bit of time, he could make minor adjustments.


    Newt expected the ceiling would go up, but instead the cavern floor slowly sank until he could sit comfortably.


    ¡°Progress?¡± Magmin hissed.


    ¡°I have made good progress. My fire-earth trees are tall and strong, but I know I can make them better. But I have grown sloppy in my work. I just need to rest a little and recover.¡±


    ¡°Rest?¡± Magmin hissed. ¡°We are in a hurry. We need to defeat that pterodactylus so I can make a perfect advancement.¡±


    ¡°I just need several hours of sleep,¡± Newt said, then finding a proper excuse. ¡°You could gather the spirit gems I will need to reach the sixth layer.¡±


    ¡°Sixth?¡± Magmin hissed, Newt catching the fury in snake¡¯s voice. ¡°Why sixth?¡±


    ¡°We agreed you would teach me Magmin Flames.¡± Newt had an idea.


    He willed his third eye open to test it. There was no pain, no physical change, but instead of a dark cave, he saw a swirl of earth energy, and a blazing serpent of fire and earth staring at him. Newt could not see Magmin¡¯s eyes, but he guessed the serpent¡¯s vertical pupils were as thin as hairs as it stared murder at him.


    ¡°Fine. Do you know how many spirit gems I will have to gather? It will take days. Days!¡± The serpent hissed, its body swaying.


    ¡°That will give me enough time to figure out how to create proper fire-earth trees, or maybe I should call them Magmin Pines? Since you¡¯re the genius who invented them.¡±


    The compliment mollified Magmin. Still, the serpent snorted before turning around and facing the exit.


    ¡°I will gather what you need. I expect your realm will be solid by the time I have collected them all.¡± It started slithering away, grumbling aloud, ¡°Four hundred and fifty, I need to gather four hundred and fifty gems for a cursed amphibian.¡±


    Exhausted, Newt drifted to sleep even before the serpent stopped at the cave entrance and eyed the sky with suspicion.

 Chapter 7 - Magmin Grove

    50th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt had slept for ten hours straight and woke up next to a pile of crystals. He devoured sixty before depleting the mound and closing his eyes while drifting into meditative trance.


    He ignored his uncle¡¯s insults and his former sparring partner¡¯s taunts, focusing on cultivating his realm.


    A thick column of rock with a spear-like tip burst from the ground, piercing high into the sky. The eruption of lava stopped, all of Newt¡¯s energy focused on pushing the column higher and higher.


    A hundred feet, then two hundred without showing a sign of slowing. At two hundred and fifty, the growth slowed, but foot by foot, the majestic pine grew. It reached the height of trees in Magmin¡¯s realm and kept growing.


    At three hundred and ten feet, Newt felt a strain, his realm lacked the energy to propel the tree forward, but the youth kept pushing. The speed at which the tree rose slowed further, and Newt fought for every inch before finally collapsing, out of breath.


    He stared up, panting. Then he burst into laughter.


    ¡°I did it! Three hundred and thirty-three feet.¡± He gasped for air. ¡°I hope there¡¯s a point other than a nice number.¡±


    Newt was certain he had hit a barrier of sorts. It felt like the tip of the tree had struck a steel wall, one which Newt would never move past. Whether the barrier was real or imaginary, the youth would have to see during his next few attempts.


    He lay motionless on the ground, breathing for several long seconds before he heard lava gushing from the volcano again.


    ¡°I overexerted myself. But could I have achieved this feat without pouring all of myself into it?¡± Newt suspected not. In fact, he was certain that pacing himself through a slow and steady approach had limited the growth of his previous creations.


    I guess I need to rest now and recover to my peak condition. How long was I at it, anyway? Newt had no idea. The adrenalin surge made the whole experience seem like several seconds, but the fatigue and exertion told a different story. He must have been at it for hours.


    He opened his eyes, and found four spirit gems waiting for him, still no sign of Magmin.


    It has neither hands nor bags or pockets. It must be bringing them back one by one, or two by two.


    Newt felt little pity for the snake¡¯s plight, devouring the gems instead. He felt shivers run down his spine and closed his eyes once more, wondering what had happened. As soon as he appeared in his realm, he noticed a change. The realm had grown. Lava spurting out of the crater had become shinier, more vibrant, the rocks beneath his feet more solid.


    He recalled his father talking about it. The higher the realm¡¯s layer, the more real it felt. Changes were easy to make before the objects he cultivated grew solid, but as his layers increased, the previously refined structures would grow sturdier, finally becoming immutable when he broke through the realm barrier and entered the next realm.


    On one hand, growing Magmin Pines in the third layer had become more difficult, on the other, he was drawing more energy.


    ¡°I hope it evens out,¡± Newt muttered and got to work.


    He was more or less right. The process took longer, the strain forcing him to his knees before he finished, but he could feel the extra energy supporting him.


    ¡°You will never make it,¡± Newt¡¯s uncle whispered, and the Magmin Pine collapsed, inches before completion.


    ¡°You son of a¡ª!¡± Debris rained, and Newt stopped himself before insulting his own grandmother. He drew a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair. ¡°I was almost there, you know? Half a foot before the finish line. Why are you such a, such a¡­ such an arse biscuit?¡±


    ¡°You will spend the rest of your life digging for scraps in the mines,¡± the heart demon said, unfazed by Newt¡¯s half-baked insult.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°I will ignore you next time. You are just a figment of my imagination, a voice I am hearing.¡±


    ¡°I defeated your father and took over his clan. I threw you into a black pit. I will eat you and take over your realm.¡±


    ¡°Go frick yourself in a frickin¡¯ bush!¡± Newt panted with rage, then grit his teeth. ¡°Stop. Ignore it. They are empty words of your fears and childish delusions. What have I learned from this? I shouldn¡¯t rush advancing through layers¡ª¡±


    ¡°The only place you are rushing to is your grave.¡±


    ¡°I should prepare thoroughly and squish any distractions before they prove a hindrance.¡±


    ¡°You are your own worst hindrance.¡±


    ¡°I need to relax. Go throw some pebbles into the boiling lava.¡± Newt got up, then stopped after two steps. ¡°Yeah, because throwing earth energy back into the fire, while fire is trying to separate itself from it, is such a bright idea.¡±


    The youth settled on watching lava form bubbles, which often grew to a shocking size before bursting and spraying lava several feet in every direction and letting the heat escape upwards.


    Newt¡¯s uncle kept whispering threats and curses, but whenever the youth tried to respond he found himself tongue-tied.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard insulting your close relative without cursing yourself or your parents,¡± he said with a sigh, unable to vent even verbally.


    About an hour passed before he returned to cultivation. He focused and reinforced his mind against interruptions, even though the voices had temporarily gone silent. Newt reached the critical point when his former sparring partner spoke.


    ¡°Watch out, Young Master,¡± the heart demon shouted, signifying he was about to strike.


    Newt steeled his resolve and focused on his task, ready to take the punishment, but the blow never came. Instead, the Magmin Pine reached its peak height, and struck the invisible barrier. Newt collapsed and laughed while staring at the gigantic tree a handful of yards away.


    ¡°Two more for this area, then eight more in the next.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll never make it,¡± Newt¡¯s uncle said, and lava erupted ominously.


    ¡°You are nothing but skins filled with hot air. Other than barking, there¡¯s little you can do. And if I expect your disruption, you can¡¯t even distract me.¡±


    The heart demons cackled in response, and Newt ignored them. After resting, he erected another Magmin Pine, and then another. The only area left was the new, fourth layer.


    The fourth layer was more malleable. Hard rocks obeyed his will immediately and shot towards the sky at much greater speed. Instead of slowing at two hundred and fifty feet, the growth started faltering at the three-hundred-foot mark.


    Heart demons assailed Newt¡¯s mind, but he pressed on until the Magmin Pine slammed into the invisible barrier with too much force. The giant rock formation shuddered from the impact, then cracked.


    Newt sighed in annoyance as chunks of rock slammed into the ground a handful of feet away.


    ¡°Three hundred and thirty-three feet really is some sort of limit imposed on me by the realm.¡± He paused for a moment, willing the earth to swallow the detritus. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll have to go slower next time.¡±


    Time passed. Newt grew his tiny grove, the gentle slope grew imperceptibly steeper as he toiled on creating new Magmin Pines, and lava burbled happily whenever it got the chance.


    Finally, with everything in order, Newt awoke from his meditation, finding another sixty-eight spirit gems next to him. He consumed twenty of them before Magmin slithered into the cave, his body looped around two spirit gems.


    ¡°You are awake, newt. Have you made any progress?¡± the serpent hissed.


    ¡°I have completed the third and fourth layers, the volcano is steadily growing. I will keep consuming the spirit gems you bring me to grow stronger and increase my realm. In the meantime, I have some questions.¡± Newt paused, sensing Magmin¡¯s sharp glare. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, teacher?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Magmin hissed, still not happy, but friendlier than he was a moment ago.


    ¡°How deep are the Magmin Pines¡¯ roots?¡±


    A moment of silence followed. ¡°Why would I know something like that? They are as deep as needed. Why do you want to know that?¡±


    ¡°I was just wondering whether the size of the tree has anything to do with how much spiritual energy it gathers, and if so, why?¡±


    ¡°Why what?¡± Magmin hissed. ¡°The tree size naturally correlates with the amount of energy it gathers. Is that not obvious? I would not have made them as big as they are out of boredom.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but, tall trees should gather air aligned spiritual energy, for them to gather earth aligned spiritual energy tinged with fire, they need deep roots, not tall trunks. Right?¡±


    Magmin shrugged, despite lacking shoulders.


    ¡°But there is an even more important question. Why did you stop at this height? Why not make them taller?¡±


    ¡°That is as tall as they could grow. What? Can you make yours taller?¡± Newt heard a dangerous hint of hostility in the serpent¡¯s voice.


    ¡°No, no, no. Not at all,¡± he lied without breaking a sweat. ¡°Mine are two hundred and twenty-two feet tall, around seven tenths of your Magmin Pines.¡±


    Magmin snorted. ¡°It is only natural. Reptiles are superior to amphibians, but you have put in a valiant effort. Work hard, and with my coaching, you may yet become a lizard one day.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Newt said, wondering what it meant that he had outdone a dragon in their own cultivation technique.


    Hopefully, it meant his future was bright.

 Chapter 8 - Magmin Scales

    51st of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Do you think you can teach me Magmin Flame now?¡± Newt asked, but Magmin shook his head.


    ¡°No. You are a newt. You must first learn Magmin Scales, lest you burn yourself to cinders.¡± The serpent¡¯s response landed like a hammer against a bell, snapping Newt from his foolish rush. He wanted to bash his head against the low ceiling because of how careless he was.


    Magmin could have killed him right then and there. No. It won¡¯t kill me like that. It wishes to use me as fodder. It gave me spiritual energy, and it can take it back once we get rid of the pterodactylus. All it has to do is kill me.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think about that,¡± Newt offered a nervous smile, but Magmin did not care about an amphibian¡¯s reasoning.


    ¡°I will teach you the basics of Magmin Scales, and you practice while I bring over more spirit gems. Agreed?¡±


    Newt nodded, and the serpent started explaining the method of circulating spiritual energy to make his scales impervious to fire. The problem was, Newt had no scales.


    ¡°Well, you have to figure that out on your own. I have never been scaleless, but I think it should not be a major difference.¡± Magmin left with those words, off to gather more spirit gems.


    Newt closed his eyes and focused on his second heart. The first part of the technique was the basis of all spiritual techniques, forcing spiritual energy out of his spiritual realm. The unbound spiritual energy, which cultivators could use for their mystical techniques, was but a fraction of total energy comprising their realm. It was the free-flowing current of residual energy, one which Newt had to force back out.


    How do I push it out? Where is the exit? He wondered, scanning his realm, searching for the point in the sky, which Magmin had described as the reverse flow crux, or more plainly the exit leading back into Newt¡¯s body.


    He sensed the gentle current and found a barely perceptible draft. Newt followed its upward spiral and recognized a faint vortex, siphoning energy from his realm.


    That was easy enough. The search had taken less than twenty minutes, and such swift advancement drew a grin from Newt. Magmin returned just then, carrying another two spirit gems. The serpent snorted, but Newt was certain he could sense a hint of approval from his bestial teacher before focusing on task at hand.


    Next is circulating the energy through my body. Step by step, Newt conquered the technique. First, he circulated the energy through his flesh, then skin, then just outside his skin where Newt immediately spotted a problem with his third eye.


    ¡°This is an even mix of earth energy and fire energy, but Magmin Scales require pure fire energy.¡±


    ¡°Focus on your realm,¡± Magmin said, startling Newt. ¡°Split the energy into two currents before drawing it.¡±


    The youth nodded, noting he should stop speaking his thoughts aloud, and kept trying. He succeeded on his fourth attempt.


    ¡°Now, force the energy you do not plan to use back down. The method I found the easiest was to use the upward spiral¡¯s inner part in which I made a reverse spiral. You cannot accumulate much energy in it, and after releasing it, your energy will lean towards the element you had suppressed until your energies balance out. The easiest way to do this would be to draw the surplus earth energy and reinforce your body or let it disperse. It is a wasteful, temporary solution, but a solution nonetheless.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Newt said, and Magmin snorted at his thanks. It left the new spirit gems and departed from the cave.


    The technique was deceptively simple, and its difficulty increased with each second Newt maintained it, as earth energy built up. Suddenly, all the conflicting motions made Newt¡¯s head spin and his stomach lurch.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m gonna be sick.¡± He dropped everything he was doing and just stared at the black ceiling, sweat running down his face.


    Newt focused on the nearly-healed pain in his foot and on detaining the contents of his stomach in place.


    ¡°There has to be a simpler way of doing this,¡± he mumbled at the world in general. ¡°What happens if I don¡¯t focus on making the reverse spiral?¡±


    After a minute, Newt tried it, and found that the constructs broke down after mere three seconds, but worked as intended before falling apart.


    I can have three seconds of Magmin Scales this way. Once I get used to the technique, I bet I¡¯ll be able to keep it up longer.


    The following hour passed in bursts of three seconds, during which Newt tried to form Magmin Scales followed by thirty-forty seconds during which his spiritual energy reverted to an even blend of earth and fire.


    Finally, after some ninety-odd attempts, intricate red scales covered Newt¡¯s skin.


    ¡°I did it!¡±


    ¡°Yes, you did. Good for you. Now, here are the problems with what you are doing. You have enough fire-aligned spiritual energy to use Magmin Scales for three heartbeats under strain. If you want to use Magmin Flames simultaneously, you will only have them active for one heartbeat. Maybe shorter.¡±


    ¡®What if I only cover my hand with it,¡¯ Newt wanted to ask, but stopped himself in time. It was a practical question, but one which would not advance his goals.


    ¡°Could you then teach me something that would sap earth energy from me?¡± he asked instead. ¡°That way, I could keep both active at the same time.¡±


    Magmin hissed at the notion.


    ¡°And pray tell, how do you intend to use them? In an ideal case, you would have to maintain Magmin Scales, Magmin Flame, and Granite Crust, all the while separating two flows of energy. Not to mention you would have to perform the separation within your flesh and not within your realm, where energies are much more responsive to your desires.¡±


    The serpent paused. ¡°You wish to fly when you can barely crawl.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a compliment, coming from you.¡±


    Magmin was ready to hiss a response, but Newt¡¯s words blindsided it.


    ¡°What you seek to do is something I have never succeeded at. I rarely need to protect myself with Magmin Scales, since I have an innate control over my flames, the technique is intended to shield me from others. I have tried to use Granite Crust and Magmin Flame at the same time, but the best I managed was a crumbling mix of the two, both performing considerably more poorly than when I used them separately.¡±


    Magmin paused, as if silently arguing with itself.


    ¡°If you learn how to summon Magmin Scales and Magmin Flame simultaneously, I will teach you Granite Crust, which turns your scales as solid as granite.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Newt shouted excitedly, filling the cave with echos.


    ¡°Were you not paying attention?¡± Magmin said. ¡°I said you will fail miserably and have your spirit crushed by attempting the impossible.¡±


    ¡°And I still want to thank you for taking the time to teach me, even if you think I won¡¯t be able to do it.¡±


    ¡°Foolish, naive amphibian,¡± Magmin muttered. ¡°Listen well. Magmin Flame works much like Magmin Scales, but instead of stopping the fire-aligned spiritual energy and keeping it locked within a pattern, you let it burst outwards. Naturally, not all of the fire energy will burst away from you. Most of it will, but not all. Unless you are resistant to flames, you will injure yourself to an extent.


    ¡°Now let us test your Magmin Scales first. Conjure them, and I will slowly try to burn you. Do not be afraid. Even if you lose a limb, you are a newt, and you can regrow them.¡±


    Newt shuddered. ¡°Please be careful. I don¡¯t think I can regrow limbs.¡±


    ¡°You are a newt, but do not worry. I will make sure to keep injuries at the minimum. I will start with a level of heat nowhere near that of the lava flowing outside.¡±


    Newt watched as spiritual energy rushed from Magmin¡¯s core, surging towards his jaw. Then, the serpent¡¯s fangs started glowing a reddish-orange, illuminating the dark cave and becoming visible to Newt¡¯s physical eyes.


    ¡°Well, what are you waiting for?¡± Magmin asked, and Newt circulated his energy, his skin shimmering as intangible, dark-red scales formed atop it.


    Magmin bit down without waiting a second. Its needle-sharp teeth pricked Newt¡¯s skin, the sharp points pressing without intention of drawing blood. The burning sensation followed. The pain was less like getting burned on searing flames, more like spilling scalding tea, but the youth still yelped in surprise.


    A second later, Newt¡¯s concentration broke, and Magmin Scales disappeared. For an instant the burning went from hot to blazing, but Magmin swiftly withdrew its fangs.


    ¡°Pay more attention!¡± it hissed.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Newt said, while his arm throbbed in pain.


    ¡°Again, the other arm this time.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Newt said. ¡°Can I use Magmin Scales to get rid of the burn?¡±


    ¡°No. You can use your spiritual energy to fight and expel alien energies trapped within your flesh, but the burn you just suffered is just a wound. Maybe if you learned how to regenerate using water-aligned spiritual energy.¡±


    Newt nodded, regretting he did not have the healing related water affinity.


    ¡°Again,¡± Magmin said, and Newt summoned his defense.

 Chapter 9 - Fire鈥檚 Nature

    51st of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt paid close attention to the interaction between Magmin Scales and the flames trying to burn him. It took several attempts and several long breaks to recover spiritual energy until he understood the defensive technique¡¯s principles.


    He originally believed Magmin Scales would absorb the heat, but that was not the case. The technique instead fought fire with fire, burning and canceling each other out.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t it burn even hotter?¡± he asked without meaning to speak his words aloud.


    ¡°What should burn hotter?¡± Magmin asked as they took another break for Newt¡¯s spiritual energy to stabilize.


    ¡°When two flames collide, shouldn¡¯t they result in even hotter flames?¡± Newt clarified his question, cursing the fact that the three years of isolation helped him develop a habit of speaking his thoughts aloud.


    ¡°The flames are not colliding,¡± Magmin explained. ¡°Magmin Scales burn the heat produced by Magmin Flames, canceling it.¡±


    ¡°How can you burn heat? Shouldn¡¯t things become even hotter when burning?¡± Newt could not make sense of how Magmin Scales worked. Siphoning, redirecting, or even overpowering and forcing the heat away he could understand, but Magmin¡¯s explanation made no sense.


    ¡°When you burn something little is left. Same when burning heat.¡±


    Newt wanted to argue, or at least protest. He was certain Magmin Scales did not work as Magmin advertised, but he stopped himself. The argument was a pointless one. Proving himself right was once very important to Young Master Newstar, but mattered little to Newt. What he wished and needed to do was to learn, not to feel superior. Superiority would come with knowledge and ability.


    ¡°That is the way of fire,¡± Magmin explained. ¡°Ever consuming, ever growing. Once growth stops, nothing but death awaits.¡±


    Newt considered the words. In a broad sense, they were true about everything. You grow, you reach your peak and then, then you either die while at your peak, or live to see yourself grow weaker, frailer, until you ultimately perish.


    ¡°I see.¡± He nodded, still mulling the words. ¡°And what of earth?¡±


    ¡°What about earth?¡± Magmin asked.


    ¡°What is the nature of earth?¡± Newt clarified.


    ¡°I have not contemplated the nature of earth that much. I wish to fly. One day, I will make my nature one of air and fire instead of earth and fire. I will shed my earth nature, conquer the sky, and hunt the lesser, land-bound creatures.¡±


    Shouldn¡¯t that be impossible? Wait. Is that how it became a dragon? Newt wondered whether such tenacity and oddity was what allowed a mere serpent to evolve all the way until it became a true dragon, soaring through the sky, looking down on all of creation.


    ¡°Now keep practicing, I will gather more spirit gems, and once you are ready, you will help me face the mighty pterodactylus.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Newt called as Magmin¡¯s glowing outline turned back towards the cave¡¯s entrance. ¡°Could you explain how Granite Crust works?¡±


    Magmin remained silent.


    ¡°You promised you would teach me,¡± Newt pointed out.


    ¡°I did. I promised to teach you, if you manage to use Magmin¡¯s Scales and Magmin¡¯s Flame at the same time. Now, get to work, you have a lot of spirit gems to consume before your realm reaches the desired state.¡±


    Time passed, and Newt struggled with the problems Magmin had warned him about. Magmin Scales and Magmin Flame were complementary skills, once he learned them, using them came down to nearly identical circulations with only minor adjustments. But, until he mastered both, they were two nearly identical things he needed to do at the same time, with one slight difference which could burn him to a crisp.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    It took nearly an hour before he found the way to make that tiny change in the flow of spiritual energy.


    Newt yelped in pain as his whole body flared with flames. He cut the flow of spiritual energy almost immediately, extinguishing the fire before it could cause serious harm, but his torn trousers were gone, scattered to ash, and his butt and thighs stung from minor burns. The rest of his body had fared better, flames unobscured by cloth and free to blaze away from his skin.


    This won¡¯t do. It¡¯s too dangerous to wrap my entire body in flames. I first need to figure out how to direct Magmin Scales to cover nothing but my hand. Then, I can start working with Magmin Flame.


    It took another two hours before Newt decided he was too exhausted from all the training and mental strain. He laid down on the hot floor and went to sleep.


    Nightmares followed. He was trying to cultivate, but his heart demons attacked him, ripping his realm and crippling him. He awoke with a scream.


    ¡°What is wrong?¡± Magmin asked, depositing another pair of spirit gems onto the ever-growing-pile.


    ¡°I dreamed that my heart demons had destroyed my realm,¡± Newt said, gasping for air.


    ¡°Do not worry,¡± Magmin hissed with surprising empathy. ¡°Heart demons are constructs of your realm and could never destroy it. Only you can do that.¡±


    Newt knew that was both true and not true at the same time. Heart demons by themselves could not destroy the realm in which they resided, but his father had explained the major danger heart demons posed. They could assault or distract a cultivator while they are trying to advance, causing the breakthrough to fail, sometimes killing or crippling the cultivator in the process.


    Also, any heart demons a cultivator failed to overcome would grow along with their realm, eventually forcing them to overcome them or perish.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Newt thanked Magmin, then focused on his training.


    He sent the energy into his hand, stretching it across his skin, and formed the translucent scales with surprising ease. Hours of sleep, even if plagued by nightmares, helped clear his mind and increase his understanding of the technique.


    ¡°Not bad, you learned how to localize the effect.¡± Magmin paused.


    ¡°Somewhat,¡± it added.


    Newt was first confused by the added word, but then noticed a problem. The outer scales, the ones closest to his elbow, were fraying and disappearing line by line. He believed he would be able to maintain the technique for minutes, but with this disintegration, he estimated he had around half a minute.


    ¡°Do you wish to test it?¡± Magmin asked and approached after Newt agreed.


    The youth watched the serpent¡¯s fangs glow and grow hazy from heat before it bit down. The barrier held for a second, then the scales started cracking. Magmin ended its technique a moment before the wave of heat brushed against Newt¡¯s skin as his skill failed.


    ¡°It is weaker this way. You cannot hold lava with just your hand shielded. A pity,¡± Magmin sighed. ¡°Do try to improve it, I could save some energy if you figure out how to localize the effect.¡±


    While Newt¡¯s heart started racing at the mistake he had almost made, the serpent nudged the spirit gems towards him.


    ¡°Consume these. They should help you advance your realm, and hopefully you will be able to maintain your techniques longer, letting you learn in fewer attempts, saving us some time.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Newt¡¯s voice shook, but Magmin failed to notice, nudging the crystals one more time before leaving the cavern.


    Newt consumed them, then spent nine hours populating his realm with new Magmin Pines. Time spent creating the structures doubled with each new layer, and Newt could imagine himself spending weeks in meditation, cultivating the final two layers.


    ¡°Just the next one will take some two days,¡± the youth grumbled, wanting to go back to sleep, his mind strained, his focus spent. But he could not give up.


    He stifled a yawn and decided to practice having Magmin Scales and Magmin Flame on his hand at the same time. Minutes blurred into hours, and in the end, Newt was left with a frustrating feeling of being at the cusp of making his breakthrough and with a throbbing headache in the back of his head.


    He yawned and let his abused mind rest. He dreamed of planting trees, which grew at prodigious speed before he set them on fire. Flames danced, their tongues licking the wood, flickering up, towards the sky as they grew. The fire grew, consuming everything, surrounding Newt, who remained unharmed, thanks to his shiny scales.


    When he awoke, Newt found another small mound of spirit gems, but he ignored them. He focused on his hand. A layer of red scales enveloped it like a glove, and then a single flame, similar to that of an oil lamp, came to life atop his palm.


    The boy gazed upon the marvel dancing in his hand. His concentration snapped, and the flame disappeared, followed a moment later by the wave of heat from Magmin Scale glove dissipating.


    ¡°I did it!¡± Newt grinned and looked around, but Magmin was out gathering spirit gems.


    The youth tried again and again, his spiritual energy sufficient to repeat the localized experiment a dozen times. With each attempt, the youth grew more confident. Flames obeyed him faster and his glove formed quicker. He still had a long way to go before Magmin Scales formed instantly and on reflex, but he was certain he would get there with enough practice.


    ¡°Well, call me a toad, you have done it,¡± Magmin hissed entering the cave. ¡°I guess I should make good on my promise and teach you Granite Crust.¡±

 Chapter 10 - Granite Crust

    53rd of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt could not believe it, but he got the Granite Crust on his first attempt. The technique was identical to Magmin Scales, but instead of covering him in fire-aligned spiritual energy, a solid shell of earth-aligned spiritual energy crept across his skin.


    ¡°Well, I never expected you would do it correctly on your first attempt, but it makes sense. If you have a natural water affinity, mastering earth and air should come easier than fire. Good job.¡± Magmin¡¯s words were pure nonsense, but actively learning spiritual techniques was a foreign concept to a first realm serpent whose abilities were all instinctive reactions and hereditary traits.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Newt thanked his teacher before asking about a concept he had been mulling over for the past two days. ¡°Can Granite Crust protect me from Magmin Flame?¡±


    ¡°To an extent,¡± Magmin confirmed Newt¡¯s guess. ¡°But it will do an inferior job. Granite Crust increases the toughness of your skin against physical harm. Unlike just about everything else, heat passes right through granite, and after several moments, you would have an equivalent of a searing rock stuck to your skin.¡±


    ¡°What happens with the heat once I dismiss Granite Crust?¡± Newt asked, thinking of an obvious loophole.


    ¡°It remains where it was, just like the objects embedded in it. Broken fangs and claws will fall to the ground, but if someone is trying to clench their maw shut on you and you dismiss your protection, it will hurt. I imagine suddenly releasing a lot of absorbed heat next to your skin would not feel pleasant either.¡±


    I will have to think of another way to use Granite Crust and Magmin Flame at the same time.


    ¡°Grow, train, I will gather the rest of the spirit gems you require, then we will slay the pterodactylus.¡± Newt could hear the impatience in Magmin¡¯s hisses as the serpent slithered out of the cave.


    Newt obeyed. He consumed the spirit gems, and when he checked his realm, he confirmed he was close to fully forming his sixth layer.


    ¡°I can consider alternatives while erecting Magmin Pines,¡± he mumbled and closed his eyes.


    As hours passed, he created ten trees, before noticing a difference between his Magmin Pines and Magmin¡¯s.


    ¡°The bark of my trees is smooth like a column, but Magmin¡¯s have a rough bark.¡± He paused, thinking. ¡°They almost looked like rocky scales.¡±


    Suddenly, his eyes shone with realization, ¡°Or Granite Crust!¡±


    He summoned the technique without thinking and checked his skin. Sure enough, the crust appeared identical to the bark of the trees covering Magmin¡¯s realm.


    ¡°Damn that snake!¡± Newt cursed. ¡°He didn¡¯t tell me I could reinforce Granite Crust by cultivating the fire-earth tree¡¯s bark!¡±


    The principle was similar to what his father had done with a field of swords in his second realm, from which the former patriarch of the Blazing Salamander clan empowered his sword techniques.


    Newt went back to his third layer and the original fire-earth trees he had erected, his body still covered with Granite Crust. He looked at his arm, then focused on the tree. The already formed layer resisted his will, but gave way after a few breaths. The smooth bark grew rough, splitting into black scales with a pattern of jagged cracks, which Newt realized were too regular.


    ¡°You are a fool.¡± Newt jumped at his uncle¡¯s venomous whisper, and the transformation stopped.


    ¡°You really are a petty piece of¡ª¡± Newt grunted, and his heart demons screeched in laughter.


    ¡°You just cost me a few moments of focus, you know?¡± Then he clamped his mouth shut. Stop acknowledging them. They may pose a danger to me. What if I¡¯m about to figure out something and they strike at that time, distracting me or making me forget what I was thinking about.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    It was only then that Newt realized he had been keeping Granite Crust active for minutes.


    This is great. I can practice my techniques inside my realm, and hopefully make them easier to comprehend with my real body. Now¡­


    He examined Granite Crust and found the cracks and etchings covering it identical, differing slightly in size, but nothing else.


    I will have to make them uniform later. It should be like cutting and polishing gems, increasing the durability or something. Now, back to the trees.


    Newt shifted his focus back on the trees, and one by one changed their barks to match his Granite Crust.


    The endeavor took hours, but Newt found it easier as he moved into the newer layers. Then he tried erecting a Magmin Pine inside the sixth layer. The ground cracked and the wide pole surged from the ground, but crumbled before reaching five feet in height, leaving behind a small pile of debris.


    Newt frowned, then tried again, achieving an identical result.


    ¡°I can¡¯t cultivate a layer before it fully forms?¡± he guessed, scratching his head.


    Newt could not begin to fathom why not. The land was there, the energy was there, yet the tree refused to take. He tried once more, his attempt ending just like the last two, before giving up on the idea, and focusing on another.


    He once more willed Granite Crust to cover his skin, and examined the difference compared to his physical body. First off, the technique did not require him to summon spiritual energy. Second, it used no spiritual energy to remain active, but it did seem to tax Newt¡¯s mind just like it did outside his realm.


    What does that mean? Newt wondered, struggling not to speak his thoughts aloud. I can train here and perfect the form of my techniques, maybe even make it easier on my mind to maintain them. I can also experiment here. I just need to follow Father¡¯s advice and be careful not to injure my body with uncontrolled bursts of spiritual energy.


    He started slowly, covering himself in Magmin Scales. He examined his armor, and found each scale had an etching, just like Granite Crust. The design was different, but Newt knew they were made for the same purpose, one representing fire, the other earth, or an aspect of it.


    Where do I¡ª


    ¡°Struggling is pointless. Just die in the mines already.¡±


    Newt breathed in and then out, letting the anger wash over him and ignoring the laughter. Then he focused back on his thoughts.


    Where can I etch this glyph? It needs to be related to fire, but all I have fire-related is heat, which can¡¯t bear any marks, and lava, which is liquid, and any glyphs I draw would get washed away.


    Newt scratched his head in frustration. Is the additional defense worth it?


    He immediately realized how silly his question was. A greater defense meant achieving more with less, permanently increasing the effectiveness with which he used his spiritual energy.


    Newt looked up at the increasingly crimson sky.


    Can I will the burning clouds into this shape?


    He tried, but the clouds moved with the current of spiritual energy seeping into and out of Newt¡¯s realm, quickly distorting and dispersing.


    ¡°Damn,¡± he whispered a curse, and then silently cursed for speaking when there was no need, his heart demons jeering.


    I can¡¯t wait for you guys to become corporeal, so I can destroy you. Newt strolled around his realm, summoning Magmin Flame atop his Magmin Scales, but failing to see any new runes even when he focused his third eye on it.


    As he walked, he reached a stream of lava. He was about to jump over it, when a flash of inspiration struck him. Newt shifted the ground, reshaping the stream¡¯s straight line into the fire glyph from Magmin Scales.


    Lava took a while to fill the glyph, then kept flowing down like it did before his change. He kept watching his handiwork, and the incoming lava devoured it and turned into a lava puddle in a matter of minutes. Newt recreated the rune, but raised and thickened all the banks around which lava flowed. The design persisted for ten minutes without change.


    Newt nodded. Good enough for now.


    He moved upstream, repeating the process over and over, reforming the straight flow of lava into twisting fire glyphs. By the time he was done, Newt felt like he had gone through a meat grinder.


    I¡¯ll grab some sleep and check my progress tomorrow.


    Newt hardly opened his eyes from his meditative trance before he fell asleep. When he awoke hours later, his entire body hurt. His back was one messy, giant cramp, his legs and arms dead.


    I haven¡¯t moved in days.


    He slowly crawled into a sitting position, bending left and right, releasing a series of loud pops.


    I haven¡¯t eaten, I haven¡¯t drunk, by all means I should be dead, but the high density spiritual energy is keeping me alive.


    His stomach grumbled. But I¡¯m definitely not happy. As soon as I get out of the mines, I¡¯m going to eat and drink my fill. Then I¡¯m going to defeat that bas¡ªuncle of mine. I don¡¯t care what happens with the rest of the clan, with the servants and with everyone else. They left me to die, I have no obligations towards them.


    ¡°I see you are awake. Consume these spirit gems, and then we are off to fight the pterodactylus.¡±

 Chapter 11 - Mighty Attack

    54th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt wanted to protest, to say he was not ready to confront the heart demon, but he knew Magmin would have none of it.


    ¡°Can we test my Magmin Scales one last time before I advance a layer? Please?¡±


    The serpent snorted, then spoke. ¡°Fine. We can test it once.¡±


    Newt suppressed a grin, his heart beating faster, as he circulated spiritual energy and summoned his Magmin Scales to cover his hand. His excitement died as soon as he inspected the glowing scales with his third eye. They were exactly the same as the ones he had before going through all the trouble of reshaping his realm.


    Magmin bit Newt¡¯s hand, its fangs blazing. Newt felt the familiar pressure against his skin from fangs held back so as not to cause an injury. A second passed, then another, then another.


    Newt¡¯s heart once more started racing, a loud laugh escaping him as Magmin dismissed its technique just as the scales of Newt¡¯s hand shattered.


    ¡°You have gained some proficiency,¡± Magmin said, downplaying Newt¡¯s success. ¡°The amount of heat you can burn has nearly doubled. It is nowhere near my level, but not bad for an amphibian.¡±


    A moment¡¯s silence filled the cave, and Newt still smiled, satisfied with his achievement. He had doubled the efficiency with which he used his spiritual energy.


    ¡°Now, expand your realm so we can get started.¡±


    Newt got to work, regretting he would have no more time to practice his techniques. He still wanted to find a way to use all three techniques at the same time. The method almost certainly existed, assuming he was willing to invest hours upon hours of making it work. But he could do that later, inside the safety of his own realm, assuming he survived the battle with the pterodactylus.


    No! I must survive. I will return to the clan, defeat Uncle and force him to tell me what happened with Father and Mother. Father forced him to make a heart demon oath not to cause or order any of our deaths.


    ¡°Newt, start eating,¡± Magmin snapped the youth from his thoughts, and Newt began consuming the spirit gems.


    ¡°What would happen if you ate these? Would it increase your realm?¡± Newt asked suddenly.


    Magmin stared at him for a moment before answering. ¡°I would waste them. They would dissipate, half into the ground, half into the air. The energy in the air would once more condense into a spirit gem, merely wasting time. The other half would remain in the ground, making the mountain taller, essentially wasting the refined energy, since I do not want my mountain any taller. I have more earth energy than I like. Shedding it and replacing it with the air-aligned energy will be a real chore once I evolve wings.¡±


    The serpent gazed into the dark with dreamy eyes, before continuing. ¡°Consume them, confirm you have reached the sixth layer, and then we will move to the nearest lava flow to challenge the pterodactylus.¡±


    Newt wanted to ask another question, but Magmin slithered towards the exit, giving him no chance to draw out his stay.


    With a heavy heart, the youth consumed the spirit gems, thinking who would be the final opponent barring his exit from the secret realm, Magmin or the pterodactylus.


    Based on what he had seen so far, he preferred his chances against the flying dinosaur, but that still left the question of how to help the dinosaur defeat the treacherous serpent. And there was another, equally important question.


    What if I¡¯m imagining the whole thing? What if my uncle¡¯s betrayal three years ago made me think Magmin is treacherous? What if I betray it, when all it wanted was to release me after it broke through?


    Newt did not know how to proceed. Trust a snake and risk death, or risk betraying an innocent and maybe have a fighting chance? He thought of himself, of his father¡¯s relieved expression when his uncle made a heart demon oath, of his mother¡¯s last loving gaze despite him being used against her.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Newt felt his chin quiver and throat tighten. He missed his parents. He hated traitors. Hated evil people.


    And yet, I¡¯m thinking of becoming that vile traitor because Magmin might betray me.


    ¡°Hurry up,¡± the serpent called out from the mouth of the cave, and Newt continued eating the spirit gems, certain about which path he should take. Even though the serpent was making it easy for Newt to distrust it, or even dislike it, it had still taught him mystical techniques, probably unknown to humans, certainly unknown to his clan. It gave him enough spiritual energy to reach the sixth layer and revealed an original path to cultivation.


    Newt got goosebumps as he consumed the final spirit gem, then he closed his eyes and checked his realm. He summoned a new Magmin Pine, and it grew, reaching three hundred and thirty-three feet before hitting the barrier. Its bark was rough from the start, branded with Granite Crust¡¯s earth glyphs, since that was the way Newt willed it.


    He opened his eyes and found Magmin an inch from his face. Newt yelped and fell over, bumping his head against the hard granite floor.


    ¡°Are you finally done?¡± the serpent hissed in impatience.


    ¡°Yes, sorry.¡± Newt rubbed the back of his head. ¡°I had to make sure the sixth layer was complete.¡±


    Magmin stared at him quietly. It seemed ready to chide him, but eventually said nothing.


    ¡°Let us leave,¡± it said after the silence grew suffocating.


    Newt let out the breath he did not even know he was holding and followed the serpent, who boldly slithered out of the crevice.


    ¡°The pterodactylus is on the other side of the volcano, searching for us while flying in a spiral. We have enough time to prepare. Follow me.¡±


    Newt obeyed, wondering how Magmin knew his heart demon¡¯s location. After an extended silence, he asked.


    ¡°It always follows the same pattern. Starting from the crater, it flies in an ever-expanding circle until it reaches the realm barrier and then returns to the crater in a straight line. Only a fool would not know the pattern after so many years. I even know how many heartbeats we have until it returns to the crater.¡±


    Magmin turned around to face Newt. ¡°This is the plan. We will stay at the outer edge of the crater, opposite of where the pterodactylus starts its circle. I created a small trickle of lava there so that you can grab some more easily. There is less heat near a smaller body of lava, so your Magmin Scales will hold out longer, consuming less spiritual energy. Do you understand?¡±


    Newt nodded and Magmin continued explaining the plan.


    ¡°Good. You will throw a ball of lava at the pterodactylus while it is above the crater. If your aim is true and you manage to hurt it, it will fall into the volcano and die immediately. Otherwise, you will have enough time to make another projectile and throw it before the pterodactylus crosses the lava-lake. Again, success is good, and failure means we have to fight it somehow. I am confident I can crush it or bite it to death if you can hold it close to the ground long enough for me to get a good grip.¡±


    Newt did not know what to say. He struggled, trying to fathom how he was supposed to snatch a pterosaur mid-flight and immobilize it long enough for Magmin to do anything.


    ¡°All right,¡± he finally said, the serpent seemingly oblivious to his lack of confidence.


    The pair reached the lava and followed it upstream. The heat grew unbearable as they drew to the edge of the crater, but Magmin was unbothered, while Newt had streaks of sweat running down his bare skin.


    ¡°Do we have enough time for me to try making a lava snowball?¡±


    ¡°What is a¡ªfeel free. We have a while to wait.¡±


    Newt activated Magmin Scales, covering his entire body, and the unbearable heat disappeared. He scooped up a handful of lava, and his defense held. The molten rock in his hand felt like dense mud, almost clay. He easily shaped it into a ball, then he threw it with all his might.


    The molten blob flew forty feet before falling into the lake, making a dull gloop sound as it splashed into the lava.


    Magmin stared at Newt for several moments before blinking.


    ¡°That is the special attack with which you defeated pterodactyluses? That pitiful blob?¡±


    ¡°I used a sling,¡± Newt said in his defense. ¡°I never threw rocks with my bare hand at pterodactyluses.¡±


    ¡°You deceived me.¡± Magmin¡¯s hiss turned deeper and lower than Newt ever heard, the scales of the serpent¡¯s neck shaking and bristling.


    ¡°No, wait,¡± Newt blurted. ¡°Even like this, I will have enough time to toss the lava at the pterodactylus once. Right? And it will inflict a wound, if I hit it. It might even fall into lava. Right? And this is not something you can do on your own. Right?¡±


    Magmin calmed, still glaring at Newt.


    ¡°If you lie to me one more time or try to cheat me, I will eat you, amphibian intruder.¡±


    Newt shuddered. For some reason, the small snake seemed much more menacing than it did these past few days. And it was afraid of the pterodactylus.


    ¡°I see you understand what I am saying,¡± Magmin hissed with barely suppressed fury. ¡°Now we wait. The pterodactylus will arrive soon.¡±

 Chapter 12 - The Apex Predator

    54th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    The pterosaur appeared less than thirty seconds after Magmin gave the warning. The behemoth had a wingspan of almost twenty feet, its body taller than Newt.


    And yet, despite its imposing size, menacing red eyes, and the aura of terror it emanated, it was identical to the orchard pests Newt slung rocks at when he was a boy.


    Magmin shuddered, coiling in fear, but Newt moved. He activated Magmin Scales, dark-red scales enveloping his body, canceling the ambient heat as he stepped forward. He scooped a handful of lava as the giant pterodactylus dived towards them from the other side of the crater.


    Despite trying to assure himself he was calm and knew what he was doing, Newt forced a lump down his throat and willed his hand to stop shaking. He failed, but there was no time. The giant avian was before him, and Newt squeezed the glob of lava into a ball, then hurled the glowing orb at the pterodactylus¡¯s right wing.


    Lava struck the limb, which resembled a massive leather sail. It splattered over the hide, hissing and burning through it. The pterodactylus screeched. It flapped its wings, struggling to maintain altitude, but lost just enough height to splash into the pool of molten rock two yards before Newt.


    A towering wall of lava surged at Newt. He gasped and kept his Magmin Scales active while jumping out of the way. The pterodactylus bounced off the blazing red pool, its massive form tumbling above Newt, and the young man tripped as lava drenched him just below the waist, clinging to his legs like tar.


    Magmin hissed, abandoning its fear, and pounced at its mortal enemy, but Newt had no attention to spare for their battle. Searing lava ate away at his shield, and the only thing which kept it from incinerating the youth was the improvement he had achieved when he inscribed fire runes throughout his realm.


    Earth energy pressed against Newt¡¯s will and realm, threatening to overwhelm the fire-aligned spiritual energy and snuff out Magmin Scales.


    Newt focused on his realm, knowing he would die the instant lava reached his skin. Instead of letting the earth-aligned spiritual energy form a swirling mess inside its vortex, he organized it, following Magmin¡¯s instructions. The pressure decreased, but all Newt achieved was buying himself several seconds.


    Think! Think damn you! Earth energy is just piling up, can I compress it? No. Can I create something with it? Not with this bit of focus. If only I had a way to exhaust the earth energy or another vent!


    The last thought struck him. He had a second heart and a third eye, two spirit roots. If one could serve as a way out of his body, why not the other?


    Heat licked at Newt¡¯s feet, but he grit his teeth and ignored it. He searched the sky above the volcano of his realm, all he needed was an odd flow, a faint current which should not be there. Newt¡¯s legs burned, he smelled charred flesh. He almost screamed in terror, but then his mind snapped to focus under the weight of survival instincts.


    There! He had found it. Just as the earth-aligned spiritual energy was about to erupt and snuff out the fire, he redirected it, and it gushed through his second spirit root. Newt did not focus on it, he let the wild energy do whatever it wished, he had more pressing problems.


    With his shielded hands, he struggled to wipe away the heavy, viscous lava clinging to his legs and abdomen, hurling chunks back into the crater. In Newt¡¯s panicked state of mind, the volcano seemed like the right place to deposit unwanted lava. Burned flesh stank while screeches and shrieks came from just a handful of yards behind him, but they were irrelevant. He would die if he could not rid himself of lava before he exhausted his spiritual energy.


    Suddenly, his arms grew stronger, and the viscous molten rock clinging to his body no longer offered resistance as he swept it away from his bare skin like water. His spiritual energy was three quarters spent when he threw off the last bit of lava off himself. The entire process must have taken less than ten seconds, yet the youth panted like he had mined for days.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°No rest,¡± he muttered and turned around.


    Magmin was insignificant compared to his heart demon. The tiny serpent gripped the berserk pterodactylus around its neck, but the saurian clawed and ripped Magmin¡¯s flesh, even as the entirety of Magmin¡¯s body burned.


    The foul smell of burned flesh, which terrified Newt moments ago, was coming off the pterosaur, not from his maimed legs. Magmin¡¯s blood splattered, its body nearly broken in half, but the serpent sunk its long fangs into its heart demon¡¯s neck.


    The gigantic pterodactylus¡¯s shrieks turned to gurgles and pained whines, its thrashes grew weaker, and it slumped to the ground. The burned beast presented a horrid sight, and Magmin looked no better. It wheezed and uncoiled itself from the pterodactylus¡¯s neck. With another gurgle and impotent flap of wings, the pterodactylus went limp.


    Then, Magmin laughed. Chunks of the serpent¡¯s flesh regrew as it healed at impossible speed. Newt watched the scene, wanting to curse. He wished to act, but he believed that as wounded as serpent was, he could regain his spent spiritual energy before finishing it off. Unfortunately, Magmin recovered far quicker than Newt, even though its wounds were incomparably more severe.


    ¡°I won!¡± Magmin declared, its realm shuddering. ¡°I am ready to advance. To advance perfectly and gain the ability to fly!¡±


    It turned towards Newt. ¡°And you have played a major part in my success. I could not have defeated the pterodactylus if it had not fallen into lava and shackled its legs while ruining its wings.¡±


    The hair-thin vertical pupils and the evil gaze of avarice in the serpent¡¯s eyes terrified Newt, yet there was nothing he could do. He was at Magmin¡¯s mercy.


    Think! I just survived almost being boiled alive. I can¡¯t die like this.


    ¡°You.¡± Magmin¡¯s greedy glare burrowed into Newt¡¯s face. ¡°You did well.¡±


    Newt almost fainted at the word, and Magmin continued in a much more relaxed, happy tone. ¡°I thought you were trying to cheat me, to steal from me. Especially when I saw you throw that tiny ball of lava into the lava-lake with a sad plop, but you did good, and your heart seems to be in the right place.¡±


    Newt opened his mouth, but could find no words to say.


    ¡°I know you probably want an additional reward, but a deal is a deal.¡± Magmin glared at Newt, who still had his mouth open a crack.


    ¡°Fine, fine,¡± Magmin continued. ¡°I could see you were ready to jump into the fight, and since you did not attack me, I take it you wanted to help me. Understanding and communicating with other species is complicated and difficult. Anyway, you have done more than we have agreed on, and I should reward such loyalty. One more spirit gem? What do you think?¡±


    Newt thought a lot of things. He had so many thoughts rampaging through his confused, relieved mind that he had forgotten that his body also needed to do something, not just think. Fortunately for him, Magmin kept talking for the both of them.


    ¡°All right, two spirit gems. But that is my last offer, take it or leave it,¡± the serpent said, still glaring greedy murder at Newt.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Newt said, nodding like his soul had decided to take a vacation.


    ¡°Excellent, wait here for me to fetch them. After you consume them, I will stop my breakthrough so you can leave.¡± Magmin left, and Newt nodded like a soulless puppet, staring after the friendly snake.


    I¡¯m alive. It did not kill me. It even wants to reward me with two spirit gems. Two spirit gems, Newt¡¯s thoughts lingered on the words. That cheap snake! That heart demon almost killed me, I nearly drowned in lava, and it¡¯s giving me two spirit stones as compensation!


    After the initial shock of surviving, Newt focused on what came after.


    No. I¡¯m being greedy. I have gained six layers in a matter of days. I now have double spirit roots, know three techniques, and I think I have an idea on how to support two different elements at the same time. Magmin has done enough for me.


    Newt smiled. He was sweaty, his nether region suffering in a warm draft, and about to get two crystalline pinecones from the serpent he had just helped defeat its heart demon.


    Wait. What happens when Magmin finds out it can¡¯t wake up? Will it fly into a rage? Will it try to kill me? To leave a secret realm, you need to kill its guardian, and Magmin is definitely this realm¡¯s guardian. But I can¡¯t just kill it.


    Newt¡¯s problem stemmed not just from the fact that he was physically weaker than the serpent, which had the ability to slowly reshape the terrain according to its whims. He had started viewing Magmin as a person, not a beast.


    How do I¡ª


    ¡°Here we are.¡± Magmin slithered over, carrying two shiny spirit gems. ¡°Eat these and off with you.¡±


    Newt gulped down the energy, hardly aware of the process.


    ¡°What if I can¡¯t leave?¡± His voice trembled as he asked the question. ¡°What if I¡¯m stuck in your realm forever?¡±


    ¡°Where is that nonsense coming from? This is my realm, and I now have full control over it. No heart demons, no doubts or weaknesses, a single thought of mine shapes reality. Watch this.¡±

 Chapter 13 - The End of the Three-year-long Nightmare

    54th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt sat in a dimly lit cave, staring at a wall he could hardly see. The jagged floor and debris bit into his butt, and the echo of a distant wind whispered into his ears.


    ¡°Was that a dream?¡±


    Tears slid down Newt¡¯s cheeks as he struggled for air. He was a mine slave, a wretched creature.


    No!


    He closed his eyes, and tried to feel his realm, and the twin pearls of fire and earth pulsating in his chest and head answered his call. Newt was in his realm, but there were changes. The first thing he noticed was that the gushing lava bursting out of the ground and into the air like a geyser had disappeared. Lava still flowed, but languidly, running down the mountainside.


    The second thing Newt noticed was that the realm barrier was much, much further away.


    I must have gained two or three layers.


    As he gazed into the distance, the third change found him.


    ¡°Watch out, Young Master,¡± Newt turned towards the source of the voice, and faced a tall, muscular youth holding a staff with a small leather sack on one end.


    The man was bare from the waist up, his flesh chiseled with muscles. The familiar sight failed to impress or even intimidate Newt. He could only see one thing, the sack filled with cotton to soften the blow. That sack was once his bane. No matter what Newt did, no matter how hard he tried, that sack would smack him on the face, chest, or fingers, often knocking him down to the ground.


    Newt tried to dodge. He ducked, but the sack followed. With a dull thud, it smacked him square in the middle of his face. Newt fell, banging his head against the granite floor, and he awoke with a gasp.


    For a moment, Newt was surprised, angry, and then he burst into laughter. ¡°It wasn¡¯t a dream!¡±


    The notion of his heart demon forcing him out of meditative introspection was an unpleasant one, but the fact that he had a realm, and even heart demons, was a significant improvement in his overall state. It was proof Newt had not gone mad and imagined the entire episode with Magmin, despite his desperate situation.


    Now, what should I do? Uncle had a fully expanded second realm three years ago, and I bet his heart demons have barred his advancement. I know about all his techniques, but can¡¯t match his martial prowess regardless of what I know. I can only win through superior techniques and superior strength.


    The question was, how Newt could acquire superior techniques and cultivation. The only solution he could come up with was meditation and experimentation.


    I also need to grow stronger physically, and for that I need proper meals and exercise.


    He picked up the pickaxe, he had plenty of opportunity for exercise, the entire mine was his practice yard, but he lacked food. Newt opened his third eye and looked around.


    The dark tunnel suddenly had a faint current of light flowing through it, a weak glow shone from one point in the wall, and two ghostly stars pulsated before him. One throbbed with flames, like a fiery heart, the other surrounded by a ring of illusory dust and pebbles. The sight was magical, and Newt ignored it.


    Instead, he clenched his pickaxe¡¯s shaft and approached the luminescent patch on the wall. He heaved and struck the wall, sending a shower of rocks to the ground. The glow grew stronger, but instead of illuminating the shaft, the light turned to mist and joined the incorporeal current flowing through the tunnel system.


    Two more blows revealed a spirit gem, with three more hidden a bit deeper.


    Four pounds of overcooked meat, Newt thought, staring at the treasure with which a man could buy two spacious houses. He ran his hand through his hair, suddenly enraged by the injustice of it all. And yet, I need that meat more than the spiritual energy from these inferior crystals.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    With a heavy sigh, he headed for the surface, hiding three gems in a nook on his way up. Like always, his jailers waited beyond the barred entrance into the mine.


    Newt shielded his eyes from the torchlight and placed the rough crystal into a wooden box without a word before pushing it out.


    The guards took several moments, inspecting the spirit gem. ¡°You will have your meat tomorrow. Where have you been? You haven¡¯t taken any bread or water for over a week.¡±


    ¡°Hurt my leg. Couldn¡¯t walk,¡± Newt grumbled before the guards pushed a loaf of bread and a small jug of fresh water.


    With food in hand, Newt realized just how starved he was. In Magmin¡¯s secret realm, he had survived on pure spiritual energy, but without that tether, his malnourished body screamed for sustenance.


    He devoured the bread like a beast and washed it down with water before wiping his mouth.


    ¡°More, give me my yesterday¡¯s rations.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Who do you think you are?¡± a guard Newt was unfamiliar with shouted. ¡°We are free men, while you are a common slave. Get back into the darkness unless you want us to forget to mention the spirit gem.¡±


    ¡°Just try,¡± Newt sneered, suddenly recalling why he did not speak with the guards for over two years. ¡°If you do that, my uncle will kill you and your families.¡±


    ¡°Stop it. He¡¯s right.¡± the second guard said. ¡°This is a cozy job, and we get a bonus whenever he finds a gem.¡±


    ¡°My food,¡± Newt demanded.


    ¡°Piss off,¡± the first guard said. ¡°You will get more food tomorrow.¡±


    Newt wanted to argue more, but clamped his mouth shut. The guards had eaten or taken Newt¡¯s uneaten meal at the end of their shift. The only thing he could do was deliver all future gems to the other team of guards, not that those men were any better than the two standing at the brighter side of the bars.


    Swallowing his indignation rather than food, Newt retreated down the shaft and stopped next to the place where he had hid the remaining spirit gems. He sat down cross-legged and entered meditation.


    He was once more in his realm, a different place than last time, the resentful sparring partner nowhere in sight.


    I can¡¯t erect new Magmin Pines, it takes too long, but I can work on my techniques. Last time, when I wiped away the lava while earth-aligned spiritual energy infused my body, my arms felt stronger. I should try to replicate that.


    Newt called spiritual energy, but immediately noticed there was no need to manipulate his realm to release the energy, since he was already inside it. Any energy he spent immediately recovered, any damage he suffered without dying regenerated in moments once the danger had passed, just like it did for Magmin.


    With the unfair advantage and unlimited supply of energy, he started practicing. For warmup, he covered his skin in Granite Crust, taking the time to observe the rough scales again. They were extremely rigid, but they did not hamper his movement, thanks to their small size.


    Now, what did I do? I stopped the earth-aligned spiritual energy before it reached my skin, afraid it would extinguish Magmin Scales.


    Newt dismissed the technique, but kept circulating the earth energy through his body. He willed a piece of the granite ground to split and tried to lift it. At first, he sent the energy through his bones, but noticed no change in his strength. However, he nearly launched the granite slab off the ground, when he sent the earth-aligned spiritual energy through his muscles.


    Newt took a moment to inspect the state of his body and found the muscles and heavy strain were crushing his bones. He changed the circulation and the energy flow through his bones and muscles, but then his tendons protested, followed by his organs.


    By the time he was done with experimenting, the only thing he did not need to reinforce were his head, lungs, and heart. Newt had lost track of time, but he believed he could not have taken more than fifteen minutes to reach all the conclusions.


    Next up, throwing punches. He spent half a minute, willing the slab of granite into the shape of a man and merging its legs with the ground. The statue somewhat resembled Newt¡¯s uncle, even though the youth did not intend it. While the resemblance was unintentional, Newt did not mind such a perfect target for punching and venting his anger.


    First, he transmuted just his fist into rock and struck. It was a solid blow, all the way from his legs. Rock struck rock with a boom, Newt¡¯s wrist shattered while his elbow and shoulder popped out of place. The youth screamed, but his injuries healed within two breaths.


    I need to start by always converting my whole body into granite, and see which parts I can safely ignore.


    Newt was deep in thought when he heard a sudden bark.


    What the¡ªHe wondered for a moment, before he realized what he was hearing. Velociraptors, his father¡¯s hunting hounds, which terrified him when he was a toddler, were coming for him.


    The granite ground shook as the bloodthirsty beasts charged towards him.


    Newt¡¯s breathing quickened, and sweat suddenly started rolling down his body. He had a phobia, a childhood trauma, and it was coming to bite him.


    And there I was, laughing at poor little Magmin. He tried to chuckle, but could not. Men and beasts alike suffered from their fears.

 Chapter 14 - Heart Demons

    55th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Common velociraptors, often shortened to simply raptors, were small dinosaurs humans had tamed for hunting and as pets. The real, non-spirit beasts barely reached Newt¡¯s knees. Snout to tail they measured around six feet and rarely weighed more than thirty-five pounds.


    The monsters charging towards Newt had nothing to do with reality. They were packed with sinewy muscles, five feet tall, and weighed at least three hundred pounds. Their scales ranged from light brown to dark green, their softer bellies the light-yellow shade of sand, just as Newt remembered them. But his eyes were trained on their thin arms, and claws longer and sharper than daggers.


    Newt gaped in a daze, gasping for breath, his heart trying to escape his chest, as the velociraptor swiped its claw towards his neck and face and woke up. He grabbed his jugular and kept feeling it until he confirmed no blood gushed from the lethal wound. The youth was about to speak, when he clenched his mouth shut, strangling the ramification of extended solitude.


    Those heart demons are from when I was a child, when father¡¯s hounds rushed in front of me as they headed out to hunt. He blushed recalling his terrified screams and panic at seeing an entire pack of dinosaurs just a bit shorter than him, rushing towards him. When the incident took place, Newt was certain the velociraptors would tear him to shreds, and his terrified tears built the foundations for his poor reputation. In less than a day, everyone in the clan knew he was a coward and a weakling, too dumb to flee from that which scared him.


    Newt shook his head, driving away the ugly memory, and focused on what lay ahead. I have at least three heart demons; Uncle, his powers unknown, Borhem wielding a training spear, and the pack of six human-sized velociraptors. I must rid myself of them before I can continue cultivating.


    Newt closed his eyes and reentered meditation. He once more found himself in a different region of his realm, close to the border between the fifth and the sixth layer.


    No sign of dinosaurs or humans anywhere.


    Newt once more considered erecting a Magmin Pine, but again discarded the thought. The disturbance would last at least half an hour, and it was guaranteed to attract attention from all Newt¡¯s heart demons. Instead, he quietly worked on his earth techniques. Turning his body into living granite was certain to defeat both the velociraptors and Borhem, who wielded nothing but a mock spear.


    The technique came naturally, a flex of an incorporeal muscle which seemingly transmuted Newt¡¯s entire body save for his eyes. He was about to summon another training dummy when he realized that was how the velociraptors had found him.


    My heart demons were omnipresent when they did not have physical bodies, but now that they do, they can¡¯t be everywhere at once. Just like the pterodactylus, they must find me to harm me.


    Since that was the case, Newt jumped straight to the second part of his plan. He conjured Magmin Scales atop his granite body, feeling a slight mental strain. It was like the trick his mother had shown him when he was a child, rubbing his tummy while patting his head. Initially, Newt felt clumsy, but within minutes the unease disappeared and he could properly use both techniques.


    Now for the last detail.


    Newt willed Magmin Flame to cover his Magmin Scales. It felt like running into a tripwire while sprinting. The leap from dividing his focus into three directions rather than two proved too much. Magmin Scales flickered out of existence, and Newt screamed in pain as Magmin¡¯s prophecy came true. In a flash of flames, Newt became a human torch and burned to cinders.


    The young man awoke with a scream, patting his arms and torso, no sign of scorching wounds. He took another moment to confirm his flesh was not charred before relaxing and staring at the faint swirls drifting in the pitch darkness.


    I need to figure this out. Can I merge Magmin Scales and Magmin Flames into a single skill?This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Newt closed his eyes again and appeared a dozen feet away from the volcano¡¯s scorching crater. He looked around, and even though he found no trace of his heart demons, he withdrew to the safety of the Magmin Pines.


    The first step of merging the two techniques was obvious, feeding each a half of his fire-attributed spiritual energy. It would weaken both, and offer no protection against enemy flames, but the technique Newt was trying to develop was offensive in nature. He wanted to punch his enemy and burn them at the same time, hoping two types of energy would increase the chance of piercing enemy defenses.


    The simple, obvious merger took over a hundred attempts and nearly an hour of Newt¡¯s time, but he completed the technique. Newt hoped that with enough practice he would reduce the amount of mental tasks when trying to set himself ablaze.


    ¡°Watch out, Young Master,¡± a familiar voice shouted, and Newt turned to face it. He watched the training spear approach in slow motion. He jumped left to dodge, but the padded bag followed him and struck him square in the face without error.


    Newt smacked his head against the ground and woke up in the dark mine.


    ¡°Son-of-a¡ª¡± he cursed and stopped himself from checking whether the heart demon had broken his nose.


    I should¡¯ve just turned myself into granite and shattered the spear. Silently grumbling, he rubbed his nose despite himself, but pointedly did not check whether his hand was bloody.


    Again!


    Newt opened his eyes in his realm, finding himself even closer to the crater.


    ¡°Watch out, Young Master,¡± the shadow of a servant called Borhem said behind Newt¡¯s back.


    For some inexplicable reason, the unprepared youth turned around and saw the bag of padding crawling towards his face.


    Oh, for the love of¡­ Newt turned his flesh into granite, the practice spear struck his nose, chipping it, and the young man fell into the pool of lava.


    He opened his eyes with a scream.


    ¡°This is annoying,¡± he said after collecting himself, then slapped his mouth shut.


    I should get away from the lava as soon as I appear within my realm. Even harmless attacks can be fatal around a giant pool of molten rock.


    Newt closed his eyes yet again, ready to follow his own advice, but there was no need. He was nowhere near the flaming pit. Instead, he found himself far from the cover of Magmin Pines, in one of his new, uncultivated layers.


    I need to find out what layer I am at now. Unfortunately, Newt still had no way of knowing. People rarely skipped stages of their cultivation and knew when their previous layer had stabilized.


    Newt willed a hole to open in the ground, confirming that this distant layer was stable and that he could shape it.


    Hours passed as Newt practiced his new hybrid ability, turning the complex process into muscle memory. Once he could use it as easily as breathing, Newt decided it was time to try using it together with his new granite body.


    The feeling of doing two unrelated things at the same time was back, the discomfort of multitasking much greater than before, but it was manageable. Newt did not feel like juggling one ball too many, and achieved what he had wanted.


    Flames rose from his skin, which remained as tough as rock.


    What if I only set my fists ablaze, but shield the rest of my body with Magmin Scales?


    Newt¡¯s focus slipped immediately followed by his techniques. Searing granite burned his flesh, but Newt concentrated and managed to salvage the situation and spare himself another awakening.


    To protect himself from the scorching granite, Newt summoned Magmin Scales beneath the Granite Crust part of his transformation. There were no open flames, and the layer of granite shielding Newt¡¯s body slowly turned to glowing lava.


    Wait! This is even better.


    Newt examined his accidental discovery with greater scrutiny. He touched the wall of his burrow and got disappointed when the blazing lava did not stick to the surface. He frowned, but quickly realized what was happening.


    This lava is not a physical substance. It¡¯s just an amalgamation of earth and fire aligned spiritual energies. In order to stick lava to my targets, I need to melt physical rock, or conjure it through spiritual energy.


    Newt wanted to test his theory immediately, but realized a problem. The environment in his realm obeyed his will, unlike the matter in the real world. Training in his realm would produce no result at best, and might even cripple his progress with the technique in the real world because of all the wrong assumptions he might make.


    Newt was in the middle of considering how to use earth-aligned spiritual energy to draw rock when he heard the familiar bark.


    The pack of velociraptors was drawing closer, and since the monsters were trained for hunting and tracking, it was almost certain they would find him.


    Good, Newt thought. Time to get rid of my first heart demons and increase my hold over my realm.

 Chapter 15 - Battling Velociraptors

    55th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Velociraptors¡¯ howls washed over Newt¡¯s body, shaking his bones. He tried to fight his irrational terror, but the fearsome shriek made his legs shaky, barely able to support his weight.


    Calm down. It¡¯s just a child¡¯s fear. Your skin is impervious to dinosaur claws, but even if they can somehow pierce it, at most they will leave harmless scratches.


    Newt could logically explain everything, but his skin still crawled when the first man-sized dinosaur entered the cave. The monster stared at Newt, its eyes identical to Magmin¡¯s, but three times larger. The stare-down lasted a heartbeat before Newt faltered, and the velociraptor charged towards him with a vicious cry.


    Newt clenched his fist and lashed out, smashing towards his enemy with a lava fist. The raptor slashed with its wicked claws, and Newt¡¯s granite skin and flesh offered no resistance as the claw cleaved his arm off.


    Newt¡¯s stump flashed with pain, and the velociraptor pounced.


    Newt screamed as he awoke, holding his neck.


    ¡°Son-of-a-raptor,¡± he cursed, and tried to make sense of what had happened.


    My flesh was as tough as granite. There¡¯s no way a common velociraptor could scratch me. He took an embarrassingly long moment to realize the monsters from his nightmares were not common velociraptors. For starters, they were bigger than he was.


    Newt tried to recall the exact event which left him traumatized. The memory was easy enough to conjure, but he could not recall what he was thinking, other than fearing the dinosaurs would rip him to shreds.


    That¡¯s probably it. I believed they could rip me to shreds, and now my heart demons can rip me to shreds, regardless of how tough my skin is.


    Newt scratched the back of his head in frustration. He would have to defeat the pack of velociraptors without letting them land a blow, which was impossible. Velociraptors were pack animals, they would surround Newt, and tear him to shreds.


    I could hide in a narrow tunnel, like I did just now. Then I could fight them one by one.


    But even then, he would have to defeat the murderous monster from his nightmares before it landed a single blow.


    I need a weapon.


    The Blazing Salamander clan traditionally used spears, and Newt had spent four years training with the weapon before his uncle threw him into the mines. He was nowhere near Borhem¡¯s level, but he believed his skill should prove sufficient for fighting a mindless beast in a narrow corridor.


    Newt closed his eyes and entered his realm once more. He was back in the black calcified forest, and immediately headed downhill, afraid tunnels might damage his precious pines. Nobody shouted warnings at him, velociraptors did not find him, and Newt had no idea when and how his uncle would appear, but he guessed the traitor would stab him in the back.


    Newt reached the edge of the forest, and some fifty yards outside it started forming a cavern. He walked down the narrow, ten-yard-long shaft, and entered a wider chamber beneath. Inside, Newt transformed a piece of granite into a spear. After several minutes of making minor adjustments, he balanced the spear and tweaked it to his body and preferences.


    Since it was only a matter of time before the velociraptors found him, Newt started practicing thrusts and forms engraved in his memory. Ten minutes into his training Newt found a problem.


    I don¡¯t grow tired, and I will have to practice with the spear in the real world if I want to regain my proficiency.


    Temporarily, Newt¡¯s proficiency in the real world did not matter. He had to get rid of his fears, given shape through his imagination. Realistic use of realistic weapons, while vital, was nowhere nearly as important as getting rid of the obstacles which hampered the cultivation of his realm.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Finally, Newt stopped slashing and piercing empty air, focusing back on his arts.


    He tried to hurl a bolt of flame with a punch of his fist. His father had demonstrated the feat when he first started teaching Newt, and he had dreamed of mimicking and outdoing his father one day. Unfortunately for Newt, that day seemed to be in the distant future.


    The howls interrupted his experimentation. Newt believed he was ready, that he would not be as affected, but his legs proved him wrong. He hurried towards the narrow tunnel and met the raptors half way through the shaft.


    The leading beast was just as fearsome as last time. It tried to slash at Newt, but the corridor was too narrow, and the slash turned out more like a tyrannosaur squirming with its diminutive arms. Newt had no such problems. He thrust the spear, and the granite weapon pierced the monster¡¯s skull, hitting the brain and snuffing out its life.


    That is when Newt faced another problem. The tunnel was cramped, with hardly enough room for the velociraptor to squeeze in, and the monster¡¯s corpse got stuck as it slumped towards the ground, sealing the passage.


    Newt stared at the unexpected development, then willed the tunnel to widen, so that the body could fall down and free the passage. The granite walls did not obey. They remained the same, the velociraptor still stuck between them.


    Newt frowned and kept focusing on his intention to widen the passage, but even as minutes passed there was no change. The velociraptors beyond the body growled and barked, but did not touch their deceased packmate.


    Newt retreated into the cavern and fashioned a long granite hook, with which he dragged the velociraptor¡¯s body towards himself. Finally, the beast¡¯s carcass fell to the ground, and another velociraptor emerged from behind it. The monster jumped, and Newt dropped the hook. He reached for his spear, but talons stabbed the back of his head, and he awoke with a scream.


    He bit his lip and calmed his breathing.


    Not as good as I hoped, but it wasn¡¯t bad either. If I repeat this five more times, I will kill the raptors. But there¡¯s room for improvement, I should try to kill at least two or three at a time.


    Newt tried again, this time with a slightly wider corridor, and got two velociraptors before the third one slashed him with its claws. He used the same strategy and eliminated another two, before preparing for the encounter with the final raptor.


    He was in yet another cave of his making when he heard the familiar howls. He frowned and listened carefully.


    There¡¯s more than one. Did I count wrong? Were there more than six? Newt recalled his first encounter with the velociraptors, and he was positive he saw six bipedal predators sprinting to dismember him. He picked up his spear and entered the tunnel, almost reaching the entrance before the velociraptors arrived.


    Newt killed the first at the entrance, the second two yards away. This time he pulled out his spear immediately after striking, mindful of his mistake last time, which cost him his weapon. Newt killed the third velociraptor, then the fourth, but he was forced to step into the cavern he had made for practice.


    A velociraptor followed him, then another. The fifth and the sixth. There were no more, but the monsters flanked him and ripped him to shreds.


    Damn! Newt did not even scream as he awoke. I was close, but that doesn¡¯t matter. I figured out how they work, and how to counter them.


    Newt closed his eyes and reappeared within his realm. He was inside the woods, and ran downhill, when a familiar voice shouted, ¡°Watch out, Young Master!¡±


    Newt turned, watching in horror as the tiny leather cushion crawled towards his face. His first reflex was to curse, the second to cover himself in Granite Crust, but the bag struck him square in the nose. He toppled over, the back of his head struck the forest floor, and Newt awoke again.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± he bellowed, shaking with rage.


    He was about to close his eyes and try again when the voice of reason told him to stop.


    I need to rest. I will sleep a couple hours, go up and grab another meal. Rested and sated, I will be in a better state of mind than I am now.


    Newt closed his eyes and counted as he breathed. In, out, in, out., He kept a steady rhythm until sleep took him. Hours passed before he opened his eyes again. He drowsily fumbled for his pickaxe, and went towards the exit once he found it.


    Newt took his meat and bread without a word and went back down. After eating his fill, he closed his eyes and reappeared in his realm, somewhere in the uncultivated layers.


    No reason to rush. He dug a tunnel thirty yards deep, with vertical slots housing spare spears every two yards in case his broke or got stuck in a body. After finishing his trap, Newt went outside, to spread his scent some more before returning into the tunnel, and waiting, five feet away from the entrance.


    The excited, bloodthirsty howls came after a short wait. Newt was ready, and they were not. One after another, he impaled the monstrous velociraptors. The phobic battle had become a chore, but after killing the sixth and final beast, their bodies dissolved, disappearing forever from Newt¡¯s realm.


    He stared at the empty room and dropped his spear. The granite shaft snapped and cluttered on the ground as Newt looked up, laughing.


    He had defeated his first heart demon.

 Chapter 16 - An Unfriendly Spar

    56th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    The only heart demons left were Newt¡¯s old sparring partner and his uncle. Newt had not caught a glimpse of his uncle, and the fact scared him more than the velociraptors and Borhem combined.


    Newt waited in his cavern, practicing and altering his techniques for hours, however, neither heart demon appeared. Exhausted from the exertion, Newt went to sleep. He awoke and ate the rest of his meat before going up for bread and water.


    After sating his hunger, Newt reentered his realm. He appeared inside the Magmin Pine forest, Borhem nowhere in sight.


    Let¡¯s see which layer I¡¯m at. He willed a tiny crack in the granite connecting the line of calcified trees. The space between two adjacent trees was five hundred feet, and he followed the line down the mountain.


    Newt¡¯s heart raced when he realized he had completed the ninth layer, with tenth underway. He was so excited that he forgot there was only one way for a change to stick in his realm.


    ¡°Peak of the tenth layer?¡± He gulped. ¡°I can break through at any time.¡±


    Newt looked back at the empty expanse. Advancing at that point would have crippled his future cultivation. Just looking at it made Newt dizzy. Two months. Two months of perfect undisturbed cultivation, just to set up the Magmin Pines, followed by another two to three weeks to make the fire glyphs.


    He ran his fingers through his hair, despairing just from imagining the amount of work ahead of him, when he saw a humanoid shape jogging down the volcano. He immediately recognized Borhem¡¯s muscular physique.


    Well, at least I can get rid of him, then I have to find my uncle and defeat him just in case.


    Borhem kept his pace relaxed, just like Newt remembered. The man never hurried because his young master was waiting, but lashed out like a viper in the practice yard.


    Once Borhem was two dozen yards away from Newt, the young man covered himself in blistering lava, preparing himself for battle.


    ¡°Watch out, Young Master!¡± The words made Newt¡¯s skin crawl, he did not fear them at all, never did, but in the last few days he had come to loathe them.


    Just like always, time seemed to slow, Newt let the padded leather strike his nose, then the unexpected happened. The granite nose, which Newt could smash against a wall without consequence, broke. The young man fell backwards and awoke in the mine the moment his head struck the rocky ground.


    Long ago, Newt would have raged and cursed. The day before he defeated the velociraptors, he would have muttered disgruntled obscenities, but with the experience from defeating his first heart demon, Newt came to understand certain things.


    So, I have to defeat him without receiving a blow. Again. I wonder whether Uncle will be like that too. Is it just me, or do all cultivators have heart demons which defeat them in one blow? Newt was uncertain, but he had a plan. If what he feared was a spar, rather than Borhem, who only ever annoyed Newt, he would have to spar and win.


    He reentered his realm, fashioned a spear for himself, and went to the edge of the forest, where Borhem would have an easier time finding him. Newt hoped he would have the advantage of the higher ground, and an easier access to the taller man¡¯s head.


    Borhem trotted over half an hour later, and Newt halfheartedly noted he would have lacked the time to erect a new Magmin Pine. Newt¡¯s sparring partner seemed unfazed by all the running. There was no sweat on his brows, no sign of strain blemished his bored smirk. Newt watched him approach and kept thinking how punchable that arrogant face was.


    ¡°Watch out, Young Master,¡± Borhem shouted and thrust, lagging a full second behind Newt¡¯s attack.


    Newt¡¯s spear found the man¡¯s chest, but Borhem ignored the wound. In the slowed time, Newt saw no blood flowing out of the wound as Borhem further impaled himself on Newt¡¯s granite spear. Instead, the padded bag crawled towards Newt¡¯s nose, the youth powerless to stop it.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Damn, Newt thought as his nose crunched and as he flew back.


    Do I need to hit his head? Newt closed his eyes and reopened them a quarter of an hour later. Striking Borhem¡¯s head did not help.


    With the next idea in mind, Newt reappeared in a barren patch of his realm. He started erecting thick columns to hamper his heart demon.


    Ten minutes later, the trotting sparring partner appeared, jogging down hill towards Newt¡¯s training ground. The youth chose to fight without a weapon this time. He could snatch the spear and defeat Borhem unarmed.


    ¡°Watch out, Young Master,¡± Borhem shouted, surprising Newt. A column separated them and there was no way he could strike him. At least, that is what Newt believed.


    The spear bent, twisting around the column like a serpent. Despite Borhem lacking line of sight, the leather sack unerringly found Newt¡¯s nose. Time crawled, and curses swarmed Newt¡¯s lips as the padding smashed into his nose. The nose crunched, and Newt flew back, striking a thick column with the back of his head, and awakening yet again.


    He drew a deep breath. ¡°This is getting annoying.¡±


    He rubbed his nose despite himself, then stretched his arms upwards, popping his back.


    Should I defeat him at range? Shoot him with a sling or riddle him with javelins and be done with it?


    Newt decided to give it a try. He reappeared in his realm, erected a platform to stand on, and conjured two dozen javelins. He threw and tested them, recreating one as soon as he threw it. By the time Borhem appeared, Newt was certain he could hit him from a dozen yards away.


    The brawny man approached, and Newt tossed the javelin at his head, but his old sparring partner tilted to the side. Newt threw the next one at Borhem¡¯s stomach, the man tried to sidestep, but the projectile went through his flank, and straw fell out of the nasty gash.


    Newt watched in bewilderment when the dreaded cry came.


    ¡°Watch out, Young Master!¡±


    The training spear extended and smashed Newt square in the nose. He flew off the platform and smashed his head against the ground.


    He is a straw puppet? Newt thought in the dark mine, trying to understand the implication of his discovery. He failed.


    ¡°Is it because I thought he was a dummy?¡± he muttered, but that was the best he could come up with.


    Left without a choice, Newt tried again, this time armed with a crude sling. Stone after stone struck Borhem. Straw bled from his head and chest. By the time he reached Newt, the dummy lacked an arm, a head, and a portion of its torso. Still, a disembodied voice shouted, ¡°Watch out, Young Master,¡± and the puppet¡¯s spear unerringly found Newt¡¯s nose, sending him to the ground.


    It¡¯s not about Borhem at all, Newt realized his trauma came from the spear and from the shout. He never found the man behind the spear scary; the servant was merely uncouth and looked like a thug.


    Newt tapped the rock floor with his nail, thinking.


    I should try to break the spear.


    He reappeared in his realm, again within the forest, but the environment mattered little. The trees were gigantic, spaced so far from each other, the forest was hardly any different from an open field. Newt summoned his spear and inspected the weapon.


    This won¡¯t do. He frowned, staring at the spear¡¯s head. The weapon was made for piercing, not for slashing.


    Newt focused on the spear, and its shaft grew thicker, its head longer and wider. Within a minute, the elegant spear had become a massive glaive. It should have weighed at least twice as much as the spear, but in Newt¡¯s hand the weight remained ideal.


    He brandished it, slashing and stabbing at air several dozen times to confirm he could use it, then frowned in disappointment.


    I will need proper training with weapons in the real world. Any techniques I learn here will be useless outside.


    Borhem took half an hour before he found Newt. The always identical trot, which had annoyed Newt suddenly had a rational explanation, as did the smirk. The puppet was designed to draw attention from the real heart demon, to conceal it from Newt, and it had done a good job for a long while, giving Newt a harder time than the velociraptors.


    Once Borhem was a few dozen feet away, Newt dashed towards him.


    ¡°Watch out, Young Master,¡± the servant shouted, but Newt ignored it and struck. Newt¡¯s head magically turned towards the bag, almost making him miss. Almost.


    The granite blade struck the wooden shaft, and the wood snapped. In the slow flow of time, Newt watched the bag approach, heading straight for his nose. He clenched his teeth, waiting for the blow to come, thinking what he should do differently next time, when the broken training spear started flaking.


    A wave of dust struck Newt¡¯s face as he clenched his eyes shut. The blow never came. He was there, standing in the middle of his forest, the second heart demon defeated.


    Newt opened his eyes and smiled. The first thing to cross his mind was not relief, or thrill of victory. Instead, he felt silly it had taken him so long to realize what he needed to do. The moment passed, and he focused on the future.


    ¡°One more, then I can break the realm barrier and confront Uncle.¡±

 Chapter 17 - The Perfect Realm

    57th of Season of Fire, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Cultivators defined the Perfect Realm as one free of heart demons, cultivated exactly according to its master¡¯s wishes. Most cultivators ignored it, rushing forward, seeking power which comes with increased spiritual energy capacity, extended longevity, and refined physique.


    Newt¡¯s father, however, insisted on this perfection. ¡°One reaches further with perfect preparations, one builds a taller, sturdier building with stronger foundations.¡±


    Newt¡¯s uncle disagreed, his envy and fears accumulating until they severed his path to advancement. Any heart demons not resolved before advancing a realm would evolve, growing stronger, more cunning, and more malicious.


    For that reason, Newt spent hours exploring his realm, fixing any imperfections he found, searching for his final heart demon. At the edge of his realm, mere yards away from the barrier, he found it.


    Spotting the pit from uphill was impossible, but upon reaching the giant cavern, Newt found its entrance a replica of his ancestral home. The open gate was identical, as was everything beyond it, assuming everything in the real world was painted black.


    Newt passed an underground courtyard, lava burning in the lamps and providing illumination much like his home at night. Given the layout, Newt knew where his uncle would be.


    His footsteps echoed as he passed empty hallways and entered the grand audience chamber, in which Newt¡¯s uncle sat on an elevated throne. Newt focused on the carved seat and the armrests sculpted like twin salamanders, the fearsome spirit beasts glaring at the patriarch¡¯s supplicants.


    ¡°You cannot defeat me,¡± the voice said from atop the throne. ¡°Leave, expand our realm. I will not bother you.¡±


    ¡°You are a mere heart demon,¡± Newt said, looking up to meet his uncle¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°You are a mere waste. My brother¡¯s reverse scale,¡± the handsome man replied without skipping a beat. ¡°Yet here we are.¡±


    ¡°You are a delusion, a product of my mind.¡± Newt tried to remain calm, but his voice still trembled when he said the words.


    ¡°You are a disappointment, a product of my brother¡¯s loins. Leave.¡± The voice of Newt¡¯s uncle remained calm and cold, crushing the young man¡¯s will.


    They looked alike. Newt was a malnourished, dirty version of his uncle. Their features were almost identical, save for their eyes. Where Newt¡¯s were sapphire blue, his uncles were an orange-yellow, almost like a reptile¡¯s, a common feature of a clan whose ancestor integrated the legendary salamander¡¯s double cores.


    Newt looked up, his uncle looked down, and the youth bellowed in rage, summoning a granite glaive into his hand. The earth moved to obey, then stilled and went back into the ground.


    ¡°Leave,¡± the heart demon repeated, but the youth would have none of it.


    Furious, he charged up the five steps, unarmed, intending to bite his tormentor. The seated man waved his arm, slapping Newt with such force his head burst.


    The young man awoke in the mine, gasping.


    That was stupid beyond words.


    He closed his eyes and reappeared next to the blazing crater. He summoned a spear, transmuted his body into granite and headed to face his uncle again.


    ¡°You cannot defeat me,¡± the lord of the manor repeated the exact same words in the exact same tone. ¡°Leave, expand our realm. I will not bother you.¡±


    Newt did not argue with his heart demon. There was no need. The creation would lack intelligence until evolving at least once.


    Newt charged, stabbing with his glaive, and for the first time, the heart demon moved. It bent back, toppling the throne as Newt¡¯s spear whistled above its head. It kicked, its heavy foot smashing into Newt¡¯s abdomen.


    Newt flew backwards, surprised the blow had not disturbed his meditation. He crashed into the wall, sending chips flying, but before he could gather his bearings, the heart demon was upon him.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    A fire-coated fist smashed into his face. The Granite Crust remained undamaged, but the heat rushed into Newt¡¯s head, and he awoke in the mines, clutching his skull. The illusory burning persisted, and Newt screamed.


    What was that? He stood up, arms and legs shaking.


    Terrified, he grabbed his pickaxe and wandered down the tunnels until he reached an underground pond. He scooped up a handful of water, and looked at it and himself, taking a moment to collect himself and his thoughts.


    I will do this. He splashed his face, goosebumps forming from the sudden cold. Newt drank his fill and washed his face, still dealing with the trauma.


    With his face cold and wet, he finally calmed down and sat to meditate. He closed his eyes, and once in his realm, Newt summoned Magmin Scales and Granite Crust, the original skills, not his improvised versions, which he realized were less than perfect and less than ready for practical use.


    ¡°You cannot defeat me,¡± the heart demon began, but Newt did not listen.


    He charged up the steps, cleaving down with the glaive. The heart demon dodged to the side and the glaive struck the throne. It cut halfway through the seat before it got stuck, exposing Newt¡¯s flank to his heart demon¡¯s attack.


    The heart demon struck with flaming fists three times in quick succession before Newt swept his arm at its face. The demon dodged backwards, once more using the opening and kicking Newt into the wall.


    The youth fell, and the heart demon straddled him, landing blow after flaming blow until it overcame Newt¡¯s defense and burned his head again.


    Newt hissed, rather than screamed. The pain was almost unbearable enough for him to lose his day¡¯s meal.


    I don¡¯t have food to waste. He clenched his teeth and breathed until he recovered.


    Newt tried again and again. He was getting better, but no matter how his proficiency increased, his uncle always overpowered him.


    He was already tired, he had been struggling for hours, and it was time to stop. He went back up, taking a spirit gem, and bringing it over to the guards.


    ¡°Meat tomorrow,¡± he said, and got no response.


    Newt retreated to the safety of the darkness, where he crumpled on the hard ground and went to sleep. He was out cold as soon as he hit the floor, the day¡¯s violence and battles haunting him even in his dreams.


    Newt awoke hours later. He rested so little, a part of him wanted to roll over and go back to sleep. But bright futures were built through hard work, and Newt wanted his brilliant.


    He drove away the lingering drowsiness and started testing the last thing he thought of last night. Newt tried moving, punching, and jumping the way he did in his realm and swiftly confirmed his guess, physical feats his avatar could perform within his realm did not translate automatically to the real world. Meaning, his realm was a poor place to practice spear and unarmed combat techniques, and doing so would only waste his time.


    Then he moved on to the second part of his test. Newt poured fire-aligned spiritual energy from his realm into the body. He willed it into making Magmin Scales, which formed perfectly. He found Granite Crust just as responsive, despite almost never using it outside his realm.


    The youth smiled and reinforced the rest of his body before slamming a fist into the wall. Sparks and bits of granite flew, but Newt felt no discomfort, like striking a mattress or a straw dummy.


    Alright, so fighting uncle brings me no benefits in the real world. I¡¯m not learning martial arts, and there¡¯s no need to practice spiritual techniques mid combat, since my real body will behave differently under the same circumstances.


    That being the case, Newt entered his realm, and created four javelins before heading out to his heart demon¡¯s palace.


    ¡°You cannot defeat me,¡± the heart demon started and swatted a javelin. It stared at Newt for a moment. ¡°Leave.¡±


    Newt considered throwing another javelin, but walked up towards the heart demon instead. When he was two steps away, the heart demon stood, ready for battle. Newt hesitated, gripping the spear, but no matter how he thought about it, he stood no chance when both he and his uncle had unlimited spiritual energy and his uncle¡¯s fists ignored the hardness of Newt¡¯s skin.


    ¡°I cannot defeat you,¡± Newt said, feeling stupid at what he was doing. ¡°But my Father can.¡±


    Newt looked behind the heart demon¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Dad, get him!¡±


    The heart demon turned around, panic clear in its face, and a javelin pierced his lower back, digging up towards his heart.


    Newt watched the heart demon collapse, a black rod sticking out of it for a heartbeat, before the shadow of Newt¡¯s uncle dissolved into nothingness.


    Newt felt empty. Slaying a ghost of his uncle did not help solve the real problem waiting outside the mine, nor resolve his conflicted feelings.


    ¡°You would have made an excellent sparring partner if the skills I gained fighting you persisted outside my realm. But as things are, you were merely an obstacle. Just like the original.¡±


    Newt stared at the ground for a while, then willed the cave to collapse as he left it. The next item on his agenda was fixing the imperfections he had made in his experimentation and fights against his heart demons.


    Newt spent days combing the entire realm, erecting new Magmin Pines, and reshaping the lava streams to incorporate fire glyphs. Eventually, seventy days later, he was ready.


    Newt¡¯s father described the process as a violent push to shatter the realm barrier, but Newt found it completely different. His own realm had swelled to the brink of destroying the boundaries all on its own.


    He had struggled to suppress his realm to give himself enough time to finish cultivating it. So, when the final lava glyph came into place, Newt released the floodgates, and the realm barrier shattered all on its own.

 Chapter 18 - Difficult Choices

    43rd of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Spiritual energy gushed out of Newt¡¯s twin spirit roots, flooding his body, reinforcing and nourishing it. He was still scrawny, ten weeks of slightly better diet barely keeping up with the increased physical activity from exercises and mining spirit gems.


    In two and a half months, Newt had mined a wealth of spirit gems, enough to see him through two to three layers if he drew all their energy. The problem was, he did not know how to proceed. He could enter Magmin¡¯s realm, but the serpent would be at the second realm, likely with wings and new supernatural abilities. Its heart demons would be stronger, and even Magmin itself might be hostile.


    On the other hand, whatever skills Magmin knew would prove useful to Newt, assuming the serpent agreed to teach him. But even if it did not, the layout of the realm itself might inspire Newt to cultivate his own. Thus far, his abilities were leaning towards melee, primarily defense, so whatever offensive options Magmin had learned would be a great addition to Newt¡¯s arsenal.


    Alternatively, he could consume the spirit gems, advance by a couple of layers, leave the mine, and try to fight his uncle with nothing but defensive techniques. The Blazing Salamander clan had its own heritage. A store of martial arts, spiritual techniques, and cultivation insights amassed by the generations of patriarchs and clan elders.


    Indecisive, Newt closed his eyes and went to check the first layer of his second realm, or his eleventh realm. Like with the layers of his first realm, there was no tangible border, no visible divide to tell Newt where the new layer began. The only indicator was the shift from a sparse grove of Magmin Pines to a bare wasteland of rock and lava.


    I have a bunch of empty space, but it won¡¯t stabilize until I complete the layer. What do I do with it? Should I keep reinforcing earth and fire glyphs? Should I focus on one element?


    Newt had options, peace, and a realm to explore, but lacked the courage and most importantly, he lacked information. Magmin¡¯s realm was far from safe even the first time he accidentally entered it. And the same creature¡¯s realm, but more advanced would definitely kill him. Newt was certain an evolved pterodactylus awaited him, and he did not want to face the monster without adequate weapons.


    That left him with one choice only. Newt sighed. He would first have to confront his uncle, learn some of his clan¡¯s skills, and arm himself before he went to explore Magmin¡¯s second realm.


    But reaching that one decision merely resulted in more choices he had to make. How strong would he have to be to confront his uncle? Magmin?


    For Magmin, Newt guessed the peak of his realm and he would have to hope he was strong enough. For his uncle, though¡­ Newt considered the question, and a part of him was certain he could defeat him now. Newt thought his uncle a treacherous weakling, a stain on the face of the cultivating population, cunning without strength, but he knew that was not entirely true.


    Even a middling first realm cultivator could crush normal people, not to mention a peak second realm one, but Newt¡¯s father warned him not to rely on his realm too much. Without proper cultivation, proficiency, and techniques, one¡¯s realm was hollow.


    Damn, Newt struck the tunnel wall with his fist, his skin turning granite just in time to protect him. He smiled, looking at his darkened fist, seeing only the spiritual energy outline with his third eye. The weeks of training and exercise were paying dividends.


    I should increase my realm as much as I can before I confront Uncle.


    Newt hated staying in the mines any longer, but he was not comfortable with his spiritual energy capacity. Three layers, plus the increased efficiency and effect of his techniques should put him on equal footing with his uncle in terms of the amount of spiritual energy they had at their disposal.


    As for the techniques and skills, Newt was certain he was superior, since his uncle was never into training and cultivation.


    It won¡¯t take more than a day or two. Endure. He sighed and went over to his cache of spirit gems.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Two days passed.


    What do I do with the guards? Should I kill them? Newt considered while climbing up the tunnel, but it did not sit right. They were rude, they laughed at him, but they never hurt him, they did not spit into his food or worse. They were just ordinary people, surviving in a world ruled by cultivators and infested by spirit beasts. Besides, the thought of murder scared him.


    His steps faltered. The guards and the locked door were beyond the next bend, but he still had not decided their fate.


    Father said fighting mortal men was demeaning and beneath a righteous cultivator, unless you were executing them for criminal behavior.


    Newt wondered whether that belief was why other cultivators underestimated his family and treated them the way they did. Why mortals dared act brazenly. Salamander was a mythical beast which absorbed fire. A peaceful existence, which lashed out only when provoked.


    Newt mulled over that thought. He considered what had happened to his father and mother, what had happened to him, and he realized he was thoroughly provoked. His attitude may have been horrible, but his father¡¯s and mother¡¯s were not. If what had happened was karma, it should have struck him, and him alone. Not his parents.


    Without realizing it, the youth smoldered. Literally. Air shimmered around his skin as he reached for the old iron gate.


    ¡°Hey,¡± the guard yelled, but Newt ignored him and grabbed the portcullis. Rust smoldered beneath his fingers, earth-aligned spiritual energy made his palm and muscles as tough as granite, and Newt yanked the door of his prison.


    The mine entrance was weaker than it appeared. It was grand once, but long centuries had weakened both the iron gate and its wooden frame. The iron squealed, the frame burst, releasing a cloud of wooden dust, and Newt tossed the barred door over his head and into the darkness.


    Iron clattered against rock, sending a shower of sparks, terrifying the prison guards. A strong man could have achieved the same feat, but seeing a naked, starved youth do it with one hand toppled the two guards off their chairs.


    Newt glanced at them, and focused on the slimmer, smaller guard.


    ¡°Your pants,¡± he said, his voice lacking emotion, despite Newt still thinking that maybe he should slaughter the guards. Yet, as he looked at the pathetic wretches, he knew he would spare them. Killing them would taint him.


    The slim guard¡¯s hands shook as he took his pants off and offered them to Newt. Newt¡¯s father¡¯s teachings won against his rage. He put the pants on and left, sparing the mortal men.


    The sun was dazzling, and Newt closed his eyes. Instead of black, he saw a vague gray world and rough outlines of nearby objects, much like he did in the mine. For the first time in years, he drew a breath of fresh air, then another.


    He stood there, thinking.


    Should I confront my uncle, or should I just leave? A tiny worm gnawed at him, making him wonder whether he was powerful enough to defeat his uncle.


    No weak thoughts. I am done with being weak, and I will stride forward. Newt clenched his jaw and continued down the path. Doubting himself too long might birth a heart demon. He had defeated one version of his uncle, he did not need to create a third.


    Newt strode down the mountainside, earth covered the bones made of igneous rock and short pines grew along the path towards the clan¡¯s village-sized estate. Newt turned around a bend, and the horizon opened before him.


    The endless plains stretched down, five thousand feet below. In the distance, another mountain emerged from the ground, shrouded in mists. He watched the towns and villages between the two, before finally forcing himself to look to his right. The clanhold, surrounded by a seven-foot-tall black granite wall, with carefully constructed buildings of white-veined red stone and well maintained gardens, should have stood there.


    It did not.


    Newt¡¯s heart clenched. The bastion of his childhood only existed in his memories. The ancient buildings and halls were painted white, as were the walls, matching mortal sensibilities. Bright flowers replaced the topiary shrubs and flowery vines strangled the once carefully trimmed trees.


    What was once an imposing home of warriors had degraded to something lesser, more comfortable. The sight disgusted Newt. His skin crawled and he could feel flames trying to escape him.


    What have you done with our home?


    Newt almost bellowed in rage. Almost. With a deep breath, the fire subsided, the rage was there, but bottled up, like magma in a volcano, waiting to erupt. Newt shifted his attention and realized the spiritual aura of their ancestral home and the mountain itself was considerably thinner than the mine he was in just a short while ago.


    He did not think twice about the matter, the mountain itself was an ancient, fossilized corpse of a majestic spirit beast. Even if eons had passed since its demise, the energy within would still be more concentrated than around its grave.


    Newt waited another minute to calm down, then continued his descent. The clanhold, or whatever the clan changed the complex¡¯s name to, awaited. As did his uncle.


    The time for punishment had come.

 Chapter 19 - Decadent Traitor

    46th of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt stopped before the closed gate, wondering why his clan had allowed vines to smother and conceal the fearsome ancestral guardian statues which flanked the main gate. They spat on thousands of years of tradition for the sake of greenery blooming with white and purple flowers.


    Nobody had noticed him yet, which was even more unacceptable. The security his father insisted on had grown so lax, he reached the gate without being challenged. He examined the once black walls painted white from up close and felt his stomach churn. Based on everything he could see, Newt concluded his uncle was trying to undo the family history and spit on their ancestor.


    The most terrifying thing was, a part of him understood. Newt had grown up hearing the stories of how his clan had grown weaker and weaker, smaller and smaller, until they were reduced to their current state. Not a regional giant amongst cultivators, but a local power among mortals, slightly better than wealthy landowners.


    Newt could have understood his uncle if he had destroyed the tradition to remake it, to try to ascend. But that is not what he saw.


    Newt looked at the massive wooden gate, about to knock, when he pushed it open instead. He was not there to act civil, he was there to wreak havoc. The gate swung open, followed by two startled cries as wood smacked the bored guards..


    ¡°Who goes there?¡± they shouted, but Newt stepped in without answering them.


    The men scrambled to block Newt¡¯s path and pointed their spears towards him.


    ¡°Stop,¡± the older guard, whom Newt recognized, shouted, his face red with embarrassment and anger. Then he recognized the scrawny youth before him.


    ¡°Young Master?¡± the guard choked a sob, tears trying to escape his wet eyes as he lowered his weapon.


    The younger guard seemed confused, but followed his senior and withdrew his spear.


    Newt found himself embarrassed. He wanted to say something to the old guard, but he had no idea what the mature man¡¯s name was. He probably caught his name at some point, but when he was the Young Master, common guards were beneath Newt¡¯s notice.


    ¡°It is I¡­ Good Sir,¡± Newt added after thinking how to address the guard. When he was a child, his father had taught him that ¡®Good Sir¡¯ was a great way to address someone beneath him, who seemed honorable and respectful.


    I wonder why I found it so difficult and beneath me to show these people basic respect and courtesy before spending three years in a mine? It was a shameful fault, one which Newt would correct.


    ¡°Thank the heavens you are all right!¡± Newt¡¯s cheeks burned with shame when he heard the joy and relief in the guard¡¯s voice. ¡°Your uncle is destroying everything. He is selling your family¡¯s reserve of spirit gems to pay for feasts and banquets, he has added nineteen young women to his harem in less than three years, hosting opulent weddings¡­¡±


    The guard kept talking, and Newt could not help but wonder why a common guard would care. He took a moment to realize why the man was so devastated by what had happened. Some of the servants and guards come from branch families, descendants of those who lacked the talent or drive for cultivation. Or, more recently, the descendants of those the clan could not afford to raise as cultivators. The guard was probably Newt¡¯s distant cousin, crying over the state of his ancestral home.


    ¡°What is your name, Good Sir?¡± Newt finally mustered his courage to ask.


    ¡°Blackstone, Young Master,¡± Blackstone said, not sounding the least bit offended because his young master did not know his name.


    ¡°Blackstone, what of the elders?¡±


    ¡°The new patriarch imprisoned the two who disagreed with his¡­ design.¡± Blackstone spat the word. ¡°The rest supported him. The clan lacked resources to purchase adequate spirit beast cores for their descendants to awaken spirit roots. Since their cultivation had reached a bottleneck, and their descendants were mortal, they agreed to sell everything relating to cultivation and become a mortal lineage.¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°That is madness,¡± Newt muttered, and Blackstone nodded.


    ¡°They don¡¯t think so,¡± Blackstone said. ¡°The mine is depleted, there is no need to stay strong to resist sects and other families, because we have nothing of interest. If anyone comes asking for our ancestral techniques, the elders have agreed to hand them over without resistance.¡±


    Newt was sixteen, yet he nearly suffered a heart attack when he heard what level of sacrilege the family had stooped down to.


    ¡°They would hand out ancestral teachings to anyone who asked?¡± he stuttered, struggling to control his rage, yet the air around his skin still started simmering as faint red scales covered his body.


    Blackstone was nodding when he noticed the phenomenon.


    ¡°Young Master, you¡ª¡± he started, and his younger colleague withdrew a step.


    ¡°Where is my uncle, and where are these heretical elders?¡±


    Blackstone gulped. ¡°They are in their residences.¡±


    Newt nodded, and stormed off towards the main mansion, the patriarch¡¯s family¡¯s residence. Servants ran when they saw him, hoping to escape getting caught in the carnage they expected. Newt paid them no mind and slammed the door open.


    Three young women, barely a year or two his senior, looked at him.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± One of them asked, rising from the table where they shared tea and gossip.


    Newt ignored her and headed to the audience hall.


    ¡°I am speaking to you, peasant!¡± the woman shouted, and the familiar, haughty tone he once used stung Newt like a slap, but he had more important matters to handle than a single shrew.


    The audience hall¡¯s door slammed open, revealing an empty chamber. Thankfully, the chamber walls were not painted over, still covered in intricate paintings depicting their founding ancestors¡¯ majestic feats.


    ¡°Guards, a thug has entered the premises!¡± the shrew shouted, running behind Newt, and the young man could finally endure no more.


    He controlled his strength, but a mere slap still sent her flying, blood oozing out of her mouth. The young woman was out cold on the floor, her cheek swelling. For a second, Newt was worried he had killed her and heaved a relieved sigh when he saw her chest moving.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±


    Newt caught a drunken slur and the hair at the back of his neck bristled. He spun around, his heart pounding. There he was. Newt¡¯s uncle was a handsome man, no different from his heart demon. He appeared less than thirty years old, his robe was crooked, revealing a bare breast, firm, but free of muscle, hinting at a body of someone who never had to work nor fight his entire life.


    ¡°You!¡± Newt¡¯s uncle shouted, the drunken haze retreating, but not leaving him completely.


    Newt did not care about his uncle¡¯s circumstances. They were in the same realm, and his uncle was a genuine threat, not a heart demon. One wrong move, and he would pay with a limb, or with his life.


    Newt charged. He had no weapons, but neither did his uncle. He lacked techniques, but his uncle had obviously neglected his training for a very long time. In Newt¡¯s mind, they were equally matched. And in an equal match, initiative and attitude mattered the most.


    Red spectral scales covered Newt¡¯s skin, and rough rock, just as immaterial covered the scales a moment later. Meanwhile, his uncle stared at him. The speed at which Newt moved, the distance he covered in every bound were clearly beyond normal humans. Which left one logical conclusion; the boy was a cultivator.


    Unaccustomed to battle, Newt¡¯s uncle focused on the less important matter. Instead of focusing on his enemy, he tried to make sense of what he was seeing. To awaken a spirit root, one needed to absorb and refine the core of a spirit beast. But where could Newt find something like that in the darkness of the abandoned and thoroughly explored mine?


    The erratic train of thought came to a crashing end as Newt¡¯s fist connected with his uncle¡¯s chest. Newt paused, watching the drunkard fly across the room and strike the far wall without offering any resistance.


    His heart demon would have struck him dead twice over. He was prepared to dodge to the side, the blow being merely a feint, but when his uncle failed to move, when Newt¡¯s third eye failed to register a stir of spiritual energy moving through his enemy¡¯s body, Newt added force to his feint and committed, despite believing it a trap of some sort.


    Newt¡¯s uncle smashed into the wall with a boom, blood spraying from his mouth, and he fell down, unconscious. Newt stood there, his fists clenched, heaving for breath, as he realized he did not want for the events to unfold the way they did.


    He wanted his uncle to fight him, for him to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat by a hair¡¯s width, he wanted¡­ Something. Anything. He did not want to strike his uncle and accidentally kill him in one blow while the man struggled to come to terms with what was happening before him.


    Wait. Did I really kill him?


    Newt suddenly felt sick. He wanted to defeat his uncle and have him face justice for what he had done. He did not want to kill the man without hearing what he had to say, without knowing why he had betrayed his father and their ancestors.


    Struggling for breath, Newt sprinted towards the crumpled shell of a man.

 Chapter 20 - The Clan

    46th of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt¡¯s whole body shuddered, his gaze glued to the blood pooling on the floor. Huddled against the mine¡¯s rough rocks, he had dreamed about it hundreds of times; about killing his uncle, about executing the traitor, but he did not really mean to do it.


    ¡°It was an accident.¡± His chin wobbled as tears ran down his cheeks. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to kill him.¡±


    The two terrified women were the only witnesses, hugging each other, holding on to their dear life. They saw him blur across the room and punch their husband with enough force for his chest to cave in.


    Victor¡¯s strength once terrified them. Their husband could lift both of them and the heavy wooden bench they sat on with a hand behind his back, yet a scrawny youth ended him with a fist.


    Newt heard a commotion outside and looked away from the women. Familiar voices shouted, people ran, cloth rustled. Someone was coming. Newt turned around in time to see Elder Brave, a man seemingly in his sixties, with a head of gray hair, a long white beard, and the typical yellow-orange eyes of the Blazing Salamander clan. Five other elders followed, all cultivators at the second realm.


    Newt wiped his tears and snot with the back of his hand, facing the men. They had betrayed him. They had betrayed his father, their family tradition. A part of him wanted to scream at them, to hit them, but another part was like rocks chaining and dragging him under the water, into the depths.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to,¡± the addled youth said. ¡°He had enough time to summon defenses, to counter. He was¡­ He was so weak.¡±


    The elders looked at the blathering young man, then at the broken body on the ground.


    ¡°Newstar,¡± Elder Brave, the oldest of the gathered elders, said, his eye twitching almost imperceptibly. ¡°What happened? How did you awaken your spirit root?¡±


    Newt struggled to understand the question. They had more pressing matters to address. A man was dead, lying on the floor like a sack of flesh and bones, the clan¡¯s former patriarch, but the grand-uncle of the deceased asked such a nonsensical question.


    ¡°He is dead,¡± Newt pointed at the body, but all eyes remained locked on him. Apparently, a dead man could wait, but curiosity could not.


    ¡°I stumbled across a spirit beast¡¯s corpse deep in the mine and refined its core. The bones crumbled to dust after that,¡± he added the latter part for good measure in case anyone went down to check.


    The six men looked at him with disappointment, but after processing the information, one of them turned to rage.


    ¡°And you consumed spirit gems until you reached the peak of the second realm! Do you have any idea how much money that is?¡±


    Newt stared dumbfounded.


    ¡°Easy, Rocky,¡± Elder Brave raised his hand, blocking the slightly younger man. ¡°He mined them himself, he had the right to spend them whichever way he wanted.¡±


    What?


    Newt¡¯s mind reeled. The spirit gems he consumed mattered more than the death of the patriarch? Rage replaced Newt¡¯s grief. Had his disgusting clan really stooped so low that they value a sack of gems more than a clansman¡¯s life? Patriarch¡¯s?


    ¡°Where are elders Stronggrow and Marrow?¡± Newt asked, and elders Brave and Millstone had the decency to lower their gazes in shame. The other four did not.


    ¡°Patriarch imprisoned them for subversive behavior.¡±


    ¡°The patriarch is dead.¡± Newt¡¯s rage incinerated the nausea, which paralyzed him mere moments ago. ¡°By right of succession, I am the new patriarch. Go release them.¡±


    ¡°You are just a whelp,¡± Elder Rocky shouted, and Newt sprang into motion.


    He ran for the man who looked like he was in his mid fifties, when in fact he was over two hundred years old. Unlike Victor, Rocky did not stand idly. Flames gathered on his fist, and seeing them, Newt changed his original plan.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    At first he wished to slap the man, but he should give the elders a demonstration. Magmin Scales and Granite Crust covered Newt¡¯s skin. Spiritual energy reinforced his body, and fist met fist.


    Newt shrugged off the flames, which stormed up his arm like a tidal wave. Bones cracked and Elder Rocky howled in pain as his bare fist broke against the Newt¡¯s granite defense. Newt canceled Granite Crust, but kept himself clad in Magmin Scales, and the elder¡¯s cry was cut short as Newt slapped the wailing man.


    The retaliatory flames burst off elder Rocky¡¯s skin, but Newt remained unfazed, glad he had kept his defense active. Already out of balance, the elder fell down to his butt.


    ¡°I said, go release them. Now!¡±


    Elder Rocky scrambled onto his feet and ran towards the back of the compound while cradling his hand as the other elders watched in stunned silence.


    ¡°Newstar,¡± Elder Brave said, ¡°when did you grow so strong?¡±


    Newt snorted. ¡°I¡¯m not strong, my father was strong. You are weak.¡±


    Suddenly recalling his father, Newt grit his teeth. ¡°You will explain what has happened to my mother and father. What have you done with them? Where are they?¡±


    ¡°Newstar,¡± Elder Brave started, then cleared his throat. ¡°Patriarch, I believe you should sit down.¡±


    What followed were uncomfortable minutes spent explaining what had happened with the clan after Newt was thrown into the mine. Naturally, everything was Victor¡¯s fault, and he had forced the rest of the elders to follow him.


    ¡°Uncle sold my father as a slave gladiator? He sold my mother to a different slaver¡ª¡±


    ¡°With a contract stipulating they cannot be ordered to do anything which would harm their dignity.¡±


    Newt ignored Elder Brave¡¯s excuse. Was it not beneath his parent¡¯s dignity to entertain others? To be slaves?


    ¡°My mother will act as a singer and a musician for wealthy cultivators and sects. And you spent that money on decorations and on your lavish lifestyle over the years.¡± Newt¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°Is that correct?¡±


    ¡°Most of the funds we spent to purchase cultivation-suppressing shackles for Stronggrow and Marrow and to organize the patriarch¡¯s weddings. The rest we used to renovate the estate and to start a lumber business at the foothills¡­¡±


    Suddenly, Newt felt a whole lot less guilty about killing his uncle, and considered ending the old farts wasting air before him. The only two elders worth something were the ones imprisoned, charged with maintaining discipline and training the clan¡¯s youths. But, since the clan lacked funds to purchase spirit beast cores, imprisoning the elders whose job was to raise young talents was hardly a loss. Doubly so for the elder charged with keeping them in check.


    While the convoluted logic made sense, it also made Newt sick. The clan did not need the men who oversaw youths because they would no longer produce youths worth overseeing. And with all the influx of funds, they had more than enough resources to purchase spirit beast cores.


    ¡°Stronggrow was Uncle¡¯s teacher. And Uncle dared lock him up?¡±


    ¡°Elder Stronggrow has raised many disciples, your father included, but he disagreed with what had happened, and insisted we should reinstate the old patriarch.¡±


    A sensible man, as far as Newt was concerned.


    Newt gazed into the distance in silence, seeing nothing, saying nothing. He was trying to think of a solution when he recalled he still had allies outside the clan.


    ¡°What of Jasmine?¡±


    ¡°Your fiancee¡¯s father broke the engagement as soon as your uncle imprisoned you.¡± Despite expecting it, the news struck Newt like a hammer. ¡°She is now betrothed with the Black Fist sect¡¯s seventh young master. Some rumors say they kidnapped her, but her father claims his daughter acted on her own will and joined the sect as a disciple.¡±


    Newt closed his eyes, recalling his only childhood friend, the daughter of the wealthiest mortal clan in the plains. She was kind and beautiful and made him laugh with her mischievous comments. Newt¡¯s father had noticed his infatuation and arranged the engagement despite her common origin, partly because Jasmine¡¯s father promised to acquire a spirit beast¡¯s core for her to awaken her spirit root. Her family had saved for a long time to afford such a unique chance and get up in the world.


    ¡°They must have forced Jasmine into it,¡± Newt whispered after collecting his thoughts. He opened his eyes and examined Elder Brave¡¯s nervous face. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°If Patriarch knows of a spirit gem node, he should reveal it to the rest of the clan,¡± the elder said. ¡°It is your duty to the clan to share the information. With enough resources, we can raise a younger generation¡ª¡±


    ¡°You dare!¡± a powerful voice boomed in the hall. ¡°You dare speak of resources for training the younger generation! You dare seek alms from a child not a tenth of your age!¡±


    A muscular old man, seemingly past eighty, entered the hall, his face red with rage. His chin trembled as his gaze passed the bloodstain on the floor, then he almost burst into tears when he laid eyes on Newt.


    He bit his lip and went down on one knee. ¡°I have failed you, Newstar. I have failed your father, and I have failed our ancestors. As a teacher, my role is to guide, and yet they went astray.¡±


    ¡°Grand-uncle Stronggrow,¡± Newt lacked the old man¡¯s restraint and cried as he bowed to his teacher. Elder Stronggrow may not have been from the main lineage, but three hundred years ago, the family still had enough resources to provide spirit beast cores to all children with a sharp mind and a good heart.


    ¡°Poor child,¡± a man who appeared to be in his late forties went to one knee behind his teacher. ¡°Forgive me. Like Uncle Stronggrow, I too have failed you.¡±


    The silence was awkward, broken only by the sounds of tears hitting the stone floor, Newt¡¯s and his two elders¡¯.

 Chapter 21 - Blazing Salamander Ancestral Techniques

    46th of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    While three men wept, six others stared without saying a word. Two of them had the decency to look away in shame, but the rest were just waiting for the sappy reunion to finish so they could pursue their own agendas.


    ¡°Teacher, I¡­¡± Newt hesitated through tears. ¡°I killed him. I swear it was an accident, but I¡ª¡±


    ¡°You did good, Newstar, all of this is your uncle¡¯s fault.¡± Elder Stronggrow¡¯s face was wrinkled, his yellow eyes shining with wisdom of his old age. He opened his mouth to speak further, but Elder Brave spoke first.


    ¡°Elder Stronggrow, Newstar has found a source of spirit gems in the mines. According to clan rules¡ª¡±


    ¡°According to clan rules, you have robbed him,¡± Elder Marrow growled the words, interrupting his senior.


    Elder Marrow¡¯s hair was a deep red, his eyes yellow, and his body firm and muscular. He was Newt¡¯s father¡¯s cousin, and the most upright man in the clan. His intense glare still terrified Newt, even though the young man sensed his senior¡¯s approval and support.


    ¡°You have taken the spirit gems reserved for improving his cultivation,¡± Elder Marrow continued in an overbearing tone. ¡°You almost robbed the clan of a genius who managed to awaken his own spirit root, and you even dare demand a portion of the spirit gems he mined himself? What are you going to do with them?¡±


    ¡°Everything we do is for the good of the clan,¡± Elder Rocky protested, but lost his words when Marrow focused his glare on him.


    ¡°Everything you rotten scum do is to line your own pockets. You¡ª¡±


    ¡°Marrow,¡± Elder Stronggrow interrupted the verbal chastising, ¡°every insult you throw at them insults both you and me. I taught half of them, my teacher the other half. You enforced discipline, your father enforced it before you took up his mantle. Their failures are our own.¡±


    Newt wanted to say that was not true. Simply educating a rotten man cannot make him better, it makes him devious, while enforcing the rules with punishments will just mask their true nature until the gain is worth the risk.


    The youth had considered the matter during his three years in the mines. What had gone wrong with his uncle and the elders was something which runs deeper, a character flaw beyond his understanding. Something he was too young, too inexperienced to pinpoint.


    A heavy silence suffocated the room until Elder Stronggrow broke it. ¡°You have done well, despite the setbacks you have suffered, Newstar. I can only hope you have properly cultivated your first realm based on what we once discussed. I will help you establish your second realm properly.¡±


    The elder was worried, Newt had overpowering his uncle, who was in the same realm as the youth, which meant he had probably sacrificed some of his first realm for power, rather than dedicating it all to growth.


    Newt, on the other hand, did not want Elder Stronggrow¡¯s help with cultivation. Magmin¡¯s cultivation techniques and powers seemed superior to anything his clan had practiced. However, he would need something with which he could challenge Magmin¡¯s secret realm and discover what was the second step the serpent had taken in its long evolution to become a dragon.


    ¡°Thank you, Elder Stronggrow,¡± Newt bowed once more. ¡°I would like to see the clan¡¯s secret techniques and martial arts, if you don¡¯t mind guiding me.¡±


    Newt saw Elder Brave¡¯s mouth twitch as the man wanted to ask about the spirit gems one more time, but he wisely kept his mouth shut under Elder Marrow¡¯s glare.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Elder Stronggrow said. ¡°Follow me, Patriarch.¡±


    The old man left the building with Newt in tow, heading for a small structure next to the hall in which Newt had defeated his uncle.


    Elder Stronggrow stopped at the threshold, drawing a deep breath and smiling. Newt smelled the air, but failed to smell anything out of the ordinary.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    They had entered a library of carved stone plates, eternal books explaining techniques invented by geniuses of previous generations. Newt counted fifteen large stone steles and guessed each of them represented a single technique. Sure enough, as he scanned the titles, he found the one used by Elder Rocky, Flaming Fist, but the title was odd.


    ¡°Why is the technique called Flaming Fist II?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s suitable for those in the second realm. Your father had learned Flaming Fist III, and there¡¯s even Flaming Fist IV,¡± Elder Stronggrow pointed towards another tablet before continuing. ¡°Ancestor Blazing Salamander was at the seventh realm, his most talented son merely reaching the sixth. Seeing the decline of his lineage, he simplified his own techniques down to the fifth realm, and other ancestors made even simpler versions we use today.¡±


    ¡°Can I see the original techniques?¡± Newt asked, and the old man nodded.


    ¡°Naturally, you are our clan¡¯s patriarch. Follow me.¡±


    Newt went up the stairs and entered a shrine. At least he thought the chamber was a shrine at first glance. Inside, he found sixteen jade slips instead of massive stone tablets. The slips were white like ivory, resting on red silks, and covered in glass cases to stave off dust and unworthy hands.


    ¡°This is our family¡¯s greatest treasure. The slips can only be accessed by those of appropriate realm, and they must be of Ancestor Blazing Salamander¡¯s bloodline. The ancient texts claim that the jade slips will recognize the user even if they only have a drop of our ancestor¡¯s blood.¡±


    Awestruck, Newt gaped at his clan¡¯s legacy, his mouth mouthing a silent ¡®wow¡¯. It took him a moment to recognize an inconsistency.


    ¡°There should be fifteen slips here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, the sixteenth is a message Ancestor left for the one who reaches the peak of the seventh realm.¡±


    Newt moved his mouth to ask a question, but Stronggrow answered before his student could voice it.


    ¡°There are no records of the message¡¯s content, other than the requirements for reading it. There were many who speculated on the nature of the message, from mere congratulation on reaching the same level as the ancestor, to revelations about world destroying techniques. The latter is obviously nonsense. Ancestor was merely the seventh of ten realms. Compared to us, he was a giant, but compared to those at the tenth realm, he was probably an ant. The odds of him knowing a world-shattering secret which nobody else has figured out since are next to none.¡±


    Newt respectfully listened and nodded. Elder Stronggrow¡¯s logic made sense, but he also did not believe someone who had reached his ancestor¡¯s advanced age would have left a mere congratulatory message.


    ¡°Could you show me the second realm techniques?¡±


    ¡°Certainly, Patriarch.¡± Elder Strongbow went to the center of the room and bowed to the slips before heading back down.


    Newt was confused, then rushed to repeat the gesture and honor his esteemed ancestor¡¯s work.


    He rushed down the stairs, and Elder Stronggrow pointed at the first tablet to the right.


    ¡°This tablet contains details about Fire Burst, a movement technique which creates controlled explosions beneath your feet and propels you forward.¡±


    Newt nodded and inspected the technique. It was complicated and seemed dangerous to him. As he read on, he found cautionary messages about the technique backfiring and exploding towards the user¡¯s foot rather than away from it, as well as several other common mistakes which may occur while mastering the technique. Based on the level of detail, someone had described firsthand experiences.


    The next one was Firewall, Newt thought it was similar to Magmin scales, but upon reading it, the technique offered no defense, its nature purely retaliatory. It was the technique Elder Rocky used against him and came with its own, rather long, set of warnings, including ones about burning yourself instead of the enemy during training, as well as that the proper use would require years of disciplined training.


    Next was Flashfire, the first harmless technique Newt had found. The technique granted the cultivator the ability to create a flash of extremely bright flames atop their hand and blind or confuse their enemy.


    The cautionary text was short compared to the others, warning the user not to look at their palm, and if possible to point it towards the enemy after warning any allies.


    Flaming Fist was the fourth technique, and its list of warnings was almost as long as Fire Burst. Once mastered, it was a weaker version of Magmin Flame, but once mastered, the user would not burn themselves, instead projecting the flames away from themselves at all times. Unfortunately, for the technique to be useful, the cultivator needed to physically strike their opponent.


    ¡°Can Flaming Fist send jets of flame?¡± Newt asked, somewhat underwhelmed by his family¡¯s secret techniques.


    ¡°Yes, Patriarch. However, the ranged technique is a part of Flaming Fist III. Cultivators cannot project spiritual energy far from their bodies at the second realm. At the third realm, the flame will travel about three to five feet, maintaining the shape of a growing fist. The closer the target, the greater the damage, because the area of effect widens while the power remains the same.¡±


    Newt nodded and decided to try to alter Magmin Flame by merging the two techniques.


    Finally, the last tablet revealed a horrible healing technique called Cauterize Wounds. Through the use of spiritual energy, the cultivator could sear their own flesh and blood vessels, stopping bleeding.


    The ability was horrible and masochistic. Newt hoped he would never have to use it.

 Chapter 22 - Meditation and Comprehension

    46th of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Teacher, there is something I wish to ask of you,¡± Newt lowered his gaze, his heart beating in his throat.


    ¡°What is it, Newstar? How can I help?¡± Elder Stronggrow offered an encouraging smile, motioning Newt to continue.


    ¡°Could you please take over as the clan¡¯s patriarch?¡± Elder Stronggrow¡¯s motivational smile died a horrible death as his mouth twisted into a scowl.


    ¡°Please!¡± Newt begged. ¡°I am too young, I know nothing of the world or of the clan.¡±


    Newt¡¯s eyes darted left and right, his mentor seemed ready to refuse.


    ¡°It is only a temporary solution; until I am fit for the role, or until Father returns and assumes his rightful place.¡± Newt went down to his knees, but Elder Stronggrow caught him. ¡°Please, Teacher, I am begging you.¡±


    The old man gritted his teeth and sighed.


    After ridding himself of administrative duties, Newt focused on comprehending the spiritual energy circulations of his ancestors¡¯ teachings. He decided to start with Fire Burst, and after memorizing its details, he went to the depleted spirit gem mine to meditate.


    Newt found the darkness comforting while the silence of the mine was familiar and more appealing than the library, from which he could unfortunately hear the discussions and daily life of his clan. The only thing he minded was the lack of fresh air, but the environment¡¯s richer spiritual energy offset even that flaw.


    Newt descended the dark tunnels, following the faint glow of spiritual energy which led him to Magmin¡¯s realm.


    He considered touching the almost invisible orbs, wondering whether he should test his luck, but shook his head after several seconds. There was no need to take the risk before he reached the peak of his realm and learned some martial arts. Even though they were physically more powerful, one against one, cultivators could defeat spirit beasts at the same level. Mainly by relying on superior intelligence, equipment, and medicinal pills.


    Newt closed his eyes and circulated fire-attributed spiritual energy, directing it from his second heart towards his feet. The pressure of earth-attributed spiritual energy increased, and Newt released it from his third eye, forming Granite Crust around his upper body.


    Even when splitting his attention, Newt found his clan¡¯s technique remarkably easy. The energy followed a straight channel and condensed at the ball of his right foot. It burst outward and sent him spinning into the ceiling. The young man crashed into solid stone, glad he had reinforced his head and shoulders before crashing back to the floor.


    That was embarrassing. I will need a wider area to test this skill, but at least I proved I can circulate the spiritual energy correctly. Why did the instructions mention strict supervision during the first weeks of using the clan¡¯s techniques and warned against spiritual energy overload?


    Newt found the technique easy to control and extremely gentle on his body. True, he would need time to master the physical consequences of its use and to adjust the technique to fit his body, not just his feet. But he would achieve that within the safety of his realm before applying his findings to his physical form.


    Without considering that he had first mastered a much more difficult spirit beast¡¯s non-human technique, Newt sat and closed his eyes, reopening them in the red and black world of his realm. Energy within his body did not move to fuel Fire Burst, but a jet of heated air exploded under his feet, propelling him upward.


    After several attempts, Newt reduced the explosions enough for them to push him forward without blasting him off balance. Within an hour, he was sprinting across his realm, ready to test what he had learned in the real world.


    ¡°You killed me,¡± a shrill voice squealed like a dying pig.


    The sudden noise threw Newt off balance and sent him spinning through the air before he tumbled against the hard rock of his realm. Newt¡¯s skin crawled as he turned around, expecting to find his uncle¡¯s ghost, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.


    I knew my uncle¡¯s death would haunt me. Newt clenched his jaw. He could still see his uncle¡¯s terrified eyes, staring at him, pleading, begging anyone to save him. Newt wanted to apologize, to say he had not intended to kill his father¡¯s brother, but it was all for naught. The one blaming Newt was not his uncle¡¯s shade. It was Newt himself.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Another matter weighed heavily on Newt¡¯s soul, and just as he was about to thank the heavens it did not become a heart demon, a deep, masculine voice boomed in Newt¡¯s realm.


    ¡°I will take good care of Jasmine. She needs a real man, not a scrawny boy hiding underground to play with rocks where others can¡¯t see him.¡±


    The incorporeal man guffawed, promising future torment, and Newt shook from rage, forgetting his guilt. He tried to calm himself, but failed. He felt helpless, and his helplessness further fueled his rage in a vicious loop.


    Newt tried to meditate, to continue experimenting, but eventually his anger proved too distracting. He opened his eyes and went back to the clanhold, seeking Stronggrow.


    ¡°Elder,¡± he said, knocking on his teacher¡¯s door. ¡°Do you have some time for me?¡±


    ¡°Enter, Newstar.¡±


    The youth entered a humble, dusty abode, catching the old man cleaning it personally. His teacher had a family once, but his wife and son had died of old age, as did his grandchildren. While his more distant descendants lived, Elder Stronggrow was their revered ancestor, not their real family.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we call servants to clean the place up?¡±


    ¡°I prefer maintaining my own residence. Three years are a long time, and things have gotten messy in my absence.¡±


    Newt considered the words for a moment, Elder Stronggrow was known to speak one thing while meaning something else entirely. ¡°Are you talking about your home or about the clan, Teacher?¡±


    ¡°My clan is my home,¡± then the old man changed the subject. ¡°What can I do for you, Newstar?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to ask about heart demons. Can I get rid of them before they materialize in my realm?¡±


    Elder Stronggrow¡¯s gaze focused on the youth, first drilling holes through Newt¡¯s eyes, looking for hints and searching the youth¡¯s feelings, before eyeing him head to toe.


    ¡°Heart demons materialize upon attaining the sixth layer of a realm, or later, if you develop them after reaching the sixth layer and before your breakthrough. As for ridding yourself of your heart demons, there are several ways, but the one most recommended in the tomes I have read in the Imperial Library suggests introspection and addressing the source of your doubts.¡±


    The elder stroked his long white beard as he made a pause.


    ¡°It is not a mistake to destroy them directly inside your realm. However, that is an inferior solution. Your heart demons may return later. They may bolster other heart demons or even merge into a single entity, which is then even more difficult to get rid of.¡±


    Newt gulped, quickly considering his heart demons. The velociraptor pack was unlikely to haunt him again, same for Borhem and the invulnerable projection of his uncle, whose only weakness was Newt¡¯s father. Especially the latter. Newt¡¯s newest heart demon was obvious evidence against his late uncle¡¯s invulnerability.


    But how do I rid myself of my new heart demons without battling them?


    He might be able to get rid of the Black Fist sect¡¯s young master by winning Jasmine back. What options did he have for the other heart demon? Raise Victor from the dead?


    The youth bit his lip and looked at his teacher.


    ¡°Teacher, which lingering heart demons torment you?¡±


    ¡°I have no heart demons, I cleansed my realm a long time ago,¡± Elder Stronggrow said with a relaxed expression, as if discussing a passing cloud. His face was a well practiced mask, and Newt was too distraught to notice the act.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you advance, Teacher?¡±


    ¡°The clan lacks resources, and I would be a poor teacher if I fought for them with my students,¡± the elder explained in an even tone of the one who had achieved inner peace. ¡°Advancing to the third realm would use more resources than raising two students from nothing to the peak of the second realm. If I were the patriarch, then so be it, the clan would require my strength. But even your father, who pushed and struggled for so long was trapped at the peak of the third realm because we lacked resources.¡±


    Stronggrow paused and his thoughtful face softened as his distant gaze focused on Newt.


    ¡°Cultivation is a lonely and difficult path, my dear Newstar. I am merely at the second realm, yet my three hundred and eighty years weigh down on me like mountains. We sit meditating, experimenting with techniques and cultivating our realm and for what? To live a little longer so we could sit some more behind the closed door? So that our regrets, fears, and delusions may manifest and force us to confront them?¡±


    Elder Stronggrow sighed. ¡°Sorry, I started rambling. You are young, you have achieved in three short years what others took thirty or more. But I must warn you, cultivating and expanding your realm will be a tedious, long endeavor often involving hours or days of solitude.¡±


    The subject was raw, and the old man hesitated, but in the end decided to speak his mind. ¡°Victor acted like a self-indulgent, spoiled brat because he was. For all his one hundred-odd years of age, he had spent most of it behind closed doors, yearning for freedom and normal life until it twisted him.


    ¡°I warned your grandfather Victor was not meant for cultivation, but he wouldn¡¯t listen. Tradition bound the main branch to have all their descendants cultivators, men and women alike. One day you will become the patriarch of the family in the true sense of the word. You will have children and you will see. Hopefully, they will all be like you, but if they are not, remember Victor. He could have lived a happy life as a merchant, rather than spend a century of misery and eventually pull the family down along with him.¡±

 Chapter 23 - Silence and Dreams

    46th of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt said nothing, because he did not know what to say. Elder Stronggrow had dedicated his life to the clan, sacrificing his own growth and cultivation to teach new generations. The notion moved him deeply. He wanted to help his respected senior, to provide the resources he needed to advance, to extend his life, and seek new heights. He wanted, but did not know how to.


    The sorrow with which the wise old man discussed Newt¡¯s uncle was just as chilling. A man forced by his family to do what they wanted him while disregarding his wishes fought back by forcing the family to do things he wanted while disregarding the consequences.


    After considering those matters, Newt still could not find it in his heart to forgive his uncle. There were certainly other ways. He could have stolen a handful of spirit gems and fled, he could have¡ªNewt had no other idea what his uncle could have done, but there were certainly paths open to him which did not include selling his own brother and sister-in-law as slaves!


    No, Newt would not forgive Victor. Never. But what puzzled him the most were the elders who followed his uncle¡¯s lead. Why did they do it?


    He avoided the nasty question and focused on his routine. He ate, he slept and learned the five techniques. Mastering them took merely a week, even with his heart demons disturbing his comprehension.


    Newt did not improve his realm during those days. He could feel what his teacher had warned him about. The ambient energy was thin, it would take months or years of quiet absorption before he advanced a single layer, and advancing through spirit gems was too expensive to justify it. Each new layer took as much energy as all the previous ones put together, and Newt could see the result not being worth the price he had to pay with his clan¡¯s finances in dire straits. He even regretted reaching the third layer rather than investing that wealth back into the clan. But it was too late for regret.


    He had already harvested all obvious spirit gems, and digging further was reduced to blind fumbling. Having mastered the techniques and confirming that exploring Magmin¡¯s realm was probably suicidal, Newt reached a decision and left the mine.


    He knocked on his teacher¡¯s door.


    ¡°Teacher?¡±


    ¡°Come in, Newstar.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t bother you for long. I have decided to leave,¡± Newt said without opening the door. ¡°I leave the clan in your capable hands while I will leave to see the world. I will come back when I reach the peak of the second realm.¡±


    Elder Stronggrow reached the door in five strides. He pulled the door so hard the gust buffeted his wizened face and long beard.


    ¡°What are you talking about, Newstar?¡±


    Newt resisted the urge to shift under his teacher¡¯s stern gaze.


    ¡°Teacher, your words from the other day got me thinking. Maybe the problem is that the clan keeps its children close to home.¡± Newt¡¯s insecure tone grew bolder, argumentative. ¡°If the clan¡¯s youths were forced to toughen up in the outside world, they would have strained the clan¡¯s resources less. Some of those youths might have found secret realms or other treasures to bring back home, instead of leeching what the honorable ancestor has left for us.¡±


    Newt drew a breath. ¡°I will set an example. If the patriarch can leave and test his luck, so can the others. If anyone is willing and has potential, we can provide them with spirit beasts¡¯ cores to awaken their spirit roots. It¡¯s a better way to use our limited finances than to keep funding the main branch.¡±


    Elder Stronggrow looked at his student, thinking him a naive, idealistic boy. ¡°And what happens if a branch family¡¯s scions grow stronger than the main branch?¡±


    Newt was silent for a moment, before voicing something he never dared to before. ¡°Teacher, why do we have a main branch? Does it matter who was the oldest seven or seventeen hundred years ago if we are all Honorable Ancestor¡¯s descendants? Is that relevant to decide who gets the chance to cultivate? Who gets to be rich and who gets to be a servant?¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Elder Stronggrow¡¯s face grew red. ¡°Newstar, that is heresy¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it is. I would want to have chances if I were a branch family member, and I don¡¯t think healthy competition for those who want it is bad. That way, those who don¡¯t want to cultivate can pursue other goals.¡±


    Elder Stronggrow opened his mouth to dissuade Newt, then closed them. ¡°Newstar, I believe you are correct regarding one thing. You should see the world. It will open your eyes to some truths, and you will understand why you cannot let others usurp power. Not all have the kind heart and pure visions like you do.¡±


    He continued, ¡°Where do you intend to go?¡±


    ¡°Elder Brave mentioned Jasmine has joined the Black Fist sect, and he mentioned they will host a tournament in ten days. I hope the prizes will be good enough to help my cultivation. And speaking of resources, I want you to sell those manacles they shackled you with and purchase spirit beast cores. See if there are any youths worth teaching and elevate them. Don¡¯t just look close to the main branch. Servants with our bloodline should get a chance as well.¡±


    Elder Stronggrow hesitated for a moment before feeling obliged to speak.


    ¡°Do you know that sects and clans are divided into orthodox, unorthodox, and demonic?¡±


    Newt shook his head. He knew evil cultivators existed and that righteous ones hunted them down, saving the lives of innocents, but he did not know a formal division existed.


    ¡°I figured,¡± Elder Stroggrow sighed. ¡°Orthodox organizations have a unified set of rules and moral principles which they uphold. They do not kill innocents, they bring criminals before a court which decides their fate, and they strive to protect the non-cultivators from oppression. Unorthodox organizations exploit the non-cultivators. They do not slaughter, but they treat common folk like slaves and objects. Their word is their own. If they are honorable, they will keep it, if not they won¡¯t. Their organization won¡¯t hold them responsible for cheating someone, but will deliver them to orthodox courts if pressed far enough.


    ¡°Black Fist sect is an unorthodox organization. They will respect nothing but brute force in ambiguous situations or when higher power isn¡¯t there to keep them in line.¡±


    Elder Stronggrow gave Newt a pointed look, and the youth nodded, understanding what his teacher was saying.


    ¡°Good. Finally, there¡¯s demons. They are evil men and women, not shying from open murder, always on the run and fleeing from the orthodox faction¡¯s heresy hunters. They are often lone cultivators, but sometimes they make underground communities. Where the unorthodox faction may trade in slaves, the demonic faction trades in much more gruesome items, and I hope you never learn what it is.¡±


    Newt listened carefully, and the matter of Jasmine joining the Black Fist sect suddenly made a lot more sense. She was forced. Probably abducted because the sect¡¯s young master regarded her as a common thing, not a person with dreams and hopes of her own. He hoped she was all right.


    When Elder Stronggrow stopped talking, Newt asked about an organization which he believed did not fit any of the categories.


    ¡°What of the imperial family?¡±


    ¡°They are neither orthodox nor unorthodox, but somewhere in the middle. Imperial laws exist, and they must be followed, lest the law enforcers follow you, but they ignore most infractions as long as you pay taxes and don¡¯t exterminate the population under your rule. They don¡¯t care whether non-cultivators are slaves, healthy or sick; living and able is enough. In fact, our clan is so beneath their notice that they consider us a mortal family. There is nothing we could do to shake the empire.¡±


    Newt gulped. His father could shoot bolts of flame from his fists and fight the region¡¯s spirit beasts, yet he was merely a mortal to the imperial family.


    ¡°Newstar, I don¡¯t think you were paying much attention to what I have been saying.¡±


    Newt frowned. ¡°I have.¡±


    ¡°I said the Black Fist sect is an unorthodox organization, and you still want to go.¡±


    Newt nodded with a serious expression. ¡°I have to save Jasmine.¡±


    Elder Stronggrow drew a breath to argue, but Newt stopped him. ¡°Teacher, I know what I¡¯m doing. You cannot make me back down.¡±


    The elder deflated like a balloon. He wanted to argue more, but saw his logic would fall on deaf ears. Sometimes, people need to run into a wall head-first before accepting it exists.


    ¡°Be careful.¡±


    ¡°I will. I will leave tomorrow.¡±


    With that, they parted. Newt went to the patriarch¡¯s residence and went to sleep.


    In his dream, he traveled to the Black Fist sect. He joined the tournament, where his enemies used dirty tricks against him, but the referee ignored them. Yet despite all the obstacles, Newt faced the young master who had kidnapped Jasmine in the finals. He defeated the man, but the referee refused to call a match and the young master tried to stab Newt in the back.


    Newt protected himself in time, and like his uncle, he struck down the arrogant youth before his father ran down to the arena.


    The sect master was enraged, charging towards Newt, and the youth defended himself, fist against staff. The bulky man¡¯s blows landed like meteors and threw Newt off balance. Just as the young man thought he was dead, a crossbow bolt struck the sect master who twisted in pain. Newt seized the chance and struck his head with a burning fist¡ª


    Newt woke up with a scream.


    Sweat was running down his face and his back while his heart pounded against his ribs.


    ¡°It was a nightmare, just a nightmare.¡± He ran his fingers through his wet hair and went back to bed.

 Chapter 24 - Black Fist Gate

    54th of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt slept poorly that night. Doubt haunted his soul, and he feared it might escalate into a heart demon. He almost gave up on going to Black Fist sect, only to realize that running away from his fears would turn his potential problem more substantial.


    He left the clan with nothing but three spirit gems and a purse of coins, wearing his clan¡¯s traditional red robe with a wide orange sash under a gray travel cloak. Elder Stroggrow was the only one aware of his departure. Other than Elder Marrow, the rest of the elders were busy exploring the depleted mine, searching for the lode they believed Newt had found.


    Yellow leaves fell off trees, dancing in the chill wind, heralding the Season of Water and its snows. Non-cultivators toiled in the fields of the nearby town called Harthow. The whole administrative district was at the fringes of the empire, near the border with the Savage Wood, poor in resources and beneath anyone¡¯s notice. Their only notable product was the common-grade grain, which they produced in large quantities.


    Newt ran and observed the mud-stained men and women, wondering what was happening within the confines of their skulls. What hopes did those people foster? Did they plan to sell everything they owned to try their luck and cultivate? Would they do it for their children? Did they even have talent?


    As he followed the hard-packed earthen road and observed the distant, always green Savage Wood, Newt asked himself what exactly was talent? Humans could not cultivate, not until the sorcerers of old refined spirit beast cores to open their third eye. Not until ages passed and they discovered some spirit beasts did not have a core which opened the third eye, but the second heart. And then, ages later, cultivators finally found the ultimate, highly evolved spirit beasts, which granted both.


    The history of cultivation was insane, much like men taming velociraptors for hunting; like domesticating yamaceratops for eggs, or rubbing two sticks to start a fire. Did it take talent to come up with such civilization-changing ideas? Was it just a matter of chance? Madness?


    Newt did not know. In his opinion, talent required several attributes - persistence, endurance, focus, and chances seized. Thinking of seizing opportunities, he recalled how his came to be, and wondered what would have happened had he been faster, had he grasped the flaming stars while they blazed.


    Would he have become a grandmaster of an unknown realm, ninth or tenth perhaps? Would he have become a dragon? He wasted a chance to soar, but grasped the chance to climb. The latter was talent.


    And yet, for a moment, he cursed his lack of decisiveness, but then recalled that his first realm was better developed than Magmin¡¯s. His failure may one day prove to be a golden opportunity.


    Newt ran, observed, and contemplated. Sleeping and dining in roadside inns as he pretended to be a mortal man, listening to the banter of those surrounding him, sometimes disgusted by their vulgarity, sometimes touched by their virtue.


    As days passed, he realized cultivating behind closed doors, or in the welcoming darkness of the mine, was a fool¡¯s errand. That he was missing an entire world, substituting it with empty space. By the seventh day, when the city called Black Fist Gate appeared in the distance, Newt wondered whether his uncle had made the same realization as him and remained bitter at his family for constraining him, for limiting him for a whole century.


    Newt dispelled the thought and focused on what was before him. The unorthodox Black Fist sect, their evil sect master, the tournament. Did his future have violence in store, would he really have to fight the Black Fist sect¡¯s leader?


    He reached the city¡¯s massive walls in the evening. The gate was still open, with a pair of guards clad in black robes standing watch, collecting entry taxes from merchants who wished to enter the city and trade.


    Newt paused, his third eye registering a stream of spiritual energy coursing through the men. It was weaker than his clan¡¯s elders, but certainly more than the wisps which flowed through the commoners.


    With no idea what else to do, Newt joined the line and waited for the guards to finish their inspection.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Everything is in order,¡± a guard said, collecting the tariff and letting the wagon into the city.


    ¡°Halt,¡± he said when Newt approached, so Newt halted. ¡°What business do you have in the Black Fist Gate?¡±


    ¡°I am here for the tournament.¡± Newt paused before adding, ¡°I wish to participate.¡±


    The guards spared him a brief glance. Underneath his cloak, Newt wore new robes, a bit of dust clinging to the bottom of his pant legs. His clothes were otherwise clean, his red hair tied into a neat bun. He was unhealthily pale and skinny, the consequences of his years in the mines made persistent by his rapid advancement in cultivation. Despite his best efforts for over two weeks, he had barely gained half a pound, and as spiritual energy reinforced his body, changing its shape would prove difficult in the lower realms.


    ¡°You wish to join the sect, Junior Brother?¡± the lanky guard asked, but his more robust colleague smacked him on the shoulder.


    ¡°Leave the kid alone, Hardy,¡± he said before addressing Newt. ¡°Ignore him. Welcome to the city. The Vixen¡¯s Tail is a good place to spend the night. They have fresh food, strong drinks, and passable company, if you want it. As for the tournament, it starts in three days, so you have plenty of time to apply if you wish to test your skill. I have to warn you that the competition is tough. This is the first tournament the sect is organizing and a number of wandering cultivators decided to participate in hopes of joining.¡±


    Newt processed the information and gave a polite bow. ¡°Thank you for the advice. Where is the Vixen¡¯s Tail?¡±


    Twenty minutes later, Newt was at the Vixen¡¯s Tail. He was oblivious of the name¡¯s suggestive nature, and he was shocked by the amount of flesh the waitresses revealed inside the establishment. He gulped, and his face turned red, but leaving the moment he entered felt even more embarrassing than taking the second step inside.


    Newt gathered his courage and went towards the nearest empty table. He sat and waited, observing his surroundings. Scantily clothed young women moved about, giggling as they brought food and drink to the patrons, often stopping to chat.


    ¡°What will your pleasure be?¡± A shapely young lady with smooth black hair tied into a ponytail and large brown eyes asked. Newt glued his eyes to her face, fearing his gaze would rove if he so much as glanced lower.


    ¡°I,¡± he stuttered. ¡°Do you have any recommendations for supper, and I would like a room for the night.¡±


    The girl looked at him, her smile turning more genuine and mischievous. She leaned over and her voice became a seductive whisper as she drew out the words.


    ¡°I love the big, massive sausages and we are famous for breasts.¡± She paused and drew back, her tone going back to normal. ¡°Yamaceratops breasts, fileted and breaded until extra crispy, with hot sauce. I promise you¡¯ll lick your fingers when you¡¯re done eating them. Or I could lick them.¡±


    She winked, and Newt struggled not to faint and suppress the stupid smile, which tried to invade his face several times.


    ¡°As for the rooms, we have some, but nights are getting long and cold with winter upon us.¡± She hugged herself to accent it, pushing her chest up. ¡°I don¡¯t think you can sleep well on your own.¡±


    ¡°Just breasts, thank you,¡± Newt somehow managed, before realizing his faux pas. ¡°Breaded yamaceratops breasts. With the sauce. And a room for one. No company.¡±


    Newt lowered his gaze towards the ground in embarrassment, but his eyes got lost in the mountainous region for a couple of moments before finding their way further down.


    ¡°I am Dahlia.¡± Dahlia giggled. ¡°Do you want to drink something? We have an excellent selection of wines, and if you want, I will gladly keep you company for the evening. You can buy me dinner, and who knows what happens after a little wine and fine food.¡±


    Dahlia winked, but Newt missed it. Then he realized the young woman introduced herself, but he did not. So, he stood and gave her a hand, keeping his eyes low, but with the change in position he was no longer looking at the floor.


    ¡°I¡¯m Newstar. Nice to meet you, Dahlia.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Newstar,¡± Dahlia¡¯s voice and laughter were like the ring of a silver bell. ¡°When meeting new people, you should look them in the eye, not their chest.¡±


    Newt¡¯s gaze shot up. ¡°I didn¡¯t, I mean¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, whatever is on display is there to be seen.¡± She moved her head closer to his, whispering in his ear, ¡°And if you treat me to a nice dinner, I can let you touch. I was serious when I said I loved massive sausages.¡±


    She clicked her tongue, and Newt fell back into his seat, struggling to coin a coherent sentence, but eventually managed. ¡°I would like to treat you to dinner, and I don¡¯t know much about wine, but you can order one fine bottle for us to share.¡±


    Newt was too young to drink wine before, and he had been too busy ever since leaving the mine to worry about something as nonsensical as alcoholic beverages. As for the nearly nude Dahlia, the closest Newt had seen was Jasmine in a bathing suit when they were bathing together in a stream a week before his uncle staged the coup.


    The seductive waitress left, and Newt¡¯s heart calmed down.


    I absolutely cannot let her invite herself to my room.

 Chapter 25 - Meeting the Sect Master

    62nd of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt really had licked his fingers that night, the breaded yamaceratops filets were exquisite. He also managed to defend his chastity and the sanctity of his heavily scented rented bedroom. Dahlia proved to be a wonderful distraction, and the scandalously clad witty woman made splendid company. Newt would not have minded conversing with her again, if only she would put on some clothes over her underwear. He even enjoyed the bitter-sweet taste of the wine they shared.


    But those were the joys of yesterday. A new day had dawned, and Newt had business to attend to at the city center. He took his nightmare as a warning and decided to advance cautiously. Newt did not wish to kill anyone else. For one, he feared another heart demon would worm its way into his realm, for another, killing his uncle was horrible enough that he had no desire to repeat the experience.


    The young man brushed the dust off his pant legs, inspected his clothes before donning them, and went to register himself for the tournament.


    Unsurprisingly, Newt was the only one there except for the Black Fist disciple in charge of taking applications.


    ¡°Name?¡± Asked the bored man who looked like he was thirty.


    ¡°Newstar Blazing Salamander.¡±


    Newt¡¯s name snapped the black-robed disciple out of his boredom. He eyed Newt suspiciously, searching for what was so special about the boy, but did not find what he was looking for.


    ¡°Sect master asked you to visit him when you arrived.¡± Newt suppressed a shudder as the man stood. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    Newt considered it, but he did not know what else to do, so he followed the disciple without saying a word. They crossed the street and went down a wide boulevard before turning into a side street and stepping in front of a massive, elaborate gate.


    ¡°I have brought Newstar Blazing Salamander,¡± the disciple told the guards and left. The right guard nodded to Newt.


    ¡°Follow me, Sir.¡± Utterly confused, Newt followed the man through a decorative courtyard with an artificial pond and stepped onto a small building¡¯s porch.


    ¡°Sect Master, Newstar Blazing Salamander is here to see you.¡±


    ¡°Come in young man,¡± a deep, jovial voice came from inside the wooden building, and once more Newt did as he was told.


    The building was simple, around five hundred square feet, with only a single chamber. Inside was a table and two comfortable mats, one housing Blackfist, who sat cross-legged. The bandit turned sect master had a powerful presence even while drinking and relaxing with a book in the form of a wooden tile scroll.


    ¡°Come, sit. Would you like some tea? I would offer wine, but you are so underaged, I am afraid someone would bring me before a magistrate for misguiding the youth.¡± The muscular man chuckled, and Newt failed to understand what was happening.


    The Blackfist Elder Stronggrow described was an uncivilized marauder who had amassed enough wealth and power to open a sect some twenty years ago. He was fearsome and savage, short of temper and the very definition of unorthodox cultivators, as Elder Stronggrow described them.


    The man sitting before Newt was different. He smiled amicably, his eyes shone with wisdom, and a steaming cup of tea had nothing to do with the bandit Newt had expected.


    ¡°I understand you have some misgivings about a girl. A very important topic at your tender age, but I would prefer us discussing it like civilized adults, rather than trading blows. Please, sit.¡±


    Newt sat.


    ¡°Tea?¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Newt drank tea.


    ¡°You are a silent type? All action, no banter.¡± Blackfist never stopped smiling even as Newt shook his head.


    ¡°I have come about a girl and to participate in your tournament.¡± Newt paused before adding a sir, since it seemed proper.


    Blackfist nodded.


    ¡°Understandable. The tournament reward is probably not worth your time, but by all means, trash a bunch of first realm cultivators struggling for resources to advance a layer, if you enjoy stealing from children.¡± The sect master chuckled at his own wit, casually seeing through Newt¡¯s cultivation. ¡°As for the girl, I wish to speak with you frankly. I have heard of you, and what you have done with your clan, and all the other nastiness you suffered. Life sometimes tempers us with hardship, but often it is simply unfair for no rhyme or reason. Do you mind if I broach some sensitive topics?¡±


    Newt looked at the absolutely genuine and friendly senior addressing him, and did not know what to say. A single word found its way to his lips, ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°That Jasmine girl you are eyeing is a self-centered gold digger, looking for nothing save to climb higher in the world. I dislike her, but Hardsteel has the right to do as he wishes with his life. He is not a child.¡± Blackfist spoke with a tone that leaned more towards a cold analysis than paternal worry. As if he had children to spare. He probably did.


    ¡°As for you, you are not my child, I can advise you about matters like this, and you are free to do as you like afterward. Now, I think she would be poisonous for you, so I spoke with my daughters to see if any would match your taste, and frankly I found them all self-centered, but nowhere nearly as manipulative, nor willing to prostitute themselves for power or wealth.¡±


    Newt shuddered with rage after those words, but Blackfist chuckled apologetically.


    ¡°I apologize for being so blunt, it is a character flaw of mine, but I have your best interests at heart, and I can prove my claims.¡±


    ¡°How will you prove them?¡± Newt asked, he could feel venom dripping from his tone, but Blackfist pretended not to notice.


    ¡°I will show you, but first, please take your tea. You need to calm down and evaluate the situation with a clear mind.¡±


    Newt downed the cup, staring at the retired bandit, who again chuckled and poured him a cup.


    ¡°Do enjoy it a bit and be more careful in the future, I could have poisoned you just now. While I am seeking to resolve our differences and deescalate the situation, I am not beneath poisoning or murdering my enemies.¡±


    The easygoing way in which mentioned killing him combined with his carelessness struck Newt as hard as a blow. He eyed the cup suspiciously, and Blackfist laughed.


    ¡°It is too late to think about it after you have already drained one cup. Only an idiot would use a poison that will spare his enemy after taking a sip.¡±


    Disturbed, Newt sipped the tea, but he could not recall the taste by the time he lowered his cup. He had forgotten about Jasmine, and only thought about one thing - the man sharing tea with him was much worse than the rumors suggested.


    ¡°How do you plan to prove your claims?¡± Newt asked after calming down and sorting his thoughts.


    ¡°In this long life of mine, I have found that words are empty and can never convince people even of the most obvious truths, so I usually rely on practical demonstrations. Demonstrating overwhelming force is much more effective than threats, demonstrating loyalty is much more effective than lip service. And in case you are wondering, this is also a demonstration.¡±


    ¡°A demonstration of what?¡± Newt asked, a tiny voice whispering into his ear that the man sitting with him is much more dangerous than all of his heart demons and his clan¡¯s elders put together.


    ¡°I am demonstrating my usefulness, candidness, and desire to work with you, or at least, if you believe our differences are so huge that we cannot be allies, I am at least interested in nonaggression.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Newt could not understand why someone older, wiser, and probably stronger than him wished to be his friend and ally.


    ¡°Because you are a genius. My strength is great in this far end of the world. I could crush you where you stand either with poison or brute strength, but my instincts tell me I have much to gain from a friendship with you. Almost as much as you stand to gain by being friends with me.¡± Blackfist let his words sink in, sipping tea to give Newt enough time to digest what he had just heard.


    ¡°How do you know I¡¯m a genius?¡±


    Blackfist gave him a flat stare, lowering his cup.


    ¡°Because I have more than five brain cells. Listen, young man, your uncle threw you into an abandoned mine three years ago, and while your body has obviously suffered during that time, you have somehow awakened your spirit root, advanced your cultivation by an entire realm all on your own, and grown strong enough to destroy him utterly and win back your clan with the rest of the leadership accepting you. It would take a moron to think you were lucky.¡± Blackfist paused. ¡°Scratch that. You should be aware, there are plenty of people out there who do not value information as much as they should. They might not look into potential allies and enemies out of arrogance, inexperience, or delusions of grandeur. Hells, they might even believe themselves invincible.¡±


    The brawny man leaned towards Newt and grinned like a predator, showing perfect white teeth. ¡°But I am not that kind of man.¡±

 Chapter 26 - Advice on Women

    62nd of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt could not believe what he was doing, sitting in a secret room, spying at Blackfist¡¯s back through a peephole.


    ¡°Do not get emotional about things I am about to say. I will put on an act and not mean them. Besides, my standard for women is much higher than you would believe.¡± Blackfist¡¯s words did more than make Newt feel uneasy. He was afraid of what he would witness.


    He could hear his heart and feel the veins in his neck throbbing when someone knocked softly on the sect master¡¯s door.


    ¡°Sect Master,¡± Jasmine said, and Newt smiled despite himself.


    ¡°Come in, my soon-to-be daughter-in-law.¡± Newt winced at the title and stared at Jasmine as she walked in.


    She wore the form-fitting training robe of her sect, black with white hems, her sash thin, and her chest much more developed than Newt remembered. The young man¡¯s heart started beating faster still, hormones and new feelings added into the emotional swirl.


    ¡°I see Hardsteel has a fine taste, and your parents a good sense when it comes to naming. Please sit, have some tea.¡±


    Jasmin blushed, and Newt wondered just how much tea could Blackfist fit inside him without visiting the restroom. The girl moved with grace as she took her seat, sitting on her knees like a proper lady, rather than crossing her legs.


    Blackfist gave her a cup, and they sat in silence, enjoying the brew. Blackfist said nothing as minutes dragged on, and Newt felt uncomfortable, doubly so when he noticed Jasmine¡¯s face turning redder and redder.


    ¡°Is something bothering you, daughter-in-law?¡± Blackfist¡¯s voice was relaxed and natural, but Jasmine jerked, sitting straighter.


    ¡°Your gaze is very intense, father-in-law.¡± The girl smiled in a way which made Newt gulp.


    ¡°I was just admiring your beauty and youth. I can feel life throbbing within you as you are blooming into a beautiful woman. Seeing such fine feminine charm, I cannot help but think Hardsteel is unworthy of you.¡±


    Jasmine beamed a smile. Newt¡¯s mouth went dry as he watched her. It was not an expression of flattered joy, but of hunger, of someone recognizing an opportunity. Blackfist must have seen it too, or he knew that hunger was there all along, for he continued without skipping a beat.


    ¡°I was thinking of ordering Hardsteel into secluded cultivation to prepare for the tournament. You could use the chance while he is away to receive some private pointers from me. I excel at double cultivation, it is both a pleasure and a rewarding experience.¡±


    Newt nearly fainted. He wanted to see Blackfist¡¯s expression, to smack his smug face with a fist, to hell with the consequences. Then rage replaced his shock. Jasmine smiled coyly, leaning forward. She laid her hand on the back of Blackfist¡¯s and let her fingers roam around it.


    ¡°It would be a pleasure to serve you, Sect Master.¡±


    Newt could not believe what he was seeing. His chaste Jasmine, the proper girl he knew for years, grew up with, was willing to prostitute herself just like that. All it took were a handful of words.


    No, this can¡¯t be real. He shook his head, trying to shake away reality. That is not Jasmine. He drugged the tea.


    Newt made excuse after excuse, but deep down, he knew it was all lies. Blackfist had spoken the truth from the start. Jasmine was not the person he believed her to be.


    Newt no longer paid attention to the flirtatious conversation, feeling himself more a voyeur than a spy. He was almost surprised when Blackfist opened the door of his cramped refuge.


    ¡°So?¡± Blackfist said as Newt listlessly left the cramped chamber. ¡°Are you going to say something about me controlling her mind, forcing her, drugging her? Maybe she was not your Jasmine, but a body double, an illusion?¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Blackfist sounded almost jovial, but Newt looked into his eyes and shook his head like a broken man.


    ¡°Cheer up.¡± Blackfist clapped the youth on the shoulder, staggering him. ¡°At least you found out early, before committing to the cause and making lasting mistakes. I would offer to parade my girls for you to see, but you are not in the mood, and they are no good for you. Prettier and less scummy than this one, but you can do better.¡±


    ¡°Am I dreaming?¡± Newt asked with a hollow gaze. ¡°Is this a nightmare?¡±


    Blackfist pinched him, and Newt cried out.


    ¡°You seem awake to me,¡± Blackfist said with a smirk. ¡°Do not doubt your senses or instincts. Do not blindly follow them either, since the scene happening before you might not be the whole truth¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Newt asked.


    ¡°Well, she does not really care about men, she believes she can use her body as¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why are you telling me all of this?¡± Newt clarified, not wanting to listen about his best friend.


    ¡°I told you, I want to make friends with you. You are a talented individual that will go far, Newstar. And amiability is king. After careful consideration, I have decided to make it my path some two weeks ago.¡±


    ¡°Path?¡± Newt looked at the sect master¡¯s face, still as pale and lifeless as a ghost.


    ¡°Yes, path.¡± Blackfist grinned, spreading his arms in a grand gesture. ¡°The direction you wish to advance as a cultivator and a person. Violence and aggression can only take you so far, and committing myself to someone else¡¯s laws does not sit well with my personality. I have dabbled a bit in alchemy and forging, but I do not see crafting as my path. That said, I would like to improve my expertise when I get the chance, but that is for the future.¡±


    ¡°Could you speak slower?¡± Newt tried and failed to follow the sect master¡¯s train of thought.


    ¡°Certainly. I have gone ahead of myself. What is confusing you right now, save for your anger and disappointment?¡±


    Everything. Newt could not wrap his head around the situation. Why was Blackfist acting the way he was for a complete stranger? Why was Jasmine like that? Was that her true nature even when they were betrothed, or had she changed in the past three years? Was it his fault? His uncle¡¯s?


    Ironically, the sect master had already answered those questions, but Newt failed to process them.


    ¡°What do you want me to do now?¡± the confused youth asked after a lengthy silent spell.


    ¡°Have some tea. Go and sleep or meditate on what you have learned, think about what you want to do with your life. Come back when you set your mind straight. We can talk then.¡±


    ¡°What about the tournament?¡± Newt asked what was probably the most absurd and least important question at that moment.


    ¡°What about the tournament?¡± Blackfist threw his words back at him, and Newt nodded.


    Really, who gave a damn about some silly tournament? He had more important matters to attend to.


    ¡°Do you want me to join your sect?¡±


    ¡°No. It is a dump, and I am leaving it after the tournament.¡± Blackfist flashed Newt a smile. ¡°Got to see things through to the end.¡±


    Newt blinked. He was fairly certain about what he had heard, and then he recalled what Blackfist told him just a few short moments ago about doubting his senses.


    ¡°Why? Where?¡±


    ¡°Those short questions have a rather lengthy answer. Do you think my answer will help you process your own thoughts better?¡±


    The sect master still looked at Newt with a friendly smile and with a whole lot more patience than Newt believed he himself had.


    Instead of answering, the youth nodded, and Blackfist started talking.


    ¡°First, why; because this place is a dump. It is a chain binding me to this backwater, where even the imperial library merely has documents fit for cultivators of fourth realm and below. But even those documents are enough for me to understand that my cultivation has deviated, and that my mistakes will cost me a bright future.¡±


    Blackfist¡¯s constant smile changed, going from friendly to self-deprecating.


    ¡°I am old, but I would not mind living a long life full of adventure before eventually reincarnating. Someone dear to me once said I should enjoy myself more without binding myself with things I do not find worthwhile. Even with all the time in the world, you should pursue your interests, and not those of others.¡±


    Sorrow and loss found their way into those cheerful eyes, and Newt felt crushed by the weight of emotion. The gloom disappeared, and the giant sitting across from Newt smiled again. Blackfist was tall, but not too tall, he was muscular, but again, Newt had seen muscular men before, and yet, he somehow made Newt feel small and insignificant.


    ¡°Are you a dragon?¡± the youth asked, immediately embarrassed by the slip of his tongue.


    Blackfist guffawed.


    ¡°I killed one once,¡± he joked while shaking his head, ¡°but no, I am human, and despite what the rumors about me say, I do not share the scaly kind¡¯s love for shiny metal and virgins.¡±


    Newt was about to smile when Blackfist continued, ¡°experienced women make much better company.¡±


    Newt choked on spit while Blackfist winked and kept smiling.


    ¡°As for where, the world is a big place. What I am interested in the most right now is the imperial libraries and the guilds. I still cannot believe such a treasure trove of knowledge is available to everyone, and yet so few use the privilege.¡±

 Chapter 27 - The Library

    62nd of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt left the sect master¡¯s tea parlor in a daze. He felt hollow and did not know what to do with himself. A master of a small sect, a peak third realm cultivator, a man with dozens of children and over twenty wives, told him he was planning to go off adventuring just like that.


    Newt asked the exact same questions he asked himself. What about the family? They were mostly adults and had enough means for comfortable lives, with the sect to support them in their aspirations. Besides, nobody viewed him like a father, but like financial and physical support for their dumb decisions.


    What about the sect? The deputy sect master wanted to become the sect master anyway, why not let him? If someone was willing and plotted to take over what was in truth a burden, why stop them?


    Blackfist¡¯s answers all seemed frivolous, easy, almost dark humor, yet Newt could not form proper arguments against them. Worse, they made him think. What stopped him from dropping all the obligations he had to the clan and pursuing what interested him? Reuniting with his parents and achieving a cultivation realm higher than his ancestor. Maybe finding a girl better than that traitorous snake Jasmine?


    Like Blackfist had said, the only thing shackling Newt at that moment were his own thoughts and preconceptions. He owed nothing to a family which had imprisoned him and exiled his parents. The few good men he could treat like individuals, not like members of a larger whole. The only problem with that approach was the children. Blazing Salamander clan¡¯s youths had not slighted Newt. They were victims of their senior generations¡¯ cruelty and self-centeredness.


    Newt had planned to go to the imperial library, but as deep in thought as he was, his feet brought him before his tavern. He realized where he was too late and sighed. Fortunately, he had not opened the door, so he turned around and headed back towards the city center.


    ¡°Roasted yamaceratops,¡± a hawker shouted as Newt neared the market district which housed the library. The empty streets turned crowded and wooden stalls took up more than half the available space, flanking the walkway from both sides, forcing Newt to bump shoulders at first, then push his way through the press of bodies.


    Newt saw spices, dyes, tough scaled hides of various saurians, and soft fabrics made from plants and insects. The air smelled of grilled meat and vegetables, and Newt felt his mouth water despite not being hungry. He stopped by a stall selling crescents, fried pastry filled with honeyed strawberries.


    Newt bit into the crispy treat and his mood improved as the warm, sweet syrup soaked his tongue. He chewed the crunchy bits with zeal, then thought about Jasmine and bit his cheek. His eyes watered, and he held back a curse, almost throwing the crescent on the ground and stomping it in anger.


    But the delicacy was not to blame, neither for Newt¡¯s carelessness, nor Jasmine¡¯s true nature. A part of Newt still wanted to shout that something was amiss, that Jasmine was forced in some manner, but then he recalled her eyes, shining not with fear or lust, but pure greed. Jasmine was indeed forced, but the one doing the forcing was Jasmine herself. It was clear even to Newt.


    He sighed and finished his treat, hardly feeling its taste before once more seeking the library.


    The library was easy to find, a three story building made of giant slabs of white stone. Four thick columns supported the roof above a wide portico where visitors could take shelter from the elements while waiting for admission.


    As Blackfist had mentioned, the portico was empty; apparently, few cultivators were interested in reading the texts which the imperial family had approved.


    ¡°Good day, clean your hands,¡± the library¡¯s custodian said as soon as Newt crossed the threshold.


    Newt looked at his hands and saw specks of pink honey. He was about to ask for a rag or something to wipe them with when he had a better idea. Red scales covered his skin and a flash of heat turned the specs into charred motes of dust.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Neat, I can always have clean hands when I need it. He could bet Magmin had never considered his skill would be twisted into a hand sanitizer. For multiple reasons.


    The woman wearing green and gold of imperial servants eyed Newt, her frown deepening. ¡°No open flames, nor use of techniques fueled by spiritual energy.¡±


    Newt nodded, but the stern woman did not seem to trust him. Newt¡¯s third eye informed him she was in the same realm as him. The blonde appeared to be in her early forties, and she would have been attractive if not for the scowl and a frown reserved for the barbarian invading her sanctum.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡± she asked, and Newt almost said he was looking for interesting books, but stopped himself.


    He had already considered what he would look for in the imperial trove of knowledge.


    ¡°Instruction on how to resolve heart demons permanently, in nonviolent ways. Cultivation forms for fire or earth cultivators of the second realm.¡±


    ¡®Advice on how to cope with the betrayal and loss of a girl you loved for years.¡¯ Newt wanted to add that final bit, but he doubted a cultivation library could offer any help on the topic.


    ¡°Maybe something about cultivation paths beyond the basic affinities?¡±


    The librarian glared at him, as if trying to pierce his eyes and see what is on the other side before shaking her head, revealing a tightly bound bun.


    ¡°You are too young to consider potential paths, not enough life experience. You won¡¯t need it until you reach the peak of the fourth realm.¡± Newt wished to argue her cold assertion. She was merely at the second realm, like him. That meant she was not qualified to give advice about higher realms of cultivation, especially since she would not have been posted in such a remote area if she had any useful skill or talent.


    ¡°And the rest?¡± Newt asked, wanting to avoid conflict. He could always ask Blackfist later.


    Newt considered the thought. Do I really trust him already? Why? He has the kind of presence that makes you want to trust him, but it could be a trick of some sort.


    ¡°We have various books about heart demons and cultivation techniques. You are free to check our index, but reading a tome beyond the introduction requires a payment either in knowledge, treasures, or spirit gems of appropriate realm.¡±


    ¡°How do I pay in knowledge?¡±


    The stern blonde gave Newt a frosty look. He fidgeted, and after several moments she decided he really did not know what she meant.


    ¡°You must provide a scroll of equal value. Techniques are tested later, but assuming they are original, we will evaluate them based on the realm in which they are useful, and provide adequate compensation.¡±


    Finally, it was Newt¡¯s turn to frown.


    ¡°How much time does that take?¡±


    ¡°Several weeks, possibly months if the technique is too advanced for our reviewer and we need outside consultation.¡±


    Who has time for that? ¡°And if I pay in spirit gems?¡±


    ¡°Perusing one technique or cultivation method costs a spirit gem whose realm is one level lower than the technique¡¯s required realm. For first realm techniques, you may pay in coin, first realm spirit gems for the second realm techniques and so on.¡±


    Newt pulled a spirit gem out of his pouch.


    ¡°That would buy you access to one second realm cultivation method or combat technique,¡± the librarian answered before Newt could voice his question.


    Robbery! Newt understood why the library was abandoned. The imperial family would rob you if you dared to read their books.


    ¡°That,¡± Newt started, ¡°is extremely expensive.¡±


    ¡°Only in this heaven-forsaken region,¡± the librarian shrugged, showing the first sign of emotion other than anger and suspicion. ¡°To reach the peak of a given realm, you need two to three thousand spirit gems, or years and decades of mediation. Giving a dozen spirit gems to pave your way for the next realm seems cheap to me. Especially considering the spirit gems you paid would be next to useless to you in the next realm.¡±


    The way the woman looked at Newt changed. From professional disinterest to derisive judgment. ¡°The great imperial family is using the proceeds for nothing but to maintain the libraries and keep them stocked with knowledge available to all. If you can¡¯t afford even this minimal fee, we have no place for you here.¡±


    Newt hesitated. He could pay with the techniques he knew, but he did not wish to reveal his family¡¯s inheritance to strangers just to read through five books. He did not think his family¡¯s crippled techniques were advanced or earth-shattering, quite the opposite, but they still belonged to his clan, and exposing them for the world to see felt wrong.


    As for Magmin¡¯s techniques, he would not share them. No matter what kind of knowledge the librarian had access to, it was worth less than what he would give, if they only viewed them as tome for tome exchange.


    Finally, he only had three spirit gems, and three books would change little.


    ¡°I might return later,¡± he bade the librarian a good day and left. He already knew a man who claimed he had used the library, and he could just ask him.

 Chapter 28 - Life鈥檚 Lessons

    62nd of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°I believe I told you to sleep or meditate, not to go for a walk around the city and come back,¡± Blackfist said instead of a greeting as Newt entered his tea parlor.


    ¡°I realized I have failed to introduce myself.¡± Newt gave a shallow bow. ¡°Newstar Blazing Salamander.¡±


    ¡°Greetings Newstar, I am Dandelion without a surname. People call me Blackfist, but I cannot fathom the reason, it turns a steel-like dark gray.¡± Blackfist smiled, pointing at the chair with his cup. ¡°Come, have some tea.¡±


    ¡°Why tea?¡± Newt sat and accepted the cup.


    ¡°People find it difficult to fight when someone¡¯s giving them a tasty, high quality beverage. I think tea and wine will help me walk my path.¡±


    ¡°You should consider crescents,¡± Newt mumbled, and to his surprise, the sect master¡¯s reaction was very energetic.


    ¡°I did,¡± he said, his words a tad too loud. ¡°But I am afraid I will need something of higher quality.¡±


    Newt nodded and wisely changed the subject. ¡°You mentioned you visited the library. Have you read anything about heart demons?¡±


    ¡°Plenty.¡±


    ¡°I,¡± Newt hesitated, but decided he had nothing to lose, ¡°am interested in ways of resolving them without conflict.¡±


    ¡°A wise choice.¡± Blackfist steepled his fingers. ¡°But you should make advancement a priority over perfectly resolving your heart demons. Some can be resolved through peaceful means, others cannot, and it all depends on you.


    ¡°Do go on,¡± he added, seeing Newt remain quiet.


    ¡°Do you have any advice?¡±


    ¡°Plenty, it would be more efficient if you gave me a detailed description of your heart demons, but I guess that is not happening.¡± Newt shook his head, and Blackfist nodded, continuing without taking offense.


    ¡°The texts I read agree that the most common heart demon is fear. If you still fear the object from which the heart demon was born, overcoming your fear has a slim chance of resolving the heart demon. I see fear is not interesting, I will move on.


    ¡°The next most common heart demon is regret,¡± Newt flinched, and Blackfist delved into details pretending he had not noticed Newt¡¯s tell. ¡°Regret can also be resolved peacefully. For instance, if you regret not having something, acquiring it and seeing it is absolutely irrelevant in your life will dispel the heart demon.¡±


    Blackfist offered a random suggestion, before tactfully moving onto what he guessed was Newt¡¯s true heart demon. ¡°If you have slain someone by accident, you can honor them with a proper burial, trying to make it up to their family, or performing good deeds in their name. Unfortunately, you are not trying to exorcize a ghost, but satisfy your own conscience and resolve the guilt weighing on your heart. It is vital to make peace with yourself, and the deceased has little impact on the process.¡±


    Newt listened, rapt, paying close attention to every word.


    ¡°The next common one for young men is jealousy or unrequited love. But that is irrelevant for you now,¡± Blackfist threw the topic, but changed it immediately when Newt made no reaction.


    ¡°Young men often have a problem with the size of their p¡ª¡± Newt¡¯s eyes went wide, and Blackfist¡¯s lips drew into a slightly wider grin. ¡°But you naturally do not suffer from such base worries.


    ¡°Another common heart demon is a rival,¡± Blackfist paused before expounding further. ¡°Someone we envy or who is better than us, or has something we think they do not deserve can twist our hearts enough to form a heart demon. The best way to resolve this heart demon is to challenge the person in question and beat them at the discipline which caused the heart demon. If you envy someone¡¯s skill at alchemy, bashing their brains out with a hammer will not make the heart demon go away. It will lock it in place because you could not and never will be able to defeat your nemesis in the discipline which really matters to you.¡±The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Blackfist looked at Newt for a long moment and sighed. ¡°I guess you will participate in the tournament after all. I guess brutally thrashing Hardsteel in the first round will not help either.¡±


    Newt could feel his cheeks turn hot as his face went red with shame as Blackfist rolled his eyes at the youth.


    ¡°I will arrange for you two to meet in the finals, where you can win in a heroic duel, make your little lady wet, but by the heavens, please reject her as soon as she tries to leech onto you like the parasite that she is.¡±


    Newt was paralyzed. He was embarrassed, shocked, awed, and terrified all at once. Blackfist read him like an open book, covering the matter in a manner of minutes.


    ¡°How¡ª¡±


    ¡°Experience.¡±


    ¡°Hardsteel¡ª¡±


    ¡°Needs a good beating. He has steel in his name, he could use a good tempering.¡±


    ¡°Jasmine¡ª¡±


    ¡°Is a greedy who¡ªprostitute, and your life will be better without her. Any other questions?¡± Blackfist took a sip of his tea with perfect calmness, but Newt could feel a smug guffaw hidden in the gesture.


    ¡°How does the tea stay warm?¡± He asked, trying to throw Blackfist off balance, but the man did not blink before answering.


    ¡°Enchanted.¡± He pointed at the kettle. ¡°Keeps the water slightly below boiling point, perfect for tea.¡±


    ¡°Is every sect master like you?¡± Newt asked, and Blackfist really guffawed, slamming his empty cup against the table.


    ¡°I dearly hope not. I have only exchanged letters with leaders of some local powers, but their realms were unfortunately low, all of them around my rank, so they might not represent a valid sample.¡±


    Newt frowned and decided to parse Blackfist¡¯s answer as ¡®no.¡¯ ¡°Why do you hope not? Wouldn¡¯t it be good if everyone was reasonable and willing to discuss everything?¡±


    Instead of answering, Blackfist poured himself another cup and offered Newt who shook his head.


    ¡°You misunderstand amiability. If a mosquito buzzes around your head while you are trying to sleep at night, what do you do?¡±


    Newt was certain there was a trick behind such an obvious question, but decided to play along.


    ¡°I swat it, or try to drive it away.¡±


    Blackfist nodded as if that was the logical answer, then asked another question, ¡°And what do you do if a fully evolved tenth realm giganotosaurus runs towards your home? Assuming you have nobody to save and the building is empty.¡±


    Newt considered the question for a few moments while Blackfist calmly sipped his tea.


    ¡°I would run away. An empty house is not worth my life.¡±


    Blackfist nodded again. ¡°If a mortal came into my house because of a girl Hardsteel stole, I would first politely ask them to leave, and if they refused, I would swat them dead before having a talk with Hardsteel about why in a world half-filled with women, he had to go looking for someone else¡¯s woman. If a tenth realm grandmaster of an ancient sect came and told me Hardsteel had dishonored his great-granddaughter or worse his wife, I would disembowel and behead Hardsteel even before the monster in question asked me to do it.¡±


    Newt gasped, but Blackfist raised his hand. ¡°In the first scenario, the commoner has vindication, but lacks excuses and survival instincts, thus becoming extinct. In the second scenario, Hardsteel lacks survival instincts, and I treat him fairly. You, however, are neither an impotent mortal, nor a powerhouse who can exterminate me and my whole family with a casual sneeze. I would prefer to find a peaceful solution, which would allow us both to thrive, rather than either of us risking extinction.


    ¡°That is amiability,¡± Blackfist concluded, and Newt observed him in silence.


    I don¡¯t think that is amiability.


    ¡°So you try to be reasonable with those of equal or lower standing, but offer your son¡¯s head to someone stronger to appease them?¡±


    Blackfist smirked. ¡°I would kill Hardsteel for my own reasons. If he were stupid enough to bring such a calamity upon his entire household over a beauty, he might do it again and again. Better nip that possibility in the bud, and remain safe for years, than to worry about an eventual doom which he would summon one day.¡±


    Finally, Newt remembered that Blackfist was a cultivator of the unorthodox path, and that he was no stranger to murder.


    ¡°Do not look at me so appalled,¡± Blackfist grumbled, still smiling. ¡°Hardsteel¡¯s failure to control himself is my failure as a parent and his failure as a person. If he were a child, I would shoulder most of the blame, but he is fifty years old, an age when most humans would be expected to bear the consequences of their own actions, unless they are influential.¡±


    Blackfist drew a deep breath and ran his fingers through his unusually short hair. ¡°You do not understand what I am talking about, but that is all right. You are a child, and several years on the road will sharpen and temper your mind. Limited amounts of suffering are good for you.¡±


    The frustrated gaze made Newt nervous, so the young man took a sip of his tea and tried to change the subject.


    ¡°Thank you for your advice about heart demons, do you by any chance have insight about cultivation? My primary elements are earth and fire.¡±

 Chapter 29 - Heretical Cultivation

    62nd of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    As it turned out, Sect Master Blackfist knew a lot about cultivation and elemental theory. And his opinion could be described in a single polite sentence - the ruling elemental theory was nonsense.


    Four elements theory, even with yin and yang variants which upped the number to twelve elements, was nowhere near enough to explain the world and natural phenomena. According to Blackfist, lightning was not a mix of air, fire, and water, despite being hot and flowing through the air. The man claimed lightning was pure energy free of matter, which Newt could accept, but even energy needed to have an elemental nature. For example, the heat generated by the technique combining Magmin Flames and Magmin Scales was fire-attributed.


    Lightning also needed an attribute.


    ¡°Lightning can give birth to fire, that is why its nature is predominantly air, with a seed of fire. I don¡¯t know why water, though,¡± Newt said.


    ¡°They added water because it flows like a current,¡± Blackfist said, but did not argue further. ¡°Wood is another element that I find nonsensical. Why is it yang earth? Why make it an element in the first place? Whoever came up with the concept did not believe men and beasts were an element, but plants are. They are not inanimate objects. Some of them can even move and communicate.¡±


    While the sect master¡¯s mood appeared on the border between amused and annoyed, and he obviously had strong opinions on the subject, Newt never considered the matter. He just accepted the theory his father had taught him and moved on.


    ¡°And what do you think about cultivation forms?¡± Newt tried to steer the conversation in the direction he was interested in.


    ¡°I think they are also nonsense.¡± The sect master calmed. ¡°The first realm is made to draw energy from the world and build a solid foundation for the rest, but why does it need to be a building or object which forces the cultivator to work it manually to draw the extra energy?


    ¡°From what I have read, all the recommended forms have only two things in common. They require active use, and they produce movement to draw the energy into the realm through the spirit root, probably by creating a void at the source, which siphons outside energy.


    ¡°I am certain there is a way to achieve the same result through passive forms, ones which do not require the hypothetical cultivator¡¯s active attention. There has to be a way, but I am having trouble finding it.¡±


    Newt¡¯s heart raced. Sect Master Blackfist was searching for a way to recreate his cultivation technique from scratch, completely disregarding tradition. Did that mean his view on elements was also valid? Newt did not know, and another question bothered him.


    Should I tell him?


    ¡°You know something,¡± the perceptive sect master said before Newt reached a decision.


    ¡°I¡ª¡± Newt still hesitated, but Blackfist did not care for his excuses.


    ¡°I have shared the knowledge I have gathered and advised you without asking for anything in return. My knowledge came at a huge cost in library access and a lifetime of experience. If you know something, please tell me. I was about to tell you something else once I finished explaining my ideas on cultivation forms for the first realm.¡±


    ¡°What did you want to say?¡± Newt tried to change the subject, but his attempt was clumsy. Still, the sect master humored him.


    ¡°I will shatter my cultivation and start over from the peak of the first realm.¡±


    Newt gaped at the madman. ¡°You can do that?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Blackfist nodded. ¡°It is dangerous, and I would never recommend it to others. Based on what I have read, I have a fifty percent chance of dying outright, another twenty percent of crippling myself permanently. And even if I survive and preserve a healthy foundation, odds are my mind will snap and I remain a vegetable.¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Newt wanted to say something when he realized his mouth was hanging open.


    ¡°You are insane. Why?¡± he said after a pause.


    ¡°Because my foundation is poor, and my future is extremely boring and limited if things remain the way they are.¡±


    ¡°But your odds are miserable!¡± Newt could not help but shout. ¡°Is it really worth risking your life?¡±


    The black-haired man took a sip of his tea and stared at Newt before speaking. ¡°Is this cramped life worth keeping, when an opportunity for cosmic power exists within arm¡¯s reach, waiting for the bold to seize it?¡±


    Blackfist sighed despondently, ¡°If only I knew how to gather spiritual energy passively.¡±


    He shot Newt a meaningful glance, and the youth lowered his gaze.


    ¡°Do you know what are these?¡± Newt traced the glyphs from his realm, deciding he would give clues to the sect master, if he could solve that mystery for him.


    ¡°Spiritual runes, glyphs of power which appear naturally under certain conditions, empowered by the heavens and earth. We use them for forging, alchemy, and other crafts when we wish to add certain attributes to our creations. But I fail to see what connection they have with drawing energy.¡± Blackfist once more graced Newt with his meaningful gaze, and the youth surrendered.


    ¡°What if we used natural features instead of man-made objects to draw energy into our realm?¡±


    Blackfist¡¯s brows furrowed, his eyes rapidly shifting from confusion to contemplation to realization.


    ¡°You mean cultivating something like a spring into the first realm. It has to be elevated, otherwise it would become a stagnant puddle, so a mountain spring to keep the water flowing.¡± The sect master lowered his cup and stared at the ceiling. ¡°But once it hits the lowest level, the water would just pool along the edge of the realm barrier and in time it would once more become a shallow puddle. No, the mountain needs to keep growing to keep the water from covering everything. It can even constantly pressure the realm barrier, contributing to its expansion.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he beamed a smile and looked back at Newt. ¡°You truly are a genius. You use fire and earth, you are not using a water spring, but a volcano; that keeps the mountain growing taller as your realm expands.¡±


    What are you? Newt once more had a feeling he was conversing with a monster rather than a human. And he thinks I am a genius?


    ¡°Ah, I see,¡± the sect master said while tapping a nail against the table. ¡°You use spiritual runes to empower your abilities, but simply writing earth and fire is a subpar option despite being functional. There are much better runes for you to use. Like, Strength, Endurance, Resilience, Empowerment, there are thousands of different nuances which can achieve specific tasks and purposes you require if aligned properly. All you need is extensive education, years spent reading books and hoarding knowledge.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t harm me?¡± Newt asked, feeling rightfully afraid.


    ¡°Amiability, my young friend!¡± Blackfist grinned. ¡°My path is already paying dividends! I have a proposal for you. I will place my life in your hands. You will protect me as I disperse my cultivation and reform my realm. That will take a dozen weeks. In return I will do the following. I will arrange for you to fight Hardsteel in the finals so you can try to resolve your heart demon. I will give you a suggested realm blueprint designed to cater to your specific needs and desires once you share them. And I will provide you with enough cultivation resources to reach the peak of the second realm. I could even protect you as you cultivate it, assuming you trust me enough to expose your back to me.¡±


    Blackfist stared into Newt¡¯s eyes with a madman¡¯s ferocity and fanaticism, none of which Newt could understand.


    ¡°What if you fail to dissipate your realm? What if you die or go insane?¡±


    ¡°I never met a man who starts a plan with ¡®After I die¡­¡¯ or ¡®Once I go insane¡­¡¯?¡± Blackfist shrugged. ¡°But if it happens, you can keep all my belongings. You will have enough resources to reach the third or fourth stage of the third realm. I do not believe you will lose out if I fail to reform my cultivation.¡±


    ¡°Why do you trust me that much? What if I covet your belongings and kill you while you are in seclusion?¡±


    ¡°For one, I have been keeping an eye on you from the moment I learned of your circumstances. My sect¡¯s intelligence network has gathered information about you ever since you took over as the patriarch of your clan. You are suffering from a guilty conscience from slaying a man who sold your parents into slavery and threw you into a hole to dig for scraps and die a miserable death. I do not see that person stealing a few pills, especially when the alternative reward is enhancing your power and increasing your chances of reaching a high realm.¡±


    Newt gulped. Blackfist was right. Newt was no thief, and what the sect master offered was more than enough to compensate him for a few months of his time. But something did not add up. Newt could feel it, but failed to put his finger on it.


    Blackfist shook him out of his contemplation with a simple question. ¡°What do you know about the second type of spirit roots, the one called the third eye?¡±

 Chapter 30 - Washing Hair

    62nd of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    Sect Master Blackfist handed Newt a small leather pouch he picked off a shelf. ¡°Take these.¡±


    Newt opened the pouch and found five grape-sized pills. ¡°What are they?¡±


    ¡°First, you thank the person giving you a gift, then ask questions.¡± Blackfist rolled his eyes at the uncouth behavior, and Newt¡¯s ears burned.


    ¡°Thank you. What are they?¡± he said with more than a hint of embarrassment.


    ¡°Spirit pills to increase your realm. As I mentioned before, I dabble in alchemy. Those five should push you from the initial second realm to the peak of the second realm. You must take them ten hours apart, and they require no effort or focus to internalize. Your spirit roots will handle everything.¡±


    Newt was still annoyed with how easily Blackfist had inferred all his secrets, but at least he did not know about Magmin¡¯s secret realm. There was no way to deduce its existence with simple logic. At least Newt hoped so.


    ¡°And if I don¡¯t want to reach the peak?¡±


    Blackfist eyed Newt carefully, looking for the hints why the youth would choose not to become more powerful and as soon as possible, but failed to find anything.


    ¡°Take three of them.¡± He shrugged. ¡°They should push your cultivation to the ninth layer. Take the rest when you are ready.¡±


    With that, they parted for the night. Newt consumed the first pill when he returned to his tavern. Heat spread from his stomach, flowing towards his heart and forehead as he shared dinner with Dahlia and persisted even after he returned to his room to meditate.


    A storm raged in Newt¡¯s realm. Lava erupted from the volcano, jumping hundreds of yards in the air, crystalline pinecones grew on Magmin Pines and fell like rain. The trees themselves seemed to dance in a haze of their own heat, and gusts of searing wind battered Newt¡¯s form.


    Cultivating and training were impossible given the circumstances, so he decided to sleep. He dreamed that the sect master had gone insane. In Newt¡¯s nightmares, Blackfist kidnapped him, handling him as easily as a child, before chaining him onto a stone table and opening him up with a knife. Newt tried to summon his defenses, to reinforce his skin, and to fight back, to no avail. Blackfist had shackled him with the same chains his clan used to bind the two loyal elders.


    Newt awoke screaming. He sat, the bed beneath him was wet, the blanket thrown aside. Faint, bloody light ominously entered through the window. Newt looked outside and saw that the black sky had turned violet.


    ¡°It was just a dream,¡± he assured himself and wiped his brow, still panting. But regardless of his half-hearted words, he was afraid of Blackfist. He was an unorthodox cultivator. He admitted he would kill his son and commoners who tested his patience. A man like that was not to be trusted.


    But he already knows almost everything about me. He even knows how I should cultivate my realm better than I do.


    Newt considered his problem, watching the sun rise without seeing it. He was still sitting in his bed when he had come to certain conclusions. The fearsome sect master was better learned, had greater experience, and was smarter than him.


    Experience Newt would gather while exploring and traveling the world. Intelligence should also be a matter of time and cultivation, since Blackfist mentioned that Newt¡¯s third eye should expand his mind as he grew. As for knowledge, the library was within reach.


    He glanced at the leather pouch. The pills it held were valuable enough to allow him to browse a lot of second and third realm tomes.


    Comprehending them would take ages. Blackfist seems to have laid low here for twenty years to read in peace, and now that he has accumulated all the knowledge he needed, he is going to try to rebuild his cultivation from the ground up.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    But Teacher said Blackfist was a dimwitted bandit with a strong and merciless fist. Was that an act, or is his friendly attitude a sham?


    Newt concluded that both the stupid bandit and the friendly wise man were fake. Blackfist struck him as a man pursuing his goal by any means necessary, and that thought brought him back to Jasmine. He would have to confront her, maybe first win the tournament and test whether Blackfist¡¯s theory was true, whether he could really rid himself of the heart demon by triumphing over Hardsteel and having Jasmine fawn over him.


    Suddenly, his eyes went wide.


    ¡°Jasmine!¡±


    Blackfist told her to come to his room last night for a round of dual cultivation.


    Five minutes later, Newt was at the Black Fist sect. He had run all the way from his tavern. The guards let him pass and he slammed open the door of the Sect Master Blackfist¡¯s tea parlor.


    ¡°Jasmine,¡± he shouted. It was a question, an accusation, and a plea all in one.


    ¡°Good morning to you too.¡± Blackfist smirked. ¡°Would you like some tea?¡±


    ¡°What happened with Jasmine?¡± Newt begged to know.


    ¡°She was waiting in front of my bedchamber when I returned. She was very patient and dutiful.¡±


    Newt¡¯s face paled and Blackfist chuckled.


    ¡°But I told her I had a headache and gave her a first realm spirit gem for her trouble before sending her off.¡± His smile widened. ¡°I wanted to tell her I planned to wash my hair, but it seemed too inappropriate.¡±


    Newt did not understand what the sect master was talking about, but some hope returned to his eyes.


    ¡°You mean¡­¡± he did not complete the sentence and left it hanging.


    ¡°I did not penetrate your childhood sweetheart, but given the way you are acting, I should do what any would-be mentor ought and shatter your ideal vision of her.¡± Blackfist paused, dead serious. ¡°The problem is you would hate me for the rest of your life, and as I have said, I would prefer us to be friends for a long time to come.


    ¡°See, you are gnashing your teeth already, even after I told you I have not laid a finger on her.¡± Blackfist shook his head. ¡°I will blame the hormones for your behavior. Now, would you like some tea or should I drink it alone.¡±


    ¡°Drink it alone,¡± Newt snapped at Blackfist, whose smile faded as he raised an eyebrow, not amused in the slightest.


    ¡°Kid,¡± the sect master¡¯s voice turned air into ice. ¡°Get out of my meditation room and come back when you cool your head. If you cannot calm your mind, do not bother coming back.¡±


    Newt stared at the sect master, his chest feeling too tight to breathe.


    Blackfist rose to his feet in a blur of motion and pointed his finger at the door. ¡°Get out!¡±


    Newt fled.


    Suddenly, the chuckling, tea-chugging man had turned into a demon of destruction, and Newt knew that disobeying him would get him killed on the spot. He dashed into the street, the guards following his sprint with confused gazes.


    He stopped running after a few dozen yards and looked around. Even though the Black Fist sect was dead at the center of the city, there were no merchants, no street stalls, and only a handful of passersby.


    Grumbling about amiability and cursing Blackfist, Newt went to find a food stall with something to eat. He believed the hour was too early, especially since there was no crowd, but the food providers were fanning the coals, with meats, vegetables, and treats sizzling on their grills or in their pans.


    The scent of spiced food made Newt drool, and the heavy press of bodies he pushed against the day before was lighter, with fewer people in the streets so early.


    The youth exchanged a handful of metal for sustenance and sat down by the side of the road. He dipped the crispy meat into a sweet and hot sauce and chewed it with zeal. Slowly, he calmed and considered what had happened that morning.


    He was acting like a young master again. The brash behavior, the arrogant tone, Newt was repeating the pattern for which he believed he had suffered karmic retribution.


    And what about Blackfist?


    Thus far, he had done nothing to harm Newt. He offered warnings, free advice, and gave him cultivation resources. The situation still reeked. Newt was not so naive to believe anybody would treat him that well without getting something in return.


    Then he tried something his father had often mentioned. Newt placed himself in Blackfist¡¯s position. He had wasted time on a boy he had no reason to take seriously. A whole day, in fact, and he seemed ready to waste another. Why? Newt forced the question out of his mind temporarily. So, he invested his time to treat a child seriously, and the child threw a tantrum.


    Yeah, I would be angry too. Newt tore a chunk of fried bread and chewed it when he realized that he was mistaken. He recalled Blackfist¡¯s eyes, and they were not burning with anger.


    He was disappointed.


    Newt finished his breakfast and calmly returned to the Black Fist Sect. The guards made no attempt to stop him, but they were having a hard time, struggling not to laugh at him.


    He went to the Sect Master¡¯s meditation chamber and knocked.


    ¡°May I come in, Senior?¡±

 Chapter 31 - Charting Course

    63rd of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°I apologize for acting the way I did.¡± Newt took a seat across the table from Blackfist. ¡°I am confused, and I would like to ask some questions, if you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Tea?¡± Blackfist asked.


    ¡°No, thank you.¡± Newt paused and only continued speaking after the brawny man motioned him with his cup. ¡°What do you stand to gain from investing your time in me?¡±


    Blackfist sighed. ¡°I have already told you. I wish to establish a positive relationship with you. It should pay off in the long run, but even just the day we spent discussing cultivation yesterday has given me an excellent hypothesis and direction in which I wish to evolve my realm after I wipe the slate clean. Do you understand that much?¡±


    Newt considered nodding, but did not. ¡°Why do you need a positive relationship with me?¡±


    ¡°Oh, for the love of¡ª¡± Blackfist sighed again. ¡°Listen. Do you agree you have talent and unusual ideas about cultivation?¡±


    Newt nodded.


    ¡°Do you think you would benefit from talking with someone who also has thoughts which deviate from the norm, that also differ from yours, but might be useful or inspirational?¡±


    Newt considered it and nodded.


    ¡°Do you think this is easier to achieve if the other person hates your guts?¡±


    Newt shook his head, hardly considering the notion.


    ¡°Well, what is it you do not understand about why I wish to establish a rapport with you?¡±


    ¡°Why me?¡±


    ¡°I will slap you dead if you ask that again. You came up with that idea about a volcano at what? Fifteen? Sixteen? While digging in a hole. As a mortal. What will happen if you have proper education, insight, and experience? Think damn it! Think!¡±


    Blackfist bit his lip in frustration, stopping himself from shouting.


    ¡°Listen. You need to find a way to channel and hone your genius. Alchemy, forging, spell formations, something. Learning an established art in a systematic manner will help you put your thoughts in order and teach you how to approach problems. You are thrashing about blindly right now.¡±


    Newt stared blankly at Blackfist, not understanding what he meant. Why would learning an art help him cultivate better? Was the purpose of supportive occupations not to support? They helped the weak even the odds and let them earn a living. Prosper even.


    ¡°You have no idea what I am talking about.¡± Blackfist shook his head in frustration, then stood and went over to a cabinet. He threw a paper booklet with his back turned. It spun through the air and slapped on the table right in front of Newt, facing him correctly.


    Comprehensive Introduction to Spell Formations, the title said.


    ¡°I wrote that down to systemize my thoughts and what I knew about spell formations. I lack a third eye, and cannot see the flow of spiritual energy, but it should be right up your alley.¡±


    Newt stared at the booklet with greed. ¡°Can I read this?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Blackfist said flatly. ¡°I threw it right in front of you like that to brag about my penmanship and hobby as a writer.¡±


    Newt hesitated, and Blackfist went back to his seat.


    ¡°That was sarcasm. Of course you can read the book, and you need to work on your people skills as well. Being strong and smart will only carry you so far.¡± Blackfist paused, thinking about how to best word what he had to say. ¡°You need to learn how to be a person before you learn how to be a cultivator. Otherwise, you will fall to pitfalls which would never ensnare even the most common of mortals.¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Blackfist noticed Newt¡¯s blank stare.


    ¡°Are you following what I am saying?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± the youth admitted sheepishly.


    ¡°Go, get wasted, do drugs, roam the world like a bandit or a beggar, pretend you are a mortal whenever you can. You are staying at that fancy brothel, are you not?¡±


    Newt blushed, but Blackfist thought his face was not red enough.


    ¡°Rent the whole place for a day and a night. Have naked women serve you, feed you, eat off of them. Drown yourself in them. After a week you will grow jaded to beauties, and you will not turn into a strawberry when a pretty girl addresses you.


    ¡°You look like you are going to have a stroke,¡± Blackfist grumbled. ¡°All human vices are just that, human. I will not recommend you drown yourself in slaughter, your mind seems too frail for that, but you need to immerse yourself in vice to grow numb to it. I can bet you would not look at your Jasmine twice if you spent a fortnight fornicating as a brothel¡¯s sole customer.¡±


    ¡°Jasmine¡¯s my friend,¡± Newt said, appalled, embarrassed, and a bit intrigued.


    ¡°She is a common whore of the cultivation world, willing to sell her body and charm for cultivation resources.¡±


    Despite being harsher, the words stung less than they did yesterday. Newt was not sure whether he was coming to terms with the truth, or getting used to the false accusation. He pretended it was the latter, but a part of him believed otherwise.


    Blackfist saw the conflict on Newt¡¯s face and changed the subject. ¡°Now, I would like us to be friends, or at least to have an amicable relationship, but that does not mean I will let you walk all over me. I am not a doormat. I demand respect, and I will treat you with respect in turn. Do not try to betray me, I will destroy you if you do, and you will not see me coming. Other than basic human decency, I have no expectations.¡±


    The sect master looked Newt in the eye, drilling into his soul. ¡°Are my terms clear, and are you willing to form a positive relationship with me?¡±


    Newt remained silent, considering those words before nodding.


    ¡°Good. If you need help, I will help, for starters it will be on a favor for favor basis, and we will see where it goes from there? Do you agree?¡±


    Newt nodded again, and the sect master continued, in a serious tone.


    ¡°What I have provided you already is compensation for your two secrets. As for the rest of my promises, I believe they will sufficiently compensate you for keeping watch over me during my most vulnerable period. Do you agree?¡±


    Newt did not immediately nod in agreement. ¡°Do you expect anyone to pursue you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Blackfist said flatly. ¡°I am leaving everything behind, save for the pills I have prepared to reach the third realm again. But one should always take precautions against ugly surprises, regardless of how confident they are.¡±


    Newt considered the risks and the rewards, finding that the latter outweighed the former.


    ¡°I agree.¡±


    Blackfist gave a sharp nod. ¡°Good. Do you have any more questions, or do you want us to discuss the layout of your realm and the direction in which you wish to develop yourself?¡±


    ¡°I have one other question, but I need to know what the answer would cost me.¡±


    Blackfist steepled his fingers and leaned back. ¡°Just discussing matters and concepts costs nothing. We are sharing tea. If I can help you, then one day maybe you listen to me and offer advice, helping me in turn. Go ahead, what is your question?¡±


    ¡°You mentioned a path, what is that?¡±


    Blackfist answered without hesitation. ¡°The concept is very broad and very vague in the literature I read, but I will try to explain my own conclusions. You may consider your path a personal philosophy, a goal and the way you achieve it, your moral compass, and much more.¡±


    Blackfist frowned. ¡°It is difficult to put into words. Your path is you. Your ideal you, and all versions of yourself between where you are now and where you want to be.¡±


    Blackfist paused. ¡°Does that make sense?¡±


    Newt shook his head. ¡°No, but I think I understand what you are trying to say. So why did you choose friendliness as a path?¡±


    ¡°Several reasons. I am sick of fighting for one. The further you go, the less you gain, and any losses you may suffer are not worth the risk. I think I will pursue alchemy to an extent, and purchasing ingredients, gaining access to forbidden areas to harvest them myself, and selling products all require an exemplary reputation and a trustworthy name. Naturally, alchemy is a secondary discipline, and I will keep it secondary. No matter how friendly you are, others will rob you if you are too weak to protect your goods or worse, imprison you to craft for them until you wither away and die.¡±


    Newt nodded along, Blackfist¡¯s decision made sense in the context of what he wished to do and how he wished to live his life.


    ¡°What should my path be?¡± Newt asked aloud, then clamped his mouth shut in embarrassment.


    ¡°Are you asking me or yourself?¡±


    ¡°I was asking myself, but I would like to hear what you think.¡± Uneasiness lingered in the back of Newt¡¯s mind, but he decided that Blackfist seemed genuine enough. With time, he might grow to trust the man more, but bouncing ideas with him seemed acceptable for the time being.


    ¡°You have the air of a wandering knight in the making. Someone who roams the world and offers help or fights injustice. Orthodox sects would love a disciple like you, and assuming you do not mind the constraints of a large organization, they might be a good fit for you. Unfortunately, you would have to travel far towards the heart of the empire to find a worthy sect.


    ¡°Could you tell me more about what you wish to achieve in life?¡±


    ¡°Well, I would like to find my parents,¡± Newt bared his soul and felt an invisible load weighing his heart lighten.

 Chapter 32 - Stealing Candy From A Baby

    67th of Season of Earth, 56th year of the 32nd cycle


    After overcoming his initial aversion, Newt enjoyed the theoretical discussions with the sect master. They were eye-opening, as was the wealth of runes the man offered once they refined what it was that Newt wished to achieve with his realm and techniques.


    Newt spent three days refining the lava streams flowing towards the barrier of his realm, turning the straight lines into a network of glyph-shaped channels. The design also involved earth-themed runes where lava could not reach and funnels for the crystalline pinecones, to prevent them from getting stuck.


    Newt¡¯s second realm would one day become a wonder, but while the flame-enhancing runes came in a great variety of purposes and shapes, the earth runes focused on strength, hardness, and endurance.


    The cultivation of his second realm would take months, but rather than depressed, Newt felt excited about the prospect. He had a direction, and right or wrong, Newt would blaze his path boldly. If Blackfist, a cultivator over one hundred years old, dared abolish his realm, why should Newt hesitate in case his plans failed?


    But he had a feeling he was heading in the right direction. Earth energy for physical empowerment, fire energy for everything else.


    ¡°Start,¡± four referees shouted simultaneously, snapping Newt out of his daze.


    The first tournament matches started in four adjacent rings. Newt¡¯s enemy, armed with a heavy saber, kicked up sand as he rushed towards him. The insignificant man, whose name Newt did not bother remembering, lifted his massive weapon, aiming to cleave the arrogant youth in half. Newt simply released a controlled blast beneath his left foot. Finesse rune showed its worth, helping Newt estimate the force needed and perform the subtle move perfectly.


    As the weapon crashed towards the spot he occupied a moment ago, Newt reinforced his right arm, shoulders, spine, and lower body. He slapped the man, who was at least twice his age, straight on the cheek. The scene was comical, a stick-thin youth moved as if blown by the strike¡¯s draft, then slapped the attacker with the weight of a mountain.


    Blood and spit sprayed from Newt¡¯s enemy¡¯s open mouth as he spun from the force of the slap, and landed head-first into the sand.


    ¡°Winner, Newstar Blazing Salamander!¡±


    Newt looked to the stands, Jasmine¡¯s gaze was glued to him, her eyes wide with surprise.


    ¡°Winner, Hardsteel Blackfist!¡±


    Hardsteel wielded a broad-bladed sword, he was built like his father, bulky and muscular, his short hair black, his beard a two-day stubble. His gaze met Newt¡¯s, and the Black Fist sect¡¯s young master flashed his rival a mocking grin.


    He mouthed something, but Newt missed the words. A taunt, he guessed, and Newt had a feeling he was starting to understand how Sect Master Blackfist felt when Newt acted like a spoiled brat. Hardsteel was as relevant as an annoying fly.


    Newt felt no desire to observe the others fight. His opponents were at the peak of the first realm or lower. Newt¡¯s own realm was high enough to make him an elder in the Black Fist sect, and after the first clash, he could feel it, but his second and third opponents really drove the point home.


    Newt was an adult stealing a prize in a children¡¯s competition. And while embarrassing, the feeling of mopping the floor with his opponents intoxicated Newt. It helped him vent years of helplessness he spent striking bare rock, hoping for a lucky find which would secure him a decent meal.


    Slap after slap, Newt reached the finals, where Hardsteel awaited.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna destroy you,¡± the young master said with a laugh. ¡°Your former fiancee is a very passionate girl, isn¡¯t she?¡±


    Hardsteel winked, and while Newt felt anger rise, the emotion which dominated his mind was disgust. Jasmine was engaged with Hardsteel, yet agreed to share his father¡¯s bed without hesitation.


    ¡°Very passionate.¡± Newt nodded, his voice flat.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    He had had days to process Sect Master Blackfist¡¯s words, and came to terms with reality. He had lost interest in Jasmine and joined the tournament to remove his heart demon. The strangest thing was that Newt¡¯s heart demon and Hardsteel looked nothing alike. The heart demon was dashing, with heroic features, smooth skin, and long black hair; in Newt¡¯s mind, his heart demon could charm any woman. The real Hardsteel was handsome-ish, well built, but had all the charisma of a leprosy-stricken toad.


    If not for the physical resemblance, Newt would have wondered whether Blackfist had really sired the young man.


    Luckily, the Black Fist sect¡¯s young master did not get to exchange more witty remarks and insults with Newt before the referee sounded, ¡°Fight!¡±


    Hardsteel thrust his sword forward, his form definitely better than Newt¡¯s other opponents. The young man had received formal training with the weapon and did not overextend himself. Instead, he maintained a steady rhythm, keeping Newt away. Step, stab, step, stab, slash, then again, and again.


    After the fourth cycle, Newt realized his opponent was either trying to lull him into complacency or he really thought a single combination would win him the match.


    Step, stab, step, as the young man made the second step of his combination, Newt also stepped closer. Right on cue, Hardsteel stabbed, but the enemy was too close. Newt slapped the flat of the sword with bare palm, throwing the weapon out of its wielder¡¯s hand, then he slapped the young master on the cheek, grabbed the hem of his robe and planted him head-first into the sand.


    The stands were dead silent. The referee stared in shock while Blackfist gazed at the scene before him with terminal boredom.


    ¡°Well, go on with it,¡± the sect master said after the silence stretched too long.


    ¡°The winner and our tournament¡¯s champion, Newstar Blazing Salamander!¡±


    Blackfist smiled a bit and remained silent for two to three heartbeats before standing and addressing the crowd.


    ¡°Dear guests, disciples, and participants, it is with great joy that I present to you our champion.¡± The sect master spoke with leisurely formality as the referee and one disciple plucked Hardsteel from the sand and carried him to an infirmary.


    ¡°Alas, it is with great sorrow that I must announce my retirement from the leadership of the Black Fist sect. I would like to entrust the position to my second in command, the deputy sect master, Black Knife, assuming he is willing to take it.¡±


    Newt spotted another man, flustered by the declaration, sitting a dozen seats away, beyond the living wall that was half the Blackfist¡¯s harem.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect this,¡± the deputy sect master stuttered, but found his words soon enough. ¡°I will naturally carry the burden of our sect¡¯s future and lead us all to a, um, brighter future.¡±


    ¡°Well said!¡± Blackfist applauded with a straight face while his wives and children gaped, their minds trying to catch up with the bizarre events unfolding before them.


    There were rewards, and there was to be a feast, probably a ceremony too, but Newt did not care for them any more than the former sect master. The sole purpose keeping him there was his former fiancee.


    As expected, Jasmine proved herself a clever girl. The imminent change in the Black Fist sect¡¯s ownership would make Hardsteel a useless braggart without access to resources she craved, and she immediately found her way out.


    Newt watched emotions flicker on her face, offended that shame failed to find its way there. Once she had made her mind up, Jasmine ran down the stands, jumping onto the sand and throwing herself into his embrace.


    ¡°Newstar!¡±


    Hot air burst beneath Newt¡¯s feet just as Jasmine was about to grab him. He flew back a yard and Jasmine fell flat on her face, rising a small cloud of sand.


    The young woman lifted her head, giving Newt the most miserable look he had ever seen.


    ¡°Newstar?¡± the manipulative snake said with the wounded voice of a kicked baby velociraptor.


    ¡°Jasmine.¡± Newt nodded in acknowledgement, but that was the only word he had to spare for her.


    He watched her writhe in the dust for a long moment, recalling how he had planted Hardsteel into that same dust not two minutes ago, and he suddenly felt as if a chain shackling him had snapped.


    Newt smiled and turned around. He had achieved what he wanted at the Black Fist sect, and profited immensely beyond that. In an uncharacteristic burst of optimism, he decided that befriending Blackfist was worth it, and that he should give the man an honest chance instead of a tentative bond of mutual convenience.


    He ignored the chaos, and the change in the sect¡¯s leadership, as well as Blackfist¡¯s immediate departure gave him an opportunity to slip away unnoticed.


    He was halfway out of the city when Blackfist caught up. The distinguished sect master wore an old brown robe, its color pale from prolonged exposure to the sun. He carried a bindle of all things, but Newt¡¯s third eye caught that the thick shaft was infused with spiritual energy, and when he paid it closer attention, he found it was actually a thick black war staff.


    ¡°How are you doing?¡± the sect master turned vagrant asked.


    Newt drew a deep breath and looked up, gazing at the clouds drifting in the wind. ¡°Good. I think I finally have some closure and that I can move forward. You?¡±


    ¡°I am incredibly glad I am leaving this dump. I have spent too much time inside the city without seeing the wider world.¡± Blackfist¡¯s smile beamed with wanderlust, and Newt flashed back a surprisingly similar smile.


    It was time to visit Magmin¡¯s second realm, then see the wider world.

 Chapter 33 - Returning Home

    53th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt spent nearly eight weeks guarding Blackfist. While Newt stood guard over the entrance, the former sect master shut himself in the depths of a cave and successfully reset his cultivation over the course of twenty days. Blackfist used the remainder of the time to cultivate his first realm and reach the ninth layer of the second.


    Those eight weeks passed without incident, and Newt spent them watching leaves fall and trees turn bare until snow consumed them. Other than watching grass wither, Newt studied the booklet on spell formations. He would have cultivated, but Blackfist explicitly forbade him from meditating, and after a brief conversation, Newt agreed with him. A guard stuck in a trance was about as useful as a statue.


    Newt still fostered a smidgeon of doubt and suspicion even as he and the former sect master parted ways, but after everything ended without incident, Newt had to admit he was wrong about Blackfist. The former sect master honored their deal to the fullest, even promising to inform Newt of any opportunities he found, assuming those opportunities could be shared and Newt joined Blackfist at the imperial city of Thunder Ridge.


    Newt thought about what future had in store for them while he traveled back to his clan, and he had to admit, he would enjoy working with the eccentric man once more. He even thought there might be something to Blackfist¡¯s path of amicability. If everyone he crossed paths with would want to work again with him, soon enough opportunities would rain on him.


    Just as he reached his ancestral home, a week after the winter solstice, Newt decided to follow Blackfist¡¯s example. He would not make it his path, but a character trait. He would give people a chance if he found them interesting enough.


    ¡°Patriarch Newstar, you are back!¡± An unknown, malnourished man carrying a load of dry branches welcomed Newt, who took several moments to recognize Borhem, his former sparring partner.


    Newt gawked at his former heart demon, or to be more exact the person who wielded it.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong Patriarch? It¡¯s me, Borhem. Don¡¯t you recognize me?¡±


    ¡°I recognized you right away, but what happened to you?¡± The muscular man Newt remembered had lost his muscles, walked with a limp, and had dark bags hung under his eyes.


    ¡°I spoke against the usurper¡¯s changes, said he was ruining the clan and the younger generation, so they sent me to do forced labor. I¡¯m much better now.¡± The man looked horrible, and Newt shuddered when thinking what he looked like before he got better.


    ¡°I am glad you are alive. Thank you for standing up for what you think is right. I¡¯ll talk with Teacher, and we¡¯ll see if we can compensate you somehow.¡± Newt was afraid to ask, but forced himself. ¡°What happened to your leg?¡±


    ¡°A cart wheel broke, crushed my leg, and they forced me back to work before it recovered.¡±


    Newt clenched his fists. ¡°Who forced you?¡±


    Tears slid down Borhem¡¯s face. He was overjoyed because his patriarch cared about a distant branch member like him.


    ¡°Your uncle,¡± Newt could tell Borhem was lying, but did not press the matter.


    ¡°I will see what I can do about healing you, maybe setting aside some cultivation resources for you when we recover enough, but please don¡¯t get your hopes up.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± The man went down to his knees and tried to kiss Newt¡¯s shoes, but delicate explosions burst under the youths feet and he jumped away.


    ¡°Get up! What kind of family would I be if I didn¡¯t reward your faith and loyalty. Please take care and rest until you recover fully.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Newt continued with a heavy heart, wondering how many others had suffered for supporting his father, their family, and justice in general. He hoped not too many. He did not wish others to suffer for his sake.


    It was still early morning, and with the snow reaching all the way to Newt¡¯s hip, few wandered the clanhold. He heard children giggling in the distance while a husband and wife argued in a different direction, but otherwise the clanhold was peaceful.


    Newt was thankful for that as he knocked on his teacher¡¯s door.


    ¡°Newstar, you¡¯re back!¡± Elder Stronggrow laughed when he saw his visitor¡¯s face. ¡°Come in, come in.¡±


    Newt entered the humble residence, and his host closed the door behind him.


    ¡°How have you been? It¡¯s been an entire season since we parted.¡±


    ¡°Fine. I visited the Black Fist Gate,¡± Newt gave a brief account of what had happened in the past ninety-odd days before asking about the situation in the clan.


    The state of affairs in the Blazing Salamander clan was concerning. Elders other than Marrow and Stronggrow had wasted a month searching for spirit gem deposits, believing Newt had found a lode. They would never have dreamed that he could find pockets the miners had missed, unearthing a handful here and a couple dozen there until he amassed the wealth he needed to reach the second realm¡¯s third layer.


    ¡°You look better,¡± the elder clapped Newt on the back.


    ¡°And you don¡¯t look well, Teacher.¡± Newt¡¯s voice was heavy with sorrow.


    ¡°I am old, young one. When you reach my age, well I hope you will look just as young as you do right now and that you will never understand how I¡¯m feeling, but I think you see my point.¡±


    Newt nodded. ¡°I do.¡±


    The youth took a deep breath and took two pills from his leather pouch. ¡°Teacher, I want you to consume these. Given your age and how much spiritual energy you must have gathered over the centuries, this should give you the slight nudge you need to advance your realm.¡±


    ¡°Newstar, I cannot¡ª¡±


    ¡°You can, and you have to. I will need your wisdom to guide the clan and the younger generations for centuries to come.¡± Newt placed the pills into Stronggrow¡¯s hand and forced it closed. ¡°You will take one now and take the other in ten hours if you fail to break through your realm barrier. If you succeed, you can give it to Elder Marrow.¡±


    ¡°This is too precious, Newstar, you will need it one day.¡±


    Newt waved his hand dismissively at his teacher. ¡°A friend of mine made it, he will make more if I ask him nicely and help him with one of his tasks. Take the pill now, please.¡±


    To his credit, Elder Stronggrow shed no tears and trusted his patriarch enough to obey him.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said after swallowing the pill.


    ¡°You need not cultivate, the pill will do everything without supervision. I wanted to ask something. Have there been others who suffered unjustly like Borhem? What can we do for them?¡±


    Elder Stronggrow took a silent moment before answering.


    ¡°There is little we can do for them.¡± Discomfort seeped into his voice. ¡°We can provide them with resources and means to live without asking them to work to earn their income, but I believe it would be detrimental to their minds and to the clan as a whole. Not the loss of a handful of gold, but the rift we would create. Onetime rewards are good, but favoritism sows seeds of envy and hatred.


    ¡°I would pay for a healer to return their bodies to their optimal state, but we have no such healers nearby and the treatment would be prodigiously expensive, not worth it for mortal laborers, no matter how loyal or how hardworking.¡±


    Newt clenched his teeth. Again with their poverty. He swore he would one day be rich enough to pay for whatever his clan needed. If a clansman slipped and hurt his back while carrying firewood, they would have a designated healer ready to help them.


    ¡°What if we give them the chance to cultivate? Merely awakening their spirit root and reaching the peak of the first realm would double their lifespan, increasing their physical strength and resilience.¡±


    ¡°Young Master,¡± Elder Stronggrow was so stunned he addressed Newt by his more familiar title, ¡°that would be even more expensive than the healer.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make it happen, somehow. Is there anything else I should know?¡±


    ¡°The other elders are getting restless. They aren¡¯t looking for cultivation resources, but wealth to support their newfound lifestyle. They might have posed a problem had you not brought back these pills. If Marrow and I advance to the third realm, we could suppress them easily, and they won¡¯t dare stir up trouble.¡±


    ¡°Do we have enough food and medicine? Is everyone healthy?¡± Newt inquired about his people, about what he could do to improve their lives, and fumed because they had no means to fund the possible improvements. Fortunately, everyone was alive and healthy enough, which temporarily eased Newt¡¯s worries.


    ¡°I will head into the mine to meditate. If I find any spirit gems, I will dig them out and bring them back. With some luck, you should have enough to purchase a spirit beast¡¯s core or two. I would tell you to sell those enchanted manacles, but I fear we may end up needing them in the near future if the other elders are as shortsighted as I believe them to be.¡±

 Chapter 34 - Magmin Returns

    27th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt spent most of his days in the mine cultivating his realm, erecting earth glyphs and digging trenches for lava to fill to create fire runes. He had soon discovered that Blackfist had arranged the runes into primitive spell formations, which enhanced the overall effect of each participating rune.


    Newt doubted the development was an accident, and he was grateful for the former sect master¡¯s attention to detail and knowledge of esoteric subjects. In the eight weeks since he had gone into seclusion, Newt had completed his ninth layer, and only the unformed tenth layer awaited cultivation.


    He had a choice between reaching the peak outside Magmin¡¯s secret realm, or heading in as he was. Entering later was the wiser choice, but Newt was young and suffered from the rashness of his age.


    He closed his eyes and entered his realm, to resolve one last matter before advancing.


    Newt did not know why, but he knew exactly where his final heart demon was. He returned to the place where the hall of the heart demon representing his uncle once stood. Like last time, the heart demon remained within its abode, but rather than sitting on a throne, it lay broken on the floor.


    ¡°You killed me,¡± the pale body wheezed with its final breath.


    ¡°Yes, I did. It was an accident. I am sorry. Will you forgive me?¡±


    ¡°Murderer!¡± the heart demon said with yet another final breath.


    ¡°Can we discuss this like adults?¡± Newt attempted to imitate Blackfist. ¡°We didn¡¯t toss your traitorous corpse for the dogs to eat and arranged a proper burial for you. Your wives and children are alive and we are taking care of them. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me for thinking you are actually able to defend yourself from a starved youth¡¯s punch?¡±


    ¡°Murderer!¡± the body wheezed, and Newt covered his face with his hands in frustration, then ran his fingers through his hair.


    ¡°I guess we are not going to resolve this peacefully this time.¡± Newt raised his foot to stomp the heart demon to pieces, then hesitated.


    ¡°If you strike me down, I will grow stronger than you can imagine.¡±


    Those words brought the foot down. Heart demons were malicious, they would never offer good advice without trying to distract the cultivator. While the statement was undoubtedly true, it served to conceal a greater peril.


    ¡°And leaving you here to advance with the realm would allow you to advance, too.¡± Newt decided he would stay in his third realm longer, probably years. He hoped he would learn to cope with his guilt as he matured.


    With the deed done, Newt exited his realm, ate, slept, and then reached the tunnel hosting the twin ghostly suns. He looked around and confirmed nothing material existed in the air. The walls were no different than anywhere else, made of granite and covered in waste from digging spirit gems.


    Why did I find this and not the great ancestor? Is it fate, chance, or heaven¡¯s joke?


    The youth wished to believe he was special, but a more rational part of his person assured him it was dumb luck that gave him his twin spirit roots. With unease, Newt clenched a family heirloom spear his teacher had given him and touched the lower orb. In a flash of fire, the dark tunnel disappeared, and Newt stood in the middle of a massive conflagration.


    The world burned in all directions, and Newt could barely see a handful of feet in each direction as his skin stung. He activated Magmin Scales, and his discomfort disappeared, but the world remained the sea of red and orange.


    What is burning? Newt squinted, trying to find the fuel which fed the fires, but found nothing. He cloaked himself in Granite Crust beneath his fiery scales and turned to double check his environment. To his left, the fire was a bit further away, making a passage which was nearly impossible to see in the fiery hell.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Newt kept his eyes peeled, searching for Magmin, and less than a minute later, he heard a hiss.


    ¡°Where are they?¡± the voice was deeper than the last time Newt had met the serpent, and there was an odd tone to it which Newt failed to recognize, but it gave him the creeps nonetheless. ¡°I have eliminated seven. The pterodactylus cannot reach me here, it fears flames, but because of my realm¡¯s shape I cannot be certain I have eliminated all of them.¡±


    Newt froze. His instincts told him that the muttering version of Magmin was not a friendly serpent willing to chat with him like it was the first time they met. Their second meeting would be as enemies.


    ¡°Where are they?¡± Magmin repeated identical words, assuring Newt something was wrong with the creature.


    The hissing was closer than the last time, and Newt feared he would bump into the serpent, so he drew back and entered the wall of flames. Suddenly, Magmin Scales drew thrice as much spiritual energy, and Newt felt the energy drain away from his realm. The loss was acceptable, he could spend half an hour or more sitting inside the fire, but it was still a drain where previously the environment generously offered enough spiritual energy to perpetually fuel Newt¡¯s unburdened defensive techniques.


    Newt waited a handful of moments before a massive head appeared, slithering along the earthen path. Magmin had wanted to evolve wings, to fly, yet the creature which appeared before Newt had no hint of wings. Instead, it was a massive constrictor snake, four feet thick, and over forty feet in length.


    Newt realized that instead of becoming a flying serpent, Magmin had evolved into a spirit beast titanoboa. The giant serpent flicked its tongue, turning left and right in search of heart demons before it crawled forward again.


    A shrill scream came from the sky and Magmin erected itself, raising its head ten feet above the ground and staring at the sky.


    ¡°Come if you dare,¡± it hissed. ¡°Come into my domain of fire you abominable creature!¡±


    Even though Magmin hissed in the serpent language, Newt could feel its rancor. The lively snake which had reached the peak of the first realm and called itself a genius had become a vitriolic ball of hatred.


    The pterodactylus, or whatever the creature had become, cawed a mocking laugh and kept circling above, taunting and driving Magmin mad. Finally, the snake bellowed, and the pterosaur left, snickering.


    ¡°I must find the others and eliminate them before I evolve. I won¡¯t get any wings, but I can cultivate my realm so that the damn avian has to crawl down to meet me. I will slay it then, yes, yes.¡± Magmin hissed, and continued its frenzied search.


    The danger passed, muttering the same words over and over. Newt left the fire and felt his spiritual energy recover a trickle at a time.


    What do I do? Newt felt sorry for Magmin. He could see how his desire to fly had unbalanced the little fellow and turned it into a monster, but Magmin was long dead, it had evolved past the hurdle and one day grew strong enough to soar through the sky.


    Unfortunately, Magmin¡¯s psychotic state made cooperation impossible, and to leave the realm, Newt would have to slay the titanoboa. He looked around. Worse, Magmin¡¯s realm was useless as far as cultivation forms went. The serpent had set everything ablaze, likely to reinforce its fire abilities.


    At least the ground is still sloped. Newt looked uphill. He could not see the wood from the fires, but he knew where it would be. If he could lure Magmin and the evolved pterodactylus to the clearing near the crater, he could let them fight to the death and then finish off the winner.


    The tactic was uninspired and unoriginal, since he had considered it nearly three seasons ago, but it should do the trick. Magmin confessed last time that the wounds inflicted by the pterodactylus would stick for a while.


    Newt hesitated for a few moments more, wondering whether he could talk some sense into Magmin, whether the serpent would listen or attack him on sight, believing him a new heart demon. He hoped he could help, but the odds were stacked against him.


    Newt bit his lip and discarded the distracting thoughts, climbing the volcano and keeping an ear out for an insane titanoboa¡¯s mutterings.


    What would have happened had we met during its real life? Would Magmin have become a winged serpent instead of a titanoboa if he advanced a realm without heart demons?


    The topic tickled Newt¡¯s imagination. What is the difference in advancing with or without heart demons? Somebody must have investigated the matter and noted their findings. But did the imperial libraries contain such information? On one hand, it seemed like basic information in the cultivation world, something everyone should know. On the other hand, interviewing credible sources and compiling accounts seemed like a lot of work to achieve something every cultivator knew was true, not having dinosaurs chasing you to dismember you, or disembodied voices screaming at you or accusing you made cultivation easier.


    Deep in thought, Newt reached the edge of the flaming realm and walked straight into solid air. Newt bounced off an invisible wall and fell. The pull of spiritual energy increased again as he landed into the fire, but Newt swiftly got up and approached the invisible barrier.


    He pressed his hands against it, but no matter how hard he pushed he could not pass through. Beyond the invisible wall stood Magmin¡¯s first realm of flowing lava and black calcified pines. Newt swallowed a curse. He was stuck in Magmin¡¯s second realm.

 Chapter 35 - Battling the Python

    27th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    What now? Reality had shattered Newt¡¯s plan of pitting two monsters against each other. If he fought Magmin head on¡­ Newt hesitated, but since it was the only way left, he considered the situation.


    He was one layer weaker than Magmin, a negligible difference. As for the battle itself, Newt had a speed and maneuverability advantage, and with his ancestral spear he had reach on his side as well.


    Magmin was almost certainly sturdier than Newt, and within the confines of its realm, the serpent had an endless supply of spiritual energy, so the battle needed to be short. Entering a battle of attrition meant death by constriction.


    The alternative is to skulk around, drawing energy from the environment and cultivating, but Magmin might find me while I am in a trance. If Magmin surprised Newt while the youth was in his helpless state, Newt was as good as dead. The risk was greater than confronting Magmin while unaware of his enemy¡¯s power.


    Newt retreated from the realm barrier. Whatever happened, mobility was Newt¡¯s advantage and having his back against the wall countered his strength. Newt reentered the maze of flames, his ears out for Magmin¡¯s deranged hisses.


    He checked his spear, and the flames of Magmin¡¯s realm had no impact on the weapon forged for cultivators relying on fire-attributed techniques. The spear was lighter than Newt would have preferred, its tip a short point of steel, barely a finger long.


    With earth-attributed spiritual energy saturating his body whenever he used any fire techniques, Newt had an abundance of strength, and he already knew he would prefer heavy weapons once he had earned enough spirit gems to buy himself a proper weapon.


    But I don¡¯t have to limit myself to fighting with a spear alone. I know eight spell formations. Camouflage, energy gathering, defensive, object locking and unlocking, and endless maze spell formations he discarded as likely useless. Newt considered the trapping spell formation, which used the ambient element to immobilize the target, but piling more earth energy on top of Magmin¡¯s probably formidable defenses would likely make the giant serpent impervious to physical harm.


    That left illusion and killing spell formations. Given the environment, the killing spell formation would most probably produce attacks of earth and fire elements, to which Magmin was highly resistant. But an illusion spell formation might do the trick. Newt stroked his chin.


    I could set up a spell formation to replace me with a giant pterodactylus flapping its wings. Such a crude thing wouldn¡¯t fool a human, but it should be more than enough for Magmin, especially since the pterodactylus is his heart demon.


    The more Newt entertained the idea the more he liked it. When fighting heart demons cultivators had no need to protect themselves. If they failed, they tried again and again, focusing on offense until they succeeded. The last thing a cultivator worried about when facing their fears, guilt, and insecurities was their realm permanently collapsing because they were already dead.


    On the other hand, if anyone met anything new and unexpected inside their spiritual realm, they would certainly act with caution, raising all the defenses they could muster out of reflex, if nothing else.


    An illusion will do nicely.


    With a plan in mind, Newt went downhill until he found what he was looking for, a four way crossing with enough space for him to carve the string of runes into the ground. Newt struck the searing rock with his spear over and over again, chipping its surface.


    He constantly circulated earth-aligned spiritual energy to enhance his body, yet despite the enchantment and the strength granted by his realm, Newt took hours to etch the twenty-odd runes and connect them with intricate lines.


    The spell formation drew the ambient spiritual energy and an image flickered into existence. Newt found the end result horrible. The illusion was of the lowest tier. It had no sound, no smell, and the illusory pterodactylus did not follow the logic of any science known to man. It flapped its wings like mad, never moving from its spot. Only a fool, or someone suffering from a severe case of pigheaded single-mindedness and burning hatred for giant pterodactyluses, would be deceived and even that would last no more than a handful of moments.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Which suited Newt just fine. He planned to end the fight with a single strike, putting all his weight and earth energy he could summon behind one blow. It would have to be enough, otherwise, Newt would lose the element of surprise. He would have to flee and hide using the few spell formations he knew.


    Newt¡¯s backup plan was to advance his realm, cultivate the tenth layer, and then break through, all the while hiding under his beginner quality spell formations. While he was uncertain what would happen, he believed increasing his cultivation beyond the limits of the realm should either eject him, or give him the edge over Magmin.


    It won¡¯t come to that. He assured himself, and stood in the center of his spell formation, illusory pterodactylus overlapping with his body.


    Newt waited, hours passed, and he grew drowsy, almost falling asleep on his feet. A sudden shriek snapped him awake. Newt looked up and saw a giant terror. The oversized pterodactylus had grown even bigger, its wingspan nearly matching Magmin¡¯s new length. The behemoth¡¯s body was fifteen feet tall, its giant beak large enough to swallow Newt hole.


    Newt shuddered when he caught the heart demon¡¯s gaze. That which was once bloodthirsty voraciousness had evolved. There was a glint of malicious intelligence in those eyes, and the implication terrified Newt. Any heart demon he allowed to grow along with his realm would evolve like the giant pterodactylus and become an exponentially more powerful monster.


    What will the heart demon from killing Uncle become after it reforms? Will it reform? Newt hoped that if it happened, it would be something easier to manage than it would have become by advancing together with him.


    The pterodactylus shrieked again, the wind produced by its sail-sized wings buffeting Newt as the giant hovered in place. The flames reached up, tall enough to keep the creature at bay, and while it eyed Newt and his illusion, the behemoth did not dare approach.


    It shrieked again, its sharp, toothy beak locked in what Newt perceived as a mocking smile. Then, the giant flapped its wings and took off, leaving Newt behind.


    ¡°The pterodactylus cannot reach me here,¡± Magmin hissed its mantra, and Newt froze, ¡°it fears flames, but because of my realm¡¯s confusing shape I cannot be certain I have eliminated all of them.¡±


    The muttering stopped. Magmin glared at Newt from a dozen feet away, its eyes wide open, its pupils narrowed into black vertical slits.


    ¡°Impossible,¡± it hissed. ¡°I will strangle you! Grind your bones into mush! You will pay for your arrogance.¡±


    Magmin threatened, but remained in place, too afraid to make the first move. Newt opened his mouth, and the illusion mirrored him. Then he laughed, doing his best to mimic the pterodactylus¡¯s high-pitched shriek.


    ¡°You,¡± Magmin bellowed, throwing itself forward, its head raised three feet above the ground. It opened its jaw, revealing flaming fangs over a foot long. The titanoboa burst with speed, slithering towards Newt almost faster than he could sprint without using Fire Burst. It covered the distance in a blink and its jaw snapped closed around the illusion¡¯s wing with the sound of a steel door slamming shut.


    The mass of flesh towered above Newt as flames burst beneath his feet. He dodged to the side as the massive head fell to the ground. Magmin hissed in rage, and Newt pounced at it just as its lower jaw struck the igneous rock with a rumble.


    Newt stabbed forward with his spear, aiming at the golden eye, and in it he saw a reflection of a pterodactylus¡¯s beak about to stab the pupil. Magmin smiled and Newt¡¯s hair bristled. At the last possible moment, flames burst beneath his left foot. An instant after Newt jumped to the side, the titanoboa¡¯s heavy tail smashed into the ground from his flank.


    The shockwave blasted Newt back, shrapnel of broken granite pattering against his reinforced skin as he tumbled to the ground.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine!¡± Magmin hissed, once again pouncing towards Newt with a gaping maw. Newt created the burst of hot air behind his back, propelling himself sideways an instant before the massive jaw smashed into the rock again.


    Even without Granite Crust, Magmin¡¯s head was tough enough to smash apart granite.


    Newt tumbled and rolled before jumping back to his feet. The illusion was gone, Magmin had pulverized at least a quarter of the runes from the runic array, but it no longer mattered. The titanoboa had gone berserk, and only thought about annihilating the foe before it.


    Magmin lunged towards Newt, its maw open wide, but the serpent struck to the ground and Newt saw his chance. Instead of dodging, the youth jumped forward. He thrust his spear into Magmin¡¯s gaping maw, but instead of stabbing, he placed the spear in vertically, tip up, as if trying to jam the jaw open.


    The jaw pressed down, spear digging into the serpent¡¯s flesh, and blood sprayed, but there was no stopping the bite¡¯s momentum. The maw closed a quarter of the way, and Newt sent a blast of hot air in front of himself, flying back out of the maw.


    The jaw closed with a crack as the spear pierced through Magmin¡¯s skull and burst out of the hole in a red spray, flying into the fire. Magmin writhed. Its giant body coiled and thrashed, and Newt fled from the wounded snake, chasing after his spear, so that he could finish the job if Magmin survived.

 Chapter 36 - The Third Realm

    28th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt was still running towards his spear, his skin covered in Magmin Scales, as he jumped through a wall of fire. Then the world dissolved, and he was back inside the mine. He crouched beneath the ghostly twin stars in confused silence when his spear clattered to the ground next to his feet.


    Newt took a deep breath, and patted himself, searching for traces of Magmin¡¯s burning blood, but found none. What he did feel was the pressure inside his realm. He was overflowing with spiritual energy, his realm ready to burst.


    In spite of his exhaustion, Newt sat, closed his eyes, and entered his spiritual realm. He appeared all the way next to the crater and abused Fire Burst to sprint down and reach the realm barrier. The near-invisible wall of force shook, tiny cracks spreading, and Newt actively struggled to keep it whole.


    Cultivating my realm ought to spend some of the excess spiritual energy.


    Newt hurried, forming lines, ditches, and mounds in accordance with Blackfist¡¯s diagram. The land absorbed the spiritual energy with greed, structures forming at merely a tenth of the original time Newt needed when cultivating his ninth layer. With all his effort and advantage, Newt took five days to complete months¡¯ worth of work. The instant he awoke from meditation, Newt collapsed, along with his realm barrier. He fell asleep before he hit the third realm.


    When he awoke, Newt did not know what hour or even what day it was. All he knew was that he should have been hungry, but he was not, and that he should have suffered from sleeping on rough rock, but his body felt brand new.


    The benefits of the third realm, often called Transcending Mortality, made themselves obvious from the moment he opened his eyes.


    Newt stood and stretched, his spine and joints popping. The battle in Magmin¡¯s realm had burned his clothes to ashes, but he hoped that was the last time his clothes would suffer.


    He sent a surge of fire-attributed spiritual energy through his body and formed Magmin Scales, then pushed them away from his skin. They inched forward until the paradoxical field which burned heat itself stood a foot away from Newt, painting his world red.


    Finally, I can project spiritual energy further away from my body. Newt dismissed the technique with a smile, and a wave of heat washed over his skin.


    He left the mine and headed for the clanhold, wearing nothing but Granite Crust and Magmin Scales to cover his indecency. Fire Burst and Newt¡¯s newly improved physique made the slow descent a matter of a dozen hops.


    Newt removed the protection from his face and laughed as wind buffeted his cheeks. The sensation was almost like flying. Newt¡¯s heart raced in exhilaration, spiritual energy had reinforced his body, and if the legends were true, one day, once he reached the sixth realm, Newt would learn to fly on his own.


    ¡°Newstar!¡±


    Newt looked down and saw Elder Brave looking up towards him, shielding his eyes with his hand. Still grinning, Newt controlled his descent, and crashed three yards away from the elderly man.


    ¡°What realm are you at?¡± Elder Brave asked.


    ¡°Third.¡± Newt could not believe he ever thought his uncle could stand a chance against his father. Father could have swatted him like a fly whenever he felt like it.


    The sudden realization made Newt¡¯s heart ache. He was definitely the sole reason his uncle enslaved his father and mother. Newt¡¯s mood soured, but Elder Brave failed to notice.


    ¡°Newstar, did you give elders Stronggrow and Marrow resources to advance their realm?¡± Elder Brave asked with a stern voice, but the question cheered up Newt.


    ¡°Elder Marrow also made it?¡±


    ¡°Newstar, that is not the point.¡± Elder Brave glared at Newt. ¡°We are a clan. The clan¡¯s patriarch cannot make decisions about the clan¡¯s resources on his own. He has to consult the elders, and then the council will decide on how to distribute the resources.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Elder Rocky and Elder Toughroot approached and stood behind Elder Brave, physically backing their representative, and Newt heard other footsteps nearing them.


    ¡°You cannot¡­¡± Elder Brave started a tirade, and Newt lowered his gaze. He did not like the six elders who supported his uncle. They were his seniors. He had to respect them and listen to their opinions. To bow his head¡ª


    They did not listen to Elder Stronggrow, who is the oldest amongst them, a quiet voice, barely a whisper, pointed out.


    If they don¡¯t respect their elders, why should I respect them? The voice grew stronger, angrier. If they wanted to give up on their ancestors and tradition for some comfort, what right do they have to order me around, abusing that very tradition?


    ¡°No.¡± Newt interrupted the Elder Brave¡¯s long speech.


    ¡°I need not obey you, nor the clan rules. You have taught me that, honorable elders,¡± Newt spat the words. ¡°In which elder session did you vote to betray my father? To discard our traditions?¡±


    Elder Rocky opened his mouth to argue.


    ¡°Silence!¡± Newt shouted. ¡°When I first left the mine, you went to explore the whole complex to find where I got the spirit gems from. You want resources? Go in there and dig. You want me to give you something? Deserve it! A complete stranger had invested more time and effort into me within the first week of getting to know me than you did in sixteen years. Have you no shame?¡±


    Newt suddenly found himself screaming, half the clan looking at him from the street or the windows of their residences. His face was turning red. Newt was so embarrassed, he wanted to follow in Magmin¡¯s footsteps and crawl under a rock.


    Then someone clapped.


    ¡°Bravo!¡± Elder Stronggrow said, still clapping his hands, and others joined him. ¡°Well said, Newstar.¡±


    Newt¡¯s teacher approached. His appearance had not changed. He still seemed very old, but the wrinkles had faded from his face, and his eyes blazed with new life and determination.


    ¡°Do you have anything to say for yourself?¡± Elder Stronggrow asked.


    Brave hesitated, but found his words after collecting his thoughts. ¡°Personal opinions don¡¯t matter. Misuse of clan¡¯s property is forbidden, and the elders have the right to question their patriarch about how he used their shared resources.¡±


    Elder Stronggrow gave Newt a meaningful look, and after thinking for a moment, Newt knew how he should respond.


    ¡°First of all, Elder Stronggrow is the acting patriarch, and everyone knows that. Second, the pills I gave elders Stronggrow and Marrow weren¡¯t clan¡¯s resources, but my personal belongings, cultivation resources I earned myself during my trip to Black Fist Gate. I am free to use my belongings any way I see fit.¡±


    Elder Brave remained silent, but Elder Rocky opened his mouth, looking like he was about to shout, ¡®Why didn¡¯t you give them to me?¡¯


    I swear I will slap you if you say that.


    ¡°Why did you give them the pills?¡±


    Close enough.


    A burst of hot air propelled Newt forward. His body was already covered in Granite Crust for decency, and his hand moved at a blur. Newt¡¯s rocky palm made perfect contact with Rocky¡¯s thick face. A crack echoed as the elder¡¯s jaw broke. He soared across the street and struck the wall made of solid stone.


    Newt¡¯s elation died immediately, a traumatic scene from half a year ago replaying itself before his very eyes. With two bursts of hot air, Newt was crouching down next to the prone man. Blood oozed from Elder Rocky¡¯s mouth, but his chest moved, and his gaze wandered aimlessly.


    He¡¯s alive.


    ¡°Can someone take a look at him?¡± ¡®I don¡¯t need another heart demon from killing family.¡¯ Newt did not say the words, but he did mean them. Elder Rocky and his five accomplices could crawl under a rock and die for all he cared. What mattered was that he did not cause their deaths.


    ¡°He will live,¡± Elder Stronggrow said after checking Rocky¡¯s pulse. ¡°You rattled his brain, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°The patriarch cannot use violence to suppress the elders!¡± Elder Brave shouted, and the four elders still guarding his back murmured in agreement, but did not dare make coherent complaints.


    ¡°Elder Marrow,¡± Newt asked, ¡°what should the clan do in case of a failed rebellion? What is the punishment for rebelling elders?¡±


    Brave and his fellows paled at the question.


    ¡°The punishment varies, depending on the damage the clan has suffered. It ranges from fines, caning, and early retirement, through imprisonment and exile, all the way to abolishment of cultivation or execution.¡±


    Newt stared at the five men, trying to figure out what Blackfist would do.


    ¡°Would you prefer to go into voluntary exile, or do you want us to arrange a trial and judge your sentences according to clan law?¡±


    Elder Brave and his cohorts stared at Newt, their gazes drifting towards Stronggrow and Marrow. Five second realm cultivators could expect nothing but death if they challenged three third realm opponents. Or even one for that matter.


    ¡°Exile,¡± Brave said, and Toughroot immediately protested.


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Brave growled before continuing in a calmer tone. ¡°Our families are innocent. Can they stay in the clan?¡±


    Newt knew it was a bad idea, one he would almost certainly come to regret one day, but exiling the perpetrators¡¯ grandchildren and great-grandchildren for a crime they had nothing to do with was not justice.


    ¡°Naturally,¡± he said, hoping elders Stronggrow and Marrow were strong enough to handle any trouble, should the people in question cause any.

 Chapter 37 - New Course

    38th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°What do you plan to do now?¡± Elder Stronggrow asked Newt. The experienced man could tell his student and rightful patriarch had no intention of staying within the clanhold.


    ¡°I have done everything in my power to assuage my guilt over Uncle Victor¡¯s unfortunate death. I have spent a day begging forgiveness in front of his grave, ensured his wives and children would not suffer and would receive fair treatment, despite the harm he had caused to our family. I hope it will help me cope with the heart demon, but even if it¡¯s not enough, there¡¯s little more I can do here. Unless you have better advice?¡±


    Elder Stronggrow shook his head, his helplessness clear on his face.


    Newt ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. Somehow, he knew his efforts were not enough, but he could not delay his plans for the sake of his heart demon. For all Newt knew, obsession over it might even make the demon stronger.


    ¡°I plan to search for Father and Mother, but that requires money. Senior Blackfist suggested a way to earn money.¡±


    Stronggrow¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Newstar, keep away from banditry!¡±


    Newt stared at his teacher, brows furrowed in confusion before he burst into laughter.


    ¡°Teacher, I assure you, Senior Blackfist¡¯s reputation is entirely undeserved. He is a man of great learning and someone I should look up to.¡±


    Stronggrow frowned at his naive student.


    ¡°No, really!¡± Newt defended himself and Blackfist. ¡°Senior Blackfist made the pills you and Elder Marrow consumed. He also knows a great deal about forging, spell formations, and just about every type of cultivation technique.¡±


    Elder Stronggrow relented. ¡°And what did he suggest?¡±


    ¡°The imperial family and orthodox faction had founded the Association long ago, an organization of orthodox and lone cultivators which provides all sorts of work and contact opportunities.¡±


    Stronggrow nodded grimly. He knew about the Association, but the notion of the rightful patriarch of his family joining such a group to act as a mercenary horrified him.


    ¡°What of your honor?¡± Stronggrow said.


    ¡°What about my honor? Eliminating demonic cultists, monsters who threaten unprotected settlements, or rogues who betrayed their clans and sects¡­ All Association work is honorable. It might not be prestigious or glamorous, but all of it is extremely honorable. That¡¯s the point.¡±


    Stronggrow allowed the silence to settle, speaking only when he found the proper words. ¡°Newstar, Association is a gathering place of vagabonds, it was made to keep the rogue cultivators from banditry. Only the poor resort to joining it.¡± Stronggrow had more to say, but Newt snatched his chance to speak.


    ¡°Teacher, pardon my disrespect, but our clan is so poor, we sold our previous patriarch and his wife into slavery.¡± Newt¡¯s words struck the old man like a slap. ¡°We have no resources to purchase spirit beast cores to awaken the new generation¡¯s spirit roots, and we have dwindled from a clan where someone of our cultivation was only fit to clean the kitchens to the point where those ancient cleaners are stronger than our standard for elders.¡±


    Newt looked his teacher in the eye, and could still see the wise man¡¯s denial. ¡°Teacher, we are so poor, we should envy the beggars. But the good news is we can work and earn, and little by little help our clan rise to its former glory.¡±


    Elder Stronggrow was on the verge of tears. He wished to cry not out of gratitude or joy, but out of humiliation. He, a wise man nearly four centuries old, needed a seventeen-year-old youth to fund him and his clan.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so dejected.¡± Newt placed a hand on the frail, old shoulder. ¡°We could make it a family tradition. Once someone reaches the second realm, they join the Association for a year or five, see the world, earn some resources, and return home to enrich us both with their knowledge and their wealth.¡±


    ¡°Newstar,¡± Stronggrow did not know what to say, so he hugged his student and wept.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Once you return, I will head to join the Association.¡± Elder Stronggrow broke the hug and stared into his student¡¯s sapphire eyes. ¡°I will speak with Marrow, he will probably volunteer once I return. If we are establishing a tradition, we should lead by example, and show the next generation there is no shame in the deed.¡±


    Newt could still sense his teacher¡¯s resistance and helplessness. He squeezed the old man¡¯s forearm. ¡°Teacher, don¡¯t let this become a heart demon.¡±


    Stronggrow jerked, sitting straight, eyes open wide. ¡°You are right. It¡¯s just doing some communal service. It¡¯s neither shame nor doom for our clan, but returning to the empire the blessings the empire has graced us with.¡±


    The abrupt change shocked Newt.


    ¡°Teacher,¡± Newt hesitated, his voice faint, ¡°how bad were your heart demons?¡±


    Elder Stronggrow held Newt¡¯s gaze for a long moment. ¡°Bad. I took over two hundred years to rid myself of them, and we are not discussing the topic.¡±


    Newt changed the subject, talking about what he had learned from Blackfist, or at least the matters they agreed Newt could share with others. He tried to explain spell formations to his teacher, and while Stronggrow understood the concept, he lost Newt once the young man started discussing the flow of energies between the various glyphs forming the runic array.


    Newt spent another day in his home, transcribing his family¡¯s third realm techniques, visiting cousins, and taking time to enjoy himself with people he once found dear. By evening, he found that the conversations were empty pleasantries.


    He had drifted too far. Three years of slavery, the rush of cultivating his layers, and two near-death experiences in Magmin¡¯s realms had changed him. While his body was seventeen, Newt felt like an old man, and the others could sense it too.


    The next morning, Stronggrow and Marrow were the only ones bidding him goodbye at the clanhold¡¯s threshold.


    ¡°Take care, Newstar,¡± Marrow said. ¡°I wish you luck on your travels.¡±


    They half bowed to each other. As for Stronggrow, all he and Newt exchanged was a long look. There was no need for words or pleasantries, the old man understood his student, and the student understood his teacher.


    ¡°Take care of the clan.¡±


    Newt left his clan for the second time that year. He had a feeling it would be years before he returned, and he was fine with that. His home had become a strange place of bad memories, and the only reason he had to visit them again was the Magmin¡¯s realm hidden inside the mine. But Magmin had grown mad. Its realm was no longer a guideline for Newt to follow, but a deathtrap to keep Magmin safe from its pterodactylus heart demon.


    Unlike Magmin¡¯s scorching inferno, the world was full of life. Snow had melted weeks ago, streams gurgled as trees bloomed and vivid colors spread through the green world. Newt¡¯s base needs had diminished. He needed sustenance once a week, and he had not slept once since he had passed out in the mine, after tormenting his body and mind for days.


    Newt¡¯s destination was three weeks away by foot. He could have covered the trip in as many days if he used Fire Burst without stopping, but he did not even try, knowing he would expend his spiritual energy long before reaching his destination. Instead, he wanted to observe the world, the mortals living peaceful lives, and to study his clan¡¯s third realm techniques he had copied prior to leaving.


    On the second day, he stopped at a roadside inn in which he had rested incognito when he went to visit the Black Fist Gate. Newt ordered a tea and a bowl of the pottage from the fat, greasy innkeeper and was about to sit down and skim through the movement technique when the door slammed open.


    ¡°Help! Allosaurus¡ª¡± a peasant shouted, and a maw as big as the man¡¯s torso opened behind him.


    The chair beneath Newt flew and crashed into the wall as the youth propelled himself in the opposite direction. In a flash, a black aura covered his body and clothes, making him look like living rock.


    The peasant screamed and ducked just in time for the jaw to snap closed above his head, and for Newt to smash into the dinosaur. Newt punched its skull and the allosaurus reared in pain, standing nearly ten feet tall. Newt straddled the dinosaur¡¯s jaw, keeping it shut with his legs, and pummeled the dinosaur¡¯s temple with a fist as hard as solid granite.


    The beast screeched, but after a dozen blows it teetered. Newt kept punching until the skull gave with a crack, and the allosaurus toppled over, its head misshapen.


    Everybody in the inn stared at the surreal scene with their jaws slack.


    ¡°Where did an allosaurus come from?¡± Newt muttered, dropping Granite Crust.


    The terrified peasant was so beside himself that he answered Newt¡¯s question.


    ¡°Honorable cultivator, a pack of allosauruses attacked my cart. I left the gastonias to fend for themselves¡ª¡± the peasant grabbed his hair, his eyes wide. ¡°I left them harnessed! My gastonias!¡±


    The irrational man ran down the road, all alone to fight a pack of predators to save his beasts of burden. Newt took a moment to process that information, before catching up to the peasant in two Fire Bursts, and overtaking him with the third.


    He turned around the bend and stopped. Not fifty yards away, four allosauruses with olive-colored scales feasted on the dead dinosaurs behind an overturned cart of freshly plucked spring cabbages. The beasts posed little danger to Newt, but defeating them would sap most of his spiritual energy.


    Why didn¡¯t I bring my spear? In his rush, he had left the spear where he sat at the table. Newt looked at the peasant, still running towards him and shouting, then at the allosauruses, one of which had raised its head and stared at him.


    It growled in warning, then went back to its feast.


    I better go fetch my spear first. No reason to make life harder for myself.

 Chapter 38 - Sidetracked

    41st of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt sprinted back, spear in hand, and charged into the still-feasting allosauruses. The nearest beast raised its head in time to see its own blurry reflection in the spear¡¯s tip before sharp steel pierced its eye. The allosaurus¡¯s roar died before fully forming, leaving the monster¡¯s throat as a pained gurgle.


    Newt kicked its massive neck, hurling the dying dinosaur at its packmate. The three remaining allosauruses roared and growled, one of them chomping at the human.


    Newt sent a surge of Magmin Flames along his weapon, and the flaming spear pierced into the monster¡¯s open maw. The allosaurus squealed as its seared flesh hissed and parted, but it pulled its head back before Newt could land a lethal blow.


    The prone allosaurus threw off its dead packmate and twisted to return to its feet, while the other three-thousand-pound beast stepped onto the overturned cart, snapping it into kindling and squishing the cabbages to paste. The allosaurus lost balance, and Newt used the opening to plunge the spear into its neck.


    Blood sprayed as Newt withdrew his spear, and the allosaurus clawed at its own throat. The beast thrashed its tail and turned to flee, colliding with its packmate just as the other allosaurus got back to its feet. They toppled together while the one whose mouth was scorched turned around and fled.


    Newt made short work of the prone monsters, then caught up with the last survivor. He jumped, aiding his leap with a burst of hot air beneath his feet. The spear entered the back of the allosaurus¡¯s neck, and the lifeless dinosaur fell, tumbling head over heels along the field of still-green wheat.


    Newt drew a breath and exhaled, an overjoyed grin on his lips.


    I didn¡¯t even break a sweat.


    Newt¡¯s third eye told him the allosauruses did not have a speck of spiritual energy beyond what was expected for normal living creatures. They were mere beasts, descendents of evolved ancestors which had attained the second or third realm. Still, Newt was satisfied. Even as mortal beasts, allosauruses were powerful adversaries, able to match Elder Noble and his ilk in single combat.


    Newt returned to the overturned cart, the peasant finally reaching it in his own mad dash.


    ¡°I¡¯m ruined!¡± The man pulled at his hair again, weeping before his dead gastonias and trampled cabbages.


    Newt felt sorry for the man.


    ¡°How will I feed my wife and little ones?¡±


    The words tugged at Newt¡¯s heart, and he considered giving the man several gold coins to purchase new beasts of burden and make up for the lost cabbages. When he was desperate, a stranger helping him would have been a blessing, a saint sent by the heavens.


    It would have been a curse. If someone else took me out of the mines after Father and Mother were sold, I would have been devastated. Elder Brave and the rest would have taken over, and I would have been a waste or a puppet at best.


    ¡°The eighth baby is on the way! Will Daisy lose the baby from shock when she¡ª¡±


    ¡°Heaven¡¯s lightning, man! Here,¡± Newt stuffed a fistful of gold coins into the peasant¡¯s face, filling his hands and coins rained on the ground.


    ¡°Go, buy whatever you need, just stop. Get a hold of yourself! You¡¯re alive! Don¡¯t you understand how big of a difference it is for your family that you have not died to a random dino attack?¡±


    Newt almost slapped the man, but even a casual blow would likely break a mortal¡¯s neck, if not smash his skull outright. Unaware of how close he was to death for the second time that day, the peasant went down on his knees.


    ¡°Thank you, Lord Cultivator, thank you.¡± Instead of gathering the coins, he growled before Newt¡¯s feet. He tried to hug and kiss his shoes, but with a light burst of hot air, Newt jumped outside the peasant¡¯s reach.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°What are allosaurus doing this far from their habitat?¡± Newt asked as a crowd slowly gathered.


    ¡°The carnivores have been getting restless lately,¡± the innkeeper said. ¡°There¡¯s enough woodland to hide them, so we can¡¯t tell for sure whether these are random attacks or a larger movement. Stegosaurus and triceratops have trampled several fields. We sent a request to the Association and to the Black Fist sect three days ago, but the messengers probably haven¡¯t reached them yet.¡±


    The innkeeper lowered his gaze, and Newt knew what the problem was. Black Fist sect did not care about the mortals and several fields of mortal food being destroyed, as for the Association, the village was at the fringes of the empire, an irrelevant region, and they would not move for several carts of cabbages. Maybe not even for an occasional peasant devoured by the passing non-spirit beasts.


    Newt would think the same if the suffering people were a week away. They would have been somebody else¡¯s problem. But he could not turn his back on them with them standing right before him.


    ¡°Could you show me where those other incidents happened?¡± he asked and the crowd¡¯s mood lifted, the people shining with hope.


    ¡°Certainly, Lord Cultivator,¡± the chubby innkeeper bowed thrice, motioning Newt to follow.


    He took a step when he looked at the cabbage transporter once more.


    Eight children? You¡¯re not even thirty years old.


    ¡°Congratulations on your eighth child,¡± Newt said, and the cabbage transporter looked at him with a stupid grin. ¡°You should give your wife some breathing space. Maybe a separate bedroom.¡±


    The grin froze, but then the surrounding men approached the cabbage transporter.


    ¡°Daisy¡¯s pregnant again?¡±


    ¡°Congratulations!¡±


    Newt left the wellwishers and the confused father behind, following the sweaty, anxious innkeeper.


    ¡°We have enough time to visit two farms before sundown,¡± the innkeeper explained, and Newt followed, considering the situation. He asked about the village and its people, as well as the history of dinosaur attacks.


    Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. No great person was born or had a tomb in the irrelevant village of Wheatfield. No secret realms, nor extreme losses during previous dinosaur migrations. The place was practically the Blazing Salamander clan¡¯s back yard. Only then did it dawn on Newt that they asked for help from two distant organizations without even alerting the one next door.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ask for help from the Blazing Salamander clan? A runner could have reached them in a day.¡±


    ¡°They were a mighty force once, ages ago, but that clan has long since declined, Lord Cultivator,¡± the innkeeper said, apparently unaware of the implication of Newt¡¯s robe. ¡°We still tell the legends of their ancestors defending us during times of peril to our children, but right now they are weak. Even if they send their people, the dinos might kill them.¡±


    Newt wanted to argue, but could not. If he sent Brave and the five other elders, some of them might have died to the five allosauruses, and elders Stronggrow and Marrow needed to watch the clanhold. In the end, he simply nodded.


    ¡°You should at least notify them about what¡¯s happening. This is their territory, and they should know about potential threats. Even if they are weak, if the danger is great they might help, or shelter you where they can protect you. Better to lose your fields than your lives.¡±


    The strained smile made it obvious the innkeeper doubted Newt¡¯s words, but he still agreed.


    ¡°Yes, Lord Cultivator. Sorry, Lord Cultivator. I will have someone deliver the news tomorrow.¡±


    Great, now I feel like I¡¯m strong-arming mortals.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to. It¡¯s just common courtesy.¡± Newt said, and the innkeeper repeated his assurances before their conversation died an awkward death.


    They inspected the two farms, but there was little to see, other than trampled fields and several giant mounds of poop left by multi-ton dinosaurs wandering around. Newt noticed that the field visited by stegosauruses seemed less tormented than the one flattened by the much heavier triceratops, but that was about it.


    The eyewitnesses claimed the animals were jittery and often turned to scan their surroundings for predators. A worrying sign, but reasonable, considering the allosaurus attack.


    Newt and the innkeeper returned to the inn just as the sun was about to set. The innkeeper insisted on giving Newt free accommodations and a free meal, and for some reason, Newt found the polite gesture comical. He had just given a random peasant enough money to purchase farm animals and to make up for his losses. A potage and a night¡¯s rent is a drop in the bucket, but he still thanked his host and went to the room after finishing a bowl of warm stew.


    Newt made himself comfortable on the bed, and read his notes late into the night. Most of the techniques were evolutions of the ones he already knew. With a bit more spiritual energy and an intricate manipulation of heated air, Flashfire II became Flashfire III, releasing a loud boom along with the flash.


    Cauterize Wounds had suffered heavier modification, and its big cousin, Fiery Purge, helped burn away foreign energies from the cultivator¡¯s body. The next level of Flaming Fist launched flaming projectiles a dozen feet away, while upgraded Firewall burned incoming attacks from a foot away, hopefully deterring wild dinosaurs.


    Long hours of the night passed, and two hours before dawn, Newt allowed himself to doze off. He planned to spend the day investigating the forest and believed a quick nap would help sharpen his mind.

 Chapter 39 - The Forest

    42nd of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt¡¯s quick nap lasted nine hours. By the time he got up, the morning had nearly passed, noon merely half an hour away.


    The innkeeper fiddled with his hands, but steeled himself and approached Newt the moment he spotted the young man.


    ¡°Lord Cultivator, we have honored your wish and sent a man to warn the Blazing Salamander clan.¡± The innkeeper licked his lips and lowered his gaze. ¡°Would you grace the remaining farms with your presence after your meal?¡±


    ¡°We can go now.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± the innkeeper nearly shouted, put on a light jacket and followed Newt outside.


    The man sniffled as he walked, wiping his nose with his sleeve.


    Evenings outside are still too cold for mortals, and he ran out of the inn yesterday without bringing a jacket, drenched in sweat.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Newt asked. ¡°Someone else can show me the farms.¡±


    ¡°I am the village elder, Lord Cultivator, solving the village¡¯s problems is my job.¡± The man¡¯s voice seemed raspy to Newt¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Did only the southern farms suffer from dino attacks? The ones at the edge of the great forest?¡± Newt asked and continued when the innkeeper nodded. ¡°Just take me to the latest site, or I could follow the allosauruses¡¯ tracks, and once we are done, go back to the inn and eat the stew you prepared for me. I don¡¯t want you to fall ill for no reason.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Lord Cultivator. Thank you, Lord Cultivator,¡± the man blurted the words so quickly, Newt got the feeling he either practiced them, or had to say them much more often than seemed reasonable.


    The trampled field was no different from the last one. A bunch of hard-packed mud, big prints, bigger poop piles, definitely triceratops assailing cabbages.


    What am I to do with a herd of twenty-ton herbivores? Well, at least there aren¡¯t any longnecks or T-rex around. Newt found little solace at the thought. While he might be able to kill a solitary triceratops, it would waste time and spiritual energy. And things might turn horribly complicated if some of them were spirit beasts.


    ¡°You should return home and rest. I¡¯ll take it from here,¡± Newt said. ¡°It¡¯s fairly obvious they are coming from the forest and returning to it after a while.¡±


    Why are they returning? If they are fleeing something, then they should stay out of the forest.


    Newt went towards the woods with a frown, leaving the innkeeper behind. The air grew cooler as Newt entered the shade. The humidity was slightly greater, and the earthy scent saturated the air. Most importantly, Newt noticed a thin, luminous mist with his third eye and frowned.


    I have been to the Savage Wood before, but I never noticed that spiritual energy was denser here. Newt focused, going back and forth at the forest¡¯s edge, determining that while a difference existed, it was minute, around five percent, maybe less. That detail explained the dinosaurs¡¯ instinct to return, but not why they had left the forest in the first place.


    Something spooked them, or drove them away. Maybe the cabbages had an especially enticing smell? Newt guessed the last one was not the real reason. Especially with predators leaving their natural habitat as well.


    Why are they eating outside the forest? Maybe that¡¯s the key?


    Newt had some clues, but did not know what to do with them. So, he followed the tracks, noting after several minutes that his third eye no longer perceived the faint mist. He had grown accustomed to the increased level of the ambient spiritual energy, but the deep forest was still a marvel.


    Even at the fringe, cycadophytes, ferns, and giant tree-like horsetails replaced the regular trees Newt was used to. The forest was dark. Nowhere nearly as dark as the mines, but even in midday, the lighting reminded Newt of early dusk. The air grew heavier and the sounds of life died out the deeper Newt advanced into the jungle.


    While it did not affect him, mortal men would have sweat cascading down their backs as the temperature and humidity grew, until the forest reached the point where warm droplets drizzled from the canopy like rain. Wild dinosaurs had no trouble surviving harsh winters because their habitat rarely grew cold enough to affect them. But despite knowing that, Newt found the heat and the moisture had grown beyond normal. Enough to drive away the local wildlife.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Deeper in, a turbulent flow of spiritual energy swirled in the air. Unlike before, the energy was not omnipresent, fire clashed with water, slowly giving birth to vapor as the energies weakened at a barely perceptible rate.


    Newt¡¯s heart started beating faster.


    Battle.


    And given the persisting energy in the air, the creatures fighting were able to project spiritual energy outside their bodies, meaning they were above the second realm. Newt suddenly understood why the jungle was dead silent, and why regular beasts had fled.


    Should I continue? He wondered. The potential risks were great, but if the heavens smiled upon him, Newt might encounter something worthwhile, maybe even a real treasure, depending on who was fighting.


    If it was a pair of dinosaurs, Newt would observe and wait for a chance. If a cultivator was fighting a dinosaur, or a demonic cultivator, Newt could help, maybe even earn himself a reward or fame.


    Newt bit his lip. His mind wandered, conjuring more and more elaborate scenarios. It could be a brave young cultivator, a girl his age, in a desperate need, and if he saved her¡ªNewt blushed and hurried.


    The immaterial conflict in the air grew fiercer, and soon, Newt heard the growls and hisses. He expected more violent sounds, but distant bestial threats entered his ear, not sounds of combat.


    Then he stumbled upon the first corpse. The fern bush to his left shone with orange light. Newt stopped confused and excited. He shifted the thick layer of leaves, he saw a velociraptor¡¯s broken corpse.


    The beast was one and a half times as big as average specimens, its scales red and orange, and it stank of blood and death. It looked like something had trampled it to death, breaking its head and upper ribcage from which an orange light shone.


    Could it be?


    Newt ducked and immediately regretted he had not brought a knife or a similar tool. His face twisted, and he stepped away, before digging at the wound with his spear. Using the piercing weapon to pare flesh worked for the most part, but Newt could not open a ribcage like that.


    This ain¡¯t gonna work.


    He hesitated, then stabbed his spear into the ground. He covered himself in Granite Crust and sank his bare hands into the torso before pulling out a glowing orb the size of a plum.


    It really is a core! It¡¯s not much, but it is a start. Someone at the clan can start cultivating again.


    Newt pocketed his prize and kept going. Two dozen yards away, he found another oversized velociraptor¡¯s body, this one looked like a tree had crushed most of its body. While it had the similar reddish scales, it did not glow or have an orb, Newt checked to make sure and found nothing for his grimy effort.


    The third velociraptor lacked a head, but its chest still shone orange-red. Newt harvested its core and kept skulking closer towards the combat, which had resumed after a deep bellow. Newt arrived at a wide path, recently made by something large and heavy.


    The battle was still a distance away, but it had already lasted hours or days, so Newt stopped to examine the scene. Whatever the velociraptors were fighting was definitely not a shapely princess in need of rescuing. The large dinosaur was seven feet wide and as heavy as a house.


    Newt looked at the cluster of prints and regretted that he had no idea how to read them. Based on the blood splatters, he concluded that whatever had killed the velociraptors had done it right there on the trail while tossing them quite a few yards into the distance.


    Newt looked back in the direction from which the combatants had come. There were almost certainly more dead velociraptors there, and Newt had found two cores in three bodies. Searching for more spirit beast cores was a worthwhile endeavor. Unfortunately, the window to harvest them before the spiritual energy dissipated into the body was only a handful of hours at lower realms, and that is assuming the core had survived the battle.


    Newt clenched his teeth and once more started sneaking towards the sounds of battle. Whether there were any cores in the velociraptors¡¯ bodies, if any existed in the first place, was questionable. But before him was an ongoing battle, which certainly had more fatalities. And it would end with more deaths, if the velociraptors¡¯ pack continued the fray even after some of their number had died.


    Newt still did not know what the velociraptors were fighting, but whatever their enemy, the spirit beast was inflicting heavy damage onto the pack. He followed the trail of destruction and ran into nine more bodies, one almost as tall as he was, its head bashed into a pulp.


    Newt¡¯s heart fluttered with hope, the bigger beast was a higher realm velociraptor, but the carcass did not glow. Despite what he had concluded, Newt got to gruesome work, rewarded with nothing but a waste of time.


    One of the smaller velociraptors shone and had a core, while the rest were broken. None of the bodies were marked with slashes, puncture wounds, or bite marks. Whatever the velociraptors were fighting, it was unlikely it was a predator or a stegosaur; Newt suspected a young sauropod of some sort until he found a deep circular depression in a thick, sturdy horsetail.


    Ankylosaurus? Newt was almost certain. The tracks implied that it was too heavy to be any of its lesser kin, and the damaged tree pointed towards a round, blunt weapon. Had a sauropod struck it with its tail, the depression would have spanned the entire width of the tree.


    No wonder the battle had lasted for days. A large pack of velociraptors was taking turns attacking their enemy, and the only one who could survive such an onslaught is the heavily fortified dino.


    He turned and looked back, once more considering scavenging the remains.


    If it¡¯s an anky, I¡¯ve got all the time in the world before the raptors kill it.

 Chapter 40 - The Spoils

    42nd of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Blue rivulets, their color as deep as an ocean, veined the ankylosaurus¡¯s carapace. The beast¡¯s armor was in tatters, clawed and pried opened by a powerful beast, several times larger than a velociraptor. Thin patterns of blood danced in foot-wide bubbles of water, which covered the three deepest gashes while caked blood covered the rest of the giant¡¯s wounds.


    The dinosaur itself was roughly the regular size for its species, nearly twenty-five feet long, seven feet tall, and wider than it stood. It hissed at the pack of velociraptors darting in and out, often feinting, but still striking every so often.


    Newt observed the scene from fifty-odd yards away. He sat on a branch twelve feet off the ground, analyzing the combat, and drew certain conclusions.


    The fire-attributed velociraptors were obviously not the ones who originally wounded the ankylosaurus. The wounds beneath the water burst the bubbles from time to time in powerful sprays, hinting at the air nature of the wound and the spirit beast which had inflicted it. A huge air-attributed predator, but one not powerful enough to overwhelm the ankylosaurus immediately, in fact, it might have fallen in the attempt. Otherwise, it should have finished the job and eaten its meal.


    Velociraptors lashed out again and again, whipped into a frenzy by the higher realm spirit beast¡¯s wounds. All of them would greatly benefit from the kill, but devouring the ankylosaurus¡¯s core would help their pack leader advance.


    And Newt had an easy enough time spotting the leaders. Two human-sized velociraptors with fiery-red crests and wicked talons observed their spawn run in, claw at the ankylosaurus¡¯s water bubbles and soft belly, and return before the fatigued beast retaliated.


    Newt focused on the leaders and estimated them at the third realm, but he was not certain. The glow of spiritual energy was faint fifty yards away, and the miniature storm of clashing fire and water obscured it even further.


    Newt focused on the lone giant. Its aura was thicker, but it seemed its reserve of spiritual energy was running low. Newt believed the ankylosaurus was near death when one of the velociraptors proved too slow. Ankylosaurus¡¯s tail mace screamed through the air and smashed into the attacker¡¯s chest. Spiritual energy flared, and the beast¡¯s torso folded, its bones crunched before the velociraptor rocketed into the bushes.


    The beast was dead before it fell. The origin of the battered bodies Newt had encountered along the way was revealed in a single careless moment and a brutal flick of a tail, which almost certainly destroyed the velociraptor¡¯s core.


    I¡¯m lucky I found three.


    Newt kept watching the battle as the number of second realm velociraptors dwindled from nine to eight to seven. Half a day passed, and the ankylosaurus had given up on healing itself, focusing all its energy on defense. But as its energy gave out, so did the relentless raptors.


    Of the original pack, which must have numbered several dozen, only the two alphas remained. The ankylosaurus¡¯s bellows of what Newt recognized as indignant rage had turned into fatigued hisses. Newt could almost hear it trying to dissuade the velociraptors from a mutually assured destruction, but greed blinded the predators.


    They simultaneously leaped at the ankylosaurus, aiming for the gaping wounds. The lethal tail mace smashed one, and spiritual energy flared from it, momentarily blinding Newt¡¯s third eye. The other velociraptor reached the wound. Its powerful talons dug into the flesh, and it sank its head deep into the gash to feast on the still living herbivore.


    Ankylosaurus trashed and fell, its whines begging, but the predator was merciless. As was Newt. With blasts of hot air, he charged. The ankylosaurus lay immobilized on the ground, no longer a threat while the velociraptor was too absorbed in its meal.


    The voracious predator raised its head and looked towards the sudden sound, but it was too late. Newt¡¯s spear found its throat, and the last surviving velociraptor jumped away, tearing open the already mortal wound. The dinosaur fell the moment it freed itself, its dead body twitching on the ground.


    I reaped the fisherman¡¯s benefit. The young man smiled, recalling all the stories in which the cunning hero observed and waited until landing the critical blow which ended the battle and brought them fame and fortune.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    After enjoying his moment of triumph, Newt got to the ghastly work of checking the bodies. He rushed to the ankylosaurus, the most powerful and most valuable prize. He used the wound as an entry point, slashing and parting flesh, but just like his third eye had indicated, the core was gone, destroyed in the heat of battle or collapsed from overexertion. Its spiritual energy had dispersed into the flesh and slowly dissipated into the air.


    Newt stared at the giant corpse, he wanted to give that core to Borhem, to reward the servant for his loyalty, but fate would not have it.


    Maybe it¡¯s a blessing? What would he do with a water-aligned spirit root?


    Newt used that thought to suppress his disappointment and moved to the third realm velociraptors. The one he had slain had an intact core, while the other¡¯s was shattered, along with its bones and organs. Newt then went through the second realm spirit beasts, but just as his third eye had suggested, the furious ankylosaurus had destroyed all their cores.


    Newt sighed, fishing out all four cores he had scavenged. Three were plum sized and shrinking as their spiritual energy slowly dissipated. The process would last several weeks until they shrunk to the size of an olive, at which point the cores would stabilize or collapse.


    There¡¯s no need to wait until then. We should have more than four promising candidates at the clanhold. Newt reserved the fist-sized third realm core for Borhem, while elders could distribute the remaining three as they saw fit.


    And what do I do with this? Newt gazed at the ankylosaurus¡¯s corpse. The flesh could be used for alchemy, the carapace to make armor, while the tail was a natural mace, and a passing merchant should be interested in the bones as well. The body alone was enough to support the clan for a long time, if Newt could immediately return with it, or at least stop its energy from leaking.


    He lifted the ankylosaurus¡¯s tail and pulled, but despite his enhanced strength, the body did not budge.


    Newt sighed, picked up the velociraptor, which was not turned into a meat patty, and carried it as he made his way towards the inn.


    I hope the turbulent spiritual energy will keep normal dinosaurs away. Newt worried scavengers and predators might eat his prize before he organized the villagers to help him transport it.


    Even with the body of a velociraptor slung across Newt¡¯s back, Fire Burst turned the several-hours-long trek into a ten-minute dash. He reached the inn shortly before sunset.


    Newt opened the door, and all eyes of the crowded common room turned to him. A woman shrieked, the bloodied maw of a human-sized velociraptor causing her to faint, while the rest murmured and gasped.


    ¡°I got rid of your problem,¡± Newt said before the room burst into murmurs. ¡°But I need help.¡±


    The last sentence splashed drowned the hushed conversation in the room, replacing it with absolute silence.


    ¡°I need five to ten gastonias to pull a corpse out of the woods and haul it to the Blazing Salamander clan.¡±


    ¡°Lord Cultivator,¡± the innkeeper protested, ¡°entering the forest is dangerous even without slow-moving gastonias. What if allosauruses attack?¡±


    ¡°I will protect everyone who follows me, and I will pay for the work, the money will be good enough to make up for your losses. Also, I will head to the Blazing Salamander clan and recruit one of their elders to help.¡±


    ¡°I will come,¡± the cabbage transporter said, ¡°I have bought four gassies this morning, and I owe you a debt larger than life.¡±


    Following his lead, two other villagers offered a pair each, and Newt made an agreement to meet them at the forest¡¯s edge at sunrise the next day.


    Newt bade the locals a good night and rushed towards the clanhold. The two days of leisurely walk would have taken less than an hour of Fire Burst empowered sprint, had Newt not noticed his spiritual energy running low. At half capacity, he stopped using the technique and ran normally.


    Despite relying on nothing but his body, Newt crossed the distance in two and a half hours.


    The sun had long since set when he reached the gate, which was well lit and guarded by two elderly clansmen at the first realm.


    ¡°Patriarch,¡± they exclaimed when they saw Newt, wincing when they realized what he was carrying.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Newt greeted with a smile, the dead velociraptor still slung across his shoulders. ¡°I ran into an opportunity, and I need to speak with the elders.¡±


    One of the guards led Newt in, and the young man realized with a pang of shame that he did not even know the man¡¯s name.


    I need to learn all my clansmen¡¯s names, or at least the names of those who started practicing cultivation.


    Newt and the unknown guard reached Elder Stronggrow¡¯s abode and knocked on the door. Ten heartbeats later, the white-haired man opened the door. His face revealed concern, replaced by confusion and shock when he recognized Newt, who said he would be away for a long time, not five days ago.


    ¡°Newstar! What are you doing here? Why are you carrying an evolved velociraptor¡¯s corpse?¡±


    ¡°Teacher, I have had a fortunate encounter, one which will benefit the clan, if only slightly. May I come in?¡±

 Chapter 41 - Entering Thunder Ridge

    60th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt wowed, staring at the massive, forty-foot-tall sandstone walls which surrounded the imperial city of Thunder Ridge. Viewed from the imperial capital, Thunder Ridge was the imperial family¡¯s furthest outpost, a backwater town controlled by insignificant branch members.


    From Newt¡¯s perspective, it was a city of splendors. Towers dotted the thick walls, fifty yards apart and evenly spaced. Soldiers at the first realm patrolled the walls and guarded the gates wide enough to fit a titanosaur, while dozens upon dozens of wagons waited in line, appearing insignificant before the city¡¯s majesty.


    More importantly, an imperial city had all the infrastructure needed for cultivators to grow and prosper. It had stores selling spirit beast cores to awaken the young generation¡¯s spirit roots, cultivation instructors, training areas, the exorbitantly expensive library, the Association, and finally, the guild houses.


    The latter two interested Newt the most. He wished to visit the Association and join as a novice member, as well as take the test for the Formation Scribes¡¯ Guild. Blackfist should also be somewhere inside the city, the former sect master promised he would leave a note for Newt at the Association, using his original name, Dandelion.


    But first, he had to enter the city. The weather was already getting hot, the sun baking men and dinosaurs alike, and as he approached them, Newt wondered who smelled worse. Probably the dinosaurs, but their handlers smelled more or less the same. Newt joined at the back of the line, and a middle-aged merchant dressed in rich red silks turned around to see who was behind him.


    ¡°Young man, are you a cultivator?¡± he asked politely, and Newt nodded.


    ¡°This is the line for merchants, the line for mortals and cultivators is over there.¡± The merchant pointed towards a much shorter line with pedestrians only. ¡°First realm cuts in front of the mortals if there are any in line, second realms come in front of the first, third in front of the second, and you understand how it works.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Newt nodded and moved to leave, but the merchant spoke before he took a step.


    ¡°I run a monster-reselling business in the Quarter of Coin, The Clearjade shop. Do pay me a visit if you are interested in trading spirit beast parts or spirit beast cores.¡±


    ¡°How much for a second realm core?¡± The second realm core was the lowest cultivators could reasonably find and use, without bringing the youths to hunt with them and immediately absorb the first realm cores before they dissipate because of their frail and unstable nature.


    ¡°Fifty first realm spirit gems,¡± the merchant said without hesitation, ¡°but forty if you purchase them before they enter the city, and I pay the tax for them.¡±


    Newt stared wide-eyed. No wonder the clan struggled. A mortal would have to trade an entire village for the cheapest, most basic spirit beast core, and a successful awakening was not guaranteed. The chances increased with the core¡¯s realm, but he guessed the price must also increase astronomically.


    Newt was about to ask what he could expect if he sold one, but realized the merchant would not tell him if he asked like that. Newt hesitated for a moment, but found no reason not to try.


    ¡°And if I am selling?¡±


    ¡°That depends on the quality of the core, how old it is, whether it has already stabilized,¡± the merchant spoke further, listing conditions and possibilities, but as Newt had expected, Clearjade did not give him a price.


    Newt thanked him again and went to the cultivator line. As Clearjade had guessed, there were no mortals waiting. Newt cut ahead of the first realm cultivators, who accounted for roughly half the queue, then passed another third of them before reaching the last third realm cultivator waiting.


    ¡°Hey, kid, get back in line,¡± shouted a scarred man waiting behind Newt.


    Newt turned around, trying to come up with a response. ¡°My realm is higher than yours, sir.¡±


    The man wore armor made of black scales, but Newt could not guess the type of dinosaur it came from as most of them had thick, dark skin. The stranger wore a turban, and he used to be handsome before something mangled his face.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± The stranger seemed eager to start a brawl, but his friend grabbed him and held him back.


    ¡°Stop it, the guards will send us back.¡±


    ¡°He pushed me!¡± the scarred stranger argued, and Newt eyed him. He had not touched the man.


    ¡°Ah, so that¡¯s the problem,¡± the aggressive stranger¡¯s calm friend said.


    ¡°Young Master,¡± he addressed Newt, ¡°my associate here claims you injured him¡ª¡±


    ¡°He said pushed, and I didn¡¯t touch him,¡± Newt argued, but his words fell on deaf ears.


    ¡°He is willing to forget the slight and the injury he suffered for five first realm spirit gems¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not paying anything.¡± Newt turned around and pretended the two did not exist.


    ¡°Hey! Young Master,¡± the calm one shouted. ¡°You have injured my friend¡¯s body and dignity, he demands¡ª¡±


    ¡°Let me shank him,¡± Scar hissed, and Newt spun around, reaching for his spear while covering his skin in a black flow of spiritual energy.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on back there?¡± a guard shouted and pushed his way towards Newt and the two scammers.


    ¡°They¡ª¡±


    ¡°Honorable imperial guard,¡± the calm one spoke swiftly, ¡°this Young Master, injured my friend, offended his person, and was about to draw a weapon against us, peace-abiding citizens who quietly minded our business while waiting for the chance to enter your glorious city.¡±


    The guard regarded the smooth talker seriously and nodded before shifting his attention towards Newt while the rest of the crowd looked the other way, unwilling to involve themselves in Newt¡¯s matter.


    ¡°Young man, pay these men ten first realm spirit gems for their trouble. You were about to start a fight before the gates of an imperial city, the punishment for that is¡ª¡±


    Newt was struggling for breath, thinking what to say, when someone interrupted the guard.


    ¡°My friend,¡± Blackfist materialized out of nowhere, putting an arm around the guard¡¯s neck like they were drinking buddies. ¡°Look at him closely. His robes are cheap and travel-worn. You can see the smears where he tried to wash it free of blood. He cannot replace soiled clothes and has to wash them by himself, meaning he is dirt poor.


    ¡°You stand nothing to gain if you throw him into the dungeon. The city will take his spirit gems and release him from the dungeon in a week, meanwhile you have gone through all that trouble and paperwork for nothing.¡± Blackfist eyed Newt.


    ¡°Boy, show him your purse.¡±


    Newt obeyed, revealing several hundred coins and four spirit gems.


    The guard tsked and reached out to snatch the spirit gems, but Blackfist yanked him back.


    ¡°Listen, friend, those could cause you a lot of trouble.¡± Blackfist suddenly dropped a spirit gem on the ground.


    ¡°Look here, you dropped this.¡± He gave the spirit gem to the guard, who eyed him suspiciously, but Blackfist kept talking. ¡°We all saw you drop it, it is perfectly fine if you recover your own property. Nothing anyone could complain about.¡±


    The guard nodded very slowly, pocketed the crystal Blackfist had stuffed into his hand, and left.


    The smooth talking scammer opened his mouth to speak, but Blackfist spoke first.


    ¡°I can break your legs here, and nobody will say a word. Move to the back of the line. Behind the commoners.¡± The smooth, friendly voice turned to barbed hooks, giving Newt the creeps, and the conmen paled. They turned around and left without making a sound.


    ¡°How have you been, Newstar?¡± Blackfist said as if nothing had happened, before continuing in a jovial tone. ¡°Right, you owe me six spirit gems.¡±


    ¡°Fin¡ªWhat? Why six?¡± Newt was so shocked, he did not consider why he owed Blacklist the gems, rather, he wondered about the former sect master¡¯s logic regarding the sum.


    ¡°I paid one out of my own pocket, saved you some trouble, and a ten spirit gem fine, so I deserve half.¡±


    Newt considered the words and nodded.


    ¡°Good. I am not poor, and I would have just taken my spirit gem back, but you need to learn a lesson from this.¡±


    ¡°What lesson?¡±


    ¡°Sometimes being reasonable with people is unreasonable, often because people themselves are unreasonable.¡±


    Newt frowned, but said nothing as they moved forward two steps.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to be amicable with everyone?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Blackfist corrected. ¡°I was certain I have told you already, but I will repeat myself, just in case. Amicability is reserved for reasonable, amicable people. With those weaker and unreasonable, you resort to force, while stronger and unreasonable require evasion or cowering. To simplify, reasonable people use words, unreasonable people use fists.¡±


    Newt nodded, vaguely recalling the talk, and clearly recalling how Blackfist said he would kill his own son if he had done something stupid and lethal for the family.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Newt got the answers he was looking for, but the questions seemed endless.


    ¡°A little pterosaur told me you were in trouble, so I came to help you out.¡±


    Newt wanted to ask more, but it was obvious the former sect master had secrets he wished to keep. He would have allowed the conversation to die, but Blackfist engaged him in chitchat, passing the time before they reached the gate.

 Chapter 42 - Friend Like Me

    60th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Blackfist guided Newt through the streets of Thunder Ridge, leading him towards the Quarter of Crafts, where most guilds established their outposts. Very quickly, Newt noticed a peculiarity.


    ¡°Hello, brother Dandelion,¡± greeted a passerby wearing a bright-yellow robe, his clean-shaven head even brighter.


    ¡°Greetings, brother Arrow,¡± Blackfist flashed a smile, and brother Arrow passed them.


    ¡°Dandelion, Dandelion, Dandelion¡­¡± Merchants and cultivators acknowledged Blackfist as he passed them, everyone with respect and a smile. Even some perfectly normal mortals greeted them, but they were much more formal than the people wielding power.


    ¡°Benefactor.¡± A woman with two children gave them a deep bow, her children mirroring the gesture.


    ¡°Honey, stop being so formal, please,¡± Blackfist said and faced Newt after they left the woman¡¯s earshot.


    ¡°Who in their right mind names their daughter Honey?¡± he whispered, but Newt¡¯s brain was considering more important questions.


    ¡°Senior Blackfist, how long have you been here?¡±


    ¡°Ten weeks, I think.¡± Blackfist answered without thinking. ¡°Sometimes I lose track of time beyond what has happened in the last two weeks. And call me Dandelion. Just Dandelion. It is an excellent name for a drifter.¡±


    ¡°Does everyone know you? How?¡±


    Two more people greeted them during the brief exchange, a veiled woman with piercing emerald eyes and another mortal merchant, who offered them a pair of skewers with meat grilled brownish-gold and vegetables.


    Dandelion took the skewers and pressed two coins into the man¡¯s palm in a single move. While the merchant begged Dandelion to take the coins back, the former sect master simply continued talking.


    ¡°Not everyone, but a lot of important people. As for how, I told you, amiability is the key to life. Everyone needs something or has problems too big or too tedious for them to fix themselves. I give first, asking nothing in return, and people will almost always reciprocate in kind. Just like you.¡±


    Newt said nothing. He realized Blackfist, no Dandelion, often made him fall into contemplative silence in which he would question himself.


    ¡°How do you choose?¡± Newt asked eventually.


    ¡°The people I help?¡± Newt nodded in response, and Dandelion continued. ¡°Well, there are multiple factors. You never help those too weak more than once, they will never return the favor, and if you help them twice or more, they will demand help, expecting it as a heaven-given right, and frankly you will no longer wish to assist such clingy people. You rarely get to help those much stronger. Their problems are too big, and if the solution requires intricate skill or profound knowledge, which if you possess, they might capture you and force you to slave away for them.¡±


    Dandelion bit off a piece of meat and chewed it in silence, only continuing after swallowing.


    ¡°Then, there¡¯s the matter of personality. Sometimes, a prostitute or a bandit deserves a second, maybe even a third, chance, and I extend a hand. Sometimes, the honorable hero idolized by the masses is secretly a scumbag, and I avoid them.¡± Dandelion smiled at Newt, who seemed just as lost as he was before Dandelion explained his approach. ¡°I guess you will learn with time and experience.¡±


    Newt nodded. ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°The Formation Scribes¡¯ Guild. You want to join, right? Library is important, but you have nothing to pay for access to the books you need, and your future guild has some relevant free literature for you. We can go to the Association later, if you still want to join.¡±


    ¡°How do you know where I wanted to go?¡±


    Dandelion smirked. ¡°I doubt you are here for the fancier brothels or to sell your non-existent wares, you are too irrelevant for imperial summons, know no other crafts¡ª¡±Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°All right, all right, I get it, Senior.¡± Newt laughed. ¡°You know, you are scarier than you were in my nightmares before I met you?¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Dandelion cocked an eyebrow. ¡°I hope I am not your heart demon. You can quit cultivating if I am.¡±


    Dandelion laughed and waved at a frowning man with a savage red beard and bushy eyebrows, who waved back with a carnivorous grin.


    ¡°Just joking, but you can tell me about your dream.¡±


    Newt described the dream in a few short sentences, and Dandelion nodded, his face absolutely serious.


    ¡°So, even before you met me, you needed someone to shoot me half-dead with a crossbow just to finish me off? And even that was in a dream.¡±


    ¡°Senior, you are drawing some strange conclusions.¡± Newt avoided a fat man, coming to give Dandelion a bear hug.


    ¡°Stay well,¡± Dandelion clapped the fatty¡¯s back, and they passed a wide boulevard, which acted like a physical line separating regular buildings from the more complex architecture. Tall yellow walls shielded gardens and obscured the sources of trickling, running water, while large shops with wide glass windows replaced the street stalls.


    ¡°Do you know anyone in the Formation Scribes¡¯ Guild?¡± Newt suddenly had an interesting thought. If Dandelion knew so many random passersby, he should know relevant people as well.


    ¡°I know one member very well, and I have some passing acquaintanceship with several others. Same goes for the Alchemists¡¯ Guild, Blacksmiths¡¯ Guild, Herbalists¡¯ Guild, Beastmasters¡¯ Guild, and several others.¡±


    Newt was starting to know the man better, and he had a feeling about the casual smugness in Dandelion¡¯s voice. ¡°You are a member of all those guilds?¡±


    ¡°Sharp.¡± Dandelion nodded. ¡°That is one of the reasons I believe you will push your cultivation far. What you are lacking is not brains, but life experience.¡±


    ¡°I have experienced a lot.¡± Newt mumbled, but Dandelion smacked him in the back of the head like a mopping child.


    ¡°You have experienced a lot of good things and some bad things. That is all. You are a virgin, never got drunk¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shush!¡± Newt hissed in panic. ¡°Not so loud.¡±


    ¡°There is no reason to worry about your secret.¡± Dandelion said with a cheerful smile. ¡°Everyone can tell you are a virgin by the way you walk.¡±


    Newt looked down at his feet, then his legs. He glanced at his reflection in the storefront, but saw nothing out of the ordinary, while Dandelion burst into laughter.


    ¡°Oh, hey Dandelion!¡± The confused store owner waved and Dandelion waved back.


    ¡°See?¡± the former sect master said to Newt. ¡°That is how much you lack experience.¡±


    Newt grumbled and stopped asking questions. He spent the time watching the large, dark man greet strangers, a small part of him thinking how the situation was nice. He never had a friend who would pull harmless pranks or taunt him in a good natured manner like Dandelion.


    No wonder he wants to be amicable with everyone. He¡¯s great at making you relax, and so far he seems extremely trustworthy.


    Given the amount of people waving at Dandelion, Newt no longer wondered about how the former sect master had found him in front of the gate.


    ¡°Are you constantly moving about?¡± he asked when he realized there was only one way to meet so many people in a span of several weeks.


    ¡°Pretty much.¡± Dandelion shrugged. ¡°The need for sleep and sustenance is minimal at the third realm. So I work at night, during the curfew, while during the day I meet people, share meals with some of them, or grab a bite in the street like I did with you.¡±


    They stopped in front of a gate with ¡®Formation Scribes¡¯ Guild¡¯ etched above the entrance in sharp calligraphy.


    ¡°I will walk you inside and vouch for you. That way, you can take an early exam instead of waiting two months until they gather a sufficiently large group.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°No problem. I do want my spirit gem back now, though. The other five can wait until you start earning, or you could join me on a little outing I have in mind. Clear the debt, and earn some gems while you are at it. Alternatively, you can sit here, making spell formations, and pay me back.¡±


    Dandelion led the way inside, nodding at the guards, who nodded back. He entered the first building to the left where a large reception desk and a blonde woman drawing doodles awaited.


    ¡°Dandelion.¡± She sat straight and smiled dreamily. ¡°What brings you here this early?¡±


    ¡°Greetings, Dolorna. I brought an acquaintance of mine to take the test. It is an official referral, and he is going to smash the test, so you better call old Barb immediately.¡±


    ¡°Guildmaster Barbadon will have your hide if you are wasting his time,¡± Dolorna said, and she seemed genuinely concerned. Newt wondered what was going on. He was just there to take a test.


    ¡°Yes, yes, he will grumble, then he will see my young friend¡¯s talent and try to snatch him from me. I know how it works.¡± Dandelion turned towards Newt. ¡°You owe Dolorna one first realm spirit gem, Newstar.¡±


    Dolorna accepted the payment with a laugh and left the building, while Dandelion bent to whisper in Newt¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Her parents thought Dolor sounded refined and believed it meant wealth. No wonder she is depressed all the time.¡±


    Newt took a moment to piece together what Dandelion was talking about. He was about to respond, when a high-pitched shout came from outside.


    ¡°Dandelion, you have some nerve, calling me here directly to test some brat after you refused to work as my assistant. Not only that, you are wasting your time and talent making pills with that fogey clown!¡±

 Chapter 43 - Joining the Guild

    60th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Greetings, honorable guildmaster,¡± Dandelion bowed, absolutely nonplussed by the accusation.


    Halfway through his words and gesture, a short twig of a man entered the lobby.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ¡®greetings¡¯ me, you ingrate. Whose kid is this? Who are you trying to coddle now? I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen a bigger ass-kisser than you.¡±


    ¡°Do you want another spar, Old Man?¡± Dandelion¡¯s voice suddenly grew dangerous, and the guildmaster shuddered.


    ¡°Very well, I will handle the examination test personally, and throw out the sobbing kid with incinerated hopes and dreams.¡±


    ¡°Newstar,¡± Dandelion ignored the eccentric guildmaster, ¡°have fun taking the test and remember the way he is acting now. You have someone who appreciates you as a person, willing to teach you right here, even though he might offer you greater monetary benefits. Such as paying you.¡±


    With that, the former sect master left one confused boy, one angry old man, and one infatuated woman in the lavish lobby.


    The room, which seemed empty save for Dandelion¡¯s presence mere moments ago, suddenly revealed its charm to Newt. The wooden floors were ancient and sparkled, both from wax with which it was polished, and with spiritual energy, which flowed through it in a deliberate pattern.


    The street was loud, full of hustle, sounds of dinosaurs drawing carts and wagons, but none of those could be heard inside. Even the overly hot air was at the temperature of a pleasant spring morning.


    Barbadon harrumphed, staring at the departing figure.


    ¡°Ingrate,¡± he muttered, then focused on Newt. ¡°Well, follow me, boy.¡±


    He strode away just as Newt started appreciating the various paintings hanging from the walls, depicting men and women with multi-colored flags and elements bending to their will.


    Newt tore his eyes away from the impressive paintings and hurried to catch up.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name, boy?¡± The guildmaster¡¯s high-pitched voice was haughty and comical at the same time, yet Newt did not even think of smirking. The spiritual energy flowing through his body was a step thicker and stronger than his.


    ¡°Newstar Blazing Salamander,¡± he gave his name, but the mention of his illustrious clan had a much different effect than he had expected.


    ¡°A descendant of an ancient slayer? Never heard of the clan, though. Your family must have declined a long time ago.¡± Unlike Dandelion, who spoke smoothly, Barbadon lived up to his name and lashed out with his tongue.


    The remark stung, but it was kinder than what Newt had told his teacher when leaving home.


    ¡°Yes, sir. We have grown weak over the millennia.¡±


    ¡°It happens,¡± Barbadon remained oblivious of Newt¡¯s tone. ¡°Other than the imperials and ten great clans even the great sects change from time to time. Our history is full of strife and conflict. All it takes is one foolish leader to doom thousands of years of heritage.¡±


    Newt nodded, thinking of his uncle.


    ¡°What about the guilds?¡±


    ¡°What about them?¡± Barbadon opened a blocky building¡¯s door and motioned Newt into a dark hallway. The young man stepped in, and light flooded the passage, revealing ten doors on either side.


    ¡°Well, do they decline?¡±


    Barbadon had just overtaken Newt when he stopped and looked up. ¡°I guess some do. When a similar, but easier or more powerful discipline emerges or when the imperial era changes. The Woodshaper Guild used to be much more prominent than they are today, but that was before the imperial family abandoned the project of expanding into the Savage Wood. Too much blood, and their losses were extremely heavy.¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    The man looked back down and headed to the second door to the left. ¡°But major guilds remain major and that¡¯s how it will always be. Alchemy, formations, mining, weapons, and artifacts are key to cultivation. Without those supplementary disciplines, cultivators are just slightly stronger mortals, stuck at the second or third realm because it is next to impossible to advance further without assistance.¡±


    Newt followed Barbadon into the room, not even knowing what to expect, but he certainly did not imagine a narrow room, barely wider than the corridor, with a maze-like relief covering an entire wall, while the opposite one was hidden behind shelves lined with books and rocks.


    ¡°What¡¯s your realm and layer?¡±


    ¡°Second layer of the third realm,¡± Newt said, and the guildmaster gave him another look-over.


    ¡°How old are you?¡±


    ¡°Seventeen.¡±


    The guildmaster nodded, staring into the maze.


    ¡°Right.¡± He snapped out of his daze and picked three sparkly marbles off the shelf. The shiny gems were in three colors, red, green, and yellow, roughly half the size of a pinky nail.


    The man approached the maze and embedded the gems into seemingly random slots.


    ¡°To pass the exam, you need to hold this handle and run your spiritual energy through this three-dimensional maze. Simply flooding it will not work, you have to shape your energy into fine threads and search for the correct path. Luck plays a certain part, but it is negligible. You will pass regardless of how long you take, if you can properly manipulate and withdraw the energy you invest into searching the proper path. If you can¡¯t, the maze will devour your spiritual energy.


    ¡°Your goal is to light the gems by passing any amount of spiritual energy through them. To pass the test as an initiate, you need to light the yellow gem. If you light yellow and red you will join as an apprentice, and if you light all three, you will be eligible for a journeyman test. Dandelion seems certain you will light all three, so I am here for the second test, if there is a need for it.


    ¡°You may begin.¡± Guildmaster Barbadon turned around and went towards the shelf.


    ¡°Wait, how do I fill the holes in the wall?¡± Newt asked, and Barbadon sighed, shaking his head in disappointment.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t he explain anything? The relief is just an ornament, the real maze is embedded into a wall, a mesh of hyper-conductive electrum mined from areas with dense spiritual energy. If you are good at manipulating your spiritual energy, you should have more than enough to reach the yellow gem. You may begin,¡± the guildmaster repeated as he waved his hand and went to pick up a book from the shelf.


    Newt turned around and faced the polished greenish-yellow lever. The shiny metal rod seemed perfectly mundane, but Newt still grasped it with care. He was ready to back away, but nothing happened.


    Newt focused, pushing a thread of spiritual energy into the metal. The resistance which he felt when extending spiritual energy from his person was not there. He pushed further, but the metal felt like an extension of his spiritual body.


    Newt¡¯s spiritual energy swam, free as a fish, slowly filling the handle, but he soon realized the handle seemed to be able to hold infinite spiritual energy and that even if he spent his entire reserve, it might not be enough.


    ¡®Simply flooding it will not work, you have to shape your energy into fine threads and search for the correct path.¡¯ He recalled Guildmaster Barbadon¡¯s words, and cut the flow into the handle, shaping the energy he had already invested and sending it deeper into the rod, towards the wall.


    The rod turned into a funnel until it grew thinner than a needle. The infinite expanse from a few moments ago seemed to have a wall on either side. Newt closed his eyes, trying to better visualize what he was doing. He became a tendril of energy, searching for a path forward. Touching the edges would not extinguish him, but it would waste some of the precious energy, so he stayed at the center, going deeper and deeper into the wall.


    Suddenly, the tunnel split into two, one leading up, the other right. Newt chose the right path, then the path split into two, then into three until finally Newt reached the end of his path.


    Dead end.


    He withdrew the tendril, losing the bit of energy which had struck the edge of the pathway while searching for a way forward. The experience was nauseating at first, then Newt slowed down. Minute by minute, his mind wandered the metallic hallways until it came upon something which was not metal.


    Newt smiled, and the yellow gem shone before he continued searching for the next one.


    ¡°This is a really unpleasant test,¡± Newt muttered, lighting the red light.


    ¡°You are painfully slow, but if you can talk while threading your spiritual energy, there might still be hope for you. Keep working.¡±


    Guildmaster Barbadon no longer sounded angry, in fact Newt was certain the guildmaster was watching him, even though he had picked up a book to read. But Newt could not afford to turn around and open his eyes, most of his attention occupied by the slithering strand of energy just waiting to escape his control.


    Finally, Newt found the third different structure. Green light shone for a moment, but went out the moment Newt opened his eyes, just like the other two.


    ¡°Four hours, twenty minutes.¡± Guildmaster Barbadon grumbled, but did not sound honest about it. ¡°Your luck is either terrible, or you are extremely meticulous. For your information, Dandelion lit all three in under fifteen minutes.¡±


    Fifteen minutes? Newt wiped the sweat off his brows.


    ¡°He did this in fifteen minutes?¡±


    ¡°Less, but yes. Now, the second part of the test is rune recognition. You need to recognize sixteen out of eighteen basic runes, and three out of ten randomly selected advanced runes. Even if you fail this test, I am willing to take you in as a personal apprentice.¡±


    Guildmaster Barbadon tried to sound casual, but it was obvious he was interested in Newt¡¯s talent.

 Chapter 44 - No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

    60th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°You will regret this!¡± Guildmaster Barbadon shouted after Newt as he left the guild proper.


    But before Newt managed five steps, he saw a familiar attractive blonde leaning against the wall. He took a moment to realize she was the woman who had managed the reception desk when he had first arrived. Newt strained his brain before recalling her name was Dolorna.


    Dolorna¡¯s face was the opposite of Newt¡¯s focused frown, she smiled and waved him over.


    ¡°Dandelion passed by half an hour ago. When he saw you were still taking the test, he gave me a message for you.¡± She looked left and right before leaning closer to Newt.


    ¡°Do you know Dandelion from before?¡±


    Newt nodded.


    ¡°Do you have any tips?¡±


    Newt stared at her.


    ¡°Any advice for me. Dandelion finally agreed to take me out for a drink, and I want to leave a good impression. What kind of women does he like? Anything I should never say in front of him?¡±


    Newt was trying to piece together what was happening before finally speaking. ¡°He¡¯s friendly unless you threaten him. As for women he likes, I don¡¯t know. I think he was married and had children, but I am no longer sure.¡±


    Dolorna thanked Newt and handed him a note, which simply said, ¡®See you at the Association an hour before sundown.¡¯


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Newt asked her for directions politely, and headed into the street. Even while hurrying, focused on his goal, Newt saw more different species of dinosaurs and shops in fifteen minutes than he did in his seventeen years.


    The streets were still bustling and crowded, with uniformed guards patrolling them at regular intervals. The air smelled of dinosaurs, people, and grilled food, and somehow, it was not as bad as Newt had expected it. He ignored the large store fronts and the smaller carts pushed by peddlers, finally stopping before a three story building made of white marble.


    Honorable Cultivators¡¯ Association? Never knew that was the Association¡¯s full name. Newt mouthed the words. Sounds clunky.


    The entrance was eight feet tall and twenty feet wide, and as Newt entered, he noticed that while there were no doors, an invisible barrier blocked heat, sound, and smells. Inside, the association was a large communal chamber filled with long, ornate tables, which could seat twelve people, lined with comfortable-looking sitting cushions.


    The hall was mostly empty, only three tables had patrons, two of which were lone men, while the final one was a group of five women in identical blue robes.


    Newt¡¯s third eye told him the loners were in the third realm, while the women varied, two in third, and one in second and fourth, while the last one was a mortal. The lone cultivators sipped their tea without glancing towards Newt, but the women all looked him over, scanning his face and dismissing him. He met each of their gazes, but his heart quivered when he met the mortal woman¡¯s stare.


    It was like abyss staring at him, her young face contrasted by eyes which had seen centuries pass.


    ¡°Which sect are you from?¡± her clear voice cleaved the silence.


    ¡°Formation Scribes¡¯ Guild,¡± Newt answered, clutching for straws.


    ¡°Of course you are,¡± she nodded as if everything was clear to her, before she shifted her attention back to the doorless entrance.


    Newt wiped the sweat off his brow, wondering what just happened. He walked deeper into the large chamber and approached the counter in the back.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Good day,¡± he said to the handsome young man standing behind the counter, reading a book.


    The attendant closed the book and placed it on the counter face down, hiding its title, and focused on Newt.


    ¡°Good day, Sir. How may I be of assistance?¡±


    Newt wanted to say he wished to join, but his mouth refused to obey. ¡°Who is that woman?¡±


    ¡°They are not members, and I do not know their identities, but their robes are from the Everfrost Palace.¡±


    Newt had never heard of the Everfrost Palace, but from the clerk¡¯s respectful tone they were a major force. Newt examined the man with his third eye. While the clerk was taller and better built than Newt, he was merely at the first realm, and Newt could beat him silly with one arm tied behind his back.


    The young master he once was would have treated him like a servant, but thanks to his experiences and Dandelion¡¯s influence, Newt¡¯s next words were not a haughty order.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He smiled, even though the clerk remained impassive. ¡°I would like to join the Association. Are there any tests or requirements before registering?¡±


    The clerk nodded and pulled a crystalline device from under his counter. Newt tried not to look like a bumpkin as he examined it, but found nothing interesting about it, save for some lingering spiritual energy traces.


    ¡°Just send your spiritual energy into the realmer. If your realm is higher than six, please do so carefully, you will have to cover the cost of the device should you damage it.¡±


    Newt touched the cold, smooth crystal and sent a trickle of energy inside, not because he was being careful, but because a trickle was more or less all he had after taking the test at the Formation Scribes¡¯ Guild. The way he severed connection with the maze artifact cost him most of his spiritual energy.


    Three thick lines topped by two dots appeared on the instrument, and the attendant nodded.


    ¡°Second layer of the third realm. Your name, please.¡±


    Newt completed the registration in five minutes, with one less spirit gem to weigh his purse. The Association did not care for his real name or any other information, save for his realm, which determined which tasks he was allowed to take. By Association standards, Newt could apply for jobs starting from the peak of the second realm, all the way until the fifth layer of the third realm, and of higher layers, if he joined a larger group.


    Association was not responsible for the accuracy of mission details, nor any wounds and damages a cultivator suffered on their task.


    The clerk made certain to make that extremely clear. Twice. He also advised Newt to stick to the lower end of the tasks which the guild finds appropriate for his realm until he gained some experience and knew what to expect when going out.


    Newt stepped away from the desk when a sudden chill ran down his spine. It took him a moment to realize the sensation was not some fear or instinct, but an actual phenomenon. His skin stung from the unnatural flash of frost, which had frozen his sweat.


    ¡°Are you Dandelion, once called Blackfist the Brigand, the former sect master of the Black Fist sect?¡± A familiar, chilly voice slashed the air.


    ¡°Greetings, I am Dandelion, and I was once called by the names you just mentioned. May I have the pleasure of knowing who is asking about me?¡± Dandelion¡¯s voice was smooth, his smile calm and natural, as if ice was not prickling at his skin and the weight of a mountain was not pressing down on the room so hard that both Newt and the lone cultivators shuddered.


    The terrible silence drew longer and longer, lasting nearly half a minute, yet Dandelion remained relaxed, his smile casual. Finally, the woman spoke.


    ¡°I am Elder Frostgrave. Five weeks ago, three rogues assaulted my grandniece in the streets, and you fended them off all by yourself.¡±


    Dandelion shrugged. ¡°I help lots of people, beautiful women especially are my weakness.¡±


    Elder Frostgrave shot him a glare, but Dandelion remained relaxed.


    ¡°That is not empty bravado, you genuinely do not fear me,¡± she said, perplexed.


    ¡°Why would I fear an elder of an orthodox sect, whose relative I saved in passing, while sitting in an establishment sponsored by the imperial family itself?¡±


    The chill weakened. Newt could almost feel the Elder Frostgrave¡¯s confusion, probably something everyone experienced the first time they met Dandelion.


    ¡°Did you cooperate with the attackers to get some benefits out of me?¡±


    ¡°No, I am not and was not related in any way with those who wished to harm you, your sect or your family.¡±


    Elder Frostgrave paused. ¡°Did you pay them, or hire someone else to hire helpers.¡±


    ¡°I did not. Nor did I in any way instigate the matter or make it happen. I recognized the uniform and believed I would get some reward for saving an illustrious sect¡¯s disciple.¡±


    ¡°Lie to me,¡± Elder Frostgrave ordered.


    ¡°I would never lie to you,¡± Dandelion said, and after a moment, Elder Frostgrave burst into laughter, shocking the four ladies keeping her company.


    ¡°You really are witty,¡± Elder Frostgrave said, and Dandelion smiled back.


    Elder Frostgrave stared at Dandelion, slicing him into thin strips with her eyes and devouring what she saw. Newt took a while to realize she was observing the former sect master with her third eye.


    ¡°You are not Dandelion Blackfist,¡± the air in the room turned solid, a swarm of icicles manifested, swimming like a shoal of piranhas, and Dandelion¡¯s calm facade cracked for the first time since Newt had met the man.

 Chapter 45 - Strange Development

    60th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Dandelion forced himself to calm down. ¡°I assure you I am the person you are looking for and not a fraud or a face thief.


    ¡°If you are referring to me lacking the aura of the metal-attributed spiritual energy, I have reforged my cultivation and started again. Coincidentally, I even have a witness who can confirm it in this very room.¡± Newt nodded despite himself, and Dandelion kept talking, surprisingly calm. ¡°If you wish to discuss my cultivation further, Senior, we should continue the discussion in private.¡±


    The icicles stopped moving, hanging in the air like a murder about to happen, yet all Dandelion did was sigh with exasperation.


    ¡°Look, I am no threat to you, and I have done you a favor out of the goodness of my heart, maybe expecting a small reward. I could have just let your little cousin bleed to death in a dark alley in which nobody should really go into, even if it saves five minutes when going places. All I wish is to have a talk and an amicable relationship from which both sides will benefit.¡±


    Newt could not believe what Dandelion was doing. He stared death in the face and did not flinch. He even seemed bored.


    ¡°I have rented a suite at the Noble Dragon. We can go there.¡± Elder Frostgrave released the icicles, which dispersed into motes of ice particles before disappearing altogether.


    ¡°At least treat me to dinner. I am not that easy,¡± Dandelion smirked, while Elder Frostgrave¡¯s pupils went wide from shock, and her entourage gasped as they realized his meaning.


    The air in the room turned heavy again as ladies reached for their swords.


    ¡°I have killed people for smaller slights.¡±


    ¡°You are a noble woman, you would not stoop so low, especially since I have not insulted you in any way. As a benefactor of your family, I believe treating me to a meal before we discuss cultivation related matters is quite fitting and conforms to tradition.¡±


    Elder Frostgrave opened her mouth then closed them.


    Does he do this to everyone? Newt wondered and watched the scene unfold. Elder Frostgrave was speechless, while her attendants frowned and exchanged glances, as if wondering whether they were the only ones thinking dirty thoughts after hearing Dandelion¡¯s insinuation.


    ¡°In that case, I would formally like to invite you to join us for dinner tonight.¡± Elder Frostgrave found her words, but her tone remained icy.


    ¡°I graciously accept your invitation, honorable Elder Frostgrave.¡± Dandelion bowed like a perfect gentleman, with all the respect a senior is due. ¡°My friend, Newstar Blazing Salamander, is young and talented, his morals outstanding, his pockets empty.¡±


    Dandelion bit his tongue, frowning at what he had just said, but Elder Frostgrave stifled a laugh.


    ¡°That was more honest than I expected, given the way you were avoiding my questions.¡± She looked at Newt and nodded with approval as the frosty atmosphere thawed. ¡°Your friend has a bright future ahead of him, and it would be a pleasure to get to know him better.¡±


    Newt had no idea what had just happened, then he looked at Dandelion¡¯s smug face.


    Did he let that slip on purpose? Doesn¡¯t look like it, but then again, it should look accidental if it was intentional.


    Whatever the case, Newt followed the group to a lavish two-story inn. A sign shaped like a golden dragon swimming through the clouds hung above the door, sparkling like brand new. Elder Frostgrave entered first, followed by her attendants, with Dandelion and Newt bringing up the rear.


    Newt glared daggers at Dandelion, but the man just smiled in his face and pulled the door closed.


    The inn¡¯s common room¡¯s smell tantalized Newt from the first breath he drew. Roasted meats mixed with herbs made his mouth water and his stomach growl.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Elder Frostgrave ignored the sound, but the youngest girl turned around and snickered.


    ¡°Snowflake, go to your room,¡± the stern elder said, and the girl¡¯s mouth dropped. ¡°He is a descendant of an honorable senior, his fate might be yours or that of your descendants, heaven forbid.¡±


    The girl was on the verge of tears, but she held back. She mumbled a good night and went towards the stairs rather than the lavish dining hall decorated in light-blue and gold. Unlike the Association¡¯s large communal tables, Noble Dragon had lacquered black tables fit for one decorated with gilded engravings of dragons, radiant titanosauruses, and blazing tyrannosauruses.


    Newt was impressed, but neither Dandelion nor his hosts deigned the pieces of artful furniture more than a passing glance. A pretty young woman with a professional smile approached. She wore thick, light-blue robes with golden dragon designs, matching the dining area.


    ¡°Good evening,¡± she gave a deep bow, and from up close, Newt confirmed she was a regular mortal, not a monster like Elder Frostgrave. The difference was that the elder did not have a speck of visible spiritual energy, while the mortal had traces running throughout her body.


    Elder Frostgrave ordered a veritable feast of meats, vegetables, and pastries, after which the server thanked her and excused herself.


    ¡°Do you mind if I call you Newstar?¡± Elder Frostgrave said, and Newt took an embarrassingly long moment to realize she was addressing him.


    ¡°No. Not at all, Senior.¡± He tripped on his own words, and the woman gave him a warm smile.


    ¡°Your ancestors moved to this remote region ages ago, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Senior.¡±


    ¡°No need to be so formal, treat me the way you treat your friend here.¡± Elder Frostgrave glanced at Dandelion who was smiling, waiting for his spirit wine.


    ¡°Yes. Thank you for the honor,¡± Newt said, thinking he would never treat her like Dandelion for everyone¡¯s sake.


    Elder Frostgrave smiled and continued speaking. ¡°When I was young, my teachers warned me and the rest of my fellow disciples not to cause trouble for your family. Back then, some of your ancestors were still alive, watching over the region, and helping with any incidents involving the Savage Wood.¡±


    Newt wondered how old Elder Frostgrave was, but he did not dare ask something like that. He then considered what she had said, wondering if he had missed a question, and eventually remained silent.


    ¡°What were his ancestors like?¡± Dandelion asked, breaking the awkward silence just at the right time.


    ¡°I have never met them, but they had a reputation of fierce warriors, honorable, but with explosive tempers. They kept the region safe, both from spirit beasts and demonic cultivators. It¡¯s a shame your family has suffered such an unfortunate setback, but I am certain you will help them reforge their former glory.¡±


    The short description left Newt with conflicted feelings. Elder Frostgrave¡¯s tone was one of pity, rather than admiration or encouragement, and Newt was unsure whether she pitied him as a talented individual, or his clan as a whole.


    The topic was awkward and felt like picking a scab, or maybe a still bleeding wound. Newt could not decide which. Dandelion either recognized Newt¡¯s unease, or he was simply that chatty, but he made irrelevant small-talk with Elder Frostgrave straying further and further from the subject of Newt¡¯s ancestors, and the young man was grateful for the change.


    ¡°I stumbled across an Association mission your disciples might be interested in,¡± Dandelion finally said, and Elder Frostgrave gave him a cold look.


    ¡°What kind of mission?¡±


    ¡°Nothing epic. Frostworms overwhelmed a nearby deposit of ice jade, apparently a generation of hatchlings has matured, flooding the tunnels. Newstar and I will head out tomorrow, and if any of you disciples are interested, they may join us.¡± Dandelion smiled. ¡°We could call their help a reward for helping your little niece.¡±


    ¡°You are offering them training, and probably a fair portion of the reward, and you dare say that is me doing you a favor?¡± Elder Frostgrave snorted. ¡°How cheap do you think I am?


    ¡°No.¡± The haughty woman shook her head. ¡°I shall give you a proper reward once you prove to me you are not some ancient demonic cultivator possessing a young man¡¯s body. As for allowing my disciples to venture with you, whether they decide to adventure with you or not is their choice.¡±


    Dandelion took that as permission, and discussed the mission¡¯s details with the lower realm women, focusing on the third realm ones. Newt paid little attention to what Dandelion said and examined the two women.


    They were beautiful, but their beauty was distant and frosty, somehow managing to make them unattractive, alien even. Their voices were pleasant, but sentences direct and words scant. Still, as the conversation flowed, Dandelion obviously enticed the women with cold logic, and their eyes drifted towards their master, seeking permission.


    ¡°You have my blessing, and I will watch over you until you enter the ice jade quarry.¡± She pierced Dandelion with her gaze. ¡°Assuming I remove all my doubts about this young man¡¯s identity.¡±


    I guess pretty much everyone¡¯s young compared to her, if she remembers the time when my clan was a regional power.


    Newt did not ask Dandelion what he stood to gain from their little expedition, the former sect master had already hinted at the benefits, and Newt would not pass them up. Five  spirit gems he owed to Dandelion, another one gone for the Formation Scribes¡¯ Guild¡¯s test, and yet another to join the Association.


    Dandelion was not joking when he said Newt¡¯s pockets were empty. Worse, he was in debt.


    I need to find a good source of income, or at least a way to earn a living without relying on Dandelion.

 Chapter 46 - Preparations

    60th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt lay in his fancy bed, which felt like warm, feathery pudding, waiting for his roommate to return to their dimly lit room, still coming to terms with his situation.


    How did it come to this? Why would anyone pay one first realm spirit gem to spend a night in a fancy inn?


    Many things made little sense to him, not the least of which was the dim light he failed to turn off no matter what he tried. Is Dandelion really doing something immoral with Elder Frostgrave?


    The door opened, and one smiling Dandelion walked in, light shining behind his back. He looked like a hero returning triumphant or an immortal bathed in heavenly radiance.


    ¡°Have you done anything immoral?¡± Newt blurted as soon as the former sect master closed the door.


    Dandelion¡¯s smile changed, but Newt did not know what the new smile signified, so he simply turned crimson, regretting his tongue getting ahead of him.


    ¡°First, what men and women consensually and consciously do behind closed doors, without exchanging goods or services, is beautiful, not immoral. Second, the ¡®gentleman never tells¡¯ is disgusting nonsense braggers say, you should never say it, and third, no. We discussed cultivation, my chosen path, and potential for cooperation.¡±


    Dandelion pierced Newt with a flat gaze. ¡°And she understood my words on the first try. She did not throw a tantrum, run outside, nor drink a gallon of tea, which I believed was fancy, but now I understand was provincial trash.


    ¡°So, Elder Frostgrave decided she wished to show me benevolence to return the favor I have done for her, and we worked out a deal.¡±


    Newt noticed something off.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say you are friends now.¡±


    ¡°I did not. I cannot be her friend until I reach the fifth realm, at the least. Friends need to have comparable strength. Did I not explain that to you the last time we met?¡±


    Newt furrowed his brows, but remained silent. Some things Dandelion said in Black Fist Gate had gone over his head, and he did not remember which. In truth, he forgot most of it.


    Newt considered asking about what deal the two of them had struck, when Dandelion believed they were not equals, but did not indulge his curiosity. Instead, he asked about their immediate future.


    ¡°So, about the mission tomorrow, how did you know to select the one for ice-attributed cultivators?¡±


    ¡°Well, I did not. Not really.¡± Dandelion explained, taking off his robe, followed by his undergarments. ¡°These beds increase your circulation and the rate at which you absorb ambient spiritual energy. It is a tiny improvement, but it is an improvement. The more of your skin touches the bedding, the better.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean someone else lay here naked?¡± Newt jumped out of the bed, his face painted with disgust.


    ¡°They change the sheets, Newstar.¡± Dandelion deadpanned. ¡°This is a high class establishment, they have spare beddings.


    ¡°Anyway, regarding your question. I did not reserve a job, and even if I wanted to, the Association does not allow it, they make the mission unavailable when someone sets off to complete it. I simply memorized everything available and threw the offer, seeing that Elder Frostgrave has so many disciples with her.¡± Dandelion paused. ¡°To be honest, I was afraid their realms were too high for them to consider teaming up with us. Will you go back to your bed? You do not have to take off your underclothes.¡±


    They each had their own luxurious bed, and Dandelion had already jumped into his, covering his nudity with a thin cotton blanket. Newt took off his shirt, but kept his underpants before going back to bed.


    ¡°Lights off,¡± Dandelion commanded, and the dim, romantic lights went out, startling Newt.


    ¡°I tried turning them off, but didn¡¯t know how.¡±


    ¡°I asked the maid while she was showing me back to our room,¡± Dandelion said. ¡°Now, regarding tomorrow¡¯s mission, the caverns we will visit form a giant maze, or to be more accurate, an ancient, highly evolved frostworm had burrowed its lair a long time ago and has long since died. The ice jade deposit I mentioned earlier is actually the dead spirit beast¡¯s skeleton.¡±This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Newt frowned.


    ¡°Do not be surprised, frostworms are so massive, without bones and a partial exoskeleton to support their bulk, they would fall apart while their realm is low.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t surprised.¡±


    ¡°Why the frown, then?¡± Dandelion asked, and Newt realized that was the first time the former sect master did not know what he was thinking. For some reason that made him feel better, and made Dandelion seem more human.


    Newt could have lied, but opted to tell the truth. ¡°I noticed a similarity between these frostworms and my clan. A once powerful existence brought them here, and after it passed away, they became fodder.¡±


    The sorrow in Newt¡¯s voice was palpable, and Dandelion spoke up for him.


    ¡°You are not fodder, and neither is your family. I have said it before, but I will say it again, your circumstances are unfortunate, but they forged you as you are. Good comes from bad, and bad comes from good. It is an unending cycle.¡±


    Newt said nothing, and Dandelion continued explaining the details of their mission, followed by battle tactics and the nuances of tunnel combat compared to fighting in an open field. The wide tunnels were more or less the same as an open battlefield, but the narrow ones were a completely different beast. By dawn, Newt concluded he needed to buy a solid short-sword, because there were many cases in which he simply could not use a spear. Besides, he could use a short-sword for butchering spirit beasts in the future.


    ¡°Where can I buy some decent-quality equipment?¡±


    ¡°Your spear should be passable for your realm. Not the best, but passable. As for purchasing new equipment, the Blacksmiths¡¯ Guild is the best option, while the open market and used items are a gamble. Potentially profitable once you develop a knack for it, but still a gamble. However, the Blacksmiths¡¯ Guild¡¯s wares are the most expensive, and you are broke.¡±


    ¡°You are a member, what¡¯s the price of a short-sword appropriate for third realm cultivators?¡±


    ¡°Couple hundred third realm spirit gems, or equivalent.¡±


    Newt¡¯s vision swam at the sum. He did not have one millionth of that amount. In fact, he owed more than he owned.


    ¡°I can lend you the money, but you have to work it off through missions.¡±


    Newt stared at the ceiling, the whole room spinning. A weapon is a bare minimum of what a wandering cultivator needs. Then I need a variety of medicine until I learn the Cauterize Wounds¡¯ fourth form, Burn Toxin. What about armor? What about storage items capable of preserving spirit beast cores?


    Newt stared at the ceiling as dawn crawled in through the window, and he once more realized just how poor he and his clan were. The list of what he needed seemed endless, the list of what he had nonexistent.


    ¡°Do you really have that kind of money?¡± he asked, unable to believe it. Dandelion had left the Black Fist sect only with enough resources to reenter the third realm, and maybe some pocket money.


    ¡°Naturally. I am an alchemist, what do you think I do all night when I only have to sleep once a week and the entire city is under a curfew?¡± Dandelion answered Newt¡¯s next question before the youth got to ask him how he had gotten his money.


    Newt almost asked why Dandelion was helping him, but stopped himself. The former sect master threatened to beat him senseless the next time he asked that question.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Newt said instead. ¡°Will you help me pick a good short-sword? And the rest of the equipment we need?¡±


    ¡°Sure, but keep in mind that that cave system is full of third and fourth realm frostworms. Your technique which shields you from fire should negate the cold, but getting struck or bitten by gigantic worms is no joke. Their jaws are massive and full of needle-like teeth. You could easily die if you are not careful.¡±


    Newt got up from bed, while Dandelion remained prone, squeezing every possible second from his cultivation bed.


    ¡°Is the mattress really that effective?¡± Newt asked, curious as he donned his robe.


    ¡°Not at all. I estimate it at around three to five percent increase for some ten hours, that makes it an extra half an hour of drawing spiritual energy at my average rate at most. Under normal circumstances, I would have made two or three batches of pills at the Alchemists¡¯ Guild, but we were stuck here, and wasting the advantages you have just because they are slim is against my religion.¡±


    Newt mulled over those words.


    ¡°You only did it because you had no better alternative,¡± he asked, and Dandelion nodded. ¡°Does that mean you would be doing something else instead of clearing a mission with me, if you had a better alternative?¡±


    Newt was somewhat offended by the notion.


    ¡°Can you ask yourself that same question, just switching our places?¡± Dandelion deadpanned, and Newt did.


    He would definitely do something better and more worth his time if he knew it existed.


    ¡°It was a stupid question.¡±


    ¡°No, it was an egocentric question,¡± Dandelion frowned in annoyance before quickly adding, ¡°but you are not to blame for asking it; viewing things from our own perspective first is an unchangeable part of our nature.¡±


    He glanced out the window. ¡°The sun is almost up, and the curfew is nearly over. We should get up and go shopping. I will lend you enough spirit gems to purchase decent equipment at the Blacksmiths¡¯ Guild.¡±


    With that, Dandelion and Newt prepared themselves for the day and left the Noble Dragon before breakfast. There was little time to waste, since they had agreed to meet the two ladies from the Everfrost Palace at noon at the northern city gate.

 Chapter 47 - Opportunities Grasped and Missed

    61st of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The Quarter of Coin bustled from the moment the first light signaled the end of the curfew, and by the time Newt and Dandelion arrived, half an hour after dawn, it looked like it had been working all night.


    Despite the mass of cultivators coming from thousands of miles away, the district was spacious enough to give everyone free passage. There was no brushing of shoulders or bumping, unless one of the parties did so intentionally.


    Newt blended with the crowd wearing vivid colors. He glanced left and right, watching what merchants were selling. The stalls were laden with items Newt had never seen, strange fruits, shiny rocks, a patch of thick gray hair so big it covered the entire table. The last item left him with a jaw hanging in terrified disgust. How many humans had to die to make such a large patch of hair?


    ¡°That is a fur hide. It belonged to an animal, before the hunter skinned it,¡± Dandelion soothed Newt¡¯s fear.


    Newt tried to wrap his head around the concept. ¡°There are dinosaurs with hair?¡±


    Dandelion opened his mouth to argue, then said, ¡°Something like that.¡±


    While Newt imagined an allosaurus with a head of Dandelion¡¯s short black hair painted dull gray, they advanced through the market and reached a large hall made entirely of glass.


    ¡°This is the Blacksmiths¡¯ Guild¡¯s shopping area. The foundries and workshops are in the Quarter of Crafts, in much better fortified buildings, but the guild¡¯s shops are in this three-story complex. Guild members can rent space for a reasonable price, but the best artisans have no presence here. They sell their items almost as soon as they cool, if they have not sold them before or are working on a backlog of commissions.¡±


    Dandelion faced Newt and held his gaze. ¡°My resources are insufficient to procure something like that for you, too.¡±


    Too? He bought such expensive equipment for himself?


    ¡°The best equipment should be on the top floor, since people with money prefer less crowded spaces, and the first floor can be crowded.¡±


    Dandelion passed through the open door, and the background drone of the street disappeared as Newt followed a step behind him. The low noise was drowned by people shouting, arguing, and haggling.


    ¡°You want sixty-seven gems for that piece of trash?¡±


    ¡°Now I want seventy! You have insulted my craft!¡±


    Shouts, curses, and prices made Newt¡¯s skin crawl.


    ¡°The stairs are this way,¡± Dandelion turned left and climbed a set of steel spiral stairs.


    Newt gawked at the stairs and the see-through wall before reaching a metal platform suspended some ten feet above ground. The second floor was much quieter, with larger shops and a tenth of the customers compared to the floor below.


    The nearest shop had a display of swords and daggers, the banner hanging next to them declaring the goods, ¡®The Best Third Realm Blades¡¯. Newt took a step forward, but Dandelion grabbed his shoulder and motioned him further up the stairs.


    ¡°Is he falsely advertising?¡± Newt asked, and Dandelion shrugged.


    ¡°The quality of a weapon depends on the user. A true sword-master armed with a club can beat the life out of a fat, lazy king wielding a legendary blade. Smoothflow¡¯s blades are decent, but they are only at the third realm. Old Swiftbeak, on the floor above, is selling fourth realm weapons. I was thinking we let him check your spear, then we could buy you a blade you can use until you hit the fifth realm.¡±


    Newt gulped, only one thought on his mind. ¡°How much do his items cost?¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°At least seventy fourth realm spirit gems for knives and such, several hundred for good short-swords. Close your mouth.¡±


    Newt closed his slack jaw.


    ¡°I would have to work for you for centuries,¡± Newt stuttered, drawing a smirk from Dandelion.


    ¡°Not even close, but if you are uncomfortable with such an expensive piece of life-saving equipment, we can pick something from Smoothflow¡¯s shop. I just wanted to save you a couple hundred third realm spirit gems, while forcing you to use a superior weapon, which could save your life and serve you a while into the fifth realm.¡±


    Newt licked his lips. The prospect of using a better weapon immediately was tempting, saving a lot of spirit gems even more tempting, but after a moment he realized he did not understand how he would save the gems.


    ¡°How am I saving anything?¡±


    ¡°Well, you will keep using your third realm weapon into the higher realm for as long as possible.¡± Newt nodded, that was his plan, and Dandelion continued explaining. ¡°Eventually, the sword will break or you will be forced to sell it. A used weapon can fetch up to half its original price, often less because it must have suffered some damage over the years of use. So, at best you take back half the money you spend now, or nothing at worst. But when you take back that half, it will be mere pocket change for you, so in reality the money you spend now is wasted.¡±


    Newt frowned. Dandelion was making a point, but¡­


    ¡°Won¡¯t the same happen with the fourth realm sword when I hit the fifth realm?¡±


    ¡°It will, but you buy a sixth realm sword at the fifth realm, and you use that one. That way, you need not buy a new weapon for every realm, but for every other, and that weapon is superior, giving you an edge for a very long time, allowing you to pay for it more easily.¡±


    In theory, the logic sounded fine, but Newt did not live in theory.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t have that kind of money!¡±


    ¡°You have no money!¡± Dandelion threw his arms up. ¡°At all! What difference does it make if you will end up in debt whatever you do?¡±


    Newt frowned at Dandelion¡¯s amused smile.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t doing this for money I would owe you. You want favors. It¡¯s the same with the Everfrost Palace people. You are taking them on a mission, so they find something good, and they owe you. Is that right?¡±


    Dandelion shrugged. ¡°It is very likely we find something useful in a den of an ancient high realm spirit beast sharing their element. Elder Frostgrave saw through my intention.¡±


    Newt was silent. There was a piece which did not fit. Why him? If Dandelion wanted to bring the disciples of the Everfrost Palace on a staged fortuitous encounter, why would he need Newt?


    They stood in silence a step away from the stairway, and a pair of cultivators passed them while Dandelion just stood there, watching Newt with a smile. It was a wretched smile. Newt hated it.


    Wait¡­ No? He can¡¯t be.


    ¡°Are you trying to play matchmaker?¡± Newt whispered, and Dandelion nodded, amused and satisfied Newt figured it out on his own.


    ¡°They are older than you, but they are beautiful and have a powerful background¡ª¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Newt said.


    ¡°No, why?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m not doing it.¡±


    ¡°I know. I asked why, not what.¡±


    Newt stared at a moment, confused.


    ¡°Why are you not doing it? They are beautiful, talented, wealthy, and have an important master. You, on the other hand, need a woman.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t!¡± Newt said louder than he wanted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± he repeated in a calmer tone, looking around, ¡°need a woman. Jasmine was a huge disappointment. I¡¯m lucky I didn¡¯t end up with a heart demon. And I guess I have you to thank for that. If you had not shown me how disgusting she was, I would have been attached to her, maybe even married her, and who knows what would have happened. Thank you, but no.¡±


    Newt expected Dandelion would keep arguing, but the man simply bobbed his head once.


    ¡°Good. You know what you want, what you do not want. I will stop trying to act as your wingman, I will stop mentioning brothels, and pulling strings to have you meet a pretty lady.¡±


    Newt smiled, grateful because Dandelion was reasonable. ¡°Thank you, but why try to find me a romantic interest in the first place?¡±


    ¡°Well, if you fell in love with one of the ladies, and she loved you back, it would make both of you happy, as well as Elder Frostgrave. Three pterodactyls with one stone so to speak.¡±


    Newt thought about it and nodded. The distraction helped him clear his mind regarding his new sword.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go up, we will buy a fourth realm sword and have Swiftbleak check out my ancestral item.¡±


    ¡°Swiftbeak,¡± Dandelion corrected. ¡°Get the name right, or do not speak it at all.¡±


    Then he turned around and headed up the stairs one more floor.


    The third floor was empty of customers, and only had three shops with merchandise in them while the rest gaped empty.


    One had shields and entire sets of heavy armor, all made of metal. The second one sold leather wares, all covered in glistening dino scales. It had everything from light armors to seemingly common gloves.


    Dandelion headed for the third store, the one adorned with a red flag, which simply said, ¡®Swiftbeak¡¯s wares¡¯.

 Chapter 48 - Blade of Ice and Fire

    61st of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Greetings, Master Swiftbeak,¡± Dandelion hailed a white-haired man with broad shoulders and massive arms, who registered to Newt¡¯s third eye as a third realm cultivator.


    ¡°Dandelion, my boy,¡± the blacksmith exclaimed with a smile, moving to clap Dandelion on the back. ¡°Have you brought that ice jade you promised?¡±


    How many pterodactyls do you kill with one stone? Newt wondered, but did not interrupt what looked like a reunion of two old friends.


    ¡°I am heading out to get it as soon as I am done helping my friend pick some decent pieces of equipment.¡± Dandelion stood his ground as the massive hand smacked him on the back and motioned towards Newt.


    Master Swiftbeak sized up Newt, taking an extra long moment to examine his face and eyes.


    ¡°You are young, boy, and you already need my wares? How old are you?¡±


    ¡°Good day, Master Swiftbeak,¡± Newt greeted, discomforted by the amount of attention he had received, before answering the question. ¡°I am seventeen years old.¡±


    The blacksmith¡¯s eyes went wide.


    ¡°He¡¯s a seventeen-year-old and already at the fourth realm?¡± He snapped his head towards Dandelion, then back towards Newt, frowning while taking in his red and orange robe. ¡°Which sect are you from, Young Master? This old man does not recognize your colors.¡±


    ¡°Master Swiftbeak,¡± Dandelion interrupted the blacksmith before he embarrassed Newt further. ¡°Newstar is at the third realm, not the fourth, but I believe a superior weapon would further accelerate his growth both as a warrior and as a cultivator.¡±


    The blacksmith relaxed slightly, and Dandelion continued.


    ¡°Newstar is a promising member of the Formation Scribes¡¯ Guild. His primary weapon is the spear.¡± Dandelion motioned towards the weapon strapped to Newt¡¯s back with his chin. ¡°And he will join me on the mission to bring you ice jade, so he needs a smaller weapon better fit for tunnel combat.¡±


    The blacksmith nodded absentmindedly, processing what Dandelion was saying.


    ¡°How good are you at spell formation shorthand and etchings?¡±


    Newt stared at him blankly.


    ¡°He is just a journeyman,¡± Dandelion helped Newt answer the question. ¡°You need a master, like me, to do what you need, or maybe you could gamble all the materials you have been gathering and all your hard work and leave your masterpiece in an expert¡¯s hands.¡±


    Swiftbeak clenched his teeth, looking towards Newt, but not seeing him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not paying that much,¡± he hissed through his teeth.


    ¡°You could ask Barbadon about his rates.¡± Swiftbeak winced as if physically struck, but Dandelion kept talking in his signature cheery tone. ¡°Or we could work out a deal¡­¡±


    ¡°What kind of a deal?¡±


    ¡°Newstar here needs a sturdy short-sword,¡± Dandelion left the words hanging, and Master Swiftbeak took embarrassingly long to realize what he was hinting at.


    ¡°You want me to pay you in advance,¡± the blacksmith said incredulously, ¡°with a valuable item, before you head out to gather the materials I need to pay you for, using the item I gave you?¡±


    Dandelion nodded. ¡°And in return for your item, I will enchant the blade of ice and fire you are seeking to forge, for which nobody has yet volunteered to bring you the resources, and the only other person who can enchant the blade hates your guts.¡±


    ¡°I can go to another city,¡± Master Swiftbeak growled.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°Yes, because wasting time, traveling half a season at your age is bound to be more profitable than paying us with a blade you can forge in a week.¡±


    Master Swiftbeak cursed, but Dandelion did not blink.


    He threw me out when I acted like that. Newt made note of that thought and decided he would use it to taunt Dandelion later.


    ¡°That¡¯s four hundred and fifty fourth realm gems!¡± Master Swiftbeak implored when curses failed, and Newt¡¯s vision swam.


    ¡°And it costs you less than three hundred in materials and effort, so you are actually saving one hundred and fifty.¡±


    Master Swiftbeak frowned, considering the words for a moment before finding the flaw. ¡°But, I would¡¯ve sold it for four hundred and fifty!¡±


    ¡°You would settle for four hundred once you finished all the engraving here and had nothing to do outside your forge.¡±


    Master Swiftbeak raised his finger to argue, but said nothing, considering Dandelion¡¯s words.


    ¡°You might have even sold it for three hundred and fifty if you were bored enough. So this deal is clearly advantageous for you.¡±


    ¡°I ain¡¯t buying your nonsense, but I will give you the sword, if you promise to do the enchantments for me.¡±


    You just bought his nonsense!


    Master Swiftbeak ignored Newt¡¯s flabbergasted expression and proceeded to show him the rack with short-swords he had in stock. There were only five, one filled with gilded decorations, which looked like an ornament, while the other four looked like practical, lethal weapons. One of them lacked a guard. It was black and appeared extremely slick, reflecting no light at all.


    ¡°That one is for assassins.¡± Dandelion noticed which blade caught Newt¡¯s attention. ¡°I am surprised you have a piece like this.¡±


    Master Swiftbeak shrugged. ¡°A mysterious stranger commissioned it, paid half in advance, and never appeared to pick it up. Been two years, and the waiting period has expired, so I¡¯m selling it at half price.¡±


    Dandelion rolled his eyes.


    ¡°It is a good weapon. Hand guards make little difference against spirit beasts, however, you will suffer from infamy if anyone sees you with it.¡± He glanced at Master Swiftbeak and grinned. ¡°And we hardly care about the discount.¡±


    The old blacksmith snorted, barely holding back his curses, and Newt continued examining the three remaining weapons, but other than the slight difference in design, they were all the same to him.


    ¡°This one is his early prototype of Blade of Ice and Fire,¡± Dandelion pointed at a short-sword with a grip wrapped in white scales. ¡°The fire-bronze blade is tinged with fire energy, and it will suit you, make your spiritual energy more responsive. With some clever enchanting and skill, you could even use it once you hit the fifth realm, making it a quasi-fifth realm weapon.¡±


    ¡°That one costs more than the other fourth realm short-swords,¡± Master Swiftbeak started complaining, but Dandelion spoke as soon as the blacksmith paused to draw breath.


    ¡°And yet you were perfectly fine with using a half-priced weapon as payment because it fit the description.¡±


    After some more back and forth, Newt left the Blacksmiths¡¯ Guild¡¯s market with his new short-sword, a confirmation that his ancestral spear could last him one more realm, and a grumpy old blacksmith who hated his and Dandelion¡¯s guts.


    ¡°No need to feel bad. Swiftbeak will get over it, and he will even be happy once I complete his fabled blade.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m feeling bad because of how many spirit gems I owe you.¡± Four hundred and seventy fourth realm spirit gems! How do I even start paying for that?


    ¡°Missions for fourth realms at the Association pay in fourth realm spirit gems, but even third realm missions will earn you the listed reward, plus some third realm spirit gems for completing the mission.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, plus some third realm spirit gems?¡±


    ¡°I mean plus some third realm spirit gems. The imperials stipend everyone who completes the missions. If you put in enough work and pick tougher missions, you can earn a better living from Association¡¯s missions than from crafting. Our mission today has a bonus of twenty spirit gems. The more lethal the mission, the greater the bonus.¡±


    Newt frowned. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re saying the imperial family pays the bonus for all the missions? How doesn¡¯t that beggar them?¡±


    Unexpectedly, Dandelion burst into laughter.


    ¡°What¡¯s funny?¡±


    ¡°You! The Association is for cultivators of sixth realm and lower, its role to oversee the plethora of minor problems sprouting across the empire daily. Let us suppose they have a thousand sixth realm cultivators, and that they complete their missions every week for a reward of one hundred sixth realm spirit gems. That is one hundred thousand sixth realm spirit gems, or less than one hundred seventh realm ones, or less than a tenth of an eight realm one, or less than, do you understand what I am saying?¡±


    Newt nodded, realizing how tiny he was.


    ¡°We are nothing before a tenth realm cultivator. Even before a sixth realm cultivator, like Elder Frostgrave, we are barely ants. If she dropped a single cultivation resource she uses, both of us could reach the peak of the fifth realm.¡± Dandelion snapped his fingers. ¡°Like that. This inequality is the reason we cannot be friends until I am at the cusp of her realm, and the reason why I will avoid her and avoid using her favor even if I am at the brink of death.¡±


    Dandelion stopped and faced Newt, glaring into his eyes and speaking in a heavy voice, his amiable smile gone.


    ¡°Weakness, my dear Newstar, is a terminal condition. One we must fix at all costs.¡±

 Chapter 49 - Exposed

    61st of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    After finishing the paperwork at the association and after Dandelion picked up his belongings from his much humbler Stellar Night inn, Newt and Dandelion reached the gate just in time to see the disciples of Everfrost Palace exit a cramped side street and reach the main boulevard.


    ¡°What is it with these women and dark alleys?¡± Dandelion muttered before speaking in a louder voice.


    ¡°Greetings, honorable ladies.¡± He gave a perfect half bow. ¡°We have not introduced ourselves properly yesterday. I am Dandelion, and my young friend is Newstar Blazing Salamander.¡±


    ¡°Everlast.¡±


    ¡°Puresnow.¡±


    The girls introduced themselves with icy voices and neutral expressions.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Everlast, Puresnow,¡± Dandelion pretended he did not notice the women¡¯s disinterest. ¡°Before we head out, we should say something about our skills. I will start. My area of expertise is unarmed melee combat and the staff. I dabble in alchemy and have some basic understanding of the healing arts.¡±


    Dandelion looked at Newt, who cleared his throat.


    ¡°Hello.¡± The two Everfrost Palace disciples were making him uncomfortable, and he stuttered and spoke with more er-s than he liked. ¡°I fight unarmed and with a spear and Dandelion told me I should pick up a sword too. I am very agile, and I can take more blows than most; I think. I can also shoot bolts of fire at close range, cauterize my own wounds, and purify foreign spiritual energy invading my body¡ª¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Newstar,¡± Dandelion took the chance to stop Newt from blathering, then the two women introduced themselves with almost identical lines. Two sentences each. They both fought with longswords and could handle themselves. Newt got a clear impression these women wanted men around as much as he craved women.


    ¡°I guess we will figure out tactics as we go along.¡± Dandelion offered a diplomatic smile, and they headed out the gate, due north.


    Dandelion sprinted, relying on nothing but his body, and the Everfrost Palace disciples followed, with Newt resorting to Fire Burst every now and then to catch up. He observed the rest of his party and noted that Dandelion hardly used any spiritual energy, relying mostly on his body. Meanwhile, the two women did the same as Newt, flaring spiritual energy from time to time, but he could not see any outward manifestation of whatever power they were using.


    Newt expected they would stop at a tavern shortly before sunset, but he was wrong. By the time the sun rose, they had covered well over two thousand miles.


    ¡°We will rest here,¡± Dandelion proclaimed, gradually slowing before he finally stopped.


    Newt¡¯s back was wet, and his legs throbbed, his spiritual energy drained to around half capacity. The Everfrost Palace disciples also seemed winded, but Dandelion just smiled, not a drop of sweat on his forehead.


    ¡°Sit, rest, meditate to replenish yourself.¡± He took his own advice and sat on the grass, then pointed towards a nearby mountain entirely covered in snow. ¡°We are heading for that mountain, aptly, if unoriginally, named Frostworm¡¯s Grave.¡±


    Dandelion paused. Newt was certain the man had expected a laugh or a chuckle, but other than the leaves and blossoms rustling in the wind, there was no sound.


    ¡°The entrance to the tunnel complex is some thirty miles away, and we will reach it with a light two-hour jog to warm up before fighting.¡±


    The women did not get the joke of warming up before fighting in frigid caves, and Newt did not find it funny either.


    You¡¯re better off when not trying to break the ice with jokes. Wait! Should I say that aloud? At least Dandelion will laugh. By the time Newt reached the decision, it was already too late to make a witty remark, and he would feel stupid if he broke the already long silence.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    So, they sat in silence for two hours, eyes closed, focused on meditation. Newt did not need to enter his realm and focus on drawing spiritual energy from the environment, so instead he contemplated his cultivation and the possible improvements.


    One of those was to split the rivers of lava into three smaller flows to increase the number of fire-related runes, since the empty space between lava flows was getting bigger, favoring the earth element too much. But simply splitting the flow would prove insufficient, as the middle one would get the most lava.


    The obvious solution was to make a large pool to slow the flow and split the energy more evenly. There has to be a better way.


    ¡°Two hours are up,¡± Dandelion shouted, ¡°Ladies and gentleman, are you ready to continue?¡±


    Newt wanted to say, ¡®Sure,¡¯ but then the Everfrost Palace¡¯s disciples stood and nodded without uttering a word, so he mirrored them and remained silent.


    Dandelion also nodded, his expression grave to the extreme, but he winked at Newt and flashed him a half-face grin, positioned so that the women could not see the gesture and break the serious mask he showed the other two.


    How do you even¡ª?


    Newt guessed the man had practiced that exact face, but did not want to know how idle Dandelion must have been to have time to waste on such frivolous tasks.


    The team of four ran through blooming forests and flowery meadows for an hour and a half before the land turned frosty, and the spring¡¯s warm air vanished, giving way to an unending winter.


    The mountain¡¯s jagged peaks loomed over them, but Dandelion pointed towards the base instead.


    ¡°There is the entrance.¡±


    Newt looked down and saw the closing jaw of a giant monster. The maw was a black hole in the white mountainside, with giant spiky teeth rising from the ground and stabbing down from the above. Given the distance, it must have been at least fifty feet from top to bottom.


    ¡°Is that the dead frostworm¡¯s mouth?¡± Newt asked, shuddering as he imagined the monster¡¯s size. Then he recalled Magmin, and for the first time truly realized that the mountain his clan was living on might very well be the tiny serpent¡¯s eons-old corpse.


    If Magmin grew by a factor of ten each time he evolved he would have been thousands of miles long. Newt shuddered at the thought, but Dandelion mistook it as his fear of the frostworm.


    ¡°No need to be alarmed.¡± The experienced man reassured the youth. ¡°That is a hole the ancient frostworm dug ages ago. The teeth are icicles, and the most powerful spirit beast residing inside the cave system should be at the fifth realm. Are you ready for this?¡±


    The women gave Newt a cold look, but he had accepted that stare as the norm. Instead of minding them, he gave Dandelion a confident nod.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said, and took the lead to prove that he was not a coward.


    Seventy yards from the entrance, the unnaturally cold air bit through Newt¡¯s robes, the pain almost tangible, his skin turning red. Newt activated Magmin Scales without hesitation, instantly banishing the ice invading his body, and just in case examined himself, but found no traces of foreign spiritual energy.


    He turned around, and found the ladies from the Everfrost Palace unaffected, they even seemed more comfortable than he had ever seen them. And Dandelion, Newt squinted, a useless gesture made out of habit as he forced his third eye to scrutinize the former sect master, but he found nothing out of the ordinary.


    Dandelion was not a void, like Elder Frostgrave, but he was not actively using his spiritual energy to resist the chill or to enhance his speed.


    Looking back, Newt tripped on a chunk of ice harder than a rock. As he fell he sent a gust of warm air in front of his chest, melting snow and propelling himself upwards. He somersaulted and perfectly landed on his feet.


    ¡°Showoff,¡± Dandelion poked fun at Newt with a smile as he ran past him.


    Newt took a moment to gather his bearings and started running again, this time last in the group.


    The Everfrost Palace¡¯s disciples stopped in front of the fifty-foot-tall stalagmites of ice. They drew their swords and stared into the darkness. Dandelion was a step slower, a thick black staff wrought of metal held in two hands.


    Unlike the frowning women, he was relaxed, but constantly pumping faint pulses of orange-red spiritual energy into his weapon.


    Newt arrived last, his face showing similar worries as the two women, or so he thought.


    This is way over our head. He stared into the black hole and the torrent of bluish-white spiritual energy gushing from it.


    ¡°Ladies, remember your master¡¯s instruction,¡± Dandelion said. ¡°Ice jade marrow certainly is important for your cultivation and the pills you need, but your lives are more important.¡±


    Ice jade marrow?


    The women glared at Dandelion, who just kept talking.


    ¡°In all matters relating to combat, exploration, and taking risks, you are to consult me and obey me as you would your master. Those are your master¡¯s orders, are they not?¡±


    What? Newt stared at the three of them, Everfrost Palace¡¯s disciple¡¯s silence and foul mood suddenly a lot more logical.

 Chapter 50 - The Frostworm Cave

    62nd of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°What lies have you told Master to deceive her so completely?¡± Puresnow snapped at Dandelion. ¡°She knows our abilities! Senior Apprentice Sister Everlast is a hair¡¯s breadth away from entering the fourth realm, she is three hundred years old, and has completed many missions¡ª¡±


    ¡°Junior Apprentice Sister Puresnow.¡± Everlast¡¯s words cut like knives as she addressed her fellow disciple. ¡°That is enough. Master no doubt has deep thoughts, and she has seen something worthwhile in this man. Maybe she is returning the favor because he saved Freeda.¡±


    Newt was stunned, watching the women argue, but Dandelion remained unbothered by the outburst.


    ¡°I just need you to confirm that you will listen to my instructions once we enter the den of monsters.¡±


    Puresnow pressed her lips together into a thin line and clenched her fists. Everlast was more subtle, but Newt still noticed the tightness of her jaw.


    ¡°We will,¡± the senior disciple said, and Dandelion nodded, flashing an oblivious smile. ¡°You too, Newstar.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Newt was nowhere nearly as emotional as the Everfrost Palace disciples. Having someone more experienced tell him what to do sounded quite reasonable. He was seventeen, and probably everyone¡¯s junior by at least one hundred years.


    ¡°In that case, take this.¡± Dandelion gave Newt a pear-shaped vial filled with a green liquid, tied with a thin leather strap. ¡°Hang it around your neck.¡±


    Newt put on the vial like an amulet, and in all the jolting the liquid started shining. The green light was easy on the eyes, but bright enough to illuminate the darkness ahead.


    ¡°No need to worry about the vial, while not unbreakable, it is rather tough, heat and frost proof. The potion itself is harmless, so even if something, let us say a twenty-ton giant worm, struck you hard enough to break it, you will merely end up sticky.


    ¡°Once we head further into the caves, and our eyes adjust to the dark, that light should be sufficient to light our path without blinding us. Frostworms are blind, their vision heat-based, which makes these vials more special, as they produce no heat. Newstar is the vanguard both because of his mobility and the extreme heat he gives off, attracting the frostworms¡¯ attention.¡±


    Dandelion finished his speech and fished out another two vials from his pocket. ¡°Dear ladies, please take these in case we get separated. You can keep them in your pockets or place them around your necks, like Newstar.¡±


    The haughty women pocketed the vials without a word, and Dandelion gestured for Newt to lead the way.


    Newt¡¯s skin crawled. It was not the chill, Magmin Scales prevented it from reaching his shin, but the first step into the giant gaping maw made of ice terrified him. He gripped his spear tighter, and the second step came easier, the third even more so. Others followed behind him, and fleeing was not an option.


    I have allies, I am armed, I am skilled. I can handle this.


    He was not certain he could handle the situation. Ten yards from the entrance, the darkness grew nearly absolute, but the green light hanging off Newt¡¯s neck illuminated it in a weird way. Everything around them was shadowy and dark, yet they could see. Somehow, the green light defined the objects without really illuminating them, bending and refracting through the ice stalagmites.


    Newt closed his eyes and focused on his third eye. The tunnel was more or less the same. Outlines of objects existed without light, but a vivid aurora danced through the center of the cave, gushing outward to balance the concentration of spiritual energy.


    Sunlight was long gone, hidden by three bends in the sloped tunnel, when ground shook beneath Newt¡¯s feet. The rumble was faint, but steadily growing stronger.


    ¡°They are coming,¡± Newt said, but his three companions were already prepared, each gripping their weapon. The tunnel shook, and pieces of ice started raining from the ceiling. They cracked when they struck the other three, but hissed and popped before hitting Newt.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Frowning, the youth changed the flow of earth energy from supporting his body to Granite Crust and stopped the annoying ice chips from showering him.


    Then the monster appeared. Newt immediately regretted not asking about the details on frostworms. He had expected giant earthworms, ones evolved for burrowing through ice, but that idea had nothing to do with the truth.


    The creature was gigantic. Much smaller than the cavern they stood in, but still ten feet tall, and a hundred feet long. Its maw was split in four sections, each lined with countless hooked teeth as long as Newt¡¯s new short-sword. A pair of ten-foot-long tentacles ending in massive stingers flanked the mouth, glistening with some unknown substance, which shone brightly to Newt¡¯s third eye.


    The monster¡¯s spiritual energy was denser than anyone¡¯s in the party, and Newt recognized it as a fourth realm spiritual beast. A powerful enemy was upon them right from the start.


    ¡°Draw its attention Newstar,¡± Dandelion shouted, and Newt moved, not doing anything special, yet flaring with fire-aligned spiritual energy.


    He jumped towards the cavern¡¯s left wall, bursts of searing air melting the ice where he stood a split-second ago.


    The frostworm hissed, the low, rumbling sound shaking the cave more than its frenzied slither to intercept the intruders. It changed course and headed for its natural enemy.


    Newt watched spiritual energy flare beneath the behemoth, and it shot forward with an impossible speed of a diving quetzalcoatlus. It sprayed a cone of ice, but with another blast of heat, Newt jumped twenty feet into the air, and the frostworm smashed head-first into the cavern wall beneath him.


    Ice and rock exploded, sending a ripple which blasted Newt away. He struck the far wall, Granite Crust negating the blow, and he hopped back to his feet. As he spun, three-foot-long lances of ice struck the massive worm¡¯s flank, but failed to scratch its shell.


    The monster slowly withdrew its head from the pit it had made, rumbling hisses, when Newt saw Dandelion charge towards it. He leaped from ten yards away, his legs propelled by air-aligned spiritual energy, earth and fire mixing in his arms, consuming each other and growing more explosive.


    The former sect master¡¯s timing was impeccable. Just as the frostworm freed its head, a blazing staff smashed into one of its tendrils, striking the poison sack. The organ burst, and the staff continued on its path slamming against the frostworm¡¯s armored snout. The icy shell cracked, and Dandelion jumped back, propelled by another burst of air.


    ¡°That was amazing,¡± Newt said as Dandelion landed five yards away.


    ¡°It was a failure.¡± Dandelion observed the frostworm writhe in pain. ¡°The idea was to shatter the toxin sack, break its armor, and poison the frostworm with its own venom, but its carapace is stronger than I expected.¡±


    You wanted to what?


    Newt did not get the chance to voice his question. The frostworm took two seconds to recover, but the two Everfrost Palace disciples used the chance and aimed their ice javelins at the patch Dandelion had damaged.


    The beast hissed in pain once more as a giant icicle struck true, lodging itself into its flesh and drawing vermilion blood.


    ¡°Not enough,¡± Dandelion muttered and charged back towards the monster. ¡°Newstar! Less sitting, more hopping!¡±


    The frostworm went into a frenzy and charged towards the ladies, who slid on ice without moving their legs, deftly avoiding the brute strike. The last remaining stinger tendril shot out towards Everlast, but the experienced woman summoned a wall of ice before her. Ice sprayed as the stinger struck the barrier, the wall burst as it pierced all the way through, but the obstacle had served its purpose, buying Everlast a split-second to escape.


    Dandelion landed on the frostworms back and delivered another fiery strike against the carapace, aiming for the spot where two chitinous plates met. The monster shrieked. The sound exploded all the stalactites above their heads, unleashing a deafening torrent of ice on their heads.


    Mundane ice posed little danger, but the ice chips and dust reduced the visibility to zero. Newt closed his eyes, hoping his third eye would give him an edge, but the ice was infused with so much spiritual energy that all Newt saw was a blue-tinted fog.


    ¡°Whoa, boy.¡± Newt was uncertain whether he had heard Dandelion¡¯s shout, or if the sound was a weird artifact of his ears ringing. Blind and deaf, he dared not move. The ground beneath his feet quaked, and he heard several booms, each weaker than the last, spraying even more frozen dust into the air, but at least Newt¡¯s ears were recovering.


    Gradually, the trembling subsided, then the dust started settling.


    Twenty yards away, a green dot appeared, revealing Everlast¡¯s face.


    They took out the vials after they separated. Newt approached the women, waving them with his own vial.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± he asked, and they nodded.


    ¡°We¡¯re fine. You?¡± Puresnow said, surprising Newt.


    ¡°A bit dusty.¡± Newt patted his robe for emphasis. ¡°Otherwise fine. Do you think Dandelion killed the worm?¡±


    ¡°That seems to be the only reasonable explanation.¡± Doubt replaced the ice in Everlast¡¯s voice as she squinted, searching for Dandelion through the drifting dust.


    Suddenly, another green dot waved at them from the distant dark, swiftly drawing closer.


    ¡°Is everyone unharmed? No broken necks or limbs?¡±

 Chapter 51 - What鈥檚 Her Problem?

    62nd of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°We are fine, thank you for your concern.¡± Everlast¡¯s tone and bearing had changed, and while Newt still saw hints of disdain in Puresnow¡¯s grimace, the woman remained silent.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine as well, what about you, Senior? Did you kill it?¡± Newt already knew the answer, the situation made it obvious, but they still needed confirmation.


    ¡°It was a bumpy ride, but somehow I managed to finish it off.¡±


    Newt gaped at Dandelion, and the two disciples of the Everfrost Palace had similarly embarrassing faces.


    ¡°We defeated it together,¡± Dandelion continues. ¡°Newstar distracted it, creating an opportunity for all of us, and you, noble ladies, have enraged it and pumped some poison into its body, allowing me to exploit its weakness.¡±


    ¡°Which weakness?¡± Puresnow frowned.


    ¡°I used the chance and climbed close to its head. There I struck it with everything I had, opening a crack in its carapace. The frostworm tried to get rid of me, but stabbed itself in the open wound, injecting poison into its own body, and its momentary confusion allowed me to stab its brain and fry it with my staff coated in sweltering flames.¡±


    Newt nodded, as did the other two. Every step of Dandelion¡¯s narrative made sense, and the way he presented it really made it seem like all he did was use the opportunity created by others. The victory he described was certainly a joint effort.


    But it reeked to Newt. The story made him once again feel like a child hearing nonsensical justifications for his ¡°brilliant success¡±, when in fact it was the elders sucking up to his father.


    ¡°I deserve no credit for this.¡± Newt¡¯s voice was calm, as was his heart. He was doing something right, something he believed was proper and basic human decency. He was refusing to take credit for another person¡¯s victory. ¡°I merely acted as bait, the three of you have done all the hard work.¡±


    Everlast was about to say something, but Dandelion spoke first. ¡°Do you agree that your actions and you acting as bait has bought us two to three breaths¡¯ time during which the monster was dazed? Enough to land several blows, and shatter its stinger.¡±


    Newt was about to argue that anyone could have done the same, but Dandelion¡¯s question was rhetorical.


    ¡°Do not sell yourself short, Newstar. You are by far the youngest amongst us, and for you, this trip is about gathering experience. But if you think you have earned no part of the treasures, we can get from this frostworm, and you do not want to use them to lessen your debt¡­¡± Dandelion left the unfinished sentence hang, forcing Newt to consider the matter.


    If they could find the frostworm¡¯s core, it would definitely put a dent in his debt. The youth was tempted, but then shook his head. His honor was worth more than a handful of spirit gems, even if they were at the fourth realm.


    Dandelion saw the young man¡¯s determination and smiled, radiating approval.


    ¡°Even if you think you are unworthy of your portion, I still believe you have earned it. What do you think, noble ladies? Has this young man earned his share?¡±


    Everlast obviously wanted to say they did not earn their share either, but she could not say the same for someone else who risked their life to fight a giant monster a realm higher than they were. And if Newt, a novice who had landed no blows on the frostworm earned a reward, she could not say that they had not earned theirs.


    Newt watched the woman struggle for a moment before she nodded. ¡°He has earned his share.¡±


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Dandelion smiled. ¡°In that case, we proceed as we originally agreed, splitting all our gains in four equal portions. I promise I will not steal the last hits against third realm frostworms.¡±


    Newt stared at Dandelion, feeling uncomfortable, his own expression probably mirroring Everlast¡¯s, since Dandelion all but said he would leave the lower realm spirit beasts to them. Puresnow, however, grimaced, her arms crossed. The woman glared at Dandelion like he owed her money instead of handing it over to her on a silver platter.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    What¡¯s her problem?


    Whatever it was, Dandelion just smiled, and for a moment, Newt thought he would blow her a kiss with that nonchalant grin.


    After a tense moment, the party got to work, dismembering the frostworm for valuable body parts. Newt¡¯s new sword finally proved its worth, not the least bit inferior to the weapons Everfrost Palace¡¯s disciples wielded.


    ¡°You work on the carapace alone,¡± Everlast said. ¡°I fear your energy might damage the core or the more sensitive tissues.¡±


    Just as Newt was about to voice his agreement, Puresnow barked at Dandelion, who sat to the side, just observing them. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you working?¡±


    Dandelion shrugged and gestured with his staff. ¡°I lack proper tools, and the three of you are sufficient to get the job done even without my meddling. In fact, I might ruin something, and nobody wants that.¡±


    Puresnow harrumphed, but Everlast gently laid a hand on her upper arm, and the woman kept the obvious ire from reaching her tongue. Instead, she went back to work, pointedly ignoring Dandelion. Everlast smiled apologetically, and they resumed dismembering the giant worm.


    The only remaining poison sack was three quarters full of the potent frigid toxin, and while Newt removed the thick, chitinous plates glazed in ice, the women kept digging deeper into the massive body.


    A quarter of an hour later, Everlast gasped. By some miracle, the fourth realm spirit beast¡¯s core was undamaged. She gently parted the surrounding flesh and pulled it out of the body.


    Newt wondered how much that core would fetch them when they sold it on the market, when Dandelion spoke.


    ¡°Is your Everfrost Palace interested in purchasing this core?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Everlast said with a rare smile. ¡°We can offer a hundred fourth realm spirit gems to each of you for the core, flesh, and poison. We do not need the plates, but some blacksmith is bound to be interested in them.¡±


    Dandelion stared at her, slightly shaken, while Newt¡¯s jaw hit the floor, just that one frostworm was enough to pay a good chunk of his debt. And his share alone was probably worth more than most of his clan¡¯s possessions.


    ¡°The price is more than fair,¡± Everlast said, averting her gaze from Dandelion¡¯s grin, preferring to observe Newt¡¯s comical reaction instead.


    ¡°I would not doubt you for a moment,¡± Dandelion said, further embarrassing the woman.


    ¡°I am serious,¡± she said.


    ¡°As am I. I do not doubt your sect would reward us for these resources, but how do you plan to transport them?¡±


    ¡°Master gave me her spatial pouch. We can easily fit twenty worms like this one.¡±


    ¡°I dearly hope we do not encounter any more of these until we find a deposit of ice jade marrow. And remember, we will not delve too deeply. If a fifth realm frostworm appears our lives are forfeit. We stand no chance of escaping with two realms¡¯ difference.¡±


    Newt¡¯s skin crawled, suddenly becoming aware that their excursion was no child¡¯s play or training, but a lethal situation. Everlast nodded solemnly, as did Puresnow.


    ¡°Do you want me to scout ahead while you wrap things up here?¡± Dandelion offered, and after a brief conversation Everlast assented.


    Newt watched Dandelion leave, catching a flicker of water-aligned spiritual energy.


    He¡¯s got air, fire, earth, and water-aligned spiritual energy. How did he do that? How does he switch between them?


    Newt wanted to doubt his third eye, but Dandelion himself told him not to doubt his senses.


    I¡¯ll ask him in private later.


    Newt went back to work and twenty minutes later watched Everlast hold a mug-sized leather pouch in front of the pile of frostworm plates.


    ¡°Store,¡± she said, and Newt saw with his third eye how she sent a trickle of spiritual energy into the artifact.


    The air twisted, and the armor plates nearly as hard as steel warped and smeared, compressed and sucked up by the sack. The sight was fascinating. Identical scene repeated with the piles of flesh the two disciples had chosen amongst the mountains of frostworm meat.


    Newt wished to ask what was the criteria for selection, other than a slightly higher concentration of spiritual energy, but kept his mouth shut. The two women were still strangers, and he felt uncomfortable talking to them.


    Newt simply observed, as even the core, which was nowhere nearly as large as the other items, twisted and bent, flying into the bag while still shrinking, until it reached the size of a grain of sand.


    Then came an awkward silence. Minutes trickled by with no sign of Dandelion.


    Finally, more discomforted by standing near the women in silence than speaking, Newt cleared his throat.


    ¡°How does that bag work?¡±


    ¡°You mean the spatial pouch?¡± Everlast asked, and Newt nodded. ¡°It¡¯s simple, really. You focus on the object you wish to store, feed it a bit of spiritual energy, and it stores the item you selected. You can¡¯t store plants and living beings, and you have to stand still while you do it. Otherwise, it¡¯s as simple as that.¡±


    Everlast offered Newt an insincere friendly smile, more awkward than anything else, and Newt mumbled a thanks.


    The answer she provided was not what he wished to know. He could see what she was doing, what interested him was how the bag did the twisting and shrinking.


    ¡°Get ready everyone!¡± Dandelion shouted, sprinting towards them, his feet hardly touching the ground. ¡°I have brought a little friend!¡±

 Chapter 52 - Gaining Experience

    62nd of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt could not help but open his jaw a crack as Dandelion swished past him and the two Everfrost Palace disciples.


    ¡°You can do it,¡± the immature sagely man mouthed, smiling and winking like a mischievous imp, before disappearing in a sudden burst of speed. His head was turned towards Newt, the message for him alone, since the women could not see it.


    Newt¡¯s mouth opened a bit more, but before he could process what had happened, a giant worm followed a hundred yards behind the former sect master, slithering so fast it kicked up shards of frozen dust. The creature was two feet thick, its pair of five-foot-long stinger-tentacles poised to strike while the cloud of ice following in its wake made it seem infinitely long. Newt did not know why, but to him, for some inexplicable reason, the featureless, alien worm seemed infuriated to the brink of insanity.


    The creature was thundering straight for them. Then the trio dispersed, Newt jumping to its left, the girls to its right, but the monster still lunged towards Newt, unstoppable like a raging triceratops.


    It opened its complex maw and spewed a cloud of ice. The ensuing hailstorm was much weaker and its spread narrower than that of the more evolved specimen. Still, the finger-sized chips of ice spelled death for the unprepared or weaker cultivators.


    Newt was none of those. The chill burned upon contact with Magmin Scales, the shrunked ice shards exploded into flakes after hitting Granite Crust. Shrouded by a cloud of steam, Newt soared out of the frostworm¡¯s way just as the beast was about to slam into him.


    The frostworm crashed into the rock with a boom, shattering ice, but failing to damage the reinforced rock. Newt landed on the dazed beast¡¯s back, and following Dandelion¡¯s explanation, thrust his spear between the frozen plates at what he guessed was the frostworm¡¯s head.


    He was about to unleash Magmin Flames, but the frostworm reared and leashed out with its twin stingers. Newt cursed under his breath and allowed himself to be thrown off. With a burst of scalding air, he steadied his body and landed on his feet five yards behind the frostworm.


    The air screamed, and a tail thicker than a tree appeared from the icy mist. Newt tried to jump out of the way, but the thick appendage slammed into his flank, catapulting him across the cave.


    He smashed into the wall, face first, with all the elegance of a rock. The unexpected attack and the sudden collision with the cavern¡¯s ice-crusted wall made his world spin. The worm hissed, and Newt turned around to see the four-segmented maw open, lined with countless rows of needle-sharp stakes. He stared at death, failing to comprehend what was happening, when a volley of spear-like icicles stabbed into the exposed softer flesh.


    The maw closed with a hiss, and the worm crashed into Newt, ramming him into the wall. Luckily for Newt, he projected Granite Crust an inch from his skin. The rock-hard formation bent, deforming and pressing into Newt¡¯s skin.


    In panic, Newt conjured another layer, just against his skin, but to his dismay, the outer shell disappeared into motes of deep-yellow earthen spiritual energy. Magmin scales still hung beyond his skin, failing to protect Newt from the bone-chilling frost now inside the barrier.


    He dropped the pointless barrier, only to discover it was far from pointless. The world of ice assailed his body from every direction, biting and cutting without mercy, snapping him out of his daze. Before he could gasp, he activated Firewall, the third realm version, and flames burst around him, drowning the frostworm¡¯s head in fire.


    Ice and fire fought for a moment, then Newt¡¯s runes focused on power and eruption showed their worth. The thick sheet of ice protecting the frostworm¡¯s carapace exploded, and the monster reared once more, freeing Newt just as its stingers were about to reach him.


    Gasping for air and smelling roast, Newt covered himself in Magmin Scales. He sent a blast of heat beneath his feet, jumping a dozen times in a row until he opened enough distance from the brush with death he had just suffered.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    The ladies of Everfrost Palace came to his rescue. The cold, indifferent creatures from the previous hours suddenly became fairies of ice and slaughter. Puresnow¡¯s frigid sword struck the super-heated shell, the sudden changes from freezing to boiling and back to freezing shattered the chitin like glass, and the pale-blue blade slashed deep into the monster¡¯s flesh.


    The frostworm let out a shrill hiss, its water-aligned spiritual energy rumbling like a storm through its body, forming a wall of ice, to protect the exposed flesh. Puresnow ignored the effort, her glacial sword severing ice like mist, the element parting before a tool designed to slash frost-subtype enemies.


    Suddenly, the frostworm spasmed, trashing blindly with its tail and rolling on the massive cavern¡¯s frozen floor. Puresnow and Everlast slid away from it, watching the monster¡¯s death throes without emotion.


    After confirming that the frostworm really was dying, Everlast skated around it and reached Newt.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Her face was frosty, but she still graced Newt a smile. ¡°I was afraid the frostworm would flatten you when it smashed into you.¡±


    Yeah. You and me both.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡± Newt smiled back, dropping Granite Crust, but keeping Magmin Scales for warmth, the few moments of intense cold still clinging to his skin and bones. ¡°Thank you for saving me.¡±


    His face was pale, his smile nervous, and Everlast could not help feeling sorry for the child.


    ¡°Maybe you shouldn¡¯t be here. You¡¯re not ready yet.¡± She wanted to say more, but Dandelion appeared out of nowhere.


    ¡°He has to be here precisely because he is not ready and should not be here. He needs proper training.¡± The man¡¯s grin was insufferable and infuriated Newt while Everlast nodded hesitantly, but still spoke her mind.


    ¡°The frostworm could have crushed him.¡±


    ¡°That is why I said, he needs proper training.¡± Dandelion said, his grin unswayed by the prospect of Newt¡¯s horrible demise.


    ¡°What did you do to anger it so much?¡± Newt was going for a curious voice, but the words unfortunately came out as an embarrassing squeak.


    ¡°I wonder.¡± Dandelion shrugged the very image of innocence. ¡°When I found that frostworm, it was slowly burrowing into the tunnel wall, it seemed to be struggling with how tough the rock is. To grab its attention, I lobbed a ball of fire into the tunnel. Then I kept repeating it until the worm got out.¡±


    Newt frowned, imagining the scene, then his eyebrows shot up, and his tight lips went slack.


    ¡°You roasted its butt until it came out of the hole.¡±


    ¡°You said that, not me.¡± Dandelion smiled. ¡°Frostworms seem to have real issues crawling backwards, from what I can tell. I hazard that they rarely have to do it.¡±


    Newt was speechless, but the mental image startled a laugh out of Everlast. The woman covered her mouth while Puresnow stared at her in shock.


    ¡°Did you arrange all this for the sake of his training?¡± she asked, pretending nothing out of the ordinary had happened.


    ¡°Well, you saw how bad he was. He stabbed the thing in the head, then needed a whole second to remember he should order his flames to burst into the wound and cook the worm.¡± Dandelion spoke as if Newt was not there, and the youth¡¯s face turned red as he listened to the conversation.


    ¡°And when it hit him, he just stared at those teeth, waiting to be devoured¡ª¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Newt screamed again, his face turning into a tomato. ¡°You were watching the whole time!¡±


    Dandelion nodded, suddenly serious. ¡°Luring a monster here, dumping it on you, and just running away is irresponsible, and while I am the leader of this group, my job is to make sure we all get out of here alive, preferably in one piece, without wasting my healing pills and elixirs.¡±


    Dandelion drew a breath after rapidly delivering the leader speech.


    ¡°Anyway, your skills with the spear are lacking. I could teach you, but you would owe me a favor, of course.¡±


    Newt wanted to shout ¡®no¡¯, but the rational part of him stopped him. He should at least see what Dandelion could do with a spear before refusing the offer.


    ¡°How skilled are you with a long-sword¡± Newt and Dandelion snapped their heads toward Everlast.


    For some reason, Newt¡¯s heart jumped with joy whenever someone or something wiped the stupid grin off Dandelion¡¯s face. The mature man recovered almost instantly, overwriting shock with a serious face as he nodded, but that moment of surprise was precious to Newt.


    ¡°I would say I am good enough to show you some tricks, if you are interested. If you find my effort worthwhile, you may reward me however you see fit.¡±


    ¡°I would like that.¡± Everlast¡¯s face bloomed with a smile, and Newt wondered what had changed. Apparently, he was not the only one, Puresnow stared death at the former sect master.


    ¡°You¡¯re just an upstart third realm wanderer, what could you possibly teach Senior Sister Everlast?¡±


    Without warning, the woman pounced at Dandelion. She raised her sword and held it in both hands as she slashed downwards to cleave him in half.

 Chapter 53 - Time and Value

    62nd of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt had no idea what had happened. One moment, Puresnow was soaring, cleaving down with her sword, the next she was lying on her back, gasping for air with Dandelion holding her weapon in one hand, her wrist in the other, bent to the point of near snapping.


    ¡°That was foolish.¡± Dandelion¡¯s voice was cold, his glare colder, freezing the ice cultivator in place.


    Newt¡¯s mind processed what he had seen, the sword going down, Dandelion pivoting and bending his body, the hand shooting for Puresnow¡¯s wrist, the woman¡¯s speed and inertia used against her as Dandelion disarmed her with his other hand, and finally, slammed her against the ice, kicking up frozen mist as she lay there, staring at the ceiling in shock.


    ¡°Disarming her would have been tougher, if she had used a sword without a guard.¡± Newt took a moment to realize Dandelion was explaining things to him. ¡°I used the guard against her, to wrestle the weapon free from her hand.¡±


    Newt noticed no wrestling. Dandelion grabbed the sword and took it like Puresnow had passed it to him.


    ¡°What?¡± Everlast finally found her words. ¡°Puresnow, what have you done? Master told us Senior Brother Dandelion is the leader and that we are to obey him as if he were her. Senior Brother Dandelion, please forgive Puresnow¡¯s rudeness. I¡­ I don¡¯t know what came over her.¡±


    Dandelion let go of the prone woman, but kept her sword.


    ¡°Nothing to forgive. Hotheadedness is normal in youth, just look at Newstar here.¡±


    Hey! Newt frowned, but Dandelion flicked a flake of ice at his head, and it evaporated with a hiss.


    ¡°Hot Head,¡± he explained, yet Newt still crossed his arms. ¡°But such behavior can lead to injuries and even fatalities as we explore this cavern, so I would like to ask you to guard the entrance to the cave, Puresnow.¡±


    The woman, still prone on her back, looked at Dandelion with hollow eyes.


    ¡°Unity is more important than numbers, or even strength,¡± Dandelion explained. ¡°And I am afraid you lack what is needed to play well in this team.¡±


    Suddenly, his voice turned gentler. ¡°That is not to say this is your fault. Our chemistry is conflicting, it causes you to clash with me and Newstar, so it would be best for you to perform a different, no less important role of guarding the entrance and warning us of any potential outsiders or wandering high-realm spirit beasts.¡±


    Dandelion was spewing utter rubbish, and everyone knew it, but that rubbish was Puresnow¡¯s way out with which she could keep some dignity and maybe not get reported by Everlast.


    ¡°The three of us can keep going.¡± Dandelion moved his attention to Newt and Everlast. ¡°You two can tackle the third realm spirit beasts on your own, while we will work together to bring down the fourth realm ones.¡±


    He shot Newt a flat stare. ¡°And before you complain, Newstar, no, I cannot handle a fourth realm frostworm on my own without paying a significant cost. And there is no reason to torture or bankrupt myself when I have friends and allies to help me deal with them.¡±


    Dandelion looked towards the corpse of the third realm frostworm.


    ¡°Is there anything inside it you wish to harvest?¡± he asked Everlast. Newt looked towards her, and he could have sworn he saw a light blush as she shifted her gaze from Dandelion to the worm.


    ¡°We could sell the carapace plates for a handful of third realm spirit gems, and we should check whether the core is still intact.¡± She sounded disinterested, almost like the process was a chore, and Newt wanted to cry that his entire clan had not seen that kind of money in years.


    ¡°I¡¯ll work on the carapace,¡± he volunteered with more enthusiasm than seemed necessary, and Everlast gave him a quizzical look.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    ¡°All right,¡± she said slowly, then started butchering the frostworm while Newt removed the much smaller plates.


    ¡°Newstar,¡± Dandelion suddenly spoke as Puresnow left their group. ¡°You need to learn how to use your time wisely. Cultivating your realm will take a lot of your time, more with each passing layer. Simple constructs you make will take hours, while more complex ones will demand weeks, months or years to complete, and they will fall apart or decay should you stop before finishing them.¡±


    Newt stopped separating the thick plates from the frostworm¡¯s carcass and even Everlast paused to hear what Dandelion had to say.


    ¡°Sometimes, quite often in fact, you must let go of a treasure for those of lower realm, or even for your own, for the sake of greater goals. You need not spend hours carefully dismantling a spirit beast¡¯s corpse if two minutes of reckless butchery will yield a third or even a tenth of the bounty.¡±


    Newt did not understand. His family needed the money. He needed the money to find information about his parents. That was the only thing that mattered.


    Dandelion sighed.


    ¡°Listen. While it might seem like cultivators live extremely long lives, even for them, time is a resource more valuable than spirit gems. With the right skills, you can convert time into spirit gems very effectively, but the way of converting spirit gems into time is well outside our power. Even Elder Frostgrave lacks the resources for such a luxury.¡±


    Newt hesitated, but gathered the courage to voice his thoughts.


    ¡°But I need the money now. How can I pass the opportunity when it¡¯s right before me?¡±


    He could tell by the deep breath Dandelion drew that he was testing the man¡¯s patience, but Dandelion still answered without a trace of annoyance in his voice.


    ¡°Let us assume that removing all the carapace from this frostworm takes two hours, and there is an average ten percent chance of finding a core in s spiritual beast after a difficult fight, twenty when it dies without getting to use too many abilities.¡±


    Newt nodded as Dandelion spoke about odds. The youth was not certain about the exact chances of finding a core, but he knew they were slim and the less the spirit beast got to use its power, the greater the odds of recovering the core.


    ¡°That means you would need twenty hours on average to gather a core, and about a fifth of its worth in carapaces. Alternatively, you could earn a core in one hour, or less once you become more proficient, and use nineteen hours on crafting something useful to you or for selling.¡±


    Newt nodded. Slowly.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I stay in the city and just craft?¡±


    ¡°No, because hunting spirit beasts gives you experience and helps you refine your combat abilities. Training, sparring, and dueling others is also important, however none of those can prepare you for a life or death battle against another man.¡± He glanced at Everest and added, ¡°Or woman.¡±


    Newt was about to ask about how he was supposed to know which was worth more and whether the worth of certain actions changed with time, when Dandelion started running back towards the depths.


    ¡°If you have any questions, discuss them with Senior Apprentice Sister Everlast.¡±


    Dandelion suddenly sped up, and Newt just watched his departing black, inwardly muttering curses. Then he raised his gaze and met Everlast¡¯s.


    ¡°Um. Senior Apprentice Sister Everlast,¡± Newt stuttered. ¡°Do you know what Senior Dandelion was talking about?¡±


    ¡°Some of it.¡± She nodded and got back to work. Newt thought that was the end of their conversation, but the woman unexpectedly explained her words.


    ¡°He is correct regarding cultivation. Master once spent three and a half years locked up in her cultivation chamber, alternating between drawing spiritual energy and cultivating her realm. I heard the sect master had gone into seclusion over a hundred years ago, and she still hasn¡¯t finished.¡±


    Over one hundred years? Newt¡¯s mind spun at the number.


    ¡°Beyond the second realm, you cannot advance on the spiritual energy available in the environment; you would waste a ridiculous amount of time, so we rely on pills, spirit gems, or spell formations which gather spiritual energy from across vast distances and refine it for you. You could say that is buying time with spirit gems in a way, so Senior Apprentice Brother Dandelion is technically wrong.¡±


    Newt considered the words, and they sounded like a technicality more than anything else. Still, he continued to listen to what Everlast had to say.


    ¡°As for optimizing the use of your time, he is once more right and wrong. Master sometimes brings us out of the sect, to experience the real world and the tribulation of unsheltered life. She claims it would temper our hearts and fortify our resolve.¡±


    Yeah, I don¡¯t need that. Not anymore.


    ¡°We also get simple monster subjugation missions from our sect from time to time. They breed and evolve like crazy in areas with rich ambient spiritual energy, and our elders don¡¯t allow us to exterminate them completely, probably to give the new generations of disciples a chance to train as well.¡±


    ¡°Your missions are in icy lands? What are the cold weather dinos like?¡± Newt asked, changing the subject since he had a feeling Everlast was going in circles and diluting the lesson Dandelion tried to teach him.


    ¡°Well, for starters, they have white feathers instead of scales¡­¡±

 Chapter 54 - Flaws

    62nd of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The conversation about white-feathered dinosaur puff balls was surprisingly pleasant. Everlast was so engrossed in her descriptions, that she was not overly disappointed when she failed to find the core.


    Once done with the butchery, she sent a pulse of spiritual energy, which manifested as a ripple of glacial cold enveloping her body. The flakes of frozen stains, which marred her clothes and skin, burst from the sudden cold and fell off as fine brownish-red dust.


    Newt kept working as Everlast stepped away from the body and kept describing the flora and fauna of frozen caves and wastelands within her sect¡¯s domain. While regular creatures looked majestic, most spiritual beasts were not white and puffy. Some were terrifying behemoths, covered in layers of ice and never-melting snow, stalking each other or blending in with the surroundings, waiting for the inattentive passersby. Others seemed even scarier, yin flames, and parasites capable of possessing others and turning their bodies into frigid hives.


    Everfrost Palace¡¯s territory naturally had frostworms, but the elders discouraged their disciples from fighting above their realm, both because of the danger involved and because higher realm disciples needed the higher quality resources found in the stronger monsters¡¯ corpses.


    ¡°Does that mean second realm disciples would want the flesh from this frostworm?¡±


    Everfrost stared at Newt and opened her mouth to answer when Dandelion stopped right next to them.


    ¡°I baited another one. There¡¯s one more near the entrance to the lower level, then we can go down and hopefully find some ice jade marrow without moving down to the hatchery level.¡±


    With further ado, the frenzied frostworm appeared, and Dandelion escaped, leaving Newt and Everlast to deal with the raging, butt-burned monster.


    The battle started almost the same as the last, Newt and Everlast dispersed, and the crazed frostworm locked onto the fire it despised. Newt stopped right next to the cavern wall and took the frigid hailstorm without flinching before jumping out of the frostworm¡¯s way at the last possible moment.


    Like in a rehearsed show, the frostworm crashed into the rock, sending a blast of ice, and Newt landed on its back. Unlike last time, Newt set a surge of Magmin Flames along the weapon before thrusting, immolating the spear and stabbing the frostworm between its plates.


    At least, that was the plan. Unlike last time, the space between carapace segments was contracted, offering even greater protection than a single plate would. Ice hissed and burst, but the spear itself skidded along the chitin with a screech.


    A stinger tentacle appeared out of the mist, bluish-white liquid coating its tip. Newt slashed at it with his flaming spear and realized he had made a mistake. The other tentacle came from the other side, but a thick icicle struck the stinger, deflecting it enough to give Newt a chance to jump away.


    The frostworm hissed at the scalding air Newt blasted straight at its carapace, coiling its body.


    ¡°Move! Quickly!¡± Everlast shouted, and Newt realized what seemed like a pain-induced action was something else entirely.


    The coiled worm leaped, using its entire body as a spring. Newt blasted three jets of hot air from his back, sliding forward, intending to slash the frostworm¡¯s soft belly. He planned to use the opportunity, only to discover that the heavily armored frostworms did not have a soft belly. Or any discernible belly.


    The leaping beast crashed behind him, and Newt dodged to the side, evading the heavy body before it crushed him.


    ¡°The tentacles! Sever the tentacles, so she can draw closer, and you can have more time to find a weak spot.¡± Supernatural wind carried Dandelion¡¯s shout, allowing the man to remain hidden.


    Newt spun around and jumped back when he caught a glimpse of a stinger aiming for his face. As he fell back, he slashed with his spear, but the spearhead was too short, inflicting only a light gash on the soft, flexible limb.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The battle fell into a steady rhythm of Newt drawing the frostworm¡¯s ire and mutilating its twin tentacles until they finally tore and dropped to the ground. The frostworm, sent hail after hail of ice at him, but failed to deal any damage.


    ¡°You should switch to your short-sword or just hug the worm to melt its defenses,¡± Dandelion offered a helpful suggestion from somewhere, but in the echoing tunnels, it was impossible to pinpoint his position while avoiding a shrieking frostworm.


    Newt hesitated, but opened some distance from the monster and threw his spear into the distance before unsheathing his short-sword.


    I should switch to a glaive, I could¡¯ve severed the tentacles in a single sweep, while maintaining the reach advantage. Newt filed the thought for later, the enraged frostworm rumbling towards him while making a low keening noise which Newt heard with his vibrating molars rather than ears.


    The battle was a chore, spending a considerable portion of Newt¡¯s spiritual energy, while Everlast seemed nonplussed, landing a few select hits whenever the opportunity presented itself. The frostworm lay dead, having wasted most of its spiritual energy before attempting to flee. Everlast had finished it off, and they all knew the odds of finding a core were next to none.


    ¡°Your skill with the sword is worse than your skill with the spear, which in and of itself is horrible.¡± Dandelion flew over from someplace, hopping right next to Newt, his face suspiciously free of grins and smiles.


    Newt did not deny his words. Towards the end of the battle, he was tempted to just hug the frostworm until its carapace grew hot enough to shatter from a sudden burst of cold.


    ¡°Do you have any advice? And where were you hiding?¡± The youth asked. Dandelion seemed to be in a chatty, mentor mood, and Newt had no reason to kick him out of it.


    Dandelin smiled.


    ¡°I observed you from the ceiling, men and beasts rarely look up. It requires an oddly long period of training to develop the habit. That or a horrible incident which will never leave your mind and haunts you whenever you are in enclosed spaces.¡± Dandelion made a pause and lowered his gaze, letting the silence stretch until it became awkward. ¡°I naturally belong to the former group. As for advice about your swordsmanship, I would suggest you learn how to use the weapon first.¡±


    A laugh escaped Everlast, who then covered her mouth. ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    Newt did not take her laugh to heart. He believed he was lucky the woman did not curse him. He was painfully aware that he had hindered the Everfrost Palace¡¯s disciple the whole time after he had removed the frostworm¡¯s tentacles.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡ª¡± Newt was about to say it was fine, when Dandelion frowned and stared deeper into the cavern system, motioning him to be quiet.


    ¡°We have made too much of a ruckus, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Newt could see Everlast¡¯s confusion as Dandelion abandoned the frostworm¡¯s body and turned towards the exit.


    ¡°Come on, that thing is bigger than the fourth realm worm we fought. It¡¯s either in the later layers, or it might have already reached the fifth realm.¡±


    Everlast followed immediately, and after glancing longingly at the dead frostworm¡¯s carapace plates, Newt sprinted after them. As they approached the exit, the floor shook, and icicles rained from the ceiling.


    ¡°How big is that thing?¡± Newt asked.


    ¡°Big,¡± Dandelion and Everlast said at the same time.


    ¡°Senior Apprentice Sister Everlast,¡± Dandelion continued. ¡°Once we get out, we will climb up the mountain and you will make a structure of ice which will block our aura and meld into the surroundings. Can you do that?¡±


    Everlast considered the proposal and nodded.


    ¡°Newstar, you will have to stop using your ability soon, unless you can fly, but even then, the trail of spiritual energy will be recognizable. Unfortunately, my realm is too low to carry you. I hope Senior Apprentice Sister Everlast will not mind giving you a hand.¡±


    Everlast nodded without hesitation and grabbed Newt just as the exit appeared before them.


    ¡°Puresnow,¡± she shouted as they approached the daylight. ¡°Run uphill!¡±


    Newt watched Puresnow¡¯s eyes locked onto him, carried like a princess in distress. Then her expression shifted from confusion to an angry scowl back to confusion and finally it settled on realization, and then they were right next to her. In a blink of an eye, she was dead last, gliding on the snow up the steep mountain.


    ¡°The frostworm will stop to check what has happened to its spawn. It should buy us enough time for you to make the shelter.¡± Dandelion explained. ¡°I entrust everything to you.¡±


    Everlast nodded and stopped. She unceremoniously dropped Newt, then waved her hands on the ground as if splashing water. She drew snow towards her and sculpted it into a smooth, icy wall. Dandelion stopped before Everlast had gathered the snow, and Puresnow jumped over a knee-high wall, sticking to the icy ground left behind after Everlast¡¯s technique.


    A small dome of ice took shape enough, the space inside cramped to the point that everyone needed to touch at least two people. When she saw what was happening, Puresnow changed places with Newt, so that she would not be next to Dandelion.


    ¡°What happened?¡± she asked, glaring at Dandelion, who shrugged.


    ¡°We took too long to defeat a frostworm. It must have somehow signaled that it was in danger, or maybe the disturbance of the battle caused its senior to come up and check what was happening, but I doubt that. We are too high up, and no matter how much fire we unleashed, the ambient energy should have drowned it before it traveled too far.¡±

 Chapter 55 - Tips and Lessons

    62nd of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The frozen ground shook as the enraged frostworm¡¯s bellows rattled Newt¡¯s bones and made his molars buzz.


    ¡°It¡¯s furious,¡± he said aloud what they already knew.


    ¡°At the fifth realm, spirit beasts are nearly as intelligent as humans, and most of the worms here are this one¡¯s direct descendants.¡± Everlast said and glanced at Dandelion. ¡°How many fifth realm ones are inside?¡±


    The former sect master shrugged. ¡°Three confirmed, could be more. Some said there is even a sixth realm one, but nobody has confirmed that claim.¡±


    ¡°And why don¡¯t they exterminate them to mine the ice jade?¡± Newt asked, and Dandelion glanced at Everfrost, who in turn looked at Puresnow.


    The woman crossed her arms and huffed. ¡°Because battling frostworms is good training, they dislike wandering far from their den, and if you let some of them mature enough to reach the fifth realm, their bones will turn to ice jade. And if you let them live long enough, they might even develop ice jade marrow. Leaving them alone is more profitable in the long run.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Dandelion nodded at Puresnow, who blushed in embarrassment, no longer seeming angry with him. ¡°You are a cultivator, Newstar, you will live an extremely long life, and you need to think of the long-term benefits, rather than immediate wins.¡±


    ¡°Senior Apprentice Brother Dandelion¡ª¡± Everlast started, but Dandelion interrupted her before she voiced her thoughts.


    ¡°Could you please just call me Dandelion? Just addressing each other is a mouthful. Besides, everyone calls me Dandelion.¡±


    Everlast nodded, her face tinged with red.


    ¡°Only if you call me Everlast.¡± Her voice was soft, her words barely audible.


    ¡°Sure, Everlast.¡± Dandelion smiled, and while Everlast blushed at her name used in such a familiar way, the one who turned crimson was Puresnow.


    ¡°What I wanted to say, Dandelion, was that you seem very comfortable giving pointers. Do you mind sharing some with me?¡± Everlast¡¯s voice went from loud and clear down to a whisper one step at a time with every word she said, and suddenly, Newt felt like he wanted to be anywhere but in a small enclosed space with her and Dandelion.


    He glanced at Puresnow, and if the woman¡¯s face was any indication, she would have preferred to be back in the Noble Dragon, or perhaps in a frostworm¡¯s maw.


    ¡°I doubt you need pointers like Newstar, is it about the sword lessons you mentioned earlier?¡±


    Everlast nodded, and Dandelion sighed.


    ¡°That fifth realm frostworm will stay on the upper levels for a few days, searching for intruders, and making it off limits for us. We could leave the region and train in the meantime¡­¡±


    Five hours later, Newt was sparring with Puresnow, his short-sword in his hand. Dandelion forbade the use of any techniques, including active reinforcement of their bodies, when training with weapons.


    Newt was loath to admit it, but Puresnow was demolishing him. Utterly. And, unlike Dandelion, the woman offered no helpful feedback, smacking his flank, head, and arms with her sheeted sword, forcing him to figure out things on his own, grunting words like, ¡®Sloppy¡¯ or ¡®Slow¡¯.


    Meanwhile, Everlast was receiving the royal treatment. Dandelion corrected her bearing, the angle of her wrist, and how much force she invested in her strikes. Newt failed to catch all of it, on account of getting smacked on the head whenever his attention strayed, but he could tell Everlast was benefitting and improving with each passing hour.


    When not using their spiritual energy, cultivators above the second realm could fight or run for days. Their physical bodies were powerful enough that even scrawny little Newt could dance circles around the fastest mortal runner and thoroughly humble even the toughest strongman.


    Two days passed in mundane training, and while Newt would not dare claim himself a master of the sword path, he had greatly increased the number of exchanges it took Puresnow to clobber him with her sheathed sword. He went from two to seventeen on average, and more importantly, he noticed that even without using techniques, spiritual energy passively released from the spirit root wandered the body, surging towards muscles just before a cultivator used them.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    His discovery was enough to avoid Puresnow¡¯s sudden attacks and to allow him to see through her feints, but not enough to escape the combinations and series of attacks she used to break through his defenses.


    ¡°You are getting better,¡± Puresnow complimented, but her voice did not match the praise.


    ¡°We would have had to throw him to the frostworms otherwise,¡± Dandelion chipped in from a dozen yards away, fending off Everlast¡¯s flurry of slashes. ¡°All right, time for a partner change. Everlast, by teaching others, we learn a lot ourselves, so try to help your Junior Apprentice Sister improve. I will help Newstar, and he will owe me yet another favor.¡±


    ¡°Why do you keep repeating that?¡± Dandelion mentioning over and over again about how Newt owed him annoyed the youth to no end.


    Dandelion seemed to have expected the question since a long time ago.


    ¡°Because you need to be aware that I am not doing this as charity, because you need to earn your knowledge, resources, and skills. Until you grow powerful enough, you cannot expect gifts, and if I stop reminding you, you might think this is something you are entitled to, instead of something you must prove yourself worthy of.¡±


    Newt opened his mouth to jokingly ask when he can expect the gifts to start, but Dandelion kept talking as they switched partners.


    ¡°Now, enough of your silly questions and childish sulking. Attack me.¡±


    Newt slashed at the arrogant man, and with a minimalist half a step back, Dandelion was outside his reach. Newt tried to follow, but the former sect master grabbed his wrist and pulled him forward. Just as Newt was about to fall, Dandelion grabbed the back of his robe and righted him.


    ¡°For heaven¡¯s sake, do not chase after your enemy with your sword, you are opening yourself to a world of pain. If you miss, you miss, prepare for another opportunity instead of forcing a failed one.¡±


    Newt continued slashing, never landing a strike.


    ¡°Watch your balance.


    ¡°An attack comes from your legs.


    ¡°Move your hips, what are you, a geriatric case?¡±


    For the better part of an hour, Dandelion dodged, first by taking half-steps, then full steps, always as straight as a log until he finally started twisting his body to avoid Newt¡¯s blade.


    ¡°All right! We are getting somewhere.¡± Newt was not sure whether Dandelion mocked or praised him, but the man kept talking. ¡°Now, use your fire techniques. When you were fighting the frostworm, your strikes were all over the place, but now you can aim at the same spot instead of blindly hacking away. All that is left to do is keep your power from dispersing on contact. Let¡¯s see if you can achieve some mastery over the technique.¡±


    Half an hour later, Newt made no progress, save for exhausting himself.


    ¡°You must be running low on spiritual energy.¡± Dandelion¡¯s voice was friendly as he gestured towards the scorched ground. ¡°Sit and meditate, try to develop the technique inside your realm while your spiritual energy recovers, I will instruct Everlast in the meantime.¡±


    Newt wanted to argue that he could keep going, and he really could, for about ten more minutes. But he had made no progress since Dandelion had told him to focus on Magmin Flame, and reducing the complexity by shedding the spiritual energy circulation through the body might make the breakthrough possible.


    Newt appeared in his realm, near the flow of lava running through a series of channels, forming a balance rune before continuing its journey to his realm barrier.


    A good a place as any. Newt bent, grabbing towards the granite soil, and with the faintest exertion of his will, he sank his fingers into the solid rock. Ground rippled as he drew a short-sword identical to his weapon in the real world.


    He slashed with it, activating Magmin Flames and protecting his hand with Magmin Scales. The flames flowed up the sword, but as soon as they left the blade¡¯s tip they started dispersing. A mere foot away, the cone¡¯s base was several inches in diameter, two feet away, the fiery blast dispersed in all directions, looking like a drunk fire-breather¡¯s performance.


    Newt repeated the process over and over again, increasing or decreasing the amount of flames he conjured. For reasons Newt could not comprehend, the more powerful flames seemed to disperse quicker, while the weaker ones formed a nice tear shape, but Newt suspected the flame was too weak to deal significant damage.


    Is there anything useful in Flaming Fist III? Newt considered the technique. He had already incorporated its best parts with Magmin Flames while traveling, but it might hold the answer he needed.


    ¡°Newstar!¡± a familiar voice echoed in Newt¡¯s realm. ¡°Have you forgotten about us? Have you abandoned your family?¡±


    Newt dropped his sword and spun around, but no one was there.


    ¡°Dad! I¡¯m trying my best!¡± Newt knew it was a lie. He did not gather all the scales. There was probably a wealth of second realm spirit gems to be had, which he missed. Maybe those gems could have been the difference between finding his parents and failing in his search.


    Even though he had no heart, he could feel it race. He waited for more accusations, but only the heavy silence followed. Yet that silence felt worse than chastisement. He could feel the blame, the disappointment, the disdain. The oppressive air suffocated him.


    I need to get out of here. With that thought, Newt opened his eyes to read through his clan¡¯s ancestral technique and pretend everything was fine.

 Chapter 56 - Flame Needle

    66th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt and Everlast carefully entered the frostworm cavern. Dandelion was not as stressed, nor did he tiptoe around, he simply walked normally, his steps muffled by cushions of air. Newt would not be surprised if the man started humming, but as they approached the scene of their previous battle, Dandelion went ahead, running on air to scout the situation and surrounding tunnels.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get frustrated because you haven¡¯t figured out the new technique Dandelion told you to focus on.¡± Everlast broke the silence after watching Newt frown for half an hour.


    Ever since fleeing the fifth realm frostworm, the team spirit grew warmer, and everyone seemed to grow closer to each other. Dandelion proved himself a capable combatant, leader, and instructor, winning the Everfrost Palace¡¯s disciple¡¯s respect. Newt half expected Dandelion would invite Puresnow to join them, but he ordered the woman to guard the entrance without a hint of apology in his voice.


    Puresnow¡¯s face remained expressionless, but Newt could tell she wanted to cry. Newt found it understandable, he also wanted to cry. Despite consulting his ancestral technique and wasting hours, he had failed to produce a technique which focused his flames into a single point. Worse, Flaming Fist III focused on delivering a firebolt, which dispersed with the distance until collapsing altogether.


    ¡°I¡¯m not frustrated,¡± Newt lied a bit, ¡°I¡¯ll figure it out eventually. It¡¯s just that Senior Dandelion¡¯s suggestion can only work at short range, and isn¡¯t it common to fight from a safe distance at higher realms?¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily.¡± Everlast drew out the words. ¡°Some seniors do fight from a great distance, while others close in, which makes sense whenever your opponent is more skilled in ranged combat than you are. It¡¯s like a more intricate version of Wood-Water-Fire; the key is to strike your enemy¡¯s weakness with your strongest aspect. Master told us that wise tactics can allow you to win even against opponents who outclass you in raw power.¡±


    ¡°She is an intelligent woman.¡± Dandelion landed before them. ¡°The floor is empty. It seems the elder frostworm has recalled its spawn from here. We have two choices. One is to mine the ice jade and forget about the Association¡¯s mission and the marrow, the second option is to first mine some ice jade, then head down, harvest ice jade marrow, and kill two more frostworms along the way to complete the mission. You choose.¡±


    Surprisingly, Dandelion was looking at Newt, striking him speechless.


    ¡°I think finishing what you start is important?¡±


    Newt lacked confidence, but Dandelion responded with a firm nod. ¡°Good choice, more dangerous, but moral and orthodox. Keep thinking like that, if you wish to join an orthodox sect later.¡±


    Then Dandelion shifted his gaze towards Everlast. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I agree with Junior Apprentice Brother Newstar.¡±


    ¡°All right, follow me.¡±


    As they walked deeper into the domain of the frostworms, the water-aligned spiritual energy grew thicker and thicker while the icicles above their heads became more numerous, fusing, until the tunnel¡¯s ceiling became a layer of ice several feet thick. At the center of the ceiling, Newt saw wide grooves, marking the fifth realm frostworm¡¯s recent passage. But even there, new icicles were already forming, pointing down like a sea of sharp, pointy teeth, ready to devour the intruders.


    Even the faintest traces of sunlight were gone, no longer reflected by frosty prisms, and outside the zone of piercing green light, the tunnels were pitch black. Newt did not mind the darkness. While the lack of spiritual gem slag made it more intense than in the mines back home, he had spent three years of his life underground, and the frostworm tunnels felt familiar, on a grander, colder scale.


    Everlast, on the other hand, gripped her sword tightly, her eyes darting left and right, seeking invisible danger.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ¡°Over here.¡± Dandelion pointed at the stretch of wall seemingly no different from the rest of the cavern, but when Newt focused, he noticed that the wall beneath the ice was white, not bluish-gray.


    ¡°I need two hundred pounds of it to repay a favor,¡± Dandelion said, surprising Newt.


    He owes someone a favor? The elderly blacksmith immediately came to his mind. Newt struggled to recall his name, but failed. Swift-something.


    Newt expected Dandelion would draw a pickaxe from a spatial pouch he had concealed somewhere, but the former sect master did something completely unexpected. He placed four of his fingers so that his fingertips formed the corners of a square, while the pinky was off to the side. Then four thin jets of flame burst from his fingertips, meeting in the middle of the square, projecting outwards from his arm.


    That¡¯s what he was telling me to master! But if he already knows how, why didn¡¯t he tell me? It can¡¯t be pettiness, otherwise he wouldn¡¯t be showing the technique now.


    Newt kept quiet and watched as flames met the ice, slashing it in a burst of steam. The ice groaned, cracked, and hissed as rivulets of water ran down, freezing again before they managed to reach the floor.


    Everlast also got to work, severing ice with her enchanted blade, but Newt paid her little mind, focused on Dandelion¡¯s fingers, their flames merging into a single, short blade of flame.


    No, they aren¡¯t merging, they are colliding and keeping each other in check.


    Newt sat and closed his eyes. Inside his realm he created another replica of his sword, then sent two streams of Magmin Flames along its edges. Fire resisted such fine manipulation, it wished to burst, to feed on air and grow wild, but after two dozen attempts, Newt grasped it firmly with his will.


    The flames shot up in thin lines, colliding at the blade¡¯s tip. They formed a new flame, projecting from the blade¡¯s tip, but the resulting flame sputtered and danced, constantly switching from a wide half-disk of fire to a wobbly string and back again.


    Newt burst into excited laughter, his fire dissipating. What he had made was unstable, unwieldy, and probably horribly complex in the real world, where he would have to finely manipulate two streams of flame energy some two feet away from his body, but it worked! And it was merely the first step in completing the technique.


    I could coat just one edge of my sword in flames and make fiery slashes. Would it be possible to launch the flaming slash at my opponents?


    Newt filed those thoughts for later, and focused on improving his budding technique, but no matter how hard he tried, the merged flame grew unstable a mere inch beyond his sword¡¯s tip.


    An inch is enough to start, and Senior Dandelion used four streams of fire, probably to stabilize the flame.


    ¡°Look at him playing,¡± a voice chilled Newt¡¯s spine. ¡°You unfilial child.¡±


    Newt shuddered and opened his eyes to find Dandelion and Everlast cutting chunks of the white, boney wall. He stood, trying to make no noise, but the shift in the green light he still carried around his neck alerted them.


    Dandelion glanced back over his shoulder. ¡°Newstar, I did not expect you to trust us so completely. You left your life in our hands. What if a frostworm wandered here? What if we killed you for the treasures?¡±


    ¡°Senior, I owe you favors and spirit gems, there¡¯s no way you would let anything happen to me. Even if a fifth realm frostworm appeared, you would carry me out.¡± Newt flashed a cheeky grin at Dandelion, and the man laughed.


    ¡°Good! You are using your head. But seriously, try to not meditate inside a den of monsters powerful enough to cause you trouble in a fight.¡±


    Newt nodded. Dandelion was right, even if Newt had had a flash of inspiration after seeing Dandelion¡¯s cutting technique, he should not have meditated in an unsafe place. Even when traveling to Thunder Ridge, he often spent his nights in inns, cultivating his realm and studying his clan¡¯s techniques.


    After reminding his young friend, Dandelion returned to work, and Newt drew his sword. He tried to forget the accusing wail, coated his hand in Magmin, Scales and reinforced his arm with Granite Crust to equalize the elements, then he sent a trickle of Magmin Flames through his hand into his sword.


    A weak flame enveloped the entire blade and Newt changed how the spiritual energy flowed, successfully keeping the flame on one flat side of the blade before shifting it over to the edge. Splitting the spiritual energy into two flows so close to each other made his head hurt like he was trying to watch one thing with one eye and another with the other, but after an hour Newt managed, reproducing the technique.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Dandelion praised. ¡°You really are a genius, it took me more than two weeks to get where you are now. Do you know how to stabilize it completely?¡±


    Newt nodded. ¡°I need to create another two flows on the flat sides of the blade, but I¡¯m not sure I can do it. Even with this much, I feel sick.¡±


    Dandelion nodded approvingly. ¡°Keep practicing, it will grow easier over time. Do not worry about the ice jade, Everlast and I are mining it for the four of us.¡±


    Everlast nodded, but said nothing as she continued severing the white bone with greater proficiency and effectiveness than Dandelion.

 Chapter 57 - Team

    66th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Here it comes,¡± Dandelion flew up from the pit in the furthest corner of the upper tunnels.


    The shaft was a spiraling tube as wide at the cave was tall, and an infuriated, butt-burned frostworm was slithering up it, a dozen yards behind its smiling human tormentor.


    Newt and Everlast were ready for it, and as expected, the giant, third realm worm immediately focused on Newt¡¯s fiery aura. In a well practiced way, Newt jumped out of its path, and landed on its back when the frostworm smashed into the cavern wall.


    Newt stabbed with his spear, sending two winding lines of flame up its shaft at the same time. The flames met at the spear¡¯s tip just as it plunged into the fold between the chitinous plates. Newt felt his spear sink into the softer flesh, and the worm trashed as Magmin Flames ravaged its body.


    Newt jumped away, but after some more twitches and squirming, the frostworm went still.


    ¡°I¡­ killed it?¡± Newt¡¯s voice shook with surprise, then he jumped, pumping the air with his fist. ¡°I killed it!¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, good job,¡± Dandelion deadpanned. ¡°Grab the stingers while Everlast checks whether its core is still intact.¡±


    Newt focused his third eye on the frostworm¡¯s midsection, but the ice infused with spiritual energy and thick plates of chitin blocked his perception.


    ¡°I have explored a portion of the fourth floor,¡± Dandelion said as Newt and Everlast got to work. ¡°I spotted seven fourth realm frostworms, and two dozen third realm ones. I retreated when I caught the air of a fifth realm one, so we will have to move with great care down there.


    ¡°Good news is I confirmed the ice jade marrow¡¯s location, and neither the fourth nor the fifth realm monsters are anywhere near it. The bad news is that I will probably need a whole day to fish out the worms and clear a path, which might alert the elder worm, and if that happens we will lose our prize altogether.¡±


    Newt considered the matter in the ensuing silence. Dandelion said Newt had to make the decisions first and explain his reasoning so that the inexperienced youth could practice decision-making.


    ¡°I think we should go down and head straight for the ice jade marrow. It would be best if we could get there stealthily, and let Senior Apprentice Sister Everlast mine the ice jade while we keep guard, since she is faster and more precise than you are, Senior Dandelion.¡±


    Everlast nodded in agreement, and Dandelion spoke.


    ¡°But,¡± he dragged out the word, and Newt considered the flaws of his plan.


    ¡°We will be in serious trouble if the frostworms find us. They can surround us, block our escape path, and that might be the end of us. Maybe it¡¯s not worth the risk?¡± Newt was uncertain whether Dandelion was hinting at the major flaw of his plan, or if there was an even bigger issue he was unsure about.


    ¡°While that is correct, we have an immediate problem with your plan. Everlast and I can shield ourselves from the glacial spiritual energy with water-aligned techniques and blend in. You, however, have to keep yourself warm through flames, and the disturbance in spiritual energy will probably draw the more sensitive, meaning higher realm, frostworms to check what is happening.¡±


    Newt stopped himself from saying he could handle the environment without Magmin Scales. The notion was foolish, as the frigid environment would encase him in ice in a matter of minutes.


    ¡°But you have a solution?¡± Newt said, seeing Dandelion was not worried.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Dandelion nodded. ¡°You go guard the door with Puresnow, while Everlast and I handle the middle portion of this warren.¡±


    Newt¡¯s eyes went wide with shock. He could not believe Dandelion would abandon him just like that. His wounded face must have stirred Everlast¡¯s compassion, because the woman spoke up on his behalf.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Dandelion, all Everfrost Palace disciples have enchanted robes for low temperatures, much more extreme than this cave.¡± She blushed, seemingly regretting she had opened her mouth. ¡°If Newstar wishes to wear my gear, I will let him borrow it.¡±


    Newt bobbed his head up and down with zeal. ¡°Thank you, of course I will wear it.¡±


    The next moment, Everlast drew a sparkly white gown from her spatial pouch, and Newt clamped his mouth shut.


    ¡°I have to wear a dress?¡± he said finally.


    ¡°No. Nobody is forcing you to do anything,¡± Dandelion was perfectly indifferent, but then again, he was not the one who would suffer wearing a fluffy dress full of sparkling gems. ¡°And if it helps, I have worn much more ridiculous things than that dress when I had to.¡±


    That statement drew Newt¡¯s and Everlast¡¯s attention and piercing gazes, but the former sect master remained relaxed, untouched by their curiosity.


    ¡°Can I tie it around myself or carry it like a cloak?¡± Newt¡¯s dubious tone grew weaker and weaker as Everlast shook her head.


    Two minutes later, Newt almost looked like he was heading for a high society event, if not for the fact that he wore the dress over his robes.


    ¡°It looks good on you,¡± Dandelion said with a perfectly straight face. ¡°Seems like a new fashion trend, warrior¡¯s robe beneath a fancy dress, you are prepared for everything life throws your way. You just need to find a booth¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Newt grumbled, then his eyes went wide, and he turned to Everlast and offered a deep bow. ¡°Thank you, Senior Apprentice Sister, I will keep it safe and return it to you in one piece.¡±


    ¡°You should at least have the decency to wash it,¡± Dandelion grumbled, and Everlast struggled not to laugh.


    ¡°Are you done yet?¡± Newt muttered through a sigh.


    ¡°Not even close, but I will hold back.¡± Dandelion cleared his throat. ¡°Newstar, dear, white is not your color, it makes your butt look like a balloon.¡±


    Everlast snorted while digging into the frostworm¡¯s flesh, and Newt facepalmed.


    ¡°There. That was my last remark about your dress-sense.¡±


    ¡°Maybe if you twirled around a bit.¡± Surprisingly, Everlast took the chance to poke fun at Newt before deflating. ¡°The core is gone, I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    She got up from the frostworm¡¯s carcass, the few specks of gore freezing and falling off her sword and clothes.


    ¡°We should go down without wasting time, and, Dandelion,¡± she glanced at the former sect master. ¡°You should help with the frostworm slaying. We are past training, and we should focus on stealth and quickly dispatching the monsters so they don¡¯t alert the others.¡±


    Dandelion hesitated and looked at Newt with a perfectly straight face. ¡°What do you think, Newstar?¡±


    ¡°I would appreciate the practice, and we all know I could use it, but Senior Apprentice Sister Everlast is right, finishing the job safely is more important than training.¡±


    Dandelion seemed disappointed, but nodded after several moments of consideration.


    ¡°All right, here we go.¡±


    The team encountered their first obstacle on the very first step. Newt slipped and fell. Without fire melting the ice as he stepped on it, the frozen cavern floor had become a giant skating ground.


    Dandelion helped Newt up.


    ¡°Everlast, could you carry our princess here?¡±


    ¡°We can just tie some ropes or fine chains around his shoes. It¡¯s a cheap trick our first realm disciples use when heading out. It sounds silly, but it gets the job done.¡±


    Another few minutes passed, and Newt was in a sparkly dress, his shoes made of rope, and he felt like he had walked out of a strange fairytale. The getup, regardless of how bizarre it looked, solved the problems of supernatural cold and treading ice.


    ¡°Are we ready?¡± Newt asked, and Dandelion rubbed his chin.


    ¡°We need to make you a horned helmet to complete the set.¡±


    ¡°Cut it out,¡± Everlast said. ¡°You¡¯re beating a dead gastonia.¡±


    Then she turned towards Newt and nodded. He walked ahead, the weakest and most unsteady of them. Half way down the giant spiraling shaft, Dandelion took point and then disappeared, while Everlast watched over Newt.


    ¡°Sorry for causing trouble,¡± Newt whispered. ¡°But I want to be there if something happens, and this plan is risky, a lot of things could happen.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re no trouble. I¡¯m confident Dandelion can handle whatever comes our way, as long as the fifth realm frostworm doesn¡¯t appear.¡±


    ¡°And if it does?¡±


    ¡°And if it does, you are seventeen years old, and maybe you should be up there, watching the entrance with Puresnow.¡± Newt tensed at the words, but Everlast kept talking. ¡°But I won¡¯t force you, nor will Dandelion. I think he tried to talk you out of joining, but I believe you have the right to risk your life, and this section of the burrow is definitely lethal for all of us.¡±


    Everlast gave Newt a nervous smile. ¡°One wrong step, one mistake, and we¡¯re gone. But that is what separates great cultivators from the rest; honing yourself, pushing your limits, and proving to yourself that you are brave, and that risking death while struggling to earn and achieve more beats not taking any chances and wasting away as a mediocrity.¡±

 Chapter 58 - Ice Jade Marrow

    66th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt could not believe what he was seeing. Everlast was also stunned, but she lacked the third eye, so she could not see the intricate flows of energy as Dandelion executed yet another third realm frostworm. The fourth one since they had arrived at the lower level.


    The man flew over the unsuspecting frostworm, leaving a faint signature of air, which the ambient energy drowned and diffused. He landed on the monster¡¯s back, and stabbed its relaxed body, easily finding the joint between the carapace plates. The frostworm twitched, then went still. It seemed like a rehearsed play after Dandelion repeated the identical scene four times, but Newt paid careful attention with his third eye, and he finally cracked a part of the mystery.


    Dandelion created a bubble of water-aligned spiritual energy around his staff, to prevent any aura leakage. When he stabbed the frostworms, a strange variant of fire-aligned spiritual energy flowed through his body before the water barrier isolated it and obscured it from Newt¡¯s sight.


    But there was nothing obscuring it inside the frostworm¡¯s body. Fire so potent he could see it rampaged through the ice and carapace, incinerated its organs before converging on its core, detonating it in a flash of water-aligned spiritual energy so strong, Newt saw the flare and knew that the core had shattered.


    The nova of water-aligned spiritual energy drowned any residue of Dandelion¡¯s technique that could have escaped the frostworm¡¯s body, and the team simply went deeper in, leaving the body untouched, save for the severed stingers which would serve as proof of their kills to the Association.


    Newt, Dandelion, and Everlast took three more turns before reaching a dead end, whose ice-covered walls revealed traces of human activity. Instead of smooth, round stone beneath the ice, the green light revealed scratches and missing chunks, clearly broken off by pickaxes or severed by swords.


    ¡°Here we are,¡± Dandelion said, while Newt tried to find a difference between Ice Jade and its marrow. As far as he could tell there was none. Everlast, on the other hand, beamed.


    ¡°It¡¯s very potent, probably from a sixth realm frostworm.¡±


    ¡°How can you tell?¡± Newt asked, seeing nothing special about the white, boney substance.


    ¡°This nook is thirty degrees colder.¡± Everlast responded absentmindedly, staring at the white jade. ¡°You can¡¯t notice it because of your dress.¡±


    Indeed, Newt noticed nothing out of the ordinary. He glanced down at his gown when Dandelion spoke.


    ¡°Do not even consider taking it off. You would grow hypothermic in a matter of moments, then you would reflexively flare your defensive skill, and attract a bunch of frostworms here.¡± The man nodded at Everlast. ¡°We will keep watch while you harvest the Ice Jade Marrow.¡±


    Everlast moved with greater care and precision than she did when cutting regular Ice Jade. As she removed the layer of ice, a wave of spiritual energy struck Newt, and based on the flare from Everlast¡¯s and Dandelion¡¯s protections, the wall had unleashed a chill even more potent than before.


    ¡°Newstar, I will need your help to handle the Ice Jade Marrow once I cut it free from the wall. Make sure you don¡¯t drop it. Even a hint of taint could lower its purity.¡±


    Newt approached Everlast. ¡°How do I handle it?¡±


    ¡°Just grab the bars as I cut them so that I can store them into my spatial pouch.¡±


    Everlast proceeded to cut out a triangular prism six inches long from the white ivory-like jade.


    ¡°If Dandelion used flames to cut these, he would alert the frostworms, but not only that, the collision between fire and ice would reduce the grade of this ice jade marrow. The ice jade he cut above was low grade, and the taint was not as important, but a material like this is valuable precisely because of its purity.¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Newt nodded and listened, catching another tiny bar of ice jade marrow.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be simpler to let me use the spatial pouch?¡±


    Everlast shook her head as she lowered her sword and raised the bag.


    ¡°It¡¯s attuned to my spiritual energy. It would take several hours for you to expel my spiritual energy and replace it with your own, and then once I wanted it back, I would have to waste another couple hours before I could use it. Changing ownership for a short-term task is not worth the hassle.¡±


    They had harvested eleven bars when Dandelion frowned. ¡°The flow of air has changed. The fifth realm frostworm is patrolling or it has already spotted us.¡±


    He closed his eyes and raised his hand, a faint whirl of air dancing across his arm. ¡°Worse, it has cut off our escape path, and it is only a matter of time before it finds the corpses.¡±


    A deep bellow shook the cavern, icicles in the ceiling vibrating, colliding, and falling to the ground.


    ¡°Everlast, you will remove a layer of ice from there,¡± Dandelion pointed at the far wall, away from the ice jade marrow they were working on as he approached Newt and Everlast. ¡°When I say so, you will have to put it back the way it was. Newstar, you need to make a hole in the rock.¡±


    Everlast was already sculpting the ice, while Newt stared at Dandelion with wide eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to do that,¡± he stammered.


    ¡°You are an earth cultivator who does not know how to manipulate rock?¡± Dandelion eyed him incredulously.


    Newt nodded. His clan had a tradition of fire, and all he could use the earth-aligned spiritual energy was Granite Crust and reinforcement of his own body.


    ¡°Yes. No. I mean, I don¡¯t know how.¡±


    Dandelion sighed. ¡°I can do it, but I am stretched across the elements, while more versatile, my approach lacks raw power.¡±


    Everlast parted the ice, and Dandelion approached, placing his hands on the wall. ¡°Everlast, go to the opposite wall, and make an obvious hole in the ice.¡±


    While Everlast ran to do as he said, Dandelion raised a block of rock and carried it behind her. He spilled it on the ground as gravel and repeated the process four more times before Everlast pierced the ice all the way.


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Dandelion placed his hand on the smooth wall and made it rougher and uneven as the floor shook more violently and the enraged bellows grew louder. The elder frostworm was furious as it kept encountering more bodies of his spawn.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Newt finally asked, and in the corner of his eye he could see that Everlast was just as confused.


    ¡°We need to displace enough rock from the wall to make a hollow in which the three of us can fit. I am scattering those rocks on the ground while at the same time making a fake trail for the frostworm to follow when it reaches this room.¡±


    Dandelion carried over another chunk of rock and dispersed it on the ground.


    ¡°I have great experience at being hunted,¡± the former bandit said. ¡°Leaving a false trail with all the elements of a real one is the first step to losing your pursuers. When the hole is big enough for us, Everlast will close the ice behind us and make it perfectly match the rest of the cavern.¡±


    Dandelion rushed over with another slab of rock and scattered it.


    ¡°Our lives are in your capable hands, Everlast. I know you can do this.¡± Dandelion rushed back and forth, while icicles stopped raining, as the furious frostworm had shaken them all off the ceiling.


    ¡°This will have to do. Come here, we have little time.¡±


    The three of them huddled together in a nook six feet tall and nine square feet at the base.


    ¡°Everlast, close the ice.¡± The floor shook hard enough to throw mortals to the ground. ¡°Take all the time you need, just make it perfect.¡±


    Everlast nodded and focused. The ice she moved to the side, flowed back, rearranging itself until it sealed the passage, first as a leaf-thin layer, shaking and cracking from the vibrations, then it grew thicker and thicker, until it was finally a four feet thick wall of murky ice.


    In the piercing green light, Newt saw fallen icicles and gravel jump and dance as the ground trembled. The elder frost worm was upon them. His heart raced, and his mouth went completely dry as he struggled to swallow.


    Everlast too was breathing rapidly, biting her lip, absorbed in making the ice perfect.


    ¡°Great job,¡± Dandelion whispered. ¡°Leave the rest to me.¡±


    The man focused, his palm on the tiny cave¡¯s wall, and then the rock flowed like water. It slid from the wall opposite to the opening, trickling along the ground and the walls, crawling up against the ice Everlast had just formed. It crept along the transparent wall until it covered it completely, and left the three of them encased in a tiny, frozen tomb.

 Chapter 59 - Darkness and Light

    66th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The green light glared in the claustrophobic space barely larger than a coffin. It shone from below, painting everyone¡¯s face a ghastly play of green and shadow. Newt¡¯s heart drummed so hard, he was certain it was beating against Everlast¡¯s breast.


    An eternity seemed to have passed in the uncomfortable press of bodies, in the shaking and subsonic booms rattling Newt¡¯s bones. Everlast was terrified, embarrassed, and uncomfortable, Newt could see it from her face. He was certain his face was no better. Dandelion, however, seemed relaxed.


    Everlast caught it too, her eyes focusing on him.


    ¡°I have had worse,¡± the former sect master shrugged while answering the unasked question. As if to question the statement, a sudden crash toppled them, leaving them a tangle of limbs on the ground too cramped for even one person to lie down.


    Newt was on the bottom, Everlast atop him, her nose pressed against his, and Dandelion was atop of them.


    Even in the green light, Newt could see Everlast turning crimson. He opened his mouth, but a massive hand clamped it shut. Dandelion shook his head and straightened himself. He glared at Newt and slowly helped Everlast up, before giving Newt a hand.


    The bang and furious bellowing were gone, replaced by faint vibrations.


    ¡®It took the bait,¡¯ Dandelion mouthed, then went back to moving their bubble of air through solid rock at a snail¡¯s crawl.


    The vibrations grew fainter and fainter, until they completely disappeared, but Dandelion kept shifting them at an unchanged pace for what seemed like hours.


    ¡°Puresnow is in danger,¡± Everlast whispered, but Dandelion shook his head.


    ¡°Your master said she would watch over you outside the cave. She will be safe.¡± Dandelion focused on moving the rocks before he continued. ¡°And that is assuming the fifth realm frostworm leaves the tunnels instead of burrowing through the mountain in search of us.¡±


    ¡°How deep underground are we?¡± Newt asked. Much to his surprise, Dandelion shrugged.


    ¡°We went down about a thousand feet, maybe twelve hundred, but I have no way of knowing how tall the mountain is beyond that. We have advanced deep into it.¡±


    Dandelion closed his eyes and answered the question he was certain was coming. ¡°We are ascending about an inch per minute, or five feet per hour. It will take us at least two hundred hours to leave this place, and that is without accounting for the breaks I will need to replenish my spiritual energy.¡±


    He looked at Everlast. ¡°We will be stuck here for at least ten days, if your master does not come to our aid.¡±


    The Everfrost Palace disciple shook her head. ¡°Master believes in true honing through life and death. We have jade tokens which will inform her of how we died, but she gave us no life-saving measures.¡±


    Newt nodded. Elder Frostgrave gave him the impression of a cold, ruthless woman.


    Maybe my clan wouldn¡¯t have declined the way we did if we followed her approach?


    It was yet another interesting thought for the future, assuming they escaped the elder frostworm¡¯s wrath.


    ¡°What are our odds of defeating the fifth realm frostworm?¡± Newt asked.


    ¡°Zero.¡± Dandelion¡¯s voice was grave. ¡°Third realms are easy. We are prepared and have basic tactics; the three of us could handle three at the same time without injury, thanks to our skills and elements. We can take on one fourth realm safely, but we could only slay a fifth realm spirit beast through a fluke. That means crossing two realms to fight it. Essentially, it is impossible.¡±


    ¡°What about spell formations?¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°I have learned a number of useful ones, up to the sixth realm. We lack the resources, the time, and the space to set one up. But, yes, spell formations were invented to fight and defeat stronger opponents by substituting personal power with preparation and environment.¡±


    Half an hour passed before Newt asked the next question. ¡°How come your spiritual energy doesn¡¯t become unbalanced? You clearly have all the elemental types, but you have been using earth-aligned spiritual energy exclusively.¡±


    ¡°Newstar,¡± Dandelion¡¯s voice was grave, ¡°you are not expecting me to answer such a question without offering equally valuable knowledge, are you?¡±


    In truth, Newt was expecting a straight answer. The information did not feel like it would harm Dandelion in any way, and it would benefit him immensely.


    ¡°Let me repeat your question for you.¡± Dandelion no longer circulated his spiritual energy as he focused his undivided attention on his pouting friend. ¡°Newstar, could you give me your clan¡¯s ancestral techniques and secrets?¡±


    No!


    Newt immediately clenched his teeth, but before he could answer Dandelion continued talking.


    ¡°And yet you expect me to give you the bits of knowledge I have compiled after countless hours of reading and countless resources I have given to the imperial libraries?¡±


    Dandelion neared Newt so close their noses almost touched.


    ¡°Are you not being too greedy? Expecting something you did not earn just because I have a habit of offering pointers?¡±


    ¡°Newstar,¡± Everlast interrupted, ¡°the question you asked was very rude. Discussing cultivation is a tentative matter at best, you never know when the other party is lying to you. And directly asking about other¡¯s secrets is taboo. Disciples of some sects might attack you outright, regardless of your youth and ignorance.¡±


    Newt nodded. He did not understand what the problem was, both with others and himself. His clan¡¯s arts were not impressive. Increased mobility was welcome, but Dandelion could already fly while Everlast glided on ice she created. Retaliatory flames were also good, but getting hit to use them was an outright deadly disadvantage for most fire cultivators.


    There was no rational reason he should refuse to share the techniques, yet the very thought made his stomach churn.


    ¡°I understand. I am sorry, Senior Dandelion.¡±


    Dandelion nodded, his face still grave as he continued manipulating the surrounding rock.


    ¡°I am not angry,¡± he said after a while. ¡°There is little that can make me angry anymore. However, as Everlast just said, you need to mind your tongue and rein in your curiosity. I have tried to teach you that exchanges of goods and knowledge do not come easily or without consequences¡ª¡±


    Dandelion faltered, his gaze glued to the ceiling. Right above their heads, the rough grayish-green rock revealed a smooth blot, sparkling with the color of an emerald. Newt recognized it immediately. It was simpler, more primitive than the one back at his clan¡¯s mines, and definitely of a different element, but the pressure he sensed no doubt belonged to a core.


    ¡°Is that a¡ª¡±


    ¡°Do not touch it.¡± Dandelion slapped Everlast¡¯s mesmerized hand away from the bright patch. ¡°That is a core. We are doomed if it pulls us inside a sixth or seventh realm. I will navigate us around it, and we can notify Elder Frostgrave once we are out of here. How does that sound?¡±


    ¡°Sounds great,¡± Everlast said, and Newt nodded. He could not imagine the amount of wealth they had stumbled upon.


    With that money, I can find Father and Mother and buy their freedom!


    ¡°You needn¡¯t worry about Master, she has a righteous soul and she will give you a fair reward.¡±


    ¡°Us,¡± Dandelion corrected. ¡°We split everything in four equal shares.¡±


    ¡°What is a fair reward for this?¡± Newt asked.


    ¡°If it¡¯s a sixth realm core, it should be around ten-twenty sixth realm spirit stones for each of us. If it¡¯s a seventh¡­¡± Everlast gulped. ¡°It should be an equal amount of seventh realm spirit stones.¡±


    ¡°Do not even consider it,¡± Dandelion sobered Newt before he could start drooling over the riches. ¡°We cannot own even fifth realm spirit stones without endangering our lives. Elder Frostgrave will keep your funds safe, maybe spend them on your behalf after consulting you. But what is important at this moment is that we survive this danger, leave the caverns without getting discovered, and reach Elder Frostgrave.¡±


    Dandelion started shifting the bubble trapped inside solid rock to his right.


    ¡°Remember, Newstar, life is your greatest treasure. Wealth you can amass and lose countless times, but only while your heart is beating.¡±


    Newt wanted to argue. His clan was miserable, his parents enslaved, and if he took years before he grew rich enough to change their fates, it might be too late. His parents might die, his clan might crumble.


    ¡°Newstar, listen to Dandelion. Once you join a major sect, or a grand sect even, your wealth, the wealth of your family, and the status of your enemies, they all become irrelevant. Everfrost Palace is merely a major sect, yet after becoming its disciple and taking a sect name, all my family¡¯s enemies went quiet, and as I increase cultivation, they not only cede the territories they fought over with my family, they are willingly sending more gifts.¡±


    She looked Newt in the eyes.


    ¡°Trust me, personal greatness is worth more than any amount of wealth. Become powerful, become respected, and others will send spirit gems and treasures your way without you having to lift a finger.¡±

 Chapter 60 - Rewards and Gains

    80th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The return to the surface was a torture. Luckily, Everlast had some food stashed away in her spatial pouch, and Dandelion reshaped their bubble once so they could sleep. But even with all the advantages and a body which hardly required air, sustenance, and sleep, the simple light of the sun and the blueness of the sky left Newt elated.


    ¡°We made it!¡± he laughed, and smiles escaped even Everlast and Dandelion.


    ¡°Yes, well done,¡± Elder Frostgrave said right behind Newt¡¯s back. His spine went straight, his legs tensed, ready to leap, but Newt had enough composure to stop himself from jumping away. Everlast seemed used to her master¡¯s sudden appearances, and Dandelion did not even twitch. Their calm reactions made Newt feel like a jittery aquilops.


    Even as he forced himself to calm, all three of them turned to face the elder and bowed.


    ¡°Master, we have made an important discovery.¡± Everlast beamed a smile, the joy on her face liberating her beauty from the frosty prison. She could not hold back for a moment as she explained the treasure they had found, and Elder Frostgrave smiled, a glint of excitement flashing in her eyes, despite her age and frigid temperament.


    ¡°Well done. I will make sure to fetch that core.¡± She shifted her gaze to Newt. ¡°Why is he wearing your glacial uniform?¡±


    Everlast reddened and looked down at the snowy mountain slope.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story, Master¡­¡± Everlast proceeded to explain what had happened while Newt removed the dress he had completely forgotten he was wearing for two weeks straight.


    ¡°It seems I owe you another favor.¡± Elder Frostgrave frowned while gazing at Dandelion. ¡°And you too, young man. What can I do for you?¡±


    Elder Frostgrave focused on the easier target first, wanting to settle at least one debt she owed.


    ¡°Elder Frostgrave, I seek information about my parents,¡± Newt glanced at Everlast, who nodded encouragingly. ¡°And an introduction or a recommendation to a major, or maybe even a grand sect.¡±


    The elder gave a curt nod.


    ¡°I will see what I can do. If your spiritual energy was water-aligned, I would have recruited you into our sect, even if you are a male.¡± She side-glanced at Dandelion, who shook his head, telling her he was not interested in the offer. ¡°But sadly, we are not a fit. With dual earth and fire affinity, plus talent for spell formations, I doubt it will be difficult to find a slot for you in any of the major forces that don¡¯t focus solely on a single element.¡±


    Suddenly Elder Frostgrave¡¯s gaze hardened.


    ¡°Even the Blazing Peak would take you, but they would try to force you to discard the earth portion of your talent and focus solely on fire.¡±


    Newt had never heard of the sect, but abandoning a half of his power seemed like a wrong move.


    ¡°Newstar,¡± Dandelion said, ¡°Being a spell formation scribe is an advantage in and of itself, and you should not abandon that path. Plenty of sects, even the most powerful ones, would welcome talented scribes.¡±


    Elder Frostgrave nodded, slowly. ¡°Introducing you to our allies can¡¯t be considered a favor I¡¯m gracing you with. More likely, they will owe me a favor or a clue about a talented disciple after my own tastes. As for finding information about your parents, the difficulty of such a task might be incredibly trivial or impossible. There is no way to know now.¡±Stolen story; please report.


    A sense of unease crawled in Newt¡¯s gut, chilling his spine. He hoped Elder Frostgrave would find tracking down his parents a simple task, but the woman was right. There were countless possibilities, countless circumstances, which could potentially make locating his parents impossible.


    Newt¡¯s mind raced, but his thoughts chased their own tail. If he could find the information with difficulty, a sixth realm cultivator could find it with ease. If the task was impossible for him, it should still be possible for Elder Frostgrave. If the task was impossible for her, it was even more so for him.


    ¡°How about,¡± he licked his lips, ¡°How about we say it¡¯s my favor, regardless of how difficult locating my parents is? It should be fair, when neither of us knows anything about their situation.¡±


    Dandelion opened his mouth, then stopped himself from speaking while Elder Frostgrave considered Newt¡¯s proposal. The ancient woman looked up, touching her chin.


    ¡°I guess we can call it fair.¡± She looked at Dandelion. ¡°As for you, you have trained my disciples, found a cultivation resource I need, and saved my grandniece. A person of my standing cannot owe so many open favors. You have until we reach Thunder Ridge to decide what you want and what I can do for us to reduce this to one open favor. I can bestow you with wealth, weapons, armor, treasure materials, rare medicine¡­¡±


    Newt observed Dandelion, but the man¡¯s expression did not flicker at the promised treasures. His gaze did grow distant for a moment before he spoke.


    ¡°Honored elder.¡± he half-bowed. ¡°You claim the favors you owe me is knowledge I imparted on your disciple, and cultivation resources for you. While I disagree that this was worth as much as I ask, I would humbly request you to share knowledge with me. For one week, I will ask about any topics which interest me, and you provide answers to the best of your ability.¡±


    Elder Frostgrave bristled, Dandelion was asking the same thing Newt asked him while they were trapped in the rock-bubble some two weeks ago, but the way he asked it was considerably different, as was his position.


    Before Elder Frostgrave could answer, Dandelion kept talking.


    ¡°The answers you provide may be ¡®I do not know¡¯, ¡®I cannot tell you¡¯, ¡®That knowledge will hurt you¡¯, and many others. I do not ask you to share everything with me, but I do beg you to be honest in your responses and the reasons you refuse to share knowledge with me. Even if all your answers are ¡®I cannot tell you¡¯, I will consider those two favors you believe you owe me repaid.¡±


    Dandelion raised his head and looked at the elder with a gaze that shocked Newt. There was fire and determination in those eyes, intellect beyond Newt¡¯s comprehension, and an unyielding quality which brooked no argument.


    Newt shuddered.


    I need to learn to ask things of people like that, and not blurt out what I want like a chattering pterodactylus.


    ¡°Your request is reasonable and within my power to provide.¡± Elder Frostgrave spoke the words slowly, as if examining and questioning them even as they left her mouth. ¡°I will stay at Thunder Ridge for one more week longer than I intended, and you will be my guest. Should you have any topics you wish to discuss, I will accompany you and provide the answers. But you must understand, my answers may be beyond you, even if I spent the entire week explaining them. Your realm is much lower than mine, the speed of your thoughts and your ability to comprehend are likewise slower.¡±


    Dandelion nodded. ¡°Naturally, what gains I can make depend on my ability, like with everything else in life. Thank you for agreeing to this, I will do my best not to disappoint you or waste your time.¡±


    The deal sounded odd, Dandelion¡¯s concealed elation even odder, the man¡¯s spiritual energy churned through his body, revealing just how excited he was. And Newt had to wonder just how much was he underestimating education and knowledge, when Dandelion refused riches and treasures in favor of information he might not even be able to use.


    Maybe I need to start reading books? Dandelion is incredibly powerful and versatile, while I have hardly scratched the eggshell of what my primary element can do. And I have no idea what earth-attributed abilities can do, save to reinforce and protect my body in a brawl.


    Defense and power were not useless, but they were definitely just a hint of what he could do. Dandelion claimed he was inferior to Newt when it comes to earth energy, yet he had created a traveling chamber, which is impossible to spot, even if it moved incredibly slowly. Newt could possibly use a similar technique to sneak into a higher realm spirit beast¡¯s lair, or a bunch of other things.


    My only limit is my imagination, and I haven¡¯t been very imaginative so far.


    Newt did not know it at the time, but the adventure in the frostworm caves, the conversation he had just witnessed, and the friends and allies he had made on his seemingly random outing would define him as a person, a cultivator, and a champion.


    End of book 1

 Chapter 61 - Parting Ways

    82nd of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Newstar, we are beyond the point where you can just say you owe me another favor, and I will not reveal a secret like that to you, nor anyone else, without getting something of equal or greater value in return.¡±


    Newt nodded. He had asked Dandelion for advice on how to keep using fire-aligned spiritual energy for longer periods of time. He had changed his approach, asking humbly, the way Dandelion asked Elder Frostgrave, but the man still refused.


    There was only one secret Newt knew that was valuable enough to set the slate clean, but he did not know whether he should share it. Or even how to do so safely. Elder Frostgrave could be listening into their conversation.


    What if I mouth it without saying the words? Will that help?


    ¡°Senior, watch this.¡±


    ¡®I know of the location of a tenth realm core.¡¯ Newt¡¯s lips moved without making a sound.


    ¡®Never speak of that again.¡¯ Dandelion mouthed back immediately, and Newt¡¯s blood went cold. The man knew. There was no delay, no shock, no hesitation. Newt was certain Dandelion knew of his greatest secret, but remained quiet about it, and did not eliminate him to make sure the magma dragon¡¯s core remained a secret. He knew right from the start.


    ¡®Your information is valuable,¡¯ Dandelion continued mouthing, ¡®and it is prudent you shared it like this, even though I believe nobody is listening and this inn guarantees privacy. But you should never tell anyone about this ever again. A tenth realm core is a calamity. Even the grand sects would do whatever is necessary to acquire one.¡¯


    ¡®But I didn¡¯t even mention its location?¡¯


    ¡®It is in the mine you worked in, obviously. The information you just shared is priceless and worthless at the same time. Keep it to yourself, otherwise you might wake up dead one day.¡¯


    Dandelion wiped his face with his palm, shaking his head.


    ¡°Fine, I will explain. I will also teach you how to use the spear and the sword, but you need a heavier spear than what you have currently.¡±


    Newt should have been elated. He was not. Something about Dandelion¡¯s gestures put him off. He agreed too easily.


    Maybe I just expected more of an argument? Or maybe that he wouldn¡¯t trust me?


    ¡°My method is useless for everyone who does not cultivate all elements.¡± The disappointing words crashed on Newt like a mountain of rocks, but Dandelion kept talking despite Newt¡¯s defeated face as they exchanged invaluable, worthless information.


    ¡°I have made runic arrays which convert one type of energy into another. I have a full cycle, and I can just stop it when the energy is in the state I need, and draw that energy into my body.¡± Newt hardly listened to Dandelion when a single overly stressed word grabbed his attention again. ¡°But, before I developed that solution, I relied on a crutch, which could prove useful to you.¡±


    Newt once more focused, waiting for Dandelion to continue.


    ¡°I made reservoirs of specific energies I used the most and drew the energy from them when I needed it. I can teach you the runic configurations which will make such zones in your spiritual realm.¡± Dandelion scratched his stubble, looking into the distance. ¡°That said, I still have no clue how to evaluate your favor. The weapon training I mentioned will last one week, until you leave. Whenever I am not busy with Elder Frostgrave, I will do what I can to guide you and help you improve.¡±


    Newt frowned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you mean until we leave?¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Dandelion shook his head. ¡°I am staying another week to help Swiftbeak, then I will head deeper into the empire. I plan to settle in Glory City, the seventeenth prince¡¯s city.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t join a sect?¡± Newt was certain Dandelion¡¯s plan was to enter a larger sect and grow, but apparently that plan had changed.


    ¡°No. I will remain a wandering cultivator until I reach the sixth realm. We might never meet again, but if we do, I hope we remain friends?¡± Dandelion spoke without hesitation.


    ¡°But why? Didn¡¯t you say joining a large sect is safer?¡± Newt struggled to understand the sudden and massive change in Dandelion¡¯s plan.


    Am I making a mistake?


    ¡°It is. For someone like you, it is a place to grow and learn from a mentor. You can learn how to properly use books and many other fundamental tricks, which you lack. But my method is different. I read, and through practice I mold the theoretical knowledge into something which suits me. It will be a great path for you too, one day, when you have enough experience. I said you are a genius, and I mean it, you are much better at this than I am. My only advantage is time and experience. Without those, I would not have even considered restarting my cultivation, and I would have been a mediocrity. In a sense, I have you to thank for all of this.¡±


    Newt had no idea what Dandelion was talking about.


    What do I have to do with you gambling with your life and starting over?


    Even though Newt did not have the answer to that question, Dandelion seemed sincere enough, and he kept his secret all this time, waiting for him to share it first.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior. Is that why you were willing to do all those favors for me?¡±


    ¡°In part,¡± Dandelion admitted. ¡°In part, it is because I wish to be your friend and ally, if you would have me.¡±


    Dandelion reached out with his hand. Newt stared at it for a moment, before taking it.


    ¡°Gladly.¡± He smiled, finally understanding that he had made a true friend.


    A week passed in a flash. True to his word, Dandelion taught Newt with sword and spear, and even borrowed a heavy glaive, which Newt found much more to his liking than the slender spear of his clan.


    While his friend was busy, Newt read books in the Formation Scribes¡¯ Guild, deepening his understanding of runes and runic arrays Dandelion had suggested he should use to cultivate his third realm.


    But like all good times, it had come to an end.


    The seven of them stood at the Thunder Ridge¡¯s eastern gate. Elder Frostgrave looked at Dandelion with appreciation, Everlast and Puresnow with a mix of emotions Newt could not name, while the two other disciples seemed puzzled both by their master¡¯s expression and those of their fellow students.


    Dandelion gave a half-bow. ¡°Senior, thank you for everything.¡±


    ¡°You have also given me a lot to think about,¡± Frostgrave¡¯s smile turned flirtatious. ¡°My offer still stands, if you wish to join my harem, my door is always open to you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for that as well, Senior.¡± Dandelion kept a straight face, while Newt and Elder Frostgrave¡¯s disciples turned away, their faces burning, wild thoughts and images galloping through their minds.


    ¡°Everlast, Puresnow, take care,¡± Dandelion continued as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening. ¡°I hope our paths cross again, and that we get to go on another interesting mission in the future.


    ¡°Newstar,¡± Newt kept his gaze down. For some reason, his relationship with Dandelion had transformed into something he could not describe. He knew the spark which started it was when he admitted about the tenth realm core, but he did not understand what had changed. Was it him or Dandelion or both?


    While he was staring at the surprisingly clean cobbles, massive bear-like arms wrapped themselves around him, and Dandelion drew him into a hug.


    ¡°Survive all the troubles heading your way. Crush them all.¡±


    Newt felt tears welling up. He had not cried when he left his clan, but parting with Dandelion¡­


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to tell him to stay out of trouble?¡± Elder Frostgrave ruined the moment, and Dandelion released Newt.


    ¡°He is seventeen, heading into a big sect, with nobody to guard his back.¡± Dandelion tousled Newt¡¯s hair, and somehow it reminded him of the way his father used to do it. ¡°Kill them dead if you need to.¡±


    Newt finally looked up, and met the gaze of a man bigger than life, his white teeth shining in the sun.


    ¡°Stay safe until we meet again. All right?¡±


    Newt nodded, and Dandelion turned around, heading back into the city.


    Newt bit his lip. He hesitated, then shouted.


    ¡°Senior!¡±


    Dandelion turned around, and Newt regretted calling out to him. Shouting in the middle of the street was so embarrassing.


    ¡°You stay safe too! We need to compare notes when we reach a higher realm.¡±


    It was a stupid thing to say. Newt was certain of it, but he did not know what else to say. He could not say how much he bonded with the man in such a short period of time. Dandelion was a big brother, a father figure, a solid rock he could rely on, wreathed in a halo of inhuman charisma.


    ¡°Sure thing, kiddo.¡± Dandelion laughed and left.

 Chapter 62 - High Class Travel

    89nd of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Elder Frostgrave led the way for about a mile away from Thunder Ridge until the party reached a ramp leading to a stone viaduct. The elevated road was around eighty feet wide and stood twenty feet above ground.


    Newt had seen nothing like it, and once they climbed it, the road seemed to span indefinitely towards the horizon.


    ¡°This is a highway.¡± Elder Frostgrave said. ¡°A cultivator-only road for those who travel without mounts. Anyone can enter at their own peril, but the fault with any and all accidents lies with the weaker party. By climbing aboard, you are stating you can take care of yourself and those you bring along. If your speed, perception, and reflexes aren¡¯t up to the task, you have only yourself to blame.¡±


    Elder Frostgrave pointed to the path paved with golden bricks. ¡°The two leftmost lanes are for the ninth realm cultivators, the next two,¡± she gestured towards the silver lanes, ¡°are for the eighth realm cultivators¡­¡±


    She went through all the lanes, until she reached the final two paved in ordinary, red brick. ¡°These are for the cultivators of the fifth realm and below. Like I said, everyone can enter and you can pick any lane above your own, but misguided overconfidence comes with a price.¡±


    Newt was silent, considering Elder Frostgrave¡¯s words. He recently found himself doing that more and more often, thinking before speaking and trying to grasp more meaning from the words he heard.


    ¡°Senior, you said the road is cultivator-only for those without mounts, that distinction seemed important?¡±


    The elder nodded with a slight, appreciative smile.


    ¡°Yes, those with mechanical devices and spirit beast mounts are not allowed, to prevent cluttering. Piloting mechanical devices requires an imperial license, and spirit beasts naturally have good enough perception not to collide with others and immovable objects. So, both are unlikely to cause accidents, but may panic some inexperienced cultivators and cause a mess on the highway; so they travel through the countryside. Also, they are often quite big and can¡¯t physically fit on the highway, anyway.¡±


    Newt nodded in understanding. Allowing spirit beasts roam the countryside sounded dangerous to him, but he lacked experience, so it might have been fine if they had competent, responsible riders. His mind lingered on the thought much longer than it should have, and he hoped his worries were unfounded.


    ¡°So, which lane do we take, Senior?¡± Newt did not like his odds in the lane in which fifth realm cultivators whizzed by, using their movement techniques. He was certain that neither his speed nor reflexes met the standards of being able to take care of himself when faced with someone outclassing him by two whole realms.


    ¡°The one designated for the sixth realm, of course. I will be transporting you.¡± Elder Frostgrave led the way, her disciples following her without a word, and left without a choice, Newt did what every little velociraptor did, and followed his pack.


    As soon as they stepped onto the sixth lane, Elder Frostgrave erupted with spiritual energy. The energy¡¯s purity shocked Newt as the woman, usually void of lights representing the spiritual energy signatures, became a beacon of ice-blue.


    The air turned solid, and pale ice took shape around him. Newt nearly yelped when the piercing chill stabbed him into the back of the knee, forcing him to sit on the glacial seat. Everlast sat next to him and gave him a barely perceptible nod that everything was fine. Everything was definitely not fine, the chill pierced Newt¡¯s butt, his skin shriveling.


    Reflexively, he activated Magmin Scales, but the exponentially stronger frost devoured the wisp of heat. Then the chill disappeared as another, much gentler light enveloped him.


    ¡°Please take no offense, it was an honest mistake.¡± Elder Frostgrave smiled. ¡°It has been centuries since I gave a ride to someone without ice-attributed spiritual energy.¡±


    The elder¡¯s smile did not seem apologetic to Newt, but he was not certain whether it was the woman covering up her honest embarrassment or if she had intentionally tested him in some way.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    So, Newt smiled, his butt still tingling with ice. Did she freeze a chunk of my flesh into a needle?


    As the ice sledge took shape, everything below shoulder height was a mate light-blue, sparkling in the sun, while everything above was a perfectly translucent dome, which allowed them to take in the scenery.


    Newt forgot about the pain in the ass as the landscape started flowing around him. The movement was slow in the first half a second. Then it reached his sprint, then his full power mad dash, then it grew ridiculous and kept increasing.


    Newt¡¯s stomach turned from the dissonance between what his eyes were telling him of their mad careen, as opposed to the rest of his body telling him they had not moved an inch.


    A chilly hand gently touched his shoulder.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look sideways,¡± Everlast said. ¡°Look straight ahead, or a bit to the side, focusing on the distant sights. You could also close your eyes.¡±


    Newt took the final piece of advice, and in the black world his stomach calmed. He was just sitting on an icy bench, an icy beauty, almost as old as his grand-uncle, sat next to him, turning his shoulder cold.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Apprentice Sister Everlast. I feel much better.¡±


    The chill on his shoulder disappeared, and Newt focused on his realm. He once more considered how to divide the flows of lava, since Dandelion¡¯s suggested blueprint for his next realm demanded a lot more fire runes than he had room for.


    Why didn¡¯t he tell me how to do it? Newt grumbled yet again about how Dandelion smiled, saying he was sure Newt would figure it out before reaching the peak of the third realm.


    And I need to find some earth techniques suitable for attack and defense.


    Newt spent two hours carving a miniature four-rune-array, parts of it etched into the ground, while others raised above like small, steep ledges. Once complete, it would increase his precision and subtlety when manipulating earth. Satisfied with his progress, he opened his eyes.


    In his peripheral vision, the world was a messy blur of green and blue, giving rise to a storm in his stomach, but Newt tuned it out. He focused on what was ahead, the infinite road, specked with occasional blurs they passed on their right.


    Newt looked around the sled, but all the girls had closed their eyes, cultivating or meditating to draw spiritual energy. The only one awake was Elder Frostgrave.


    ¡°Senior, do you mind telling me about the sect you believe would welcome me?¡± Newt tried to start a conversation, explicitly not thinking that the only thing keeping him alive in the vessel traveling at absurd speed on the path of the higher realm cultivators was Elder Frostgrave¡¯s good will.


    ¡°I believe many would welcome you, but you are a great match for the Explorers¡¯ Gate. Their main focus is exploration, regardless of whether it¡¯s the Savage Wood or the secret realms, they can both be good sources of income and their founders used that wealth to build a solid sect. Rather than pure martial might, they focus on being clever. Don¡¯t think that means they are weak, they just tend to avoid open confrontation with other powerful groups, but if someone threatens their interests, they will bare their fangs.¡±


    Much to Newt¡¯s horror, Elder Frostgrave turned around, her eyes no longer focused on the highway.


    ¡°From what I could see, and from what my disciples told me, you should be right at home with them.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, please mind the road!¡± Pale-faced Newt failed to hide his panic, and Elder Frostgrave laughed, turning around.


    ¡°Young man, I use more than just my eyes to keep track of the environment. Eyes even become a distraction at certain realms. I¡¯m not quite there myself, but some seniors move so quickly that action happens and finishes before your eyes can capture what has happened. Ice-related arts blur the line further. If my opponent fails to block the entirety of my aura, or if my spiritual energy accumulates in their bodies through wounds, I can freeze their mind, slowing their decision making and information processing.¡±


    Newt shuddered as a sudden thought struck him.


    ¡°Senior, can frostworms do that?¡±


    ¡°Not at the level at which you should fight them, no. But if you get stung, their poison does slow the metabolism, meaning the whole body. Getting poisoned by a frostworm means certain death because you were already weak enough to get stung, and your strength will degrade further after the poisoning.¡±


    Newt glanced at Everlast, recalling that stinger heading straight for him. He could have experienced that poison. He could have died from it. Silently he cursed Dandelion and his easy-going manner when he gambled with other people¡¯s lives.


    ¡°Senior, if it¡¯s not too much to ask,¡± Newt said in the humblest voice he could muster, ¡°could you please explain what fire and earth aura can do at higher realm.¡±


    ¡°I cannot. Not because I don¡¯t want to, but my words may be incorrect and influence you deeper than they should, damaging your future. You need to figure out your path on your own, or with a proficient mentor of the same path. Just so you understand, ice is water, and there are many kinds of ice, mine is the biting frost, sudden, aggressive, and powerful. I cannot in good conscience teach disciples of the healing ice or of the creeping ice, since I would lead them astray.¡±


    Newt opened his mouth to ask another question, but sensed that Elder Frostgrave was not done speaking.


    ¡°The best I can do is deliver you to people whom I believe share your temperament and interests. Now close your eyes and cultivate, you can do a larger piece if you want, we have two days before we reach our destination.¡±

 Chapter 63 - Star鈥檚 Fall

    1st of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Thank you for everything, Senior.¡± Newt bowed deeply to Elder Frostgrave and the disciples of the Everfrost Palace. They had escorted him to the twenty-seventh imperial city called Star¡¯s Fall.


    The elder gave a solemn nod, minding the public, but Everlast, who was at the same realm, was freer to express her feelings.


    ¡°Keep in touch, Newstar.¡± She smiled, then leaned in closer and whispered, ¡°If you ever need help choosing dresses, I¡¯ll be there for you.¡±


    Elder Frostgrave choked as her lip twitched, and she shot her prized disciple a sharp look, but Everlast kept smiling. Something had changed about the frosty woman, or she was always a joker, but Newt was not in a position to notice it. Her aura was the same as when he had met her, glacial and aloof, but her cold no longer bothered him.


    So, Newt leaned in as well, whispering hot air into her icy ear. ¡°Dandelion likes good, bitter-sweet wines and sunset views wherever he¡¯s sitting.¡±


    Everlast frowned.


    ¡°Why would I care about what he likes?¡± She tried to sound indifferent, but a tinge of red bled into her cheek.


    Newt shrugged. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know. Women ask me about his preferences whenever they get the chance.¡±


    Newt stepped away from a slap on the shoulder, wondering whether it was Dandelion¡¯s training or his spars with Puresnow that allowed him to see the strike before it happened.


    ¡°All right, children,¡± Elder Frostgrave stepped in. ¡°We have said our goodbyes. Newstar, the elder from Explorer¡¯s Gate is waiting for you in an inn called Mary¡¯s Tale. A word of advice, don¡¯t mention the leg to her.¡±


    Newt frowned, thinking about those words, but the Everfrost Palace party left before he could ask further questions.


    What could possibly be wrong with her leg? What realm is she?


    Such questions swarmed Newt¡¯s mind as he went to the cultivator line. It was longer than when he entered Thunder Ridge, and while he skipped more than two thirds of the line back then, his realm landed him at the middle of the queue before Star¡¯s Fall.


    There were no scammers or corrupt guards out to get Newt¡¯s spirit gems, only the government, taking its toll before he could enter the city of cultivators.


    ¡°Excuse me, where can I find Mary¡¯s Tale?¡± Newt asked the guard, and the second realm cultivator gave him directions to the best inn in Star¡¯s Fall, warning him that it was an expensive establishment. Moonlit Night was almost the same, but much more affordable.


    Newt thanked him and moved through the streets, immediately noticing the similarities and the differences between two imperial cities. The architecture was identical to Thunder Ridge¡¯s, but people in the streets were much different. Mortals and cultivators alike revealed much more skin. The weather was hotter, and the air carried an unknown, salty smell, which Newt had never smelled before.


    The street stalls sold all sorts of exotic spices, skins, and fabrics the likes of which Newt had never seen before, and food was largely fish in various forms. Most of it was fried or grilled, but there were raw strips of meat on leaves and fruits, looking extremely unhygienic, despite the ice they rested on.


    Newt never asked, but he started wondering just how far away he was from his home.


    The spiritual energy suffusing the air was denser, leaning towards water, but mostly unaligned. Pterosaurs slightly larger than pterodactyluses screeched in the sky, fighting over scraps in alleys, or watching the passersby from the rooftops, waiting for someone to lose focus on the food they carried, so they could swoop in and take a bite.


    One of them found a mark, and Newt watched it dive for a thin, bald man¡¯s wrap of diced fried fish and vegetables. Just before the dinosaur nabbed his wrap, the baldy grabbed it by the neck. With a flick of a wrist, he snapped the pterosaur¡¯s spine and hung it on his sash.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    What the? Newt saw the man was a first realm cultivator, but had no idea what he planned to do with the dead pterosaur. Ultimately, what just happened was not Newt¡¯s problem, and he continued towards his destination.


    It took about an hour before he reached the Mary¡¯s Tale. The three-story building seemed normal, the sign above was a common plaque, with the inn¡¯s name and a fine wine cup in the third row, beneath the name.


    It was around noon when Newt walked in, and the establishment was fairly empty, with only six patrons sitting about. He took in the entire room at a glance and headed towards the woman devoid of spiritual energy.


    ¡°Newstar?¡± she asked when he got within five paces of her.


    Newt nodded, looking at her. The petite woman had a platinum, nearly white hair. She was slim and wore a tight-fitting yellow-and-green warrior¡¯s robe, outlining her small breasts and narrow shoulders.


    ¡°Is senior the elder from the Explorer¡¯s Gate?¡± Newt¡¯s gaze drifted down, but he could not see the woman¡¯s legs because of the table. She sat cross-legged, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but Elder Frostgrave warned him about something.


    ¡°I am Elder Alabaster, the twenty-ninth elder of the Explorer¡¯s Gate. You have a dual fire and earth affinity, just as Frostgrave said, and you have the potential to reach the higher realms without additional procedures.¡±


    Newt wondered what that meant, and why nobody seemed to notice their conversation. Just as he wondered whether they were just pretending out of courtesy, he spotted a shimmer in the air.


    ¡°Good, you noticed the spell formation. I am a member of the spell formation scribing division of our sect, and I cultivate the earth element, so I can guide that portion of your cultivation.¡± Elder Alabaster stood, not even reaching Newt¡¯s shoulders. ¡°My guidance will be limited to advice, and another elder will talk about his views on fire. Unlike most sects, Explorer¡¯s Gate doesn¡¯t strive to create successful molds and shape disciples to match them. Some disciples mimic their masters to varying degrees of success, others blaze their own paths.¡±


    Elder Alabaster looked Newt in the eye, towering over him, despite the size difference.


    ¡°Follow me if you¡¯re interested, otherwise, do whatever you want, and I¡¯ll wish you good luck.¡±


    The shimmering barrier disappeared, and the petite woman headed for the door.


    ¡°Wait for me, Senior,¡± Newt shouted, running after Elder Alabaster.


    ¡°I am not your senior, Newstar. You may call me Master, and even after you grow old or even if you surpass my realm, I will always be your master.¡± The petite, white-haired woman gave Newt a flat stare, daring him to challenge her.


    He did not.


    ¡°Yes, Master,¡± he said obediently, his gaze drifting down, still trying to see what was wrong with Elder Alabaster¡¯s legs.


    Elder Alabaster gave a curt nod, spun on her heel, and headed for the door.


    ¡°Follow me.¡± And Newt did.


    They left the inn and headed down the street, where Newt faced the first conundrum. His master walked at a brisk pace, she was short enough for nobody to see her coming, save for the person straight ahead of her, yet the crowd parted before her without realizing it.


    Newt trotted after her, keeping a single step of distance, so that the crowd could not close behind Elder Alabaster.


    ¡°How are you doing this, Master?¡± he asked, before adding, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind sharing the knowledge with me.¡±


    ¡°A master¡¯s role is to instruct their disciples,¡± Elder Alabaster kept walking, looking straight ahead, and ignoring the incoming traffic. ¡°Some knowledge is harmful, and I will not share it, but this is a trivial matter. I¡¯m not doing anything. Just walking.¡±


    Newt was certain there was a catch and waited for his master to continue, but she remained silent.


    ¡°And why is everyone moving out of your way? Even mortals.¡±


    ¡°Innate survival instincts. Lower realms with the third eye will avoid me even without instincts, but even those who only have the second heart will move out of my way because their base instincts will warn them of a deadly creature coming their way.¡±


    Elder Alabaster paused, choosing her next words carefully. ¡°This phenomenon happens with spiritual beasts as well. High realm cultivators have a hard time finding beasts more than a realm below them, and cultivators rarely stumble upon a spirit beast much beyond their realm. The weaker spiritual beasts hide, while cultivators subconsciously avoid dangerous areas, unless they have some business at that exact location, but even then people who had brushes with death and survived claim they sensed unease, irrational fear, and such shortly before encountering a higher realm spirit beast.¡±


    Newt considered those words and thought about the frostworm cave. He felt nothing out of the ordinary when the fifth realm frostworm started hounding them, but Dandelion did sense something, something beyond tremors and sounds.


    I should ask him about it. The thought came naturally, but Dandelion was who knows where, and they might not meet in years, if ever.


    ¡°Master,¡± Newt said in the most respectful tone he could muster, afraid he was bothering Elder Alabaster, ¡°is there a way to hone this skill, or to use it in a more active manner?¡±


    Elder Alabaster turned her head around, but kept walking forward. She eyed Newt from top to bottom and smiled.


    ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you a sharp one?¡±

 Chapter 64 - The Leg

    1st of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    For the first time in his life, Newt entered a port. The pier was huge, catering to a hundred docked ships, with plenty of empty space left over. Then, he saw the sea. The greenish-blue stretched into the horizon, stealing his breath away with every wave rolling towards him and striking the land.


    ¡°Never seen an ocean?¡± Elder Alabaster smirked.


    Newt nodded. Never mind an ocean, he had hardly seen any lakes or wide rivers.


    ¡°Come on, our sub is this way.¡± Elder Alabaster led the way onto a twenty-foot-wide strip of carved rock, its pieces carefully fitted into a gigantic three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle.


    As he stepped forward, Newt watched the three-colored masterpiece of contrasting fiery-red, deep-blue, and white, wondering whether there was a purpose to the layout. Would anything happen if he followed one particular trail, or could he avoid stepping on a certain color or color combination?


    ¡°Great design to hide something, isn¡¯t it?¡± Newt¡¯s master somehow noticed his fascination, despite walking a step ahead of him. Maybe higher realms really had senses beyond the natural ones.


    ¡°Yes, Master. What¡¯s a sub?¡± he added after a moment¡¯s pause to consider how stupid the question would make him.


    ¡°A submerged ship, kind of like a metallic tub-boat that travels below the surface and avoids the rough weather. It¡¯s much faster and much more private than a ship.¡±


    ¡°I have never heard of such a vehicle.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, not very useful for those under the third realm, really. People who need to breathe more often tend to suffocate unless you have an air-aligned cultivator aboard,¡± Elder Alabaster said with a disturbingly cheery voice. ¡°Very dark and claustrophobic too, but it makes little difference if you just cultivate your realm as you travel.¡±


    Newt nodded, as if he understood what his master was talking about and followed, trying to imagine a pitch black underwater ship devoid of air. His imagination was decent, but he failed at the task. Too many new concepts.


    While his mental image was merely half-complete, it certainly did not involve a tear-shaped metal pod fifteen feet long and six feet wide.


    ¡°Here we are.¡± Elder Alabaster gestured towards the contraption, and Newt was thoroughly unimpressed.


    ¡°Oh, come on, say, ¡®wow¡¯ at least. This is our sect¡¯s legacy technology, nobody else makes these.¡±


    Newt hesitated, then uttered a quiet, ¡°Wow.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit.¡± Elder Alabaster was unconcerned by his lack of enthusiasm, her grin still wide. ¡°And why are you staring at my ass and crotch all the time?¡±


    Newt jumped back, his face turning crimson.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t. I¡ª¡± his tongue got tied, and he took a deep breath to collect himself while Elder Alabaster folded her arms and tapped her foot. The grin was still there, transforming into an amused smirk.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t,¡± he repeated. ¡°I was looking at your legs.¡±


    Newt bit his lip, realizing he was talking about the one subject Elder Frostgrave told him not to talk about.


    I met her a quarter of an hour ago, and I¡¯m already poking at her taboo.


    ¡°What about my leg?¡± Elder Alabaster stopped tapping her foot, nailing Newt with her gaze.


    She¡¯s furious! How do I get out of this? She¡¯ll kick me out even before I got accepted. Newt licked his lip, his eyes once more turning downward before he snapped his gaze back up, away from the legs.


    ¡°I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about lying to me, the entirety of my will is focused on you.¡± The woman stopped him before he could utter his sentence, her sharp gaze trained on him, slashing him as much as her tone.


    ¡°Do all seniors have a way of detecting lies?¡± Newt asked, attempting to avoid answering the question.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡°Technically no, practically yes. Everyone beyond the fifth realm has both spirit roots, and our third eyes are sensitive enough to pick out the flow of spiritual energy, the movement of your pupils, the flow of your blood, and the speed at which your heart is beating. Naturally, as your cultivation increases, you become resistant to these methods, your body more difficult to pierce. I can read the bodily functions of those of fourth realm and below with ease. Fifth realm already is troublesome. Now, answer my question. Why are you looking at my leg?¡±


    Newt gulped.


    ¡°Senior Frostgrave said not to mention the leg to you.¡±


    ¡°The leg?¡± She blinked.


    ¡°Yes, she explicitly warned me not to mention the leg to you, and I¡¯m trying to figure out what is wrong with your leg, but no matter how I look at it they seem normal to me. Identical,¡± Newt started blathering, but Elder Alabaster¡¯s laugh shut him up.


    ¡°Kid,¡± she barked the word, ¡°that old bag of bones was pulling your leg. I can bet she thought I wouldn¡¯t say anything until things grew weirder.¡±


    Newt stared at his master, not understanding what she was talking about. What would turn weird?


    ¡°I thought you were looking at my ass, what would other disciples and elders passing us by think once we returned to the sect?¡± she asked, then answered her rhetorical question. ¡°That you are looking at my ass. It could spark strange rumors about us, and I don¡¯t believe she would do that to you. I can understand why she would prank me, but this prank harms you too. I thought she liked you?¡±


    Newt thought about it for a moment, recalling the scene.


    ¡°I may have teased her favorite disciple too much.¡± It suddenly became clear to him he had taunted Everlast about Dandelion when Elder Frostgrave offered the man to join her harem. While it seemed like a harmless joke, he probably infringed upon some unknown seniority or hierarchy rule by accident. ¡°Yeah, I said something stupid right before she told me that, and I think this is her getting back at me.¡±


    Elder Alabaster nodded. ¡°Harmless fun for the most part. It might have sparked some embarrassing rumors, but a master-disciple relationship with opposite genders does that often enough anyway. Now, hop in.¡±


    At her word, a circular hatch opened on the top of the sub, and Newt hopped in, literally. The gesture drew a smile from Elder Alabaster, confirming that Newt was a literal person, who lacked experience. She followed his example a second later and jumped.


    Newt had just started observing the wooden interior and the soft sitting-cushions when Elder Alabaster entered, and the hatch closed, leaving them in pitch darkness.


    The sub lurched, catching Newt by surprise. He rolled back and hit his head against the wall.


    ¡°Brace yourself, we are moving.¡± The warning came too late, and Newt guessed it was intentional, judging by the lack of apology in his master¡¯s tone. ¡°Feel free to cultivate, we¡¯ll need a day or so to reach the Explorer¡¯s Island.¡±


    Newt wondered whether all elder cultivators were benignly petty, and he was certain Elder Frostgrave¡¯s leg was still kicking him.


    ¡°Yes, Master, I shall meditate.¡± Newt paused. ¡°May I ask something?¡±


    ¡°I have no lights in the sub.¡± Elder Alabaster answered, expecting the question.


    ¡°No, not that. How do you see where you are going?¡±


    ¡°Ah, a sensible question. By scanning the density of spiritual energy and its flows outside. My range is fairly decent if I focus my perception in a single direction. But you should note that subs and most other means of transportation are meant for relatively safe environments. I wouldn¡¯t dare traverse the depths of the Savage Wood like this. For dangerous places, you need fortified ships, whether it¡¯s earth-ships, air-ship, or water-ships. Even high realm mounts aren¡¯t considered safe, because contact with more ancient specimens of their species might make them feral and attack their rider.¡±


    Elder Alabaster stopped talking and waited for Newt to ask another question.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± she said after two heartbeats of silence.


    There were plenty of other things Newt wanted to ask, but he was worried about distracting the driver.


    ¡°Can you talk while steering?¡±


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯m mostly looking out not to smash into something moving slower than us, since there are few things in this sea moving this quickly.¡±


    ¡°Can we discuss the earth element techniques?¡±


    Elder Alabaster shook her head, and the only hint of the gesture was the silhouette void of spiritual energy Newt saw.


    ¡°Not in a tub made of water-aligned aluminum with no contact with earth of any kind.¡± She paused, her tone softening. ¡°Talking without you feeling the energy is pointless.¡±


    Dandelion did it just fine when we discussed cultivation and spiritual arts.


    ¡°Yes, Master.¡± Newt kept his thoughts to himself. ¡°I will cultivate, then.¡±


    He closed his eyes and entered his realm and headed to place another set of earth-aligned runic formations Dandelion had prepared for him.


    Newt understood the general intent, and the reason Dandelion suggested the slight shift in rune choices. He had plenty of spell formations which enhanced the power and durability of his earth techniques, but already rigid earth was made even stiffer, and it needed subtlety, fluidity, and finesse to evolve further and support arts different from pure body reinforcement.


    ¡°Newstar, you abandoned us.¡± Newt¡¯s skin crawled as the wind howled behind his back. He thought he had gotten rid of that heart demon.


    ¡°I have done everything in my power!¡± he shouted back, but in the world of scalding air his skin felt clammy and cold.


    ¡°You pushed the problem onto another and fled to enjoy an adventure.¡± The voice came from up in the sky and Newt looked up, seeing a fiery red cloud shaped like his mother with a chain around her neck.


    The cloud dispersed, and Newt wanted to say that accusation was pushing it. That he had found an incomparably more competent person to handle the situation. But he could not. He remained silent, tears sliding down his cheeks, turning to steam.

 Chapter 65 - Entering the Explorer鈥檚 Gate

    2nd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt¡¯s eyes immediately adjusted to the light as he left the sub. Just like Elder Alabaster had said, darkness and the small confined space meant little when cultivators meditated. And the peace of mind from cultivation meant little to Newt with that annoying voice whispering into his ear every now and then, calling him unfilial, lazy, traitorous.


    I could have done twice the work, had I managed to rid myself of that heart demon. I thought that asking Elder Frostgrave for help was good enough. What could I possibly do that she can¡¯t?


    Apparently, something, since Newt found his effort insufficient. A part of him, deep down, believed he had dumped his duty onto a stranger, hoping for things to turn out better, but he struggled to understand why. His original plan was to issue a search quest through the Association, not to go search every square foot of the world in the search of his parents.


    ¡°Welcome to the Explorer¡¯s Island! Could you try to look at least partially happy or impressed? You look like I murdered your parents in the sub.¡±


    Newt twitched at the word and looked around, snapped from his brooding.


    He stood on a wooden pier, azure waves crashing and spraying salty mist into the air, while a strip of sparkly black sand separated the jungle from the water. There was a hint of smoke in the air, and when he looked up, he saw a distant volcano spewing dark-gray plumes.


    A path, fifty feet wide, led into the jungle, snaking left and disappearing from view.


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡± Elder Alabaster laughed. ¡°You may close your mouth.¡±


    Newt left his mouth hanging, focusing on the swirls of dense spiritual energy dancing in the air. Blue splashed up with each wave, the forest radiating brown tones tinged with blue, as the pale-green of air, nearly white, mixed with the orange-red brought by the wind.


    ¡°This place is perfect for cultivation,¡± he said, still staring at the scene in a daze.


    ¡°Yeeees,¡± Elder Alabaster dragged out the word. ¡°That¡¯s why our ancestors built a sect here. Come on, we have to get you registered and thrown into the meat grinder, I mean the inner disciple dormitory.¡±


    Newt was certain his master had said something he would not have liked, but the strange feathered pterosaurs flying about grabbed his attention. Their whistles and cries formed a strange symphony of sorts, noisy, yet pleasant to the ear.


    He followed his master and stepped onto the black sand as fine as flour, pleasantly scalding to a fire cultivator. Faint red spiritual energy rose from it like thin vapor, blending with the earth energy.


    For some reason, Newt grew drowsy. He thought about it and recalled sleeping mere five days ago. He still had some time before he had to sleep, but the last couple of days drained him physically and mentally.


    ¡°Hey, snap out of it. You could¡¯ve slept on the sub, if you were that tired.¡± The sand rippled under Newt¡¯s feet, throwing him an inch up into the air, and startling him awake. ¡°Come on, we have to register you, get you your disciple robe, test you¡­¡±


    Elder Alabaster chattered about inane things. Newt ignored her, instead observing the jungle. He saw brightly colored frogs as small as his nails, a pair of small feathered dinosaurs with clawed wings, but the weirdest animal he spotted was invisible to his eyes, but his third eye clearly revealed its silhouette.


    ¡°There are invisible dinos?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes, but that¡¯s just a chameleon. Now, quit gawking around, and try to keep up.¡± Elder Alabaster suddenly shot forward. Spiritual energy flaring from her and opposing gravity. Newt refrained from further questions and sprinted, jets of heated air bursting from the soles of his feet, turning his run into a rapid series of forward leaps.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    ¡°Decent, considering you¡¯re self-taught, but fire is second to air in terms of mobility. Once you attain the fourth realm, you should be able to achieve true flight. At fifth, all cultivators can fly by themselves, but extended flight is still beyond them; even several breaths of flight waste too much spiritual energy.¡±


    Newt believed he was already on the cusp of true flight, but propelling various parts of his body with heated air came at a huge cost in spiritual energy and focus. He might be able to float, and even move slowly, but his concept was nowhere near ready for practical use.


    ¡°All right, you are free to land.¡± Elder Alabaster touched ground and continued walking along the path at a brisk pace.


    ¡°Can you tell me what you see and feel?¡± she asked when Newt landed behind her.


    ¡°I can see the jungle, and I can feel the heat¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not asking about the scenery; spiritual energy, what do you see and feel?¡±


    Newt focused on the rich, yellowish-brown of earth. Unlike at the edges of the island, the movement was minimal in the jungle. As for feeling, he had no idea what he was supposed to say.


    ¡°The spiritual energy doesn¡¯t seem to be circulating, and it feels richer than in Star¡¯s Fall.¡±


    Elder Alabaster clicked her tongue. ¡°One quarter of the way there.¡±


    She drew a deep breath out of habit and started talking.


    ¡°The energy isn¡¯t stagnant. That¡¯s dead zones, and they are very uncomfortable to be in, especially if they have a higher spiritual energy concentration. You don¡¯t have to think about those for a long time, and I don¡¯t like thinking about them. The ambient energy here is heavily earth aligned. It moves slowly, and the very air here resists manipulation by air-attributed cultivators. There are areas where the rocks are saturated with air energy, offering you the same resistance, but in general earth and rock are always earth aligned.¡±


    Elder Alabaster turned her head around. ¡°Are you following?¡±


    Newt nodded. His father and Elder Stronggrow had already explained similar concepts back when he was a child.


    ¡°The spiritual energy here is easier to process for earth cultivators, meaning we recover quicker. Fire and water are unaffected, but air-aligned cultivators will recover slower here. You cultivate two elements, meaning that instead of one favorable, two neutral, and one hostile environment, you get an even split of good and bad.¡±


    She pointed her hand towards the sky, then motioned it down as she spoke.


    ¡°Air is always around us, and we always touch the earth. Fire and water are a bit trickier. You can just avoid the environment which doesn¡¯t suit you, but if you suddenly find yourself dunked in water, you¡¯re in trouble.¡±


    Elder Alabaster turned silent, and Newt wondered what she expected him to say. That, yes, earth was always around, except when they were in the sub, in which he asked her what she knew about it? Did she find it ironic? Did she forget about it?


    ¡°What can you do with earth?¡± The elder asked, breaking the prolonged silence.


    ¡°I can make my skin and body tougher and increase my strength.¡±


    Another silent spell lasted a few heartbeats before Elder Alabaster spoke again.


    ¡°Aaaand?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it. I use earth energy to strengthen my body.¡±


    Elder Alabaster turned around, the ground moving to carry her forward while her back was turned. She eyed Newt from head to toe.


    ¡°You mean, you use the cosmic power of manipulating one of the four basic elements to empower your mighty physique so you can whack stuff harder?¡±


    His master unimpressed tone, and the wording of the question made Newt feel like a fool.


    ¡°It works really well, and earth has no offensive capability.¡± Newt fell on his face the moment he said those words. The ground pulled at him with a dozen times the usual gravity.


    A spike as sharp as a needle as thick as his finger slowly emerged from the ground right before his eyes. Three others poked at his neck, cheek, and temple, but did no damage, merely serving for intimidation.


    ¡°Kid.¡± Elder Alabaster loomed over him. ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as an element or a cultivation technique without offensive capability. I may seem like an untouchable, beautiful maiden, but I assure you, I have ground plenty of men, women, and beasts into powder with this element, which you think lacks offensive capability.¡±


    Elder Alabaster had seemingly taken Newt¡¯s docile evaluation of the earth element like a personal insult. Just as Newt¡¯s heart and blood decided that maybe pumping further was unnecessary, the pressure disappeared, and he could breathe again.


    ¡°Air can suffocate you, water can explode your blood, fire can turn you to ash, and earth can turn you into a smear. Remember, no element is helpless, and you will never underestimate anyone¡¯s destructive force. Otherwise, you will wake up dead one day, wondering what had happened.¡±


    Elder Alabaster helped Newt up, lifting him by the scruff of his neck like he weighed nothing.


    ¡°And you are twice as lethal, and full of tricks. Using earth only for defense is not a bad move, if it¡¯s just an image you¡¯re projecting. Having killer attack moves in your defensive elements, and some way to mitigate damage in your offensive element may catch the unwary by surprise. Especially if they believe any of your elements is harmless.¡±

 Chapter 66 - Silver Tongued

    2nd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Name?¡± a bored clerk with gray hair and droopy eyes said, not bothering to grace Newt a look. His aura revealed him as a fourth realm cultivator, and considering his appearance, he must have been ancient.


    ¡°Newstar Blazing Salamander.¡±


    The man glanced at Newt and nodded without saying a word before entering the details in his ledger. Then he pointed at the crystalline realmer.


    ¡°You should know how a realmer works.¡±


    Newt placed his hand on the device and sent a wisp of spiritual energy, and as expected, the device displayed three thick lines and two dots.


    The clerk noted the result with languid scribbles. ¡°Special skills?¡±


    ¡°Journeyman spell formation scribe.¡±


    The man looked up again. ¡°Badge?¡±


    Newt showed him his guild membership token, and the clerk eyed it for a long moment before entering the new piece of information.


    ¡°Anything else?¡±


    Newt looked at the man, then glanced at his new master.


    Why the hell not?


    ¡°I can charm snakes,¡± he said, joking with a straight face.


    Newt could sense his master roll her eyes, but the clerk looked at him seriously. Newt tried to keep a serious face, when the man sighed and got up. He zoomed out in a flash of air-aligned spiritual energy.


    ¡°Where is he going?¡± Newt asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s an airhead. Probably gone to find a snake for you to charm.¡± Elder Alabaster was not amused. ¡°Good job making us waste more time than necessary.¡±


    ¡°I thought I would just laugh in his face when he asked, ¡®What?¡¯¡±


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s laughing now,¡± Elder Alabaster grumbled, and they waited ten minutes before the clerk returned with a small green python. He dropped the snake on his desk, then another odd thing happened.


    ¡°You eatsss me?¡± the spooked python hissed.


    ¡°Is he a ventriloquist?¡± Newt asked, but both the clerk and his master gave him blank stares.


    ¡°Go ahead, charm it.¡± The clerk grinned.


    ¡°Um, hello little fellow,¡± Newt said, and the snake stared at him while Elder Alabaster smirked in amusement.


    ¡°You ssspeak?¡± the snake hissed, staring at Newt.


    ¡°We won¡¯t eat you, you just have to lift your head up and climb up my arm, and I will put you back wherever he took you from.¡±


    Elder Alabaster¡¯s smirk cracked as Newt stretched out his hand above the python, who straightened and climbed up his hand, coiling around his arm.


    ¡°I have to talk some more with these two people, then I will take you back to your home. Sorry about all of this.¡± Newt did not mention the whole affair was a joke of his that got out of hand.


    ¡°Yesss,¡± the snake hissed, enjoying the warmth and growing drowsy.


    ¡°How did you do that?¡± Elder Alabaster asked.


    ¡°Well I told it to climb aboard, and it did. You heard what I said.¡±


    ¡°You hissed at it, the snake went from anxious to calm, then climbed up your arm. Are you a beast tamer as well?¡±


    Newt looked away from his master, towards the clerk, looking for some backup, but the man just nodded.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°What grade beast tamer are you?¡±


    ¡°I am not. I never did any tests.¡± Newt stuttered, but the clerk nodded like everything was fine.


    ¡°I will write ¡®novice¡¯, since that¡¯s just a mere first realm green python, and I¡¯ll add a note stating Elder Woodhopper should test you when she gets the chance.¡±


    The clerk jotted down everything he said before looking back at Newt. ¡°Anything else you¡¯ve mastered in these apparently extremely long seventeen years?¡±


    Newt shook his head, afraid his next joke about mining might also prove true.


    The clerk seemed equal parts relieved and disappointed as he produced a yellow-green warrior¡¯s robe, identical to the one his master wore.


    ¡°These are temporary. You are awfully skinny, and the regular robes aren¡¯t a match. A servant will come take your measurements around sundown, and a proper set of robes will be ready by the morning.¡±


    Then he handed Newt a stone triangle with rounded edges and a spiral engraved at the center. ¡°This is your inner disciple token; don¡¯t lose it. If you lose it, don¡¯t steal it from your fellow disciples, come here, and we will find it and fine you for losing it.¡±


    ¡°Does it do anything, aside from getting me fined?¡±


    ¡°It allows you access to facilities outer disciples aren¡¯t privy to, such as inner disciple sections of the library, special training grounds, and cultivation rooms.¡± The clerk shrugged. ¡°You are free not to take it if you¡¯re scared of losing it, but my advice is to keep it where you won¡¯t lose it. Moving on.¡±


    The clerk placed two small wooden cases before Newt. ¡°This is your monthly allowance, two recovery pills and two spirit gems adequate for your realm. And this is the key to your shared housing. Outer disciples sleep in groups of twelve, inner disciples in groups of four, core disciples have their own, separate residences, which they may share with whomever they wish.¡±


    The man placed a brass key on the counter.


    ¡°Losing or damaging the key comes with a fine. Any questions?¡±


    ¡°Why the fines? They are obviously a mundane rock and a mundane key?¡±


    ¡°We are the Explorer¡¯s Gate, not the Loser¡¯s Gate. Our job is to explore and find treasures.¡±


    And which treasures are you finding by sitting here? Lost keys?


    Newt stopped himself before the words left him and nodded. There was no reason to be mean towards the grumpy old man doing his job by the book.


    ¡°If there are no more questions, get acquainted with the rules. The Chamber of Punishment does not take kindly to those disregarding them. In some sects, personal power and connections allow you to disregard the rules, Explorer¡¯s Gate is not one of those organizations.¡±


    Newt felt a chill. ¡°What¡¯s the Chamber of Punishment?¡±


    ¡°A disciplinary division, a suborganization,¡± Elder Alabaster said. ¡°The founders thought it would sound better than Disciplinary Hall, which is what most sects go with. We also have the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Tomes, the Chamber of Pots, which is the alchemy division, and not the first thing that comes to mind.¡±


    The woman smiled at Newt¡¯s aghast expression.


    ¡°The alchemists got the short end of the stick, pardon my play on words, but the rest do sound at least somewhat imposing. Based on your skills you may work closely with the Chamber of Runes, with which I dabble, and the Chamber of Beasts.¡±


    ¡°They joked with the names of the sect institutions?¡± Newt asked, not quite believing what he was hearing, and hoping his master was pulling his leg. Again.


    ¡°The sect started as a loose and informal organization,¡± Elder Alabaster said. ¡°Then, after five generations, an extraordinary group of disciples rose, three of them reached the seventh realm, and one of them reached the eighth, becoming the new sect master. Their power drew more talented disciples, and over the millennia we got where we are. Explorer¡¯s Gate is relatively small for its level of power and the area we control.¡±


    Elder Alabaster waved at the clerk and left the room, talking all the while. Newt followed her into the hallway, holding the folded robe in his hands, while the token, the keys, and the two boxes were safely tucked away in his pouch.


    ¡°We have around ten thousand outer disciples, a thousand inner disciples, and fifty-three core disciples. You come with a recommendation, otherwise you would have started the first six months as an outer disciple, to see whether we are a good fit. Your power, talent, background, and the fact that I am your master mean nothing here. While other sects fight amongst themselves, do the imperial family¡¯s bidding for resources, and engage in crafting and commerce, our organization is built on the foundation of exploring dangerous areas for maximum gain.¡±


    They left the administration building and entered a spacious plaza with a large white fountain at the center. All the buildings were sculpted of earth compressed to the point where its hardness rivaled that of stone. There were no seams, as if each of the structures was made in one go.


    Elder Alabaster headed left, towards a path lined with tree ferns over a hundred feet tall.


    ¡°What keeps people alive in those conditions is unity, teamwork, and mutual aid. Naturally, if someone is too weak to stay alive, they have no place on the team, but after a certain point we prefer a calm temperament over raw power.¡±


    Why did they accept someone like you, then?


    Despite her demure physical appearance, Elder Alabaster emanated the aura of a wild-woman, tough and unyielding. Definitely not what Newt would call a team player.


    ¡°Most inner disciples are students of one elder or another, or at least aspiring to become their students. Play nice, befriend your roommates if possible, don¡¯t make enemies of them, they are the likeliest people to go out on missions with, and you will often work together.¡±


    For some reason, Newt recalled Dandelion with all his talk about amicability, but he had more important things to consider than his roommates.


    ¡°Excuse me, Master,¡± Newt started humbly, so as not to give a wrong impression. ¡°How will you teach me? Is there a class? A designated time of day when you will instruct me? What about the spell formation scribe and the beast tamer?¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s like this¡­¡±

 Chapter 67 - Roommates

    2nd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Based on the flaky impression he had of Elder Alabaster, Newt expected a lot of things from her. Two hours every day, ¡®be at the northern training field an hour before noon, and not a minute late or I beat you,¡¯ was definitely not one of them.


    The answer about finding the spell formation scribe and the beast tamer were more in line with his mental image of his master.


    ¡°Find them on your own. If you¡¯re interested in learning spell formations in more depth, find a master in the Chamber of Runes. Beast tamers are at the Chamber of Beasts.¡± Then, she pointed at a long, five-story building dotted with windows. ¡°This is the inner disciple accommodation, it¡¯s more comfortable than it looks. I spent two decades of my eternal youth there.¡±


    Newt looked at the massive place. He could see it fitting a thousand disciples, probably more, but those one thousand people would probably not be happy. Despite what Elder Alabaster claimed, there were not enough windows.


    ¡°Your room number is on your key. You have the rest of the day off, see you tomorrow.¡± Her smile disappeared and the cheerful tone became solemn. ¡°Don¡¯t be late.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Master.¡± Newt half-bowed, but Elder Alabaster was already leaving.


    The youth watched her leave at a surprisingly mortal pace, before he turned towards the building that looked like a giant loaf of square-shaped bread, riddled with windows. He drew a deep breath, and took his key, once more glancing at the five-o-three. Newt let out his breath as a sigh and headed for the building¡¯s main entrance.


    A handful of ancient warnings were carved on the wall, the letters overgrown with moss, which made them even easier to read. ¡®Cultivate at your own peril¡¯, ¡®No noise after sundown¡¯, ¡®Alchemy, artificing, and smithing forbidden¡¯, ¡®Don¡¯t be the reason we add more warnings¡¯.


    Newt did not understand the first, and wondered who came up with the idea of smithing inside a large communal building, and whether the warning about crafting was added later, along with the last one.


    An athletic youth walked out of the building. He appeared to be in mid-twenties, his spiritual energy aura placing him at a high second realm.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Newt greeted him, and the man stopped, ¡°I¡¯m Newstar, just arrived here. I¡¯m looking for room five-o-three, and I¡¯d be grateful if you could tell me where the Chamber of Runes and Chamber of Beasts are.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Newstar, I¡¯m Vermillionleaf. Five-o-three is on the fifth floor, good luck with your roommates. As for the various Chamber buildings, they are down that path.¡± Vermillionleaf pointed back down the path Newt had come from. ¡°The houses on the left belong to the core disciples, while the large buildings to the right are the various Chamber complexes. Why do you have a snake wrapped around your arm?¡±


    Newt glanced up at his upper arm and noticed the baby green python making light hissing snores, which had already become a background noise to his ears.


    I completely forgot about it.


    ¡°Would anyone mind if I place it on a tree somewhere around here? It¡¯s harmless to anyone above first realm.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone would mind,¡± Vermillionleaf shrugged, ¡°but I would put it deeper into the jungle, just in case. Anyways, good luck, nice to have you, and good luck.¡±


    The man left at a brisk pace after waving Newt goodbye, he obviously had somewhere he had to be.


    He wished me luck twice, no thrice. Do I really need luck that badly?


    Newt once again glanced at his python, and decided he would first leave his robe, pouch, spear, and sword in his room. Then he would find a nice sleeping branch for the python, whose rest he had disturbed with his failed practical joke.


    Newt entered a large, empty hall, decorated with signs warning against littering, smoke, open flames, and eating. They seemed sensible enough and apparently kept the hallway clean. There was a spiral stairway in the corner, and Newt climbed it all the way to the fifth floor, noting that the stairs continued upward to the roof.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Five-o-three was the fourth room to the left, across the hall from room five hundred forty-six. The hallway was dark, the only sources of light being the two windows on the opposite ends of the corridor. The floor was smooth, polished by centuries upon centuries of passing shoes.


    Newt stared at the door made of some dark-brown wood and at the brass number matching that of his key. The hallway was absolutely silent, and the only sound he could hear was the drumming of his racing heart.


    Newt placed the key into the lock, turned it, and opened the door.


    ¡°Good¡ª¡± The greeting died when he saw the gastonia pen that was the common room before him. No, gastonias were nice, orderly creatures compared to the beasts which had left piles of clothes everywhere, dishes of half-eaten food, and judging by the smell, they did not leave them in the last day and a half.


    And socks, the socks looked like the tenants had had a snowball fight with abused socks.


    Newt was not a neat freak. Servants cleaned after him when he was younger, but when he was with Dandelion and the gang, he cleaned up after himself. There were no servants to clean his equipment and clothes.


    Newt closed the door and checked the number.


    ¡°Five-o-three,¡± he mumbled, as if his chant and the clean corridor could alter reality, then he reopened the door. No magic had happened, the mess was still there. He glanced back and the engraved writing confirmed he could not use open flames to cremate his problems.


    Newt walked in, shuffling discarded clothes with his feet, wondering where to start. His nose made its demand known first, the piles of bowls and plates needed cleaning, and their contents needed disposing.


    Newt opened the window to ventilate the fermented disaster zone, left his new, clean, temporary robe on the windowsill, and got to work. Like a great confluence to create a smelly, muddy river, the assorted food scraps merged into a single bowl.


    Newt left the building. Once on the lawn, he covered the bowl, excluding its contents, with Magmin Scales, then Magmin Flame flashed, purging the budding abomination into ash and steam. Newt shook the ash onto the lawn, hoping the grass would appreciate it, and went back to his shared room where he washed the dishes.


    With the dishes done, he gathered all the clothes onto one big pile in the corner. The robes ranged from dark-blue and black to yellow and white, and included some with painted motifs, which Newt found girly, but decided not to judge his roommates.


    He had just started flicking his fingers at the cushions to punch the dust out of them when a door opened behind his back.


    ¡°Who¡¯s making that racket?¡±


    Newt spun around, face to face with a young woman. Her underpants were pink and frilly, her modest chest wrapped in white cloth, her skin sun-kissed, her face locked in a shocked expression.


    Newt¡¯s face was no better, his mouth hung open enough to fit an egg in, his eyes bulging like they were trying to leave their sockets. With a mahogany colored cushion in one hand, and a slumbering green snake coiled around the other, he was the stranger sight of the two.


    The indecent young woman screamed, ¡°Someone with a tiny python broke in!¡±


    ¡°Stop screaming. It¡¯s either tiny or a python, can¡¯t be both,¡± a groggy, but definitely female voice said from another room, followed by a door slowly opening and revealing an even more indecent young woman.


    The hungover, ebony-skinned girl put the provocative Dahlia to shame as she lazily eyed the situation.


    ¡°Oh, he has a snake.¡± The ebony-skinned girl rubbed her eye, nonplussed. ¡°What are you doing? Get the hell out, we¡¯re not welcoming visitors.¡±


    While Newt stared at her bare chest, his other roommate slammed her door shut, snapping Newt from his shock.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡ª¡± his mouth went dry as he struggled to find words. Any words.


    Do what Dandelion would do.


    ¡°Greetings,¡± he grinned, but the smile lacked Dandelion¡¯s charismatic nonchalance, revealing embarrassment, inexperience, and insecurity. ¡°I¡¯m Newstar, your new roommate.¡±


    He raised the key and waved it, trying and succeeding to shift the bare-chested woman¡¯s attention from himself to the proof that he had every right to be in the room. Silently, he blessed the key-shaped aegis.


    ¡°I just joined as an inner disciple today under Elder Alabaster. As for what I¡¯m doing.¡± Newt looked around at the considerably cleaner room, the wet, sparkly dishes next to the kitchen sink, and the mound of clothes. ¡°I thought nobody was home, so I started cleaning and airing the place.¡±


    An awkward silence descended and stretched.


    ¡°Nice to meet you. Is the third roommate also a girl or is this¡ª¡± Newt almost said, ¡®mess your doing¡¯, but stopped himself in time and found a better way to end the sentence, ¡°place where the two of you live alone?¡±


    ¡°My brother also lives here,¡± the woman said, not even trying to cover herself. ¡°He¡¯s out training and comes by once a week to sleep and clean up.¡±


    Newt wanted to ask what the hell were the two of them doing, but again held back the biting remark. Unfortunately, the woman, who still had not introduced herself, seemed to have read it from his expression.


    ¡°We are back from a tough mission, Roselilly¡¯s boyfriend died, and we don¡¯t really feel like living anymore. His stuff is still in his room, sorry if this sounds depressing, but I don¡¯t really care.¡±


    The woman then turned around, closed her door, and left Newt all alone in a three-quarters-clean room.

 Chapter 68 - Obsidian

    2nd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt was at a loss, unsure what to do. Both women shut themselves in their bedrooms while some unfortunate guy¡¯s stuff clogged his. Worse, he could not just throw the junk out, on account of the late guy¡¯s girlfriend, who in turn did not want to see or touch those things.


    What the hell?


    Fortunately, the cavalry arrived just in time.


    The door opened a bit too forcefully, and a tall man with broad shoulders, short curly hair, and thick lips walked in.


    ¡°You our new roommate?¡± he asked Newt, who had to look up to meet the man¡¯s gaze.


    Newt nodded.


    ¡°Greetings, I am Newstar.¡± For some reason, his hello lacked the impact of Dandelion¡¯s greetings, since the newcomer ignored him and just scanned the room.


    ¡°I¡¯m Obsidian, come with me.¡± Obsidian led Newt out the room, down the stairs, and out of the building.


    He looked left and right, grabbing Newt¡¯s upper arm, then let go as if scalded.


    ¡°Holy shit! Snake!¡±


    ¡°Holy ssshit! Human,¡± the tiny python hissed back, glaring at Newt¡¯s roommate.


    Is repeating what they hear a snake thing? Do they understand humans? Newt recalled how Magmin mimicked him when they first met. Heavens, that seems like centuries ago.


    ¡°I need to go put this little fellow back in the forest,¡± Newt explained. ¡°But I left my robes in the window.¡±


    ¡°Nothing will happen to them, nobody visits our room anymore. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    With hardly a thought, Newt followed a man a good head taller than him and almost twice as wide as he was into the unknown forest, with a jittery snake wrapped around his arm.


    ¡°You promisssed, you promissed,¡± the snake hissed, but relaxed when they reached the cover of the trees, and unwrapped itself from Newt¡¯s biceps when Newt stretched his arm out towards a tree.


    ¡°I am sorry for your loss.¡± Newt used the short stroll to think about what he should say and how to say it. No matter what he said, it would not change the fact that his roommates had lost a teammate and a friend, but there were some things he needed to say. ¡°I don¡¯t wish to replace your friend. I understand you recently returned from a mission, and that the wound is still fresh.¡±


    ¡°We returned more than a year ago, but Jasmine and Roselilly¡ª¡± Newt¡¯s skin crawled at the name. ¡°Is everything all right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sorry. Unpleasant memories associated with that name; you were saying that more than a year has passed?¡±


    Obsidian held Newt¡¯s gaze for a moment before slowly nodding. ¡°Yes, more than a year has passed, but they aren¡¯t moving on. They blame themselves for what had happened, but ultimately, it was Bluestream¡¯s choice, and an aberrant stegosaur that proved too strong for us. They don¡¯t even want to visit the soother, and alone as they are, seeking the bottom of the bottle rather than help, they will stagnate and get demoted.¡±


    Newt¡¯s faltering ability to follow Obsidian¡¯s torrent of words finally fell apart, as more and more unknowns assailed him, scrambling his understanding. ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯m new. What is a soother, and why will they get demoted?¡±


    ¡°You get demoted to the outer sect after not clearing a mission for a long time and if you don¡¯t advance your realm for a long time. The term long time is relative, so we can still hold on for a while, but our future is bleak. I will just go back into the inner sect in six months where I will form a new group, but Jasmine and Roselilly will keep sinking.¡±This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Why the hell did Elder Alabaster put me here? Does she want me to fail and go through the outer sect and into the inner sect, or does she want me to reform this dysfunctional team, or is it something third?


    Newt¡¯s mind drifted to the most horrifying possibility. Maybe Elder Alabaster was just pulling a practical joke. It was possible. The more he thought about it, the likelier it seemed. Luckily, Obsidian kept talking, pulling Newt out of the whirlpool of doubt.


    ¡°Soothers are people specialized in helping cultivators overcome their heart demons, fears, bottlenecks, and anything else that may hold us back from advancing. Losing your family, loved ones, and team members is often the source of heart demons and unresolvable regret.¡±


    Newt could not believe what he was hearing.


    ¡°There are cultivators focused on helping others clear their heart demons?¡±


    Obsidian shook his head. ¡°Soothers are mortals.¡±


    Newt gawked.


    ¡°Cultivators don¡¯t have the time to experience life the way mortals do, and we spend too much time isolated, so our understanding of loss and sorrow is much shallower than that of an old man or woman, who lived to bury their grandparents and their grandchildren. But there are young soothers as well, people with talent and those who led turbulent lives.¡±


    A sudden storm started in Newt¡¯s mind, but no matter how he looked at it, the notion made no sense.


    ¡°But they are just mortals. They don¡¯t understand our needs, past the second realm, cultivators are like a different species, and the differences continue to grow the higher the realm. What can a seventy-year-old woman teach a cultivator who is seven thousand years old? How could she help?¡±


    Granite shrugged. ¡°Talk to them, if you want. They helped me.¡±


    Newt was about to argue more, but then remembered Dandelion, and how Elder Frotsgrave treated him with respect and even complimented him, despite him being dozens of times younger. And did Dandelion not do the same to him, when Newt was also at least ten times younger? And what about Magmin? It was a snake, mere twelve years old when it set on the path of becoming a dragon.


    ¡°Thank you for the advice. I will talk to them.¡± Newt nodded, his mind calming. ¡°Sometimes ideas and inspiration come from unexpected sources.¡±


    Newt looked at his new roommate. He was more than a head taller than him, with broad shoulders. His teeth shone white against his dark-brown skin, his eyes hazel-colored, revealing sorrow and pain, mismatching his friendly smile. All in all, Obsidian seemed like a good, benevolent man, someone Newt would enjoy teaming up with.


    ¡°Do you mind telling me about your old team? I might be a poor fit for you.¡±


    Obsidian looked at Newt, thinking the young man wanted to worm his way out of the predicament. He could hardly blame him. After all, he was also trying to salvage his own cultivation and future. Jasmine and Roselilly refused all his attempts to help them, and he had moved on. It was perfectly understandable for a stranger to do the same immediately upon learning of their circumstances.


    ¡°Jas and I are front-line fighters, earth element cultivators focused on power, endurance, and close range combat. Rose is dual water and air aligned, focused on the healing aspect of water with the added mobility of air. She is a disciple of an elder, but the old woman seems to have given up on her. Fez was pure air, scout and support, good at moving around and distracting enemies. He was a great asset on the battlefield, and a goofy, but reliable friend.¡±


    Just by the way Obsidian said those last words, Newt could tell the big man was nowhere nearly as over the loss as he claimed, but unlike the two women, he was trying to pull together the fractured pieces of his old life and reforge them into something new.


    ¡°Thank you for sharing that. I actually think I might be a great fit for your team. I¡¯m a fairly mobile fire-earth cultivator. Maybe we could spar some time and see where I stand. I¡¯m the second layer of the third realm, by the way. What about you?¡±


    ¡°Third layer, and what do you mean you might be a great fit for our team? There is no team. It fell apart.¡±


    ¡°We should try to fix it. Do you plan to abandon your sister and friend?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, you never lost anyone. Look, the stego landed a nasty hit on Jas, Rose rushed to heal her, but misjudged the spirit beast¡¯s speed and reach. The tail-spikes which wounded Jas would¡¯ve smeared Rose all over the ground. Fez flew at her like an arrow, pushed her out of the way, then exploded like a sack of skin full of red paint.¡± Obsidian shuddered.


    ¡°It was a gruesome sight for me, but it was much worse for Jas and Rose. They were shocked, sprayed in gore of their loved one, and the stego almost wiped us out. I don¡¯t even recall how we got away.¡±


    Newt¡¯s breathing turned shallow, and his face paled as he listened to the story.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t there an elder watching over you?¡±


    Obsidian shook his head. ¡°A Senior Apprentice Brother, but fights are done without supervision. All successful sects and major clans send their members on real trials, each with a chance for death. We underestimated the stego, and we paid the price.¡±


    Newt started sweating. A fifth realm frostworm came awfully close to turning him and his friends into a red smear on the icy wall.

 Chapter 69 - The Chamber Street

    2nd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Opportunities always come with a certain risk.¡± Newt said after collecting himself.


    The words were hollow, when you heard the stories, the risk always happened to others and they survived, making it a gripping adventure, but a part of him knew that was the case because those who died lacked the ability to tell tales.


    If someone fell fighting a monster as a part of a team, their death would weaken the rest of the team, and more deaths would follow, potentially cascading into a complete annihilation. The only thing left behind those who perished were the ¡°treasures¡± others would pick up, and a written record, forgotten, collecting dust before rotting away entirely.


    ¡°Knowing and experiencing it are two different things.¡± Obsidian¡¯s voice trembled. It sounded almost all right, with only a hint of fear, yet that hint rang louder than a bell in Newt¡¯s ear. ¡°People think it¡¯s easy, they are like ¡®We¡¯re immortal, nothing can happen to us¡¯ or ¡®We¡¯re careful, accidents only happen to fools who rush headlong¡¯, but it can happen to anyone. One tiny slip, one misstep, and it¡¯s all over.¡±


    Obsidian smiled, but the fake mirth was gone, replaced by dejection, guilt, and something more, something outside Newt¡¯s ability to grasp.


    It¡¯s not your fault, can¡¯t you just let it go? The thought struck him like an epiphany, and the shadow of his uncle, one which Newt knew lurked in the vast expanse of his realm cracked. He could see the broken body become a porcelain doll, its skin cracking and black miasma rising from it. The porcelain rusted away, turned to dust, then smoke, and then, then it was gone.


    A horrible burden pressing down on Newt disappeared, and a tear slid down his cheek.


    Thank you. Newt did not know who he was thanking, Obsidian, himself, or his uncle¡¯s ghost. It did not matter. What mattered was that the invisible chains crushing Newt¡¯s chest were gone, at least the ones relating to Victor. Merely checking whether the anxiety he felt regarding the search for his parents still existed made Newt¡¯s guts twist.


    ¡°Obsidian,¡± Newt placed a hand on the man¡¯s upper arm, noting it was as tough as rock, ¡°you need to let go. What happened is not your fault. It¡¯s nobody¡¯s fault. I think your friend expected he would survive the blow or dodge. He wanted to save his girlfriend, not to kill himself. And even if he expected he would die, I don¡¯t think he wanted you to waste away and crumble under the weight of your heart demons. What would he say if he saw you guys today?¡±


    Wow! Where did that come from? It sounded good. Newt¡¯s thoughts wandered towards Stronggrow and Dandelion, finding a lot of their influence in the speech he just delivered.


    ¡°The soother said the same thing.¡± Obsidian mumbled, but it was obvious he needed to spend some time alone.


    Newt nodded, promised him he would do everything in his power to help with Jasmine and Roselilly, and left to find the Chamber of Runes or the Chamber of Beasts.


    All is well. I can do this. Just pretend you are someone who can get things done and do what they would do.


    Newt walked down the earthen path and reached the crossroads, already growing numb to the beauty and the melodious chatter of the surrounding tropical forest. To his left stood two lines of identical single-story houses sculpted of earth. Most of their gardens were also identical, with several exceptions. One in the distance looked like a junkyard full of wooden debris, another had a shack with smoke coming out of it, while another two had replaced the identical layout of flowers with their custom ones. Three houses away, a blue-crested microceratus slept on the lawn, basking in the sunlight. Newt focused on the diminutive ceratopsian and saw it was in the same realm as he was.


    Wow! Someone has a spirit beast companion! It was obvious the small guy was not a mount, and given the watery aura, it could almost certainly heal its owner. Newt scrutinized the other yards, but saw no other spiritual beasts. He counted exactly one hundred residences and wondered whether the ones with uniform gardens were empty before his gaze drifted back to the microceratus.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Wait, having a water-aligned snake that can heal, or an air aligned one that can scout could be incredibly useful. Especially since we can understand each other.


    The thought intrigued Newt, and he decided to seriously entertain it later as he turned around to check out the other path.


    Unlike the one leading towards the residential area, the other led towards two large buildings, one on each side of the road. Newt walked towards them, and as he drew closer, he spotted there were more large buildings in the distance.


    The nearest two had gilded letters, nearly as tall as he was, denoting them as Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of Punishment. The buildings were impressive, and while they were identical, with the same sculpted nature as the rest of the structures Newt had seen so far, he immediately found a difference.


    The Chamber of Commerce had a large warehouse behind the main building, while the Chamber of Punishment stood on its own. The building was just as bright, and with just as many mirror-windows as the Chamber of Commerce, yet it radiated a stern, oppressive air rather than a welcoming one.


    Newt strained his third eye, but saw nothing out of the ordinary, even though his gut was telling him that the difference lay in the spell formation wards surrounding the two buildings. He did not believe a building by itself could make him feel the need to enter, nor the desire to stay away from it.


    Newt continued down the path, walking another hundred yards, past the neatly trimmed bushes and brightly colored flowers, until he reached the next two buildings; the Chamber of Pots and the Chamber of Forges. The buildings had identical architecture to the first two, but the surrounding complexes were much bigger than the one around the Chamber of Commerce.


    Next to the Chamber of Forges stood several dozen blacksmith workshops, smoke rising from a third of them. But just as it hit the uppermost layers of the jungle canopy, some sixty feet off ground, the smoke disappeared. Another spell formation, but Newt could see neither the runic array nor the sign of spiritual energy movement as the spell formation captured or canceled the smoke in some way. Somehow, the spell formation scribe who made them obscured the irregular flow of spiritual energy.


    Even though he was mere yards away, Newt smelled neither the smoke, nor the herbs, which alchemists must have been using in their work. Newt then focused on the unfortunately named division.


    The Chamber of Pots had several domed gardens and a large warehouse, which they used for storage or for crafting. Possibly both, but Newt¡¯s interest in alchemy amounted to a passing curiosity and need for cultivation resources.


    The next two buildings were the Chamber of Runes and the Chamber of Tomes, which Newt guessed was the impressively labeled library.


    I bet Dandelion would spend years in there if he got the chance. Newt eyed the library and the two disciples entering it, thinking that it was about time he started reading and exploring the possibilities of what world had to offer beside his own conclusions and Dandelion¡¯s suggestions.


    He sighed. He really did not feel like sitting in a stuffy room, studying tomes which may or may not be useful to him, waiting to get lucky.


    Do I really need inspiration from others when I have already started on the path of shaping my realm into a giant two-element spell formation?


    Newt wanted to believe he was confident, but a part of him knew he was just being lazy. He was too young, too much in a hurry to just sit in a library for years, contemplating the perfect way to develop his realm. Dandelion had tried to explain the importance of patience and taking his time, but Newt was simply too young, too inexperienced to understand what a man ten times older than him was saying.


    He huffed in frustration and headed for the Chamber of Runes. The terracotta walls clashed with large glass windows and glass doors much less than Newt had expected. The door seemed frail, as did his reflection, but as Newt opened it, he caught sight of dozens of invisible runes inside, revealed by the sunlight as the door moved.


    He yearned to open and close the door over and over again, to stare at the arrays, but the woman standing behind a tall desk had set her eyes on him. Newt passed the threshold, and the sounds and smells of the jungle disappeared. The overly humid air became pleasantly dry, and the temperature dropped below what Newt perceived as pleasant.


    ¡°Good day,¡± the wiry woman in Explorer¡¯s Gate robes glanced above Newt, ¡°Senior Apprentice Brother, what may I do for you?¡±


    Newt looked up and saw ¡°Inner¡± written above the door.


    ¡°How did the door know I¡¯m an inner disciple?¡±


    ¡°It registered your token, Senior Apprentice Brother. Do you require specific spell formations scribed for you, are you looking to purchase talismans?¡± The brown-haired clerk listed the most usual services her division provided with a fake cheery smile.


    ¡°I am Newstar, I¡¯m a journeyman spell formation scribe¡ª¡± What¡¯s his name, what¡¯s his name? Did that old clerk give me a name at all? Woodchopper? Newt tried, but could not recall, resolving to fix that flaw. Too many new, exciting things were happening all around, but names were important. ¡°I¡¯ve just joined, and the old man who admitted me told me to come here and find a mentor.¡±


    The wiry brunette¡¯s smile grew more genuine. ¡°A journeyman joining all of a sudden is unusual. Give me a minute, I¡¯ll check with the chamber head.¡±

 Chapter 70 - Scribing and Charming

    2nd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Good day, I am Elder Longfang. I¡¯m also a member of the Formation Scribes¡¯ Guild. You must be extraordinary to join outside the admittance period.¡±


    Newt half-bowed to Elder Longfang, he was the person with the highest concentration of spiritual energy he had met so far. Newt guessed the lanky man was at the peak of the fifth realm. His face indicated he was in his thirties, but the sharp gaze with which he dissected Newt revealed a much more advanced age.


    ¡°It is an honor to meet you, Senior. I am Newstar Blazing Salamander, a journeyman member of the guild.¡±


    Elder Longfang held Newt¡¯s gaze for a moment before nodding in appreciation.


    ¡°A natural double core, however I must admit I haven¡¯t had the pleasure of hearing about your clan.¡±


    Newt was confused, the elder¡¯s tone suggested that he was praising his background, but what was Newt supposed to do? Pretending that he originated from an influential family wouldn¡¯t last, but saying his clan had declined felt awkward after the praise.


    ¡°My clan is tiny, located at the fringes of the world, it really isn¡¯t worth mentioning. I awakened my double core by pure chance.¡± Newt smiled awkwardly, but Elder Longfang took it in stride, apparently doubting Newt¡¯s words and taking them as false modesty.


    ¡°And you being a journeyman is also an accident?¡± he said with a friendly smile.


    ¡°Well, no. I passed the test with my own ability. However, while I have enough theoretical knowledge, I have only laid down one spell formation so far.¡±


    Longfang nodded. ¡°It¡¯s fairly uncommon for someone to get a journeyman¡¯s badge with no practical experience, but not entirely unheard of. If you wish to join the Chamber of Runes, there are several rules and obligations, with corresponding merit. Like in the guild, you are paid for your work, you may purchase materials you personally need at subsidized prices, and pay for lessons on specific problems troubling you.¡±


    Newt noted the word personally, meaning he could not buy materials cheaper and then sell the end product or resell the materials to someone else. While Newt thought about the implications, Elder Longfang kept talking.


    ¡°For minor matters, you can try asking seniors with whom you have built a rapport, but I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll have to pay for anything worthwhile. Alternatively, you can become my disciple, I¡¯m a grandmaster scribe, but that comes with disciple obligation and future focus on spell formations exclusively. Considering you have only made one spell formation up to now, it doesn¡¯t sound like spell formations are your primary path, but rather a supporting occupation.¡±


    The tall, skinny man looked at Newt, and the youth nodded.


    ¡°You are correct, Senior; scribing is just a side occupation to help sharpen my mind and improve my cultivation.¡±


    Newt could see a hint of surprise in the elder¡¯s eyes, and his fake smile became a tad more natural.


    ¡°A wise choice, scribing runes is in many ways like cultivation itself, reading the situation, then meticulously laying elements in an intricate pattern to achieve your goal. In this regard, scribing is superior to alchemy and forging, even if it pays less. The advantage granted to you by your third eye is merely a bonus.¡±


    Elder Longfang stared into the distance, before focusing once more on Newt.


    ¡°I suggest you take your time. We have practice rooms that mimic various terrain features and different spiritual energy flows. Lay several hundred basic spell formations and work your way up from there. Once you have reached the level of proficiency you are satisfied with, head to the library and start perusing the more complex arrays and associated contexts. Our sect focuses on treasure hunting, and spell formations are an excellent tool for the job.¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Newt thanked the elder, promised he would work on his scribing skills, and headed out to find the Chamber of Beasts. He followed the impossibly tough earthen path, passing building after building. Almost all division complexes consisted of merely the main building, with only the Chamber of Instruction having two large arenas beyond it, and Chamber of Mechanisms sprouting dozens of small hut-like workshops.


    Then Newt reached the wall at the end of the road. Four simple words stood above the gate large enough to allow a titanosaur through, which was a silly notion, considering the road was much too small for such a gigantic creature. ¡®Danger, do not enter,¡¯ Newt read the sign and complied, glancing around.


    To his left stood an administration building with a sign that denoted it as the Chamber of Beasts, while the sign to his right said, ¡°Chamber of Healing¡±.


    The fact that they are across the street from each other is obviously accidental, and not an ominous sign or design. And the Chamber of Mechanisms being right next door to the Chamber of Healing is also a pure coincidence.


    Newt pushed the thoughts of impending injuries out of his mind and headed towards the mirror door, identical to the Chamber of Rune¡¯s.


    Is there a point to identical main buildings? But then Newt focused on the door. Refracted sunlight revealed the runes once more, but Newt¡¯s knowledge was too shallow and the runes too numerous for him to make out.


    He paused opening the door, leaving it ajar so that he could better see the nearest set of runes. In the corner of his eye, Newt caught the clerk raising his head and begrudgingly walked into the spacious lobby.


    ¡°Greetings!¡± Newt inclined his head as his Junior Apprentice Brother looked above the door to check Newt¡¯s status. ¡°I am Newstar Blazing Salamander, a new inner disciple. The senior in charge of taking my information instructed me to come here, and have my ability tested.¡±


    ¡°Greetings, Senior Apprentice Brother Newstar, do you wish to take a test to join our division, or do your interests lie in other fields? Beast-taming is a large commitment, both in terms of time and resources.¡± The disciple, who looked like he was in thirties, older than Elder Longfang, explained with a genuine smile of a person enjoying their work. Newt noticed the book he had been reading, From Hatchling to King, a step-by-step guide to rearing Tyrannos.


    ¡°Unless you have an obscene amount of wealth, your cultivation will lag behind your peers, because you will have a companion to feed and push through cultivation realms. The kinship is its own reward, though, and those loving, giant, saurian eyes will make all your suffering worthwhile. Cultivation is a long journey, but one we needn¡¯t take alone.¡±


    Newt watched the dreamy gaze in the tyrannosaur enthusiast¡¯s eyes, and realized that his idea with having multiple snake companions at his realm came with the cost of paying for the spiritual energy they required to advance their own realms to remain relevant to Newt.


    I could keep a pair one realm lower than mine, but then they would have to stay away from any battles, and their effects could be reduced. Besides, the scout snake would be too slow, and too easily spotted if I used it to track higher realm opponents.


    And what do you mean loving? Those dead reptilian eyes creep the life out of me.


    ¡°Um,¡± Newt tried to recall what the original question was. Right, how dedicated I am. I guess the answer is not a little bit, I don¡¯t even have the spirit gems for my own cultivation. ¡°I am uncertain. I need to speak with an elder and check how much talent I have?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± the tyrannosaur enthusiast said with much more energy than Newt would have expected. ¡°Wait here, I¡¯ll go get Elder Woodhopper.¡±


    Hopper, not chopper, Newt repeated silently, and before he could reply the clerk was rushing away down the lobby. He looked around, and while the building was identical, the glowing runic motives on the wall and ceiling were replaced with ink paintings.


    A man rode a stegosaurus, lightning flashing from the reptile¡¯s eyes. A woman wearing a flowing dress sat atop a longneck¡¯s head. Newt failed to identify the exact type of dinosaur, to him they all looked the same, but he guessed that in the Chamber of Beasts, failing to recognize the exact species, gender, and age was probably a faux pas.


    The next canvas depicted a man with a strange, wide-brimmed hat riding a tyrannosaurus, dark flames rising from the monster¡¯s eyes, and opposed to him, a woman sat behind a triceratops¡¯s helmet-like carapace. Earth and rocks clung to the triceratops¡¯s legs, and the two paintings were positioned in such a way that they looked like they were charging at each other, ready for an epic clash.


    Beneath the hanging images were wide, boxy pots full of various grasses. Newt knew they were herbs, and they perfumed the entire room in a sharp smell of pine, but his knowledge of flora was even worse than his knowledge of savage dinosaurs.


    ¡°Good day, I am Elder Woodhopper,¡± Newt looked up, surprised by the feminine voice. He nearly took a shocked step back when the white-haired, half-crazed saurian zealot he expected turned out to be a shapely woman with auburn hair almost the exact same shade as his. The woman, who looked like she was in her early twenties, stood two steps away, staring at him with dazzling emerald-colored eyes and a light smile.

 Chapter 71 - Blind

    2nd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He opened his mouth, but words failed him, and Elder Woodhopper¡¯s smile grew wider.


    ¡°You are Newstar, a new inner disciple. It¡¯s highly irregular for you to join the inner sect at this time.¡±


    Newt nodded and clamped his mouth shut, feeling blood rush into his cheeks.


    I¡¯m a moron, I have to pull myself together. A part of Newt screamed, while another sighed. She¡¯s beautiful.


    Then the third, rational thought made itself known. She¡¯s a void of spiritual energy.


    The thought of the woman¡¯s high realm immediately snapped Newt back to reality.


    ¡°Greetings, Elder,¡± he bowed, using the motion to collect himself.


    ¡°Yes, I am Newstar Blazing Salamander. Elder¡­ Alabaster,¡± How the hell did I forget the name of my master for a moment? ¡°has taken me as her disciple. I am here because the senior who handled me directly joining the inner sect told me I should get tested by you.¡±


    Newt¡¯s heart was beating embarrassingly quickly, he could feel himself burning as if he had used Magmin Flames without protecting himself with Magmin Scales. He kept a bowing position to put his body under control, but Elder Woodhopper did not give him the chance.


    ¡°At ease. Are you a member of the guild of beast tamers?¡±


    Newt straightened himself, he was reluctant, but he had more or less regained control of his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m not. And I don¡¯t think I¡¯m a real tamer either, I can only do snakes. I mean, I can make them listen to my commands, or at least more likely to have them listen to me.¡±


    Elder Woodhopper gazed at Newt with an amused smirk and a sparkle of interest in her intelligent eyes.


    ¡°That sounds intriguing.¡± She touched her thin red lips with a slender, sun-kissed finger. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the pens and test your claim.¡±


    She spun on her heels, her bare feet slapping the polished, impossibly hard earth from which the building was made. Newt stared at her back, mesmerized for a moment before trotting after her with much less dignity than he would have liked.


    ¡°You have no interest in being a beast tamer, do you?¡± Elder Woodhopper said, her voice just as cheery as it was when she introduced herself.


    Newt gulped. ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious. You doubted yourself in the role from the start, no hope in your voice, and you¡¯re talking about snakes, which might obey you, as things rather than companions.¡±


    Newt could hear a bit of sharpness in her voice, a reprimand, and, as expected, her words grew harsher. ¡°I would¡¯ve just kicked you out, but you are somewhat interesting for a junior. The head administrator sent you here, you joined out of term, skipped a whole step of sect-life, and your snake specialization is out of the ordinary.¡±


    She glanced back at Newt, flashing a genuine smile. ¡°Besides, I owe some face to your ancestor. The descendants of slayers rarely join sects outside the sects in which they have achieved their grand feat.¡±


    The way Elder Woodhopper spoke was the final straw that piqued Newt¡¯s curiosity. He finally wondered what was so special about his surname, and the slayers mentioned in passing several times so far.


    ¡°Senior, do you mind if I ask a stupid question?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, and there are no stupid questions.¡±


    ¡°What exactly,¡± Newt hesitated, ¡°is a slayer?¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Elder Woodhopper stopped, spun in a blur, and stared at Newt. The young man shied away, shrinking into himself.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡±


    Newt weakly shook his head, having a feeling he was embarrassing his ancestor.


    ¡°No offense, but your family has really sunk low if you don¡¯t even know this much.¡± The note of pity in Elder Woodhopper¡¯s voice landed like a slap. ¡°The honorable slayers are extraordinary individuals who bested a fully evolved spiritual beast at the same realm in single combat.¡±


    Newt did not understand what was so special about the feat. He himself had slain a frostworm his realm and did not find it a feat worthy of a title uttered with such reverence.


    ¡°You don¡¯t get it. Do you know what¡¯s the difference between fully evolved, evolved, and innate spiritual beasts? Do you know what¡¯s the difference between spiritual beasts and regular beasts?¡±


    ¡°Spiritual beasts have spiritual energy?¡± Newt said, and Elder Woodhopper¡¯s glare felt like another blow.


    ¡°What do they teach you youths? How can you have a double root and not know things this basic?¡± Anger rose in Elder Woodhopper¡¯s voice until she suddenly reined it in. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. How old are you, what kind of education did you get?¡±


    ¡°Seventeen, and er.¡± Newt looked down to the ground.


    ¡°Sorry. You¡¯re very young. Especially for your realm. Follow me, I will explain as we walk.¡± Elder Woodhopper turned around to hide the twinge of pity and sorrow pulling at her face. She could tell at a glance that Newt had gone through something better left unsaid.


    ¡°In its truest sense, spirit beasts are beasts that awaken their spirit, and have twin cores. Your answer is correct in slang and an abuse of specialized terms, but amongst beast tamers, that kind of fallacy is frowned upon. Spirit beasts before the sixth realm are so rare, they might as well not exist.¡±


    She said the last part as if talking about the legendary one-horned stegosaurus.


    ¡°Now, regarding the more important question of fully evolved, evolved and innate spirit beasts. Innate spirit beasts are those who never surpass their natural limit and their parents¡¯ realm. Evolved are those who surpass their innate potential by at least one realm, and can you guess what the fully evolved spirit beasts are?¡±


    Newt considered the question for a moment and considered what he knew about Magmin. When Elder Woodhopper remained silent, showing she wanted an answer, he voiced his guess.


    ¡°Fully evolved spirit beasts are those evolved from regular, mortal beasts?¡±


    ¡°Correct. Do you know what makes them special?¡±


    Newt considered the question, but eventually found no answer.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°They start from the bottom. They fight for every scrap resource, for every bit of power they manage to snatch. Such spiritual beasts are clever, resourceful, their intelligence and techniques are beyond anything their peers have to offer. Their tribulations are terrifying, as the world itself tries to purge them, but those that survive are impossibly tough. They can usually crush anyone in their realm and even fight spiritual beasts of a higher realm. Even if they rarely win, they also rarely lose. They live deep in the Savage Wood, hoarding the best resources, occupying the richest spiritual veins.¡±


    Elder Woodhopper, glanced back, and saw Newt properly awed.


    ¡°Do you now understand why I respect your ancestor? Why everyone with a shred of honor would respect them?¡±


    Newt nodded, then his gaze turned hollow. Strangers respected his family, their tradition, and the meaning of their name, yet what did they do with it? Their family almost crumbled, extinguishing all memory of such a dazzling figure of his generation. But one thing made no sense.


    ¡°Why would anyone ever hunt such a dangerous creature by themselves?¡±


    ¡°To challenge themselves? To resolve a heart demon, to prove their bravery and wash away slander, to woo someone above their station. The reasons are countless, like reasons for everything humans do, like reasons for cultivation. The point is that few dare try, and nearly everyone fails. Even returning alive and maimed from such a venture is a rare glory and something people brag about, let alone achieving the feat.¡±


    Newt walked in silence, considering everything he heard, and found a problem with the logic.


    ¡°Senior, I have another question. Why don¡¯t higher realm cultivators strike down the fully evolved spiritual beasts?¡±


    Elder Woodhopper burst into laughter. ¡°You really know nothing. Go into the library and read. You need education more than you need to advance your realm, but I will humor you. In the long history of our empire, whenever anyone had that bright idea, the world was drenched in blood. Such action always sparked what is commonly known as dinosaur migration, but is in reality the ripples of violence as higher realm spiritual beasts came to answer the challenge to their authority. Fully evolved eighth realm spiritual beasts are as strong as ninth realm, ninths as tenth, tenth as eleventh.¡±


    Elder Woodhopper paused to lend gravity to her words. ¡°The one time a fully evolved tenth realm spiritual beast left Savage Wood was in the third cycle. The third emperor, our only combatant capable of fighting it, gave his life to slay it, their battle reshaping the terrain for hundreds of thousands of miles around.¡±


    Newt gulped. He knew of a tenth realm, fully evolved spiritual beast. It was Magmin. So, for some reason Magmin had left his jungle, came into the human lands and started an annihilation which ended with mutual destruction of Magmin and humanity¡¯s greatest warrior.


    He knew he really should not ask, but the pull, the itch he felt, tugged at his tongue.


    ¡°What kind of spirit beast was it?¡± he said, his heart racing.


    ¡°A gigantic pterosaur of ice and wind, the records label it as the Cloud Monarch, but the accounts are so ancient, there are hardly any living humans who remember the incident.¡±

 Chapter 72 - Voids to Fill

    2nd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Huh?¡± That wasn¡¯t Magmin?


    ¡°What happened with the cores?¡± Still obsessed with money, Newt hardly considered the embarrassing question as it escaped lips. Luckily, Elder Woodhopper misunderstood his concern.


    ¡°Both the Cloud Monarch¡¯s and the emperor¡¯s are presumed to have exploded, wiping out all life in a huge area. It was a catastrophic calamity. Even those who escaped the immediate combat zone lost their lives.¡±


    Newt shuddered. He had seen the explosion of third realm cores, and their power grew exponentially with each realm. Four tenth realm cores exploding would start a cataclysm.


    As he formed the mental image, Elder Woodhopper pushed the giant gate, opening only a small side door, which was seamlessly hidden as a part of the colossal one. Newt followed her in, and as soon as he passed an invisible line, the stench of manure wafted into his nose. All around, beasts in large enclosures slept, ate, or played without a sound.


    Newt gazed at the surreal sight, unable to identify half the dinosaurs he saw. The tiny ones, barely reaching up to his knees, had enclosures just as big as the hundred-foot-long longneck two pens away.


    ¡°So, you said snakes alone, right?¡± Elder Woodhopper brought Newt before a titanic creature, coiled and basking in the sun, its size easily matching the fifth realm frostworm. ¡°Try taming this one. The sound can pass through now.¡±


    Newt stared at the snake¡¯s head, which was big enough to gobble him up in a single swallow.


    ¡°Greetings,¡± he hissed, and the serpent opened its eyes, locking its cruel gaze on him. Before Newt could come up with what he would tell the serpent, it uncoiled, raising its head, staring death at him.


    ¡°How do you ssspeak?¡± it asked, the tip of its tail rapidly slapping the ground, raising tiny puffs of dust.


    ¡°A friend taught me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Liessss!¡± The colossal snake pounced, and Newt jumped back just as its head smashed into an invisible wall two yards ahead of him.


    The snake stared death at him. ¡°Graverobber! Thief! Treacherousss egg-eater!¡±


    It kept hurling weird insults at Newt, and the Elder Woodhopper nodded before tapping white stone she had in her hand, and the snake¡¯s curses disappeared.


    ¡°Follow me.¡± She led Newt to another invisible cage, this one hosting a rainbow-colored winged serpent. Newt admired the shimmering pattern of glistening scales on the creature¡¯s wings when Elder Woodhopper tapped on her stone and motioned him with her head.


    ¡°Greetings,¡± Newt hissed again, and once more caught the serpent¡¯s attention.


    The twenty-foot-long slender reptile raised its head, looking at him with interest and without a hint of the mindless hatred, which overflowed from the titanic serpent.


    ¡°Good day.¡± The snake asked no questions and settled for observing Newt.


    ¡°I am Newstar, what is your name?¡±


    ¡°Rainbow cloud snake. Are you here to give me an offering of food? Luxurious oils to rub my wings? What kind of present did you bring me?¡±


    Newt gazed at the snake. ¡°I beg your pardon?¡±


    ¡°Oh, are you the present the slave has brought for me? It is an interesting gimmick, teaching one of your kind to speak, but why would I want to speak with an inferior species? Are you my new toy?¡±


    Newt looked at Elder Woodhopper. ¡°Why does this entitled snake think I¡¯m its new chew toy?¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The sun-kissed woman nodded, her brow furrowed.


    ¡°So, you have a serpent¡¯s tongue? I guess the myths are true sometimes.¡± Whatever the elder was talking about had nothing to do with Newt¡¯s question, and she kept ignoring it. ¡°You can understand all serpents, and serpents understand you. There¡¯s something I¡¯ve wanted to confirm for years, follow me.¡±


    Elder Woodhopper brought Newt back towards the entrance and stopped when they reached the longneck¡¯s pen.


    If Newt was pressed to guess its exact species, he would have gone with diplodocus, but with the evolutions making it bulkier, it was difficult to tell.


    Elder Woodhopper tapped the stone again, and the grayish-green diplodocus focused on the sudden flood of sound, slowly shifting its head towards them, still chewing on succulent greenish-purple horsetail leaves.


    ¡°Go ahead, say something.¡±


    ¡°Um, greetings?¡±


    The diplodocus did not respond to Newt¡¯s words, nor did its gaze flicker at Newt¡¯s hiss.


    ¡°I guess longnecks really aren¡¯t related to snakes.¡± Elder Woodhopper tapped the command stone once more, restoring the sound barrier. While Newt thought it was obvious that the two were not related, all the legs and the massive torso made it apparent in his mind, Elder Woodhopper seemed disappointed.


    ¡°So, you have the mythical snake tongue, which allows you to understand snakes and speak with them.¡± Elder Woodhopper went towards the exit, and Newt guessed his test was done and that he had probably failed. ¡°The fact in itself is an interesting quirk, and may help you if you decide to dedicate your time to taming, but you have more important matters to take care of.¡±


    They left through the tiny hatch on the giant gate, and the air once more turned fresh and flowery.


    ¡°You have huge gaps in your knowledge, and if you know what¡¯s good for you, you will spend most of your next two-three years in the library. Don¡¯t even try to work on your realm, it¡¯s high enough as it is for your age. I¡¯m fairly certain Alabaster will tell you the exact same thing, and you should take her words to heart.¡±


    Newt nodded.


    ¡°What about my team¡¯s missions?¡± Based on what Obsidian said, Newt did not have the luxury of reading books for several years. Not that he had the patience for it, either.


    ¡°All their deadlines are extended by three months until they incorporate a new member, so you have three months, then two mandatory missions per year, which will probably eat away some two months every year. Alabaster will explain in greater detail. She¡¯s got five-six disciples, and she is a very dedicated master.¡±


    ¡°Honored Elder,¡± Newt did his best Dandelion imitation so far, ¡°could you tell me which element is the most suited for taming beasts?¡±


    Elder Woodhopper shrugged. ¡°Any element is fine, as long as it matches or complements your companion. For instance, I¡¯m yang earth, warm and life-nurturing, healing oriented, while my little Bronze is yin earth, cold and hard, metal oriented. We make a great team, and our bond allows us to coordinate better than most cultivators at the same realm.¡±


    Do I want a giant serpent companion? Do I need one? Newt decided those were questions for later, much, much later.


    Newt thanked Elder Woodhopper and headed back, thinking about what he should immediately focus on and dispelling her beautiful face from memory. He had plenty of things to do, check how much it would cost to arm himself, how to communicate with Elder Frostgrave, whether he could independently search for his parents, see a soother and talk to that amazing individual, but his mentor could probably direct him regarding all those topics.


    And until he met Elder Alabaster, Newt had four hours of daylight and a whole night. He stopped before the building to which everyone pointed him to and looked at its sign.


    Chamber of Tomes. A waste of time? All the answers Newt sought? The first encounter with a library and a librarian weighed heavily on Newt¡¯s mind. How many resources will they ask per book? Only one way to find out.


    Newt pushed open the door, failing to check the runes, which must have been laid inside the glass. Instead, he focused all his attention on an elderly lady. She was looking at him too, a book half lowered, leaning on the counter.


    The first thing Newt noticed about her was that she had the heavy aura of one void of spiritual energy.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior,¡± Newt bowed, and the woman smiled lightly.


    ¡°Am I so frightening you need to steel yourself before opening the door?¡±


    Newt swallowed a lump and stood straight.


    ¡°I have¡ª¡± Newt hesitated. What kind of experience did he have with the imperial library? He came and lacked the resources to read anything. Recalling the situation yet again, he found the perfect word. ¡°¡ªa poor experience with libraries.¡±


    ¡°Well, we mustn¡¯t have that. Reading and writing are fundamental skills in cultivation. Being able to understand and apply the experiences of others promotes your insight, being able to articulate and commit your thoughts to paper advances your own comprehension and sometimes gives unexpected enlightenment.¡±


    The elderly woman smiled, light dimples forming on her wrinkle-free face, yet Newt hardly noticed her friendly expression. He focused on the whole of her, the wisdom in her eyes, the platinum-white hair, and her bearing told him this woman was probably the oldest human he had seen in his life.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡ª¡± Dammit, why am I so nervous in here? ¡°¡ªlooking for answers and guidance.¡±


    The librarian¡¯s smile never left her face.


    ¡°Well, in that case, you have come to the right place.¡±

 Chapter 73 - The Chamber of Tomes

    2nd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°You may check out up to three tomes containing no secrets, martial arts, or cultivation techniques. You may read them wherever, or even take them on missions. However, you have to sit down and copy them by hand, should you lose or damage them in any way.¡± The librarian¡¯s voice turned harder than basalt when she mentioned book misuse.


    ¡°Tomes containing sect secrets, martial arts, and cultivation techniques you are free to read here. Some require contribution points, others resources, or specific actions on your part. Some are limited by realm, seniority, supporting arts you know, and many other factors. But you are young and have enough time to create a clear picture of what you wish to do with your life.¡±


    Newt believed that, going by this woman¡¯s standards, most people he had met over the course of his life were young and had enough time to change their path. Still, he nodded dutifully before speaking.


    ¡°Senior, if you don¡¯t mind explaining how this works? Do I tell you what I¡¯m looking for, or is there a spell formation which lets me find books?¡±


    ¡°The system is much more magical.¡± The librarian motioned Newt to follow, and they entered a small side room, lined with cabinets marked with letters.


    ¡°You open this,¡± and she pulled open a drawer, revealing a row of loosely packed cards. ¡°Then you rifle through these until you find the book you¡¯re looking for, and finally you come to me and bring the card. Then I give you your book, and magic happened.¡±


    The old woman wiggled her fingers, and Newt deadpanned at her.


    Useless. I have to know the name of the book I¡¯m looking for?


    ¡°And if I don¡¯t know the name of the book I¡¯m looking for? Or even if it exists?¡±


    ¡°Smart boy.¡± The librarian nodded and motioned Newt to follow her once more. They went back to the lobby and entered a much larger room lined with bookcases full of books, a dozen disciples of various ages quietly reading or staring at the shelves.


    ¡°Here you can find various topics,¡± she whispered pointing towards a plaque saying, ¡®Geography¡¯. Below the sign, Newt saw smaller ones, ¡®Rivers¡¯, ¡®Mountains¡¯, ¡®Cities¡¯, each with their own shelf or multiple shelves.


    ¡°Each tome holds titles of other books, a synopsis, and explains how the book relates to the topic. Books just mentioning the topic in passing aren¡¯t listed, to prevent clutter.¡±


    She paused, and Newt took in all the plaques. Sects, a sub-division of politics, were divided into allies, enemies, and neutral forces, allies further divided into weaker, equal, and superior. Weaker forces were then separated into subsidiaries, subsidiaries of allies, and subsidiaries of forces mentioned by name. Other topics were categorized in similar manner until the granularity became fine enough to find a general idea on what you were looking for.


    After giving Newt several moments to take in his surroundings, the librarian whispered again. ¡°You should understand how the system works now. If you¡¯re having any trouble, let me know.¡±


    With that, the woman disappeared without a trace. She made no sound, there was no motion, no wind, she was simply gone. Newt strained his third eye and noticed a higher density of air-aligned spiritual energy, but the trail was faint and dissipated even as he looked at the tiny dancing motes of greenish-white light.


    Why is she working as a clerk?


    Newt considered going out to thank the elder, but decided he would do that on his way out. Instead, he headed for the bookcase marked with, ¡®Explorer¡¯s Gate¡¯. The bookcase was made of dark, grainy wood, like all the rest. As Newt approached, he appreciated the fine, curly pattern of the wood, and realized the plaques were gilded, or perhaps even forged of solid gold, an opulent statement for most mortals, a label which will never rust for cultivators. And the glimmering yellow also made a fine contrast with the shadowy-brown of the carpentry.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Newt found several books on disciple life, rules, expectations, conditions for advancement¡­ Many topics interested him, but he stopped himself and focused on the rules first. He chose the most boring title he found, Explorer¡¯s Gate, rules for disciples, explained for newcomers, expanded edition, revealing intentional loopholes.


    Newt went to the room full of cabinets packed with cards, found his title, and faced his first problem. There were seven copies, each with slightly different text under the title.


    NNE357891, NNE357892, NNE357896, NNE357894¡­ Does this matter? Should I take all of them or just one? They seem to be out of order, should I sort them? Does it matter? Is it a test?


    Newt stared at the cards, picked one at random, and sorted the rest before closing the drawer.


    ¡°Thank you for explaining everything,¡± he said to the librarian after returning to the lobby. Newt handed her the card. ¡°I would like this one¡ª¡±


    The woman gave him the book, which had magically appeared in her hand. Newt frowned, staring at the slightly denser motes of pale-green air-aligned spiritual energy that formed a halo around the elder.


    ¡°You are a perceptive young man,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°Anything else I can do for you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Elder. There were several different cards with the same title, does it matter which one I pick?¡±


    The smile grew wider and a tad warmer. ¡°It makes no difference, and you needn¡¯t sort them either. But the type of question you are asking is good. Keep doing what you¡¯re doing, and you will get far.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Newt did not bother to conceal his confusion, making him all the more charming.


    ¡°The reading room is in there.¡± The elder pointed at another door. ¡°Absolute quiet is required, you only have one warning before I throw you out for a day. You may read your chosen book inside, or take it with you, but you are responsible for any damage it might suffer outside the library.¡±


    Newt nodded. His room was a mess, his roommates might puke on the book if he brought it back to the dorm. Was that really just two hours ago? It feels like it¡¯s been a week.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take the reading room.¡±


    The librarian nodded.


    ¡°Your disciple token, please.¡±


    Newt handed the round-edged stone triangle and watched the librarian put down the card and his token on top of it. ¡°You¡¯ll get it back once you return the book.¡±


    Newt considered the system, found it silly, but still thanked the elder before going to the reading room. The chamber was vast, big enough to fit two hundred readers. Its ceiling was much lower than in the other rooms, and there was a staircase leading up, probably to another level with the same or similar setup.


    Some thirty people sat on mats and cushions, a small, knee-high desk before them, big enough to fit two books with some room to spare. Newt went to the corner, took his seat, and started going through the rules.


    They were sectioned by punishments, which ranged from monetary fines, through public canings, all the way to cultivation crippling and execution. None of the rules seemed out of line to Newt, and the loopholes section held a couple of warnings. For instance, if he got drunk and woke up in someone else¡¯s bed short of his chastity, the fault lay with him, not the other party, even if the other party was actively trying to get him drunk.


    The sect did not question the relationships between disciples, regardless of their nature, but relationships between elders and disciples were subject to inspection by an impartial committee.


    There was one article Newt failed to understand, again because of his lack of knowledge.


    Imperial law supersedes all sect rules. What is the imperial law?


    Newt knew about the abstract concept, but never sat to study the articles. He closed the last page and stared into space for several moments.


    Was there anything in there I found unclear? Does anything need further clarification?


    The only answer that came to mind was the imperial law. Newt walked back into the lobby, and the glass door revealed that the night would soon fall.


    ¡°Thank you, Elder.¡± Newt returned the book and got his token back before going back into the room he had named the search room. He went to the ¡®Empire¡¯ section, and with surprising ease found the title of the book of imperial laws.


    Several minutes later, he held the tome in his own hands, discovering that it was much thicker than the one with Explorer¡¯s Guild rules.


    Newt rubbed his eyes, staring at the book. This will take the whole night, and I ought to sleep soon. Tomorrow after training, maybe?


    He just stepped towards the reading room when he saw a mortal woman in gray garb enter the building. She glanced at him and seemed to recognize him.


    ¡°Lord Cultivator, I am here to take your measures.¡±

 Chapter 74 - Competitive Environment

    3rd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt reached the northern training field an hour and a half before noon. His new uniform fit perfectly, but nobody noticed, since sect uniforms were supposed to fit perfectly anyway. Or at least that was the case with everyone using the training area.


    Elders instructed lone disciples or groups which ranged from two to five, while others trained without obvious elders¡¯ supervision.


    The training ground was a vast expanse with a hard-packed earth floor, but much softer than the compressed earth used for the buildings. The most bizarre detail was that people were opening mouths, making grimaces, obviously shouting and screaming, yet other than the jungle noise, no sound reached Newt.


    He observed his fellow disciples train for a dozen heartbeats with a growing sense of unease before he found the source of his discomfort. His third eye saw nothing. Newt focused on his newest sense and closed his eyes, but the open field was just that, a field. No people, no distant trees, just a clearing with drifting ambient spiritual energy carried by the mysterious flows he did not yet understand.


    Newt then opened his eyes and watched what others were doing, trying to guess their realms based on their actions.


    A fire cultivator drew his attention immediately. The bearded man shot a spindle-shaped bolt of flame, which flew thirty feet before dispersing into a chaotic mess. Newt closed his eyes again, replaying the scene. The front end remained thin like a needle, the flame spiraling from it, down the body of the fiery spindle. Once it reached the ten feet mark, the shape started disintegrating, but the swirling motion kept it together even as the front grew shorter and more bloated.


    The movement he imprinted into the shape kept it consistent even after it left his sphere of influence. He¡¯s just a third realm, like me.


    Newt opened his eyes. The idea was fascinating, definitely something to memorize for later and try to apply to extend the reach of his flames.


    The next cultivator was making beads of water in the air. Before the drops could fall like rain, they inflated, becoming bubbles and floated in place. One after another, she made seven bubbles, then started contracting them until they started sinking towards the ground and expanding them once more after they fell below her knees.


    An elder observed the training girl, clapping her hands without a sound. Newt stared in awe, then his mouth opened when he realized the tempo at which the bubbles changed in size matched the elder¡¯s claps, which came quicker and quicker until the disciple could no longer match her pace and the sparkly bubbles burst.


    ¡°She is training fine control.¡± Newt jumped out of his skin when Elder Alabaster spoke right next to his ear.


    ¡°Boy, you are jumpy and unaware of your surroundings,¡± she continued, mildly amused. ¡°We¡¯ll have to work on that as well. Even if you space out, you have to know what¡¯s happening within your kill zone at all times.¡±


    Newt clutched his heart, the skin on his back crawling, as he glared at his master. Then he bowed.


    ¡°I apologize for the shameful display,¡± Newt said, and even he was uncertain whether he was referring to jumping like a startled compsognathus or glaring at his master.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, you¡¯re new.¡± Elder Alabaster waved away at his apology, shooing it with her hand. ¡°Now, as you can see, most are training in fine control, rather than new techniques or brute force. Why?¡±


    Newt considered the question, trying to find the trick, but when he failed to spot one, he answered.


    ¡°Because you train your new abilities and their power inside your realm, but fine control is impossible, because you need a body to see how spiritual energy interacts with it and an environment you aren¡¯t controlling?¡±


    ¡°Excellent. Eleven-point-five out of twelve. I docked half a point because you¡¯re missing something important to many people.¡± Elder Alabaster made a pause, letting Newt add to his answer, but he remained silent. He had already said everything he could think of.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°You get to show off in front of others. Demonstrating your superiority is just as important as being superior. Brook forced her disciple with the bubbles far beyond what was necessary as a training exercise to show what an outstanding student she has.¡±


    Newt nodded, sort of understanding what his master was talking about.


    ¡°Did you bring me here to show off, Master?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous, I brought you here because you¡¯re going to be a punching bag. Everyone wants to look good, and they will do so by stepping on the new guy¡¯s head. Finding partners for a friendly, educational spar is difficult on many levels, but everyone here outclasses you right now in terms of combat ability, and they will beat you in the flashiest way possible. It¡¯s an excellent way for me to see where you stand.¡±


    Newt looked at his master and the sparkle in her eyes. They glistened with an eager light, and he was certain something was wrong with her head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even have a proper weapon, Master. I only know the simplest techniques related to fire, and almost nothing related to earth.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine.¡± Elder Alabaster clapped Newt on the shoulder, staggering him. ¡°What kind of weapon are you looking for?¡±


    Will she buy me a weapon? I don¡¯t mind being paraded like an incisivosaurus, if it gets me a good weapon.


    ¡°A heavy spear, preferably a glaive with a short-sword-length blade.¡±


    ¡°How long?¡±


    ¡°A senior told me a good spear is as long as its user is tall.¡±


    Elder Alabaster sized Newt up once, then bent and dipped her hand into the ground. Newt watched a surge of energy storm into the ground, which rippled like water at the tidal wave of force which had entered it.


    No way?


    The next moment, Elder Alabaster raised her arm, an earthen-brown glaive in her hand.


    ¡°I dulled the edge, let me know if the weight suits you.¡±


    Newt stared at the glaive, in his third eye it blazed like a star, overflowing with earth energy.


    ¡°You may close your mouth, this is a mere parlor trick. Try to find yourself a suitable weapon for training and missions.¡±


    Newt snapped his jaw shut, nodded, and took the outstretched polearm his master was offering to him. The tiny woman held the weapon like it weighed nothing, deceiving Newt, who almost stumbled from the sudden weight.


    He sent a surge of earth-aligned spiritual energy, reinforcing his bones and muscles, making the unbearable weight feel comfortable.


    Elder Alabaster¡¯s lip twisted in disgust. ¡°Newstar, I will teach you a proper body reinforcement technique, what you¡¯re using looks like something a child made up on the spot.¡±


    ¡°I made it up on the spot last year and kept using it.¡±


    Elder Alabaster once more patted his shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re a very talented child. Use that talent to customize existing techniques and increase their compatibility with your body. While not completely horrid, your self-made technique is many generations of improvements behind the ones I know.¡±


    Newt was offended. He knew he should not be. Something he came up with while desperately rushing to burn his energy cannot rationally be better or have a sturdier foundation than a technique practiced by an entire sect for generations, and yet, his unnamed technique was his.


    ¡°Why are you sulking, you silly boy? I will dissect everything you know in search for flaws. I will rarely offer answers, usually just pointing out the problems and telling you what you need to do. Given your talent, that should help you improve more. Come on, follow me.¡±


    Elder Alabaster led the way, weaving around the invisible barriers until she found a clear patch and stopped. ¡°We will train here, don¡¯t mind all those stares.¡±


    Newt glanced back, catching several heads snapping away from him and his master.


    ¡°I just told you not to mind them.¡± Elder Alabaster touched the bridge of her nose, then ignored what just happened. ¡°You will show me your techniques, and once you¡¯re done, I will point out what flaws I can. In the meantime, I will offer some advice regarding life in the Explorer¡¯s Gate. Feel free to start.¡±


    Newt just stood there. He knew a handful of techniques, and the way Elder Alabaster was talking she must have expected to see hundreds.


    ¡°Well, go on.¡± She motioned as if shooing him. ¡°Your team is your everything until you enter the core sect. Except in individual tests, your results are calculated as a group, all of it stemming from available missions.¡±


    ¡°My team is¡ª¡± Newt did not know what his team was. Drunk and disorderly? Indecent? They had given up? He mumbled into silence, his skin covered in Magmin Scales, and Magmin Flames consumed him, swallowing his embarrassment.


    ¡°I see. You already have some issues with your team. That rarely happens to good disciples. If things are beyond repair, you will regress into the outer sect, and when you advance again, you will have a team more to your liking.¡±


    She looked at Newt. ¡°All right, I see you can burn, self-immolation is not my expertise, move on to the next technique.¡±


    This is the flashiest thing I have to show, though¡­ Newt gulped and covered himself in Granite Crust.

 Chapter 75 - The Welcome

    3rd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°That¡¯s an interesting defensive skill for your realm. Most can¡¯t separate their protections from their body until the fourth realm. How far can you push it?¡±


    Newt projected Granite Crust away from himself, and the dark cloud started dissolving at around a foot away.


    ¡°Wonderful.¡± Elder Alabaster suppressed a clap. ¡°We will have to test its exact defensive capability later and compare it with the best ones I can teach you. Can you split it into multiple layers?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Newt dropped Granite Crust, his head swimming from the effort of projecting a three-dimensional shield so far from his body. ¡°If I summon another one, the first one dissolves.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Elder Alabaster rubbed her chin. ¡°That¡¯s not what I asked, though. Can you split it into four layers, each with a quarter of the power of the full technique?¡±


    ¡°Um, I don¡¯t know? Why would I do that?¡±


    ¡°Layered defenses with slightly different layers can absorb more force than a single, monolithic shield. You have a fire affinity, you could mix in an explosive retaliation to strike your opponent whenever a layer of your defenses shatters. The possibilities are endless, if you know a bunch of minor tricks and how to mix them up properly.¡±


    Newt scratched his head.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say I should rely on existing techniques, Master?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you should start with those, and customize to suit you. I just said that.¡± Elder Alabaster clapped her hands twice. ¡°Now, enough talking, more demonstrating.¡±


    Newt started somersaulting and jumping around while his master continued with tips. ¡°Other than your team, the next most important thing for you is resources. The most valuable resource is spiritual energy, and you need to optimize its usage. I can give you a small allowance, but I won¡¯t until you earn it somehow. Enough with the hopping, next.¡±


    Newt landed, then considered the rest of his unimpressive arsenal. Cauterize Wounds and Fiery Purge he could not demonstrate, Flaming Fist III was shameful compared to the other fire cultivator, but it was a technique he knew.


    ¡°The best use of spirit gems for cultivation is to ignite energy-gathering spell formations. You get four or five times the energy from the crystal, but you pay for the benefit with the time wasted on meditation to actively absorb the energy. That¡¯s enough firebolts, I¡¯ll find you something better. What else do you know? Any continuous jets of flame? Those are popular.¡±


    Newt shook his head absentmindedly, thinking about what his master had just said. I could read books in those formations while getting a four-fold return of the spiritual gems I use for cultivation.


    ¡°Hello, Newstar, are you listening to me?¡± Elder Alabaster waved her hand in front of his eyes. ¡°Do you want me to start testing the hardness of your defensive skill now?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Master, you said something that got me thinking. Is there a book in the Chamber of Tomes with disciple tips written by elders and other disciples? I¡¯m feeling guilty wasting your time like this.¡± Newt gave his master an honest, I-don¡¯t-wanna-be-a-bother smile, and the woman smiled back.


    ¡°You¡¯re so sweet. I¡¯m certain there are, but ask Senior Thunderwing to make sure. I rose from the outer sect, like most, so I already knew all the knowhow. But that¡¯s good thinking, there¡¯s no telling how many pieces of advice I might miss because I expect you to know about such common matters already.¡± Her warm voice changed, growing cooler. ¡°Now, about those jets of flame?¡±


    Newt did not know how to spew jets of flame from his hands or mouth or anything else, but Flashfire did impress Elder Alabaster.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember seeing anything like that. Disabling the eyes and ears of an opponent at my realm isn¡¯t even an inconvenience, but at your realm, it could be a lifesaver. Especially the noiseless variant, because that explosion might attract more trouble than it deafens, and the burst of sound would impact your team as much as it does your enemy.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    She spun around and gave a nod to someone to Newt¡¯s right.


    ¡°And here is your first sparring partner. They have seen all your skills and now it¡¯s time for them to pummel you.¡±


    Newt looked towards the newcomers, who stepped into their sound-absorbing bubble. The elder was chubby and tall, taller than Dandelion. His expression was cheerful, with a light smile framed by an ocean-blue beard. His disciple, less so. The heroic-looking young man was a finger¡¯s width shorter than his master, and he held his chin high, gazing down at Newt with a light smirk.


    ¡°Elder Alabaster,¡± the cheery elder said.


    ¡°Elder Bluestar. This is my newest disciple, Newstar.¡±


    ¡°Oh, an auspicious name, greetings, young man.¡±


    Newt offered a polite bow, and Bluestar motioned at his heroic disciple. ¡°This is Flamesand, my third realm disciple, I think exchanging pointers with Newstar would prove beneficial for the both of them.¡±


    ¡°Junior Apprentice Brother,¡± Flamesand inclined his head, and Newt did not know how to address him.


    They were in the same realm, the other was clearly trying to assert dominance by calling him a junior despite them being equals. What would happen if Newt took a submissive approach? What about a dominant one?


    ¡°Newstar, greet your apprentice brother,¡± Elder Alabaster said when the silence stretched too long, giving Newt the answer.


    ¡°Apprentice Brother Flamesand,¡± Newt returned the subtle nod, but did not know what came next.


    Fortunately, the elders withdrew at the same time, opening up the space for them. Flamesand was twenty paces away and drew his curved long-sword.


    ¡°Flamesand has been working on his sword technique,¡± Elder Bluestar said and his disciple shot forward with a burst of flames beneath his legs, his speed superior to Newt¡¯s when he used Fire Burst.


    The black-haired young man slashed, and Newt just stared at him.


    He¡¯s full of openings. Newt reaped great benefits from his week-long weapons training with Dandelion. For starters, he could see Flamesand was a novice, inferior even to him, let alone to the disciples of Everfrost Palace, let alone to Dandelion.


    Newt pivoted, the fiery sword slashed half a foot away. Magmin Scales covered his skin, Granite Crust forming a layer above it as he swiped the butt end of his spear at Flamesand¡¯s legs. The heroic young man lost his footing and he did exactly what Newt would have done, he sent a burst of flames before him, pushing himself up on his legs, pushing his skull straight in the way of the cleaving glaive-head.


    Right before the reinforced, rocky glaive connected with the squishy brain matter, Newt realized Flamesand was too slow and too inexperienced to dodge. There was no stopping his arms, nor the blade about to brain his arrogant fellow disciple.


    Newt¡¯s eyes went wide. He ordered his arms to stop, knowing they would not until his practice glaive had sunk deep into his sparring partner¡¯s skull. Then, his arms froze, the glaive had fused with an impossibly hard wall of stone, and another part of the wall smashed into the back of Flamesand¡¯s head, sending him back to the ground, out cold.


    ¡°I apologize for my disciple¡¯s heavy hand,¡± Elder Alabaster said, her lips trembling as she tried and failed to fully suppress a laugh. ¡°He treated the duel like a real battle and nearly killed your disciple.¡±


    She pointed at the prone Flamesand, his unconscious face buried in the dirt. ¡°I blunted the blow and spread the force, but it was still way too much for a mere spar.¡±


    As she spoke, a mother of all lumps grew from Flamesand¡¯s scalp, looking like a black anthill.


    Opposite to Elder Alabaster¡¯s endless amusement, the formerly cheery Elder Bluestar looked ready to explode into screams and curses.


    Elder Alabaster placed her hands on her hips and glared at Newt, but her glare seemed to say, ¡®Way to go, kid!¡¯


    ¡°Newstar, what you did was unfair, bullying inexperienced fellow disciples to such an extent. I expect you won¡¯t take advantage of others that way anymore.¡± Her tone was sharp, her arms moved and ended up folded, her eyes said, ¡®Keep it up.¡¯


    Elder Bluestar was furious. He waved a hand and a gust of air levitated his unconscious disciple and they left Newt¡¯s practice area.


    Elder Alabaster covered her mouth with her hand. ¡°I can¡¯t believe he embarrassed himself like that. Your next opponent won¡¯t be as conceited. They will go in for the kill, using superior techniques. Don¡¯t be afraid, nothing will happen to you.¡±


    ¡°Alabaster,¡± a woman entered the zone, and Elder Alabaster removed the hand from her mouth. ¡°Such a shameful display from that Bluestar¡¯s kid. He¡¯s been training him for two years, and a newcomer beats him senseless. Hello, young man.¡±


    ¡°Greetings, Elder,¡± Newt reproduced the exact same half-bow he gave Elder Bluestar.


    ¡°You have mastered that weapon of yours.¡±


    ¡°I had an excellent teacher, resolved to impart as much knowledge as he could in the short time I trained under him.¡±


    The elder who failed to give her name nodded and motioned a young woman to approach. ¡°Crystal, how about you exchange a couple pointers with Alabaster¡¯s newest disciple. We block the blows against our disciples, should they turn lethal. What do you say, Alabaster?¡±

 Chapter 76 - The Beatdown

    3rd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Alabaster shrugged and said the only logical thing, ¡°Sure.¡±


    Newt could tell she expected Crystal would beat him into the ground. He looked at Crystal, and the young woman had a gentle face, but her eyes were stern and focused at the moment. Newt had bested one senior, and she had no intention of being the second.


    Unlike her soft features, Crystal¡¯s body was bulky, looking like a square block hewn out of rock.


    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Quartzcrystal, nice to meet you.¡± Her voice was too deep for a woman¡¯s, but it matched her body well.


    ¡°Greetings, Quartzcrystal, I¡¯m Newstar.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°Everyone calls me Crystal.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Newt.¡±


    ¡°Enough with the introductions already,¡± the elder who failed to introduce herself said. ¡°Start.¡±


    Based on her physique one would expect Quartzcrystal to cultivate earth-attributed spiritual energy, but Newt saw bluish motes dancing and flowing throughout her body. So, Newt was unsurprised when fist-sized chunks of ice materialized and flew towards him the moment the spar had started.


    Granite Crust covered his skin, and Firewall assaulted the icicles as soon as they struck him. Ice sizzled and harmlessly exploded against his defenses, but more cone-shaped ice blocks pelted him.


    Newt ran towards Crystal, his earthen glaive in his hand, when the size of ice chunks increased from fist-sized to head-sized. He shattered the first with his weapon, but the second struck his chest, stopping his momentum. The third smashed straight into his face, and Newt spun, hitting the ground with his back.


    The volley of ice immediately stopped, and Crystal loomed over Newt. Instead of the final blow, she offered him her hand.


    ¡°You all right?¡± She asked, and Newt nodded, dropping his defense.


    ¡°He¡¯s really tough,¡± the unnamed elder commented. ¡°Those ice blocks would¡¯ve broken someone¡¯s nose if not their neck, and you just let him take the hit?¡±


    The last question was directed at Newt¡¯s master. Elder Alabaster shrugged. ¡°I told him how to strengthen his defenses. I wanted to see how durable his defenses are, but his earthen shield is impressive for his realm. Did you see how it bent a bit to distribute the shock in a wider area before bouncing back into place? I guess it¡¯s the advantage of the scaley design, greater resilience against small-surface impacts, but it should be weaker against massive, wide-surface blows.¡±


    Newt had no idea what his master was talking about, but the unnamed elder nodded, and Elder Alabaster looked Newt in the eye.


    ¡°What are you staring at? Thank your senior apprentice sister for the pointers.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the pointers Senior Apprentice Sister.¡± Newt gave a light bow, and Crystal blushed, her gaze drifting down.


    ¡°No need to be so formal. If you ever need a sparring partner, just give me a shout. I¡¯m in room three-sixteen.¡±


    What did I do wrong, and what can I do better? Newt considered as he waved Crystal goodbye. His flames were weaker, and less tangible than Crystal¡¯s ice. Even if he tried to intercept her missiles with his own, the ice would fly through them, losing only a part of its force. Fire was the element best known for its offensive ability, while its defense was the weakest of the lot.


    I need to be more proactive about attacking. But how?


    ¡°Elder Alabaster, I see you have a new disciple.¡± This time, an elderly man with a long white beard and bushy brows approached.


    ¡°Elder Vibrantzephyr, does your prized pupil wish to exchange pointers with Newstar?¡±


    Elder Vibrantzephyr¡¯s disciple was another young woman, a petite blonde whose short hair danced on the wind which did not blow.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    ¡°Gale, greet your new apprentice brother.¡± The old man said to his disciple before focusing on Elder Alabaster. ¡°We block any lethal and crippling blows for our disciples. The one who blocks loses. Do you wish to make a bet?¡±


    Newt focused on the discussion between the elders as Gale introduced herself, and he offered a polite greeting in turn. He caught his master¡¯s surprised look and the twitch of her lips.


    ¡°Something small to make things interesting,¡± Elder Alabaster said before the other party got to scam her into wasting valuable resources. ¡°My disciple needs a weapon, he has a fourth realm shortsword, and a matching glaive would be an excellent gift.¡±


    Elder Vibrantzephyr frowned, but nodded. ¡°Gale could use a higher quality flexible armor.¡±


    He glanced at Newt and Gale. ¡°Are you young¡¯uns ready? Start.¡±


    Gale burst into movement, flying straight at Newt, a pair of daggers with leaf-thin blades in her hands.


    Fire gathered in Newt¡¯s palm. Granite Crust covered his body, eyes and ears included. Then Flashfire exploded atop his hand. Even with his ears protected, the boom made his head buzz, and he saw the flash of orange light through Magmin Crust and his closed eyelids.


    Newt dropped to the ground, expecting Gale would keep flying straight at him, but his third eye told him a different story. Shocked, the woman lost control of her technique and crashed onto the ground, not two steps away. Dazed, she flipped and bounced off the ground and over him.


    Newt found his chance and with enhanced muscles and Granite Crust, he punched into her kidney, but Gale was gone. His first thought was that she had avoided the blow, and he spun around, searching for her before finding her in her master¡¯s arms.


    ¡°Newstar!¡± Elder Alabaster screamed at him. ¡°Fighting dirty in a friendly spar, are you so eager to get that glaive?¡±


    Yes, I am. Newt did not fool himself, the main reason he used Flashfire was to try to win himself the new weapon for free. Newt removed Granite Crust, but he could not make out the elders clearly, a large orange blot still dancing before his eyes.


    ¡°Now, now, Alabaster.¡± Vibrantzephyr¡¯s voice oozed repressed anger as he defended Newt. ¡°He won fair and square. He even demonstrated all his techniques before the spar. Gale should¡¯ve been prepared for this.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Master.¡± The young woman¡¯s voice was miserable as Vibrantzephyr placed her back on the ground. ¡°I was careless, rushing in for an easy victory, then lost in one move.¡±


    Elder Vibrantzephyr patted her on the shoulder. ¡°As long as you have learned something out of this. Go thank your apprentice brother.¡±


    Gale¡¯s steps were wobbly as she approached Newt and gave a polite bow. They could hardly see each other, but Newt clearly caught the note of anger in her voice as she thanked him for the instruction.


    The master and disciple left, and Elder Alabaster covered her mouth again.


    ¡°That move won¡¯t work twice. Everyone will expect it now and stay on their guard. You won twice in close range combat, but lost in long range. Expect long range adversaries from now on, other elders won¡¯t risk embarrassing themselves after you have a two-o score in melee. Right, don¡¯t expect anyone else to try to gamble again, I can¡¯t believe that old coot tried to rip me off like this.¡±


    The orange-green sun had faded from Newt¡¯s eyes, and he could see his master had regretted toning down the bet instead of bleeding Elder Vibrantzephyr for all he was worth.


    The remainder of the two-hour-long training session went as Elder Alabaster had predicted. Disciple after disciple trounced Newt from afar. But he consoled himself that each defeat had shown him something new, something to explore or improve, something to plan against.


    Newt sat on the ground, panting, and thinking what he could have done better, when his master spoke behind his back.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Elder Emeralddrop, my disciple is out of spiritual energy. Maybe our students can exchange pointers another time.¡±


    ¡°Next time then,¡± a male voice said, and then there was silence.


    ¡°You have done well,¡± Elder Alabaster said, once Newt¡¯s breathing normalized. ¡°You suffered no embarrassing losses, won twice, put an obnoxious geezer down a peg. All in all, a good first impression as far as I¡¯m concerned. From tomorrow on, no more meat grinders like today. Most of the session will pass in my instructions, but I¡¯ll leave a quarter of an hour at the end for duels, assuming you have any juice left. Hopefully, some of your beatings will emphasize the points I¡¯m making.¡±


    Newt liked that plan. Except for the beatings part, he could do without those, but Elder Alabaster promising him she would set aside two hours for him every day stoked up Newt¡¯s morale. And while he was beyond tired, he still had almost half an hour of the training session left.


    ¡°Do you have any questions, or anything you would like me to clarify for you?¡±


    Newt considered it, then explained the situation in his dorm room to Elder Alabaster.


    ¡°Tough luck,¡± she said with all the empathy of a rock. ¡°Your situation is highly unusual, and I knew you would join a team that has lost a member, only such teams can possibly accept new inner disciples out of the blue. As for your room, I doubt your predecessor had too many clothes, just stuff them all in the wardrobe and leave them there. Eventually someone will throw them away, whether it¡¯s you, your roommates, or the new tenants, after you get kicked out.¡±


    Aside from the obvious lack of faith, Elder Alabaster¡¯s suggestion sounded like avoiding the problem, and not like a solution, but it was definitely better than sleeping on the beach as he had intended. The thought of escaping problems, naturally brought up another question.


    ¡°Master, what can you tell me about soothers? Where are they, and how do I make an appointment?¡±

 Chapter 77 - Reverse Scale

    3rd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt felt like gastonias had walked all over him as he entered room five-o-three. Even dead tired, he froze after taking a single step inside. The room was brightly lit, the air fresh, and the piles of dirty clothes were gone. Someone, probably Obsidian, had finished the cleanup Newt had started, and pinned a note to a bedroom door.


    The note had only one word, ¡®Obsidian¡¯, but it told Newt everything he needed to know.


    Newt opened the door to his bedroom, once more facing a surprise. The piles of dead man¡¯s belongings he expected to see in the room were nowhere to be found. The single wardrobe stood open and empty, like the knee-high desk, it was free of dust and freshly wiped.


    Newt smiled at Obsidian¡¯s tiny gestures of goodwill.


    I¡¯ll make this work.


    He closed the door behind himself. An oppressive, tomb-like darkness enveloped the room, and Newt crashed on the futon mattress, falling asleep in two breaths.


    No time seemed to have passed at all when Newt woke up. He left his room, but only darkness greeted him. Starlight illuminated the night beyond the room¡¯s sizeable double window, cracked open to let in a breath of fresh air.


    As expected, the dorm room was dark, no lights under the bedroom doors, and Newt would have guessed his roommates were out, if not for the whiff of alcohol hanging in the air.


    What to do now? I shouldn¡¯t talk to them before first speaking with Obsidian. Hopefully, together, we can forge a plan to pull his sister and Roselilly back on their feet. The soothers are in the Chamber of Healing, but they are mortals and don¡¯t work night shifts, so I¡¯ll have to wait until morning before I see them.


    Newt filtered through his options, and found two places he could visit; the library, to check out a book to read while in an energy gathering spell formation, or the Chamber of Runes, to set up several spell formations for practice.


    Just as he was about to decide on the first option, he found an even better way to pass his time. One that would hopefully impress his master.


    Newt headed straight for the Chamber of Instruction. The building was dark, its mirror windows and door reflecting the stars and the thumb-sized fireflies bobbing about, flashing their partners, and searching for dead leaves to lay their eggs on.


    Newt walked into the main building and found a young woman standing behind the desk, reading a book.


    ¡°Hello, Senior Apprentice Brother,¡± she greeted, and Newt inclined his head. The constant mentions of the sect¡¯s hierarchy already tugging at his nerves a bit.


    ¡°Greetings! I would like to use an energy gathering formation.¡±


    The woman nodded. ¡°Your token, please.¡±


    She placed the triangle behind the desk and gave Newt a key.


    ¡°Straight down that hall.¡± She pointed at a door. ¡°Third door to the right, room number five.¡±


    Newt politely asked his junior to interrupt his meditation two hours after sunrise, then followed her instructions and opened the door leading into the ¡°room¡± she mentioned. The room was barely more than a broom closet, less than forty square feet.


    The floor was decorated with glowing lines, connecting an array of circles and triangles, which wrapped singular runes or small groups of glyphs, binding them into wholes. The spell formation was beyond Newt, but he understood the basic intention to draw together the eight evenly spaced glyphs of unknown meaning.


    The faint light was enough for him to follow an arrow and read a twenty-word instruction written in plain language, which informed him where to place his spirit gem and how to start the process. Newt followed the directions, sat inside the circle and placed his spirit gem in an empty triangle, from whose points three lines made the outer shell of the circle, and the main line cleaving it into two halves.


    Newt expected the lines would glow even brighter, but quite the contrary, they vanished from his sight, but remained fully visible to his third eye. As the lights went out, the drifting flow of spiritual energy motes became a whirlpool, spinning inside the circle and drawing in the motes from outside it. The density of energy kept growing for nearly three minutes before it stabilized.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Newt kept observing the twisting of dancing lights for a while, and after he had confirmed everything was stable, he closed his eyes and entered his realm. The scalding wind had picked up, increasing in intensity from a breeze to a skin-charring gale, and the lava flowed more vigorously, churning and bubbling in its channels like a furious ocean.


    Newt took in the apocalyptic scene.


    Well, at least the spell formation is working.


    He waited for his father¡¯s and mother¡¯s voices to wail with the wind, but his heart demon remained quiet. He headed down the slope and stopped before his realm barrier. The shimmering curtain had hardly moved since he last saw it, but with the sudden influx of spiritual energy, Newt could see it inch away from him bit by bit. The wind was quieter at the edge of the world, and he decided it was a good enough place to train.


    Newt summoned Granite Crust with half the usual energy, and the dark aura solidified into the uniform cover of rune-covered blackish scales. He further reduced the hypothetical spiritual energy he fed it by another half, and the barrier still stood, fainter, thinner, and less substantial.


    Newt halved the energy again, and the scales burst like a misty bubble. A handful of experiments later, Newt found that Granite Crust required at least twenty percent of its full power to manifest at all, and at that level it dispersed at the gentlest touch. A third of its full power was required for it to shield him from attacks, but even so, the barrier was five or six times as fragile as it was when Newt filled it with everything he had.


    Let¡¯s go with a quarter for now.


    Newt willed Granite Crust into existence, then summoned another layer just under it. The two flows of energy merged, becoming a single Granite Crust at half power.


    Newt dispelled his defense and tried again, achieving the same result.


    I could push it further away?


    Newt tried it. He summoned a quarter-power Granite Crust, pushed it six inches away from his skin, then summoned another one. Immediately, the further layer winked out, snuffed and dispersed by the wind, its flow of spiritual energy immediately severed and diverted into the layer nearer to Newt¡¯s skin.


    Newt frowned, learning something new about his abilities. Instead of trying again, he summoned two gloves of Granite Crust at quarter power and encased his hands. He touched one with the other, and nothing unusual happened. He extended them from his body, and the forces pushed against each other.


    Why?


    He made one half-strength, while the other remained at quarter power, and they still repelled each other. Newt tried summoning a quarter-power Granite Crust to cover the weaker one, but again it absorbed the energy from the rest, the earthen defense snapping back to his palm, like a glove.


    Suddenly, Newt¡¯s stomach lurched. He dismissed both techniques and grabbed his head.


    Keeping the same technique at two different distances felt like forcing my eyes in two different directions.


    Newt felt that there was something he was missing, something he was on the cusp of¡ª


    ¡°You¡¯re playing around, leaving us to our fates!¡± His mother¡¯s wail broke his focus.


    Newt took a deep breath, laid on the warm, rocky ground, and closed his eyes.


    Ignore them. The more you acknowledge them, the worse they become. Now, why do two gloves repel each other, but adding two to the same hand merges them? What¡¯s the difference?


    He visualized the flows of energy, when there was one glove, the flows were identical, and the closer glove consumed them both. Regardless of the amount of spiritual energy, it was designed to use that specific alignments, pattern, and flow as fuel.


    ¡°You abandoned us!¡±


    Newt let the accusation pass through him. He was close, his heart demons were proof that he was on the right track.


    So, I cannot use the same continuous technique twice at the same time. Magmin Scales and Magmin Flames are similar, but there are distinct differences, which allow me to use them simultaneously.


    Newt¡¯s mother screamed, but he ignored her. I need to change the technique slightly.


    Newt considered his hands covered in Granite Crust touching. Outer layer to outer layer. What if I make a double protection with inner layers touching?


    Newt tried it. He did not know the energy circulation he would need in the real world, but such technical questions did not exist within his spiritual realm. If it was possible outside, it would happen, no matter how complex the underlying mechanics were.


    The double Granite Crust appeared, but Newt immediately found a problem. The rigid outside pressed against his skin, hampering his movement.


    This is useless, but a good first step.


    ¡°Newstar!¡± Newt¡¯s angry father shouted, like he did when Newt broke the great-grandfather¡¯s favorite vase.


    Newt knew it was just a heart demon, but his body stiffened, and the jolt snapped him out of his thoughts.


    He stood and bowed to the air. ¡°Father, Mother, I have asked a much more competent individual to track you down. I¡¯m not wasting my time. I hope to see you soon.¡±


    Then he rubbed his chin, staring into the distance.


    ¡°Now, where was I? I was thinking about the new skill being useless,¡± he frowned, ¡°right, but it¡¯s a first step. If flipping it over didn¡¯t work, how about rotating the scales?¡±


    Newt focused, and Granite Crust covered his person, then another layer crawled on top of the existing one. As it materialized, Newt reversed the tiny scales with earth runes, flipping the glyphs upside-down, and the two layers coexisted. They did not devour each other, steal each other¡¯s energy, or cancel each other out.


    One layer of scales covered the other, and Newt knew he had made something great.

 Chapter 78 - An Accident Waiting to Happen

    4th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt had been developing his new technique for about an hour when he sensed an intrusion.


    ¡°Senior Apprentice Brother, it¡¯s past eight in the morning.¡± The faintly familiar voice came from a world away, it was no heart demon, but the outer disciple desk clerk.


    Newt stood up, dazed, as if someone had woken him in the middle of the night, when sleep was the sweetest. In his haze, he stared at the clerk, trying to see how different pieces of her should fit to maximize defensive capability. Newt blinked, and the illusion disappeared, the fog of deep focus lifted from his mind.


    Newt took his spirit gem and stopped the spell formation. ¡°Thank you. I will be back tonight.¡±


    The woman turned to leave, but Newt called out after her. ¡°Excuse me, could you tell me where disciples can get some paper and a quill? I need to leave a message for my roommate.¡±


    Ten minutes later Newt left the Chamber of Instruction. In his hand, he carried a folded note, telling Obsidian he would like to talk more and asking him to seek him out at the northern training area after his training sessions with Elder Alabaster.


    Newt tiptoed into his room, unwilling to confront his two troublesome roommates just yet. He tapped at Obsidian¡¯s door, but no reply came, so Newt slid the note under the door and headed out to take a walk and chalk the next item off his list.


    The Chamber of Healing looked like all the others, with the same lobby inside the identical building. The only difference between the buildings were the smells and the decorations. A sharp, herbal scent hung in the air, a medicine or a disinfectant, Newt did not know, his experience with medicine extremely limited.


    Yet another skill I need to develop. Newt was starting to think just the basic education of a real cultivator would take over a hundred years of reading or listening to others explain relevant topics.


    How did Dandelion do it?


    His eyes drifted to images of human bodies in various states of energy flowing through them, when the desk clerk spoke.


    ¡°Hello, Senior Apprentice Brother,¡± the man said, wearing not the usual green and yellow of the Explorer¡¯s Gate, but a white robe with wider sleeves and a lower neckline. ¡°What do you seek in the Chamber of Healing?¡±


    The question sounded odd, but Newt guessed few came to a healing institution for social reasons.


    ¡°I would like to talk to a soother.¡±


    The clerk nodded and took out a thick ledger. ¡°Joyguard, one of our best soothers, has a slot today at four. Does that suit you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sure.¡± Newt frowned. How many soothers do you have?


    Newt bade the clerk a good day and went to the training grounds.


    More than an hour early¡­ Newt glanced at those training on the vast expanse, but his focus quickly moved back to himself. He summoned Granite Crust with half the normal spiritual energy he would feed it, covering his hand with a dark, scaled glove. He covered his other hand with Magmin Scales, using an identical amount of energy to ensure Granite Crust would not dissipate.


    He examined the blackish scales, focusing on their glyphs, shape, and size. Canceling and recreating it over and over, he noted that each time the configuration was identical, the flow of spiritual energy through his arm exactly the same.


    Once more, he dismissed the barrier, then changed the flow of spiritual energy, trying to spin it just before it manifested as Granite Crust. Sharp pain stabbed through Newt¡¯s wrist. He grit his teeth and hissed, severing the flow immediately.


    Newt saw everything that happened. The sudden rotation of energy, the collision with the incoming flow, how it clogged up the path, and ultimately how he lost control of the ensuing chaotic swirl of earth-aligned spiritual energy.


    Newt¡¯s hand throbbed, but he disregarded the pain. The chaotic swirl was doing something interesting. A large portion of it struck his skin, with only a fraction leaving his body, and the rest bouncing back. Some of the energy flowed back up his arm, following the severed flow and returning to his spirit root.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    He tilted his head sideways, and after observing the random movement noticed a pattern. Whatever went up his arm followed the earlier flow of energy without a fault, never straying towards his skin.


    He sent a thin thread of earth-aligned spiritual energy up his arm to reach the nebula, and as soon as it did, the excess energy flowed back towards his second heart.


    What does this mean? Is it relevant, and can I use it somehow?


    He sat there, staring blankly at the back of his hand. What if?


    Newt sent a much thicker thread, splitting it into twenty when it reached his hand. The thin strands of energy twisted, obeying Newt¡¯s will, forming rows perpendicular to his arm. He once more summoned Granite Crust, but had its energy follow the already existing filaments.


    The blackish scales manifested, following a new, unnatural direction, their runes rotated by ninety degrees.


    Newt smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad El called me,¡± Elder Alabaster said right beside Newt¡¯s ear, startling the youth to death.


    He tumbled down on the grass and turned around, looking at his dead-serious master.


    ¡°Master, could you please not sneak up on me like that again.¡±


    ¡°Sure, kid,¡± she said offhandedly, watching the unused spiritual energy flow back to Newt¡¯s spirit root and reenter his realm. ¡°You¡¯re a genius. Can you tell me what uses the thing you have made has?¡±


    Newt stared at her blankly, still panting and clenching his chest. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Think about it. I¡¯m issuing that question to you as a mission. The reward is one third realm spirit gem per correct answer. There are five. You have two weeks to report your answers, and consulting others or the library on the subject is an automatic failure.¡±


    Newt nodded, void of the enthusiasm his master had expected.


    ¡°We need to work on your reactions. The first thing you do when something terrifies you to that extent isn¡¯t falling over, but slamming it with an attack, or better yet, not being caught by surprise in the first place.¡±


    Once more Newt nodded, recalling his first encounter with Magmin.


    ¡°All right,¡± Elder Alabaster drew out the words. ¡°I will stand in front of you while you practice. Don¡¯t worry if you mess up or blow your hand off, Elmshade can patch you up, or I could divert the energy before it becomes critical.¡±


    Blow my hand off? Newt stared at his master.


    ¡°There¡¯s practically no chance it happens,¡± she said, smiling, as if reading his nervous thoughts.


    Newt did not move. He gazed at his hands, then back at his master. ¡°How dangerous was what I was doing?¡±


    ¡°Not much, practically not dangerous at all, until you connect two different traces, and the spiritual energy in them collides. But that shouldn¡¯t happen if you¡¯re careful and your control of spiritual energy is good enough.¡±


    That sounds exactly like what happened when I hurt my hand.


    ¡°Master, what are traces?¡±


    ¡°Traces are the assignment I just gave you to figure out. Now, enough talking, I want to see you practice.¡±


    Newt once more summoned his Granite Crust in the regular way, tried to recall it, then created the ¡®traces¡¯, as his master called the fine filaments of energy. He released the technique through them and paid attention to any differences.


    The only one he found was that the scattered energy immediately clung to the traces he had created, and followed them down the entirety of his arm, all the way to his hand.


    I might be wasting less energy with this controlled approach, but summoning Granite Crust takes longer. In real combat, quick and dirty solutions will outperform this meticulous approach.


    Newt frowned, dismissing Granite Crust. Maybe that¡¯s just because I lack practice. Maybe I could summon the technique even faster once I master traces?


    Newt tried summoning Granite Crust perpendicular to his previous attempt, and the blackish scales formed. He half expected his master would jump in front of him to check, but Elder Alabaster did not move a muscle. Her eyes glistened with interest, but she kept quiet, waiting to see what Newt planned to do next. The youth simply watched at the energy circulating and flowing into his technique.


    Abruptly, he slapped the back of his hand with the other. At the moment of contact, the barrier drew more spiritual energy from Newt, before returning to the low energy operation.


    Very carefully, Newt created another set of tendrils through his hand, perpendicular to the existing ones.


    The fibers of spiritual energy swam through his flesh, much like they did through the spell scribe maze he had taken. They kept away from the existing ones, and once he moved them in place Newt sent a surge of spiritual energy through them. The fine threads trembled, and one of them touched three strands above it.


    Those three twisted, striking several more below, cascading further. Earth-aligned spiritual energy flared through Newt¡¯s hand, but the pain he expected never came. Elder Alabaster¡¯s hand appeared atop of his, drawing his berserk spiritual energy and releasing it into the environment.


    ¡°Rest a bit and try again. You¡¯re close,¡± the woman smiled and let go.


    Newt was confused with the surreal speed with which she moved, but nodded.


    ¡°Thank you, master,¡± he smiled gratefully while Elder Alabaster rolled her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s my job to educate you. Now, rest, then try again. You have half an hour to make this work before our training session begins.¡±

 Chapter 79 - Feeling the Earth

    4th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re really close, much closer than someone your realm has any right to be, and I hate to interrupt you, but now it¡¯s time for our daily lesson.¡± Elder Alabaster did not mention that Newt was closer to figuring out technique tracing than fourth realm cultivators. Even the majority of Newt¡¯s seniors at the fifth realm lagged behind him when it came to creating traces for their techniques.


    Unaware of his achievement, Newt was frustrated. The thicker clumps of energy obeyed and stayed where he placed them without suffering from the vibrations, but thin tendrils squirmed as power flowed through them. He had managed to have both Granite Crust layers active at the same time, but as soon as he applied physical force to one, the surge of energy shook the strings, and they tangled before exploding into a chaotic flow in a matter of moments, forcing Elder Alabaster to act.


    ¡°Don¡¯t sulk and don¡¯t try that technique without an elder supervising you. Today, after our appointment, I will introduce you to your fire instructor. He is my peer, and there are a lot of things you can learn from him. And if you are doing anything new or risky, do so near the training field, where Elder Elmshade can intervene¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop adding to my workload, Al,¡± a disembodied voice said, and Elder Alabaster shrugged without minding it.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s start today¡¯s lesson. Strip to the waist and lie down on your back.¡±


    Newt hesitated for a moment, but did as his master asked before Elder Alabaster got to repeat her request.


    The trimmed grass tickled his reinforced body as he lowered himself to the ground.


    ¡°Close your eyes and feel the energy surrounding you. This is one area where cultivators with a third eye suffer a massive disadvantage. The rest of us are blind to spiritual energy before forming our third eye, so learning to feel the energy to perceive it is the next natural step in our cultivation. For you, however, it feels like a step back, or even straying from the obvious path. The less talented disciples with the third eye never master this technique, and as they advance in realms, it becomes a crippling point in their perception and combat ability.¡±


    Newt immediately recalled Elder Frostgrave mentioning that at some point sight becomes a hindrance in battles, because regular vision cannot keep up with cultivator movement.


    Elder Alabaster was unaware of this, so she continued speaking. ¡°It may seem absurd to you, but once you reach a higher realm, you will be grateful for this exercise. Now, your skin is touching the earth, try to feel its energy flow into you. This step should be basic for everyone. Once you master perceiving the influx of energy into your own body, we will spread that sense outward. Take all the time you need. You¡¯re young, and even if we have to spend a hundred years on this meadow, it will be an investment into your better future.¡±


    Magmin would¡¯ve said he would eat me if I couldn¡¯t figure it out by the end of the day, or something. There is no try, just do or die.


    ¡°Focus, don¡¯t let your mind wander.¡±


    So Newt closed his eyes and focused. He did not understand why he had to take his shirt off and display his gaunt frame to the world. Spiritual energy passed through layers upon layers of earth and rock, it could penetrate his clothes just fine.


    ¡°Empty your mind, your eyebrows are dancing like they are putting on a performance. Stop thinking and feel.¡±


    Newt stopped thinking. It was easy. He focused on his breathing, counting with each inhale and exhale. Cultivating was much easier than just doing nothing and breathing. He was in his realm, making modifications, constantly busy with something¡ª


    ¡°Stop thinking! I¡¯m gonna start hitting you with a stick if you keep it up. No thoughts, just feel the motes of spiritual energy entering your body. Differentiate them by type, observe the air energy just drifting through you, and the earth energy, sucked in by your spirit root.¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    ¡°Master, what happens if you have dual earth-air affinity?¡±


    ¡°Shut. Up. Don¡¯t. Think.¡±


    Newt sealed his lips and searched his body for motes of foreign energy. Tiny particles of earth-aligned spiritual energy drifted up from the ground and entered his body, the yellowish-brown nebula was thrice as dense inside him than what his third eye saw in the air.


    Why is that? Does the third eye not catch all of them, or is the ground really injecting a considerably larger concentration of energy into me than into the air?


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking again.¡± Elder Alabaster¡¯s voice was stern, a complete mismatch with the bubbly persona Newt assigned her.


    ¡°I can sense the earth energy entering my body from below, and fire energy entering where sunlight touches my skin. But something seems wrong.¡±


    Yes, the density of fire energy in my body matches what I can see in the air, so why is the earth energy different?


    ¡°Oh? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Elder Alabaster¡¯s voice returned to neutral.


    ¡°There seems to be more ambient earth-aligned spiritual energy inside my body than there is in the air.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s normal,¡± Newt could hear his master¡¯s smile. Apparently, she was satisfied with his observation. ¡°Can you tell me why there is more ambient earth-aligned spiritual energy in your body than in the air?¡±


    The question caught Newt by surprise. Was his master not the one who should answer such questions?


    ¡°Maybe because the air is the opposite of earth?¡±


    ¡°How about you think it through a bit more? Look around with your third eye.¡±


    Newt did as his master said. The motes of earth-aligned spiritual energy were the densest in the ground. His gaze only penetrated an inch deep, but the concentration was many times what it was in the grass, which in turns was much denser than the mist that escaped into the air.


    Newt examined his own arm, but his spiritual energy was much denser than the few strands of ambient energy, and it was impossible to determine what was happening inside him. He was about to ask his master how he was feeling the energy inside him, but guessed it was also one of the lessons she was trying to teach him.


    So, how am I sensing the infinitely fine, immaterial strands of spiritual energy? Newt closed his eyes and laid his head back on the grass. It took a few moments, but he quickly found the loose particles floating through his body, gravitating towards his spirit roots.


    I think that the earth-aligned ambient spiritual energy is denser in me than it is in the grass. Why is that?


    Newt cleared his mind of questions and perceived how the particles moved through him. After they passed his skin, they did not head straight for his spirit roots, their paths zigzagging and constantly changing like a fly smacking against windows and furniture.


    What are they colliding¡ª? Oh.


    ¡°Master, do we sense ambient spiritual energy with our own?¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Even though Elder Alabaster did not give Newt a straight answer, the smugness in her voice told him he was correct. ¡°How would you go about doing that?¡±


    ¡°The two energies collide and interact.¡± The words came out slowly, but Newt was certain he was correct. ¡°I don¡¯t really feel the energy in a tactile sense, but it¡¯s the closest sensation that comes to mind, and I can tell them apart, regardless of the fuzziness. The earth feels heavy and like it hits my energy, the air just flutters past, while the fire energy feels like warm licks and caresses.¡±


    ¡°Everyone feels natural elemental energies in a different way. Airheads say earth energy is clobbering them; for me, fire feels like someone prickling me with a needle, while the air slips through my grasp, and I identify it by a void where I know the energy is.¡±


    The unhelpful words were gone with her disciple having reached the proper conclusions, and Elder Alabaster was once more instructing.


    ¡°Can you tell me now how you would go about sensing your surroundings?¡±


    Newt considered the question. It was obvious he should do it with spiritual energy, since he was supposed to build up from that answer, but how should he go about doing that? Just blanketing the whole world in his own energy seemed wasteful and unsustainable for longer periods of time.


    ¡°Am I supposed to project my spiritual energy around myself at all times?¡± he asked, doubtful of his answer.


    ¡°More or less, yes. This seems impossible for you right now, but the quality of your spiritual energy gradually increases with your realm, and the quantity increases ridiculously quickly. You are supposed to take the first steps now, but you won¡¯t really use this technique until you have reached the fifth realm. The entire reserve of spiritual energy you currently have will one day be a drop in the sea. The range at which you can project and control your spiritual energy now is about six feet. In the next realm, it will be sixty feet, then six hundred, then six thousand.¡±


    Elder Alabaster suddenly stopped, realizing she was getting ahead of herself. ¡°The following exercise is for those several layers beyond your current realm, but I think the sooner you start, the better you will be. Now, try to extend the energy outside your body and into the earth. Feel the energy flow and try to discover what is hidden beneath the grass.¡±

 Chapter 80 - Realizations and Improvements

    4th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt sent a pulse of spiritual energy into the earth and lost contact with it right away.


    ¡°Why¡¯d you start with three feet right away?¡± Elder Alabaster yelled before reining in her voice. ¡°Go slower, an inch at first, no more. You took the Formation Scribes¡¯ Guild¡¯s test. Use it as a guideline, send a thin thread first, explore slowly, and remember earth isn¡¯t electrum. Too far, too quick, and your thread will snap.¡±


    Newt drew a deep breath and did as instructed. A sliver of his spiritual energy left his body, a mere fiber as thin as the thinnest of roots. The tendril went out of his hand, burrowed through the ground, feeling the density of the earth¡¯s energy. The ambient spiritual energy stuck to the tendril, drawn into Newt¡¯s body.


    Can this be used to hasten my realm¡¯s growth? He wondered for a second. His attention slipped, and the tendril vanished.


    ¡°You got distracted again. Focus on the task at hand. Any questions can be left for later, when you¡¯re done with what you¡¯re doing.¡±


    I¡¯ll forget.


    ¡°Master, I will forget the questions. May I ask now?¡±


    Elder Alabaster snorted in exasperation. ¡°Very well, ask.¡±


    ¡°The energy of the earth sticks to my spiritual energy and follows it into my body. Could I use that energy to improve my cultivation?¡±


    ¡°No. Tell me why not.¡± Elder Alabaster¡¯s tone was stern. It seemed like Newt had said something stupid, but he did not know what.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know master, my focus is split at the moment.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I told you to do things one at a time. Fine, this one time I will explain, but in the future seek out your answers to unrelated questions in the library, we have better ways to use my time.¡± Elder Alabaster paused, and Newt heard the rustle of her robe as she folded her arms. ¡°The first reason is that the concentration of ambient spiritual energy is the same all around us, and our bodies make a balance with the environment. Your spirit roots are already drawing as much as they can passively, so the spiritual energy you force inside your body this way will prevent other energy from flowing in, resulting in an identical concentration of energy.


    ¡°You could offset that by drawing more ambient spiritual energy into your realm from your body, such as actively meditating to expand your realm. But if you¡¯re meditating, you can¡¯t control the tendrils to gather energy.¡± Newt just got his hopes up, thinking he could abuse his unique cultivation, when his master stomped the idea without mercy. ¡°And even if you could somehow absorb the extra energy, after a while, the surrounding energy will change in density, and you will be back to your original rate of active absorption.¡±


    An earthen spike rose from the ground and poked at Newt¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Now, go back to your training. Put in more effort and no more distractions.¡±


    Newt formed another tendril and poked at the ground, ignoring the motes of energy slowly entering his body through it. He moved the tendril left and right, observing the world with this new sense. The ground was spongy, that was the best way he could describe it.


    It had tiny pockets of denser earth energy trapped in a network of lighter energy that felt somewhat smeared. Then there were bubbles of air, water, and even fire floating around with no apparent pattern.


    Fascinatingly, not all motes of energy stuck to Newt¡¯s tendrils. He originally believed he could just siphon it all out from the ground, but apparently the vast majority of the energy was perfectly happy as it was, and did not feel like entering his realm.


    For a moment, Newt wanted to ask why, but he was afraid Elder Alabaster would stomp him into the ground.


    Instead of getting stomped, he shifted the tendril from palm down to his index finger, the loose end drifting like a strand of spider-web in the wind. Then he felt something weird, a void in the energy he could not interact with. His tendril could touch it, but could not enter the unknown obstacle.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Newt frowned and started exploring it. His thread of energy moved like the tongue in the mouth, obsessively feeling a newly chipped tooth, trying to figure out what the anomaly was.


    It was a very long, very slim cylinder. Newt extended his tendril to two inches, slowly wrapping it around the object. Then, as he was starting to form a rudimentary mental image of the thing, it disappeared. Newt¡¯s tendril felt around, touching blindly, but he could no longer find the mysterious cylinder.


    ¡°It was an earthworm. You may ask your questions.¡± Elder Alabaster must have noticed Newt¡¯s twitches, and decided to be merciful.


    Newt drew back the tendril and let its energy flow back into his spirit root. ¡°Why couldn¡¯t my spiritual energy enter the earthworm? It seems to pass through solid objects without problems.¡±


    ¡°All living creatures, plants included, subconsciously resist spiritual energy probing and violations, regardless of whether they have their realms or not. You can overcome such primitive defenses in several ways. With sheer power, with finesse, and with the help of external aids, such as drugs.¡±


    Newt considered the answer for a moment and nodded when he found it satisfactory.


    ¡°Other than the earthworm, everything else was blurry and indistinct. Like overlapping colors, but for the sense of touch. Why is that happening?¡±


    ¡°Lack of proficiency. It¡¯s very common for those taking their first wobbly steps with the spiritual sense.¡±


    ¡°How does this relate to the third eye?¡± Newt asked, believing that what he was doing currently was an inferior version of what his third eye granted him.


    ¡°Irrelevant. Check in the library later.¡± Elder Alabaster¡¯s voice grew cold when she said that. ¡°Any other relevant questions?¡±


    ¡°Most of the energy I touched did not move¡ª¡±


    ¡°Library.¡±


    ¡°Some things felt spongy, some hard, but I wasn¡¯t touching anything, not really¡ª¡±


    ¡°Synesthesia, library.¡±


    Newt was getting annoyed with his master cutting him off and pointing him to the library without hearing the whole question. And what was synesthesia?


    Library.


    Newt almost barked a laugh at that thought.


    ¡°How long should I grow the tendril to advance this technique?¡±


    ¡°That is a good question, but I won¡¯t answer.¡± The approval in Elder Alabaster¡¯s voice was palpable, tinged with annoyance, apparently that was the question she had been waiting for. ¡°How you form your spiritual sense is up to you. Think about what you want, and how you want to achieve it. Most take years to form a proper spiritual sense, and it¡¯s fairly useless at the third realm even if you form a perfect one for you, since its range is a mere handful of feet, and the best it can do is monitor your blind spots.¡±


    Newt considered the words and immediately noticed the plural. I should have multiple tendrils, probably hundreds or thousands if I want to discern everything around me. But how can I control that many at the same time?


    ¡°I see you have realized something. It¡¯s time to go back to training.¡±


    Newt reluctantly did. He wanted all the answers, and he wanted them now. Why was there a need for him to reinvent already existing techniques? It was an utter waste of time. If his clan had a collection of techniques and skills, surely¡ª


    Newt stopped at that thought. Elder Alabaster said nothing, even though Newt had yet to release the strand of energy to explore the soil.


    My ancestors and I got everything handed to us. There was no need to improve anything. You did what your ancestors taught you without questioning it, and instead of improving techniques, you dumb them down so your children can understand them. Degrading them more and more with each passing generation.


    ¡°Master.¡± Newt swallowed a lump, his voice serious.


    ¡°Yes, Newstar?¡±


    ¡°You will let me create this technique for myself from scratch, only making sure I don¡¯t injure myself, and only once I complete it will you let me check the final version in the library. Is that correct?¡±


    ¡°You are an intelligent student, Newstar.¡± Approval was not quite the emotion Newt heard in his master¡¯s voice. It was acknowledgement. She acknowledged his talent and mind, but did not approve.


    ¡°I believe I now understand how techniques are improved,¡± he said. ¡°You let those you deem competent enough to learn from scratch, under a tutor, while you leave the rest with written instructions and just let them copy the existing technique, while hoping some of the former ones can improve what already exists once they compare notes with their ancestors.¡±


    Newt paused, a lump stuck in his throat, and Elder Alabaster let the silence hang. She wanted to know what else the youth had on his mind.


    ¡°Master, you believe my time so far was wasted.¡±


    Finally, the woman spoke, shaking her head.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say wasted. You¡¯re the youngest disciple we have in your realm. There are centuries upon centuries ahead of you. In seventeen years, you have reached your realm, joined a guild, came here of your own merit¡­¡± She considered her words carefully before speaking them. ¡°I think your honored ancestor would have preferred to have had you as a son or grandson, rather than a distant descendant born ages after he had passed. He would have been proud, and I will do what I can in his stead to make sure you grow up well.


    ¡°And we will start doing that by training now.¡±

 Chapter 81 - Elder Flameax

    4th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°A bright lad,¡± a booming voice said from a handful of steps away, disturbing Newt¡¯s focus.


    He was using three tendrils to feel the ground. The sensation was akin to looking a different way with each eye while someone held you by your legs and spun you around like a windmill.


    Newt opened his eyes, certain his face was green, but he still searched for the mysterious speaker. Whoever he was, the newcomer was still outside his field of vision, and the world unnervingly did not spin to accommodate Newt¡¯s vertigo. It remained disgustingly still, while Newt¡¯s guts roiled.


    ¡°Newstar, this is Elder Flameax, your instructor on all burning issues.¡± Elder Alabaster chuckled.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been sitting on that one for a decade, I can tell.¡± Elder Flameax¡¯s voice was powerful and deep, but when Newt turned around he was faced with a strange man.


    The slim elder was short, just under five feet. His white hair rose straight up, standing one foot tall, like a tuft of exotic grass. Elder Flameax¡¯s eyes were ruby-red, and he had bushy mustaches, which looked like he had pulled them out of his scalp and stuck them under his nose.


    Newt gaped at the strange creature, taking a whole second to realize Elder Flameax was void of spiritual energy, just like his master.


    ¡°It¡¯s high time you shaved and combed yourself,¡± Elder Alabaster taunted, snapping Newt out of his daze.


    ¡°Greetings, Elder.¡± Newt bowed, but Elder Flameax ignored him.


    ¡°He started two hours ago, and he can already form three threads without consequences?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say without consequences. Look at his face.¡± Elder Alabaster motioned towards Newt¡¯s face. ¡°It looks like he wants to become one with the grass.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s at the third realm, what did you expect?¡± Elder Flameax said defensively, justifying Newt in front of his own master.


    Newt wanted to say something. They spoke about him as if he was not there, but he kept his mouth shut. Just the two-word-greeting he uttered had made him feel like something was rising from the abyss of his stomach.


    ¡°Newstar, breathe.¡± Elder Alabaster said, his discomfort no longer funny. ¡°Raise your hands up into the air and draw a deep breath before bending over and exhaling all of it.¡±


    Newt did as instructed while the two elders discussed the basics of what he could do. He did not know whether Elder Alabaster¡¯s instructions had helped, or if it was simply his body recovering after taking a break, but by the time they finished dissecting his skills, Newt could speak again.


    ¡°All right, I get the gist of it.¡± Elder Flameax turned towards Newt. ¡°So, the first thing you have to do and think about is whether you wish to walk two separate paths of fire and earth in parallel, or whether you wish to merge them into magma. You may wait until the peak of your fifth realm to consider this question, but I think you should take your time. Centuries of thinking and mulling over a question are better than centuries of regret after the deed is done.¡±


    Before Newt could ask any questions, Elder Flameax raised his index finger.


    ¡°The first path will allow diversity and simultaneous use of two different elements. You could throw a hollow rock at someone. They would prepare for a physical attack, but when the rock shatters against their shield, a ball of fire would consume them. The problem is you will rarely be able to unleash your full power.¡±


    He raised the middle finger.


    ¡°The second path is that of extreme personal power, but at the cost of flexibility. Fire is the strongest offensive element, followed by earth. Combine them and they are devastating. Better yet, your defense will be like that of an anky, everyone must hurt themselves to hurt you, unless they can keep their distance.¡±


    Elder Flameax lowered his hand and shrugged.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know which is better. I¡¯ve never had to worry about it. Conventional wisdom says the best path is the one that best suits you. Teammates and artifacts can compensate for the lack of versatility, but then again, teammates and artifacts can also increase the power of the elements you wield.¡±


    The strange man finished his speech and examined Newt from head to toe. ¡°You¡¯re in no condition to train today. I¡¯ll torture you tomorrow.¡±


    He turned towards Elder Alabaster. ¡°See you later, Al.¡±


    With that he was gone, a few stray motes of fire-aligned spiritual energy the only proof of his passage.


    ¡°Same time tomorrow. I suggest you read more about the questions you had.¡± Elder Alabaster also disappeared, leaving Newt stunned in their portion of the training ground.


    He stared blankly ahead, doing his best not to scratch the side of his head. What did I want to read in the library?


    Another moment passed before Newt recalled another matter. And what about that glaive I won yesterday in a duel?


    He looked around, but there was no sign of Elder Alabaster. I guess I¡¯ll ask her tomorrow.


    Newt focused on what had happened during the session and which questions he had asked, but his head was full of feeling around the earth, stumbling across bugs and worms.


    The energy I touched mostly stayed in place, but some flowed into me. That¡¯s one, what else was there?


    With a furrowed brow, Newt went to the Chamber of Tomes. Sin-something.


    ¡°Greetings, Elder,¡± he bowed respectfully to the librarian. ¡°I would like to check out some books and read them in the Chamber of Instruction¡¯s energy gathering formation. But I would need two tokens to do that.¡±


    The elder pinned Newt with her gaze. It was not hostile, but intense and overflowing with unasked questions.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t recommend that. You¡¯d be wasting resources, unless you plan to read books while taking breaks from meditative energy gathering. But even then, it¡¯s a short walk between the buildings and not really worth the extra effort.¡±


    Right. They don¡¯t have rules for that because it doesn¡¯t happen to others. So, I should cultivate my realm while using the energy gathering spell formations. Newt considered it for a moment and decided that cultivating his realm would take more time than he could spend in the spell formation.


    It¡¯s just that reading books without doing anything else useful seems like a waste.


    Newt tried to fight his aversion. He was smart enough to see why he needed books, but could not get it out of his head that having someone read them and compile the information useful to him was much more practical.


    ¡°Yes, Elder.¡± Newt bowed again. ¡°Thank you for your advice.¡±


    The woman nodded in acknowledgement, and Newt went to the search room, where he went to the spiritual energy section, and found three shelves designated for environmental spiritual energy.


    It took nearly an hour before he found a book detailing the interactions between the environmental spiritual energy and a cultivator¡¯s spiritual sense.


    The book detailed which environments might block the spiritual sense, how extremely turbulent energies made it unreliable, and one paragraph in particular caught Newt¡¯s attention.


    Cultivators should never use spiritual perception in dead zones. Aside from the high probability of taint reaching their inner realm, the disturbance would create large ripples through an otherwise stagnant environment, drawing the attention of any abominations which might infest the region.


    Newt kept reading, but there was no more mention of what exactly dead zones were, how they came to be, what stopped their flow of ambient spiritual energy. More importantly, there was no explanation of what the taint was, nor what the abominations infesting them might be.


    This seems like an interesting and absolutely useless topic at the same time, at least for now.


    Newt checked the sun outside, it was soon time to visit the soother, Joyguard. He took a split second to recall the name, but he was glad he could remember it.


    A waste of time. Newt returned the book, thanked the librarian, and went outside. He had found mentions of ambient energy traveling up the tendril of the same elemental alignment, but nothing explaining the phenomenon.


    Is it something so basic everyone is expected to know it? Is the reason unknown, and everyone just takes it at face value? The topic could be lengthy, too long for the book to be a casual addition, maybe there are books regarding spiritual energy absorption which describe it in greater detail?


    Newt could think of half a dozen different reasons for the lack of information, but ultimately the answer lay in another book.


    I just wasted three hours searching for something Master could have told me in two sentences. And this is just the start. How many hours, days or even years will I waste on searching for bits and pieces of knowledge Dandelion and others around me are certain to have, but they won¡¯t share for whatever the reason?


    Newt went to the Chamber of Healing, glancing at the Chamber of Beasts, a part of him hoping to catch a glimpse of Elder Woodhopper. Unfortunately, the beautiful woman was nowhere to be seen, and Newt entered the blocky Chamber of Healing.


    ¡°Good day, I have an appointment¡­¡±

 Chapter 82 - Seeing a Soother

    4th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt stopped before a light-brown wooden door. A black tag with white letters hung at eye level, saying, ¡®Joyguard¡¯.


    Did he change his name after taking up this position, or is it a coincidence?


    Popular superstition stated that name was the omen of one¡¯s future. Victor won against Newt¡¯s father, Newt was a new star, Dandelion was a drifter, Dolorna was depressed.


    Pointless thoughts, and why did a random clerk of all people spring to mind? Newt knocked on the door, refusing to think about old wives¡¯ tales.


    ¡°Enter, please.¡± The voice that came from the other side of the door was neutral, average, and absolutely forgettable.


    Newt entered the room, immediately examining the interior and the soother.


    The man sat behind a desk, his beard was short, pointy, and black, his eyes sharp, but his features plain and unremarkable. Newt guessed he was around forty years old, the concentration of spiritual energy flowing through his body more or less identical to the environment¡¯s.


    Other than Joyguard, his desk, and unusually tall armchair, the room had potted plants, paintings of landscapes, and a large, wave-shaped bed at the center of the room. The air smelled of fresh herbs, predominated by the mixed aroma of rosemary and lavender.


    ¡°Greetings, Lord Cultivator.¡± Joyguard rose from his seat and offered a respectful half-bow, which Newt returned.


    ¡°Good day,¡± How do I address him? ¡°Sir Joyguard. I was told you were one of the Explorer¡¯s Gate¡¯s best soothers.¡±


    ¡°Considering we only have five soothers, one might say we are all one of the best.¡± The man¡¯s smile did not falter as he gestured towards the unusual bed. ¡°Please, lie down and tell me what is bothering you.¡±


    Newt made himself comfortable on the bed and found it even cozier than the one in his bedroom. Where do I even begin?


    ¡°You seem confused. This must be your first time visiting a soother. You may start at the beginning, whatever that entails for you; your earliest memories, childhood, stepping into adulthood, or when the problem actually manifested itself. I don¡¯t know the answers, and the only thing I can offer is helping you find the truth.¡±


    Newt remained silent. Where does the seed of my heart demon lie? With being a spoiled brat, abusing my birthright, hardly paying attention to others teaching me? That¡¯s not it.


    A moment later, Newt found it.


    ¡°A bit over four years ago, I was playing in the inner courtyard, back at the clan. My uncle came, all smiles, like usual, but when he approached me, he grabbed me by the throat.¡± Newt had not thought of that day for a while, but the memory of fingers digging into his neck was so fresh he choked.


    Does something in this room help evoke memories? A spell formation? The scent?


    He scanned the room, but found no strange energy patterns, and kept talking.


    ¡°He brought me to my father¡¯s audience chamber and blackmailed him. It was obvious Uncle came prepared, he brought a soul-binding contract, and said he would kill me if my father didn¡¯t sign it.¡± Newt recalled the bartering, and his father¡¯s threats, but ultimately, the man had signed the contract and sold himself and his wife to slavery to save Newt¡¯s life.


    ¡°So my father signed, sentencing himself and my mother, and now I have to find them. I have made an arrangement with a senior much stronger and more influential than myself, but I still suffer from a heart demon¡­¡±


    As Newt¡¯s words faded and came to a stop, the soother spoke.


    ¡°And you believe not finding them immediately is your fault? Do you believe this to be true? To be rational?¡± Joyguard spoke slowly, building his sentences one word at a time, as if letting Newt consider what he was saying as he said it.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s true,¡± Newt admitted, ¡°but I do know it¡¯s irrational. If a senior at the sixth realm cannot find that information, what chance do I have?¡±


    Joyguard nodded. ¡°If a team of spirit beast triceratops pulls a loaded cart, yet cannot even shake it, do you think the common mortal, driving the team, should pull along to help them? How much would he help? Is his helpless inaction a sign of unwillingness to complete his task?¡±


    Newt waited for an answer, but unlike his master¡¯s rhetorical questions, Joyguard said nothing else and simply gazed at Newt, wanting to hear his thoughts.


    ¡°There¡¯s no telling whether a mortal¡¯s strength would be the straw that broke the stego¡¯s back, but it¡¯s highly unlikely. I understand what you¡¯re saying. Rationally, the odds of my full commitment on this quest has almost zero chance of influencing Elder Frostgrave¡¯s effort, let alone outperforming it.¡± Newt paused, already aware of the truth of the problem. He had considered it dozens of times.


    ¡°But a tiny fraction of me believes that by not risking my life, by not giving up on my freedom and future, I¡¯m being unfilial, treacherous even. It¡¯s insane, but that small piece of me is the source of my heart demon.¡±


    Joyguard nodded, still gazing at Newt without judgment, waiting for him to finish.


    ¡°Is there something I¡¯m missing?¡± Newt asked, but Joyguard just shook his head.


    ¡°You are aware of your heart demon¡¯s source and the fact that it is an irrational thought. As for any hidden details and untold truths, only you can be aware of those. It is best if you discover them through introspection. Who knows, maybe some missing truth or memory can clear the demon.¡±


    Joyguard paused, staring into the distance before focusing back on Newt.


    ¡°If I were you, I would meditate on the incident in which you and your parents got separated. It¡¯s clear regret still lingers in your heart. It is not impossible that what you believe is a heart demon stemming from not actively searching for your parents is, in reality, a mirror of your regret over how they were taken from you in the first place.¡±


    Joyguard steepled his fingers and leaned back.


    ¡°It is not unheard of for the victim of a crime to feel guilty. In fact, it happens often enough. Someone who had their purse cut will often think something akin to, ¡®I should¡¯ve minded it better.¡¯ Those who were robbed often lament their own weakness, instead of the fact that the authorities failed to capture the perpetrator, or the state of the world in which brigands exist in the first place.¡±


    Newt sat in silence, staring at the whitewashed ceiling.


    There is probably some truth in his words. Now that I think about it, I recall spending days in the mine¡¯s gloom, thinking our separation is my fault. Karma for the way I behaved, my inability to resist Uncle¡­


    It is strange that something that left that deep of a scar didn¡¯t become a heart demon.


    ¡°Thank you, I will consider your words in great detail.¡± Newt stood and gave the mortal man a half-bow.


    ¡°You are welcome, Lord Cultivator.¡± Joyguard rose and mirrored Newt¡¯s bow, much too shallow for one a mortal should offer a cultivator, but Newt did not mind.


    ¡°I would be grateful for advice about another problem,¡± Newt said, and Joyguard motioned him to go back to the bed. Newt settled into a comfortable position and continued talking. ¡°My three new team members have lost a dear friend on the mission, and now I¡¯m there to take the dead man¡¯s spot.¡±


    Joyguard nodded, his expression still neutral.


    ¡°One of them is trying to move on, but the other two cannot cope with their grief and regret. How do I help them, get them out of their rooms? Do you have any advice for me?¡±


    Joyguard looked at the ceiling again, tapping on his notebook with the charcoal stick.


    ¡°Reasoning with those who have abandoned reason is like administering medicine to the dead. You are a stranger, a new person in their lives. Forcing them to leave their room or abandon any coping mechanisms they are employing will probably have adverse effects. That said, unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways, usually as heart demons. Provoking your team mates might help.¡±


    ¡°Provoking them?¡± Newt gave Joyguard a dubious look.


    ¡°Provoke them into action. Don¡¯t insult them or worse hit them. Make them take actions which will break up their daily rut. If I were you, I would either make my involvement subtle, or I would make the incident appear beyond my control.¡±


    Newt considered the proposal. Obsidian had almost certainly tried to get his sister out in a variety of ways.


    Had he? Newt wondered. If it were him, he would have tried, but that did not mean Obsidian thought the same.


    We need to talk soon. The sands of our three month grace period are already trickling down.


    ¡°Thank you, Sir, you have given me a lot to think about.¡± Newt stood up, then decided to ask a tactless question. ¡°How often do disciples and elders come to talk with soothers? There should be a lot of people in the sect, yet I managed to meet you on the same day I made the request.¡±


    Joyguard held Newt¡¯s gaze, obviously thinking of a diplomatic answer.


    ¡°Less often than they should, and those who need to talk to us the most, often don¡¯t come at all.¡±


    Newt looked at the man for one more moment.


    Maybe he wasn¡¯t going for a diplomatic answer, but for one free of insults?

 Chapter 83 - Self-study

    4th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt slotted his spirit gem into the spell formation and activated it. The ambient energy grew denser, and Newt started with his first item on the agenda. He created one tendril of fire-aligned spiritual energy, letting it drift and sway in the phantom wind, like a jellyfish tentacle in the ocean, and at the same time he formed another tendril of earthed energy and let it sink into the stone.


    The earth-aligned tendril smacked into a barrier as soon as it tried to pierce the spell formation¡¯s floor. It slid off, like caressing glass, and Newt did not force the issue. The tendril crept along the ground, like a root searching for fertile soil, absorbing the ambient earth-aligned energy along the way.


    Newt grew the fire-aligned thread of energy, but it too soon reached a barrier.


    I¡¯m sitting in an invisible half-dome. It took a mere split second for Newt to realize what was going on and guess on how the spell formation worked. It stops ambient spiritual energy from leaving and probably creates an area that resembles a void, drawing surrounding energy into itself until it hits an equilibrium.


    The concept was very similar to what Dandelion suggested Newt could make to make separate stores of differently aligned spiritual energies within his realm. That thought naturally led to the next.


    Magma or dual fire-earth? Newt was leaning towards the former. He had inherited Magmin¡¯s spirit roots, or at least some variation of them, and he had a realm blueprint to help him sculpt his realm beyond human ability.


    The only drawback was that at each step of the way, he had to prove himself a slayer, someone who could fight a fully evolved spiritual beast that matched his power. Worse, he had to fight the spiritual beast inside its own realm, where it was at its strongest, and its stamina and energy were infinite. And he had to do so several layers weaker than his opponent.


    Magmin would always be at the peak of the realm, just before advancement, and the surge of energy Newt got from defeating him, could push Newt over the edge of his realm before he got to cultivate it, thus weakening his foundation.


    The other path doesn¡¯t suffer from this drawback. I could cultivate my realm, prepare for advancement, and only then fight Magmin, but the extra spiritual energy isn¡¯t really worth the risk.


    But deep down, Newt knew this path was the inferior one. The first path would make him a respected slayer over and over again, while the latter one would make him someone who would not dare challenge a fully evolved spirit beast, because he lacked the power to land the decisive blow.


    Magmin at his peak was powerful enough to fight the emperor, the strongest human cultivator. And with a bit of luck, Newt could inherit that power. Would giving up on the path of magma out of fear form a heart demon?


    He supposed it would, but it was irrelevant. He would walk the more difficult path, challenge Magmin¡¯s realms when he was at the seventh or eighth layer, and with time, he would raise his clan to an even greater glory than his ancestor.


    That decision was easy enough to make. Now for the task Master gave me, what can I do with tracing? She said there are five uses, and each correct answer would net me a spirit gem.


    Newt first summoned Granite Crust the way he always did, then by using tracing. Tracing was slower, but allowed finer control. It was easier to change the technique¡¯s direction, but was that really useful for all techniques?


    I guess I¡¯ll submit that as one of my answers if I can¡¯t think of five others. And is it really slower? The speed at which Granite Crust forms has increased as I used it. When I started I had to prepare, but now, I can just will it into being when I see a blow coming. Maybe tracing becomes just as quick after months of practice?This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Newt summoned a double layer of Granite Crust to cover his hand, focusing on the traces throughout his arm, then started to expand his defensive skill towards the elbow. The main channels of traces sprouted a capillary system, reaching his skin, and giving birth to new layers of Granite Crust.


    The work was slow, and Newt felt like a new vascular system spread throughout his body, but after an hour, the network of spiritual energy channels covered his body. Thick central veins blazed with energy, bright enough that Newt¡¯s third eye could see them for a fraction of a second before Granite Crust formed and obscured his vision.


    What happens if I just constantly circulate a bit of my spiritual energy through a closed system of traces?


    Newt made a thread going up his arm, into his hand, and back to his second heart, then started running spiritual energy through it. He expected he would see an increase of spiritual energy in his flesh, but it was the opposite.


    It¡¯s drawing the loose energy back into my spirit root. My arm looks like I¡¯m in the second realm, but the rest of me still glows like I¡¯m in the third. Newt just stared at his arm, a deep, focused frown splitting his forehead. He was on the cusp of understanding¡ª.


    That¡¯s it! This is what the elders use to look like voids in the ambient spiritual energy, but they do it better in some way. That means they are constantly circulating spiritual energy through their bodies¡ª


    Wait, that means they can release their techniques faster, because the spiritual energy is already there, their techniques primed and waiting all the time. They just have to form the thin traces¡ª


    Why would they form the thin traces? They could have those active too, just a thought away from activating.


    Newt¡¯s mind jumped from thought to thought, abandoning one train when another, more interesting appeared.


    How would that work with two different elemental energies? Can I run fire and earth through the same trace?


    With hardly a thought, Newt sent a surge of fire-attributed energy from his second heart. Fire flooded the trace which, until an instant ago, was formed of pure earth. Newt screamed in pain.


    The channel burned, searing his heart. The ambient fire-attributed spiritual energy ignited, and something in Newt¡¯s chest tore. With wide eyes, he spewed a mouthful of blood, drowning his agonized scream.


    Newt wanted to send a stream of fire-aligned energy towards his feet, to propel himself forward with Fire Burst, but the mere thought of releasing more fire into his body made his head spin.


    ¡°Help!¡± he gurgled, but the chamber was soundproof, isolated from the rest of the world to offer maximum privacy and perfect concentration.


    ¡°¡­ if you are doing anything new or risky, do so near the training field, where Elder Elmshade can intervene¡­¡± Elder Alabaster¡¯s words echoed in Newt¡¯s mind. Too late. His lung burned like someone was crushing the breath out of him.


    With superhuman effort, Newt threw himself at the door. A mortal material would have exploded into splinters under the force, but the door merely smashed against the wall, the boom echoing down the corridor.


    ¡°Help,¡± Newt screamed again, but mere gurgles trickled out of his mouth, along with blood.


    The world grew fuzzy, darkness creeping up the edges of his vision, when a door somewhere far away opened with a bang.


    ¡°Healer!¡± A distorted voice hollered from the depths of the abyss. Darkness crept forth, covering half Newt¡¯s vision.


    A yellow-green blur touched Newt. Water trickled through his body, misting over his organs.


    ¡°He charred his lung, and half his heart burst.¡± The speaker paused, his icy hand drawing Newt back from the brink of unconsciousness. ¡°I can keep him stable for a while, but the wound is complex, and there might be problems if I heal him. Summon Elder Goodhunt from the Chamber of Healing.¡±


    Newt watched the desk clerk run out the door when his savior spoke. ¡°Listen, Junior, I have no idea what mistake you could¡¯ve made drawing spiritual energy to explode your own heart, but I must assure you it¡¯s the most spectacular injury I have seen in this part of the building.¡±


    Newt looked at the bald man, his face free even of eyebrows. He was grinning at Newt. Coherent thought had trouble forming. The pain sitting on Newt¡¯s chest had shrunk from a titanosaurus to a mere triceratops, and the spreading heat had stopped, doused by the healer¡¯s water-attributed energy.


    Newt opened his mouth. He wanted to say something, but only blood left his throat.


    ¡°See?¡± Concern flashed through the baldy¡¯s eyes, but he kept grinning, a joking smile that did not reach beyond his lips. ¡°Just stay conscious, and you¡¯ll have an exciting story to tell your friends. Seriously, you¡¯ll have to tell me later how you managed to burn your heart, lung, and a straight line all the way to your hand. What kind of strange technique were you practicing?¡±


    The healer kept talking disconnected gibberish, or maybe Newt¡¯s hazy mind failed to connect the thoughts, but whenever Newt¡¯s eyes drooped and started to close the bald man¡¯s voice turned a higher pitch.


    ¡°Hey, hey! Do you want the sect to learn you fainted from something like this? No master will accept a weakling like that.¡±


    Blessedly, another figure appeared above them, blazing with spiritual energy, and Newt¡¯s consciousness finally gave out.

 Chapter 84 - Stupid Kid

    6th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Stupid kid, you were practicing tracing without supervision.¡± Elder Alabaster said the instant Newt regained consciousness. She knew her disciple was awake even before he opened his eyes. ¡°You were in an induced coma for a day and a half. You fried your heart, your lung, and boiled a good chunk of your right arm from the inside.¡±


    Still dizzy, Newt thought the words were flat, emotionless, but as his senses recovered, he noticed a dagger-sharp undertone.


    ¡°I¡¯m sor¡ª¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re sorry your ass. I gave you simple instructions, anything new or potentially life-threatening, you will practice around the northern training field or within its bounds. El is a friend, he will take extra care of you. But no, what do you do? Go into a soundproof room, into an isolated space where nobody will check whether you¡¯re alive for hours, and burn off your heart!¡±


    ¡°Stop shouting, Al,¡± a flat male voice muttered, ¡°you¡¯re in the Chamber of Healing. And could you stop talking about me like I¡¯m not in the room?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s lucky I can only shout at him,¡± Elder Alabaster hissed, but contained her voice. ¡°I want to beat him half-dead with a stick, but he¡¯s already half-dead. Do you know that any more damage to your heart, and you would¡¯ve passed away in that soundproof room? You would have bled to death long before the outer disciple found you.¡±


    Newt¡¯s skin crawled at that, his breathing growing shallower.


    ¡°Oh, look, now he¡¯s scared,¡± Elder Alabaster growled, shoving a pair of pinching fingers in front of Newt¡¯s eyes. ¡°This close! You were this close to dying, you dumb child!¡±


    ¡°Al, mind your volume.¡±


    Newt could hear the two bicker, but their words went over his head.


    I almost died? But, it was just a simple test, sending a surge of my energy through my body. It wasn¡¯t even that strong.


    ¡°Master, what happened?¡±


    ¡°What happened is you almost killed yourself, busted out of a private chamber, called for help, then bled on the floor until a sixth realm healer came and patched you up. You owe the sect a bunch of contribution points for the medicine, around two hundred fourth realm spirit-gems worth of medicine to be more exact.¡±


    Two hundred fourth realm spirit-gems? Newt¡¯s still healing heart skipped a beat. Again, life smacked him with ungodly amounts of debt.


    ¡°Listen to me, and listen good.¡± Elder Alabaster stabbed Newt¡¯s chest with a finger as hard as diamonds. ¡°You will never, NEVER, experiment with your third eye. Never release energy from it unless you absolutely, positively understand all aspects of what you are doing, and even then a senior healer must be present the first time you are using a technique. If you had fried your brain like you did your heart and lung, you would have died on the spot. Even light damage to the brain can do funny things to a person. They might become a driveling madman, a plant drooling in some corner, or the damage might shift their mind into a demonic path.¡±


    ¡°Your master isn¡¯t joking about this, Newstar,¡± Elder El said, his flowing words smoothing Elder Alabaster¡¯s rocky jaggedness. ¡°We have a healer in the sect who could save you from such damage, but even she has to act immediately to stop your personality from warping. The theory of soul anchoring and mind preservation are still beyond me, and will remain that way for a very long time. Your spiritual realm is a construct of spiritual energy, controlled by your soul. If your soul loses its anchor strange things may happen, and heart demons may flood your mind.¡±


    Elder Elmshade¡¯s voice turned softer still.


    ¡°Have you learned anything from this, Newstar?¡±


    Newt considered all thoughts that went through his mind before he half-cooked himself.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°Tracing has something to do with why I can¡¯t see the spiritual energy inside elders¡¯ bodies, unless they are releasing it through their techniques. It allows for finer control than working your techniques with raw spiritual energy, and it increases the speed with which the techniques are unleashed while decreasing¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stupid kid,¡± Elder Alabaster interrupted. ¡°El is talking about nearly burning yourself to death. A couple days ago, you mentioned harmless techniques, there is no such thing as harmless in cultivation. Death lurks behind every corner, and now you¡¯re aware of that. You came this close,¡± Elder Alabaster once more gestured with her fingers, showing how close Newt came to dying, ¡°to being an example elders give their disciples when warning against being careless.¡±


    The woman stopped talking and folded her arms, glaring at Newt.


    ¡°It won¡¯t happen again, Master.¡± The words were not empty, Newt meant them. If saving a bit of time or indulging in idle curiosity could get him killed, he would not do it.


    ¡°I will write down any ideas I have and test them in a safe environment.¡±


    Elder Alabaster glared at Newt for several long moments before nodding very slowly. The subtle undertone of fear in his voice mollified her to an extent.


    ¡°Good. You can¡¯t train for at least a week, and the healers want to keep you here to monitor your condition. I suggest you spend your time cultivating your realm.¡± She went over to the door and opened it. ¡°I¡¯ll introduce you to your seniors now.¡±


    Four people entered the room, three of them at the fourth realm and one at the third.


    ¡°This is your first sister, Greenbow.¡± A woman who appeared to be in her late twenties or early thirties acknowledged Newt with a nod. She smiled an awkward smile, her eyes a mix of pity and disbelief.


    Newt eyed the rest, and they all held that gaze, which seemed to say, ¡®I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re that stupid, but at least you survived.¡¯


    I guess I deserve that.


    Greenbow had brown hair and a stocky figure, her thick arms looked like she could rip the tail off a brachiosaurus.


    ¡°Greetings, first sister.¡±


    ¡°Hello,¡± Greenbow said, her voice mild and pleasant, but she only got to say that one word before Elder Alabaster spoke again.


    ¡°This is your third brother, Stegorock.¡± Stegorock smiled more earnestly than his senior sister. The man was short and slim, his figure resembling Elder Flameax¡¯s, but his black hair flowed down his back, and his face was free of facial hair.


    ¡°Greetings, third brother.¡± Newt kept the confusion out of his voice, guessing the second brother or sister was busy.


    ¡°Wish we¡¯d met under better circumstances.¡± Stegorock flashed a pearly-white grin before Elder Alabaster moved on to the next disciple.


    ¡°This is Emeraldstreak, your fourth sister.¡± Emeraldstreak kept her face neutral as she inclined her head slightly. She had the densest spiritual energy out of all the disciples, and she was merely the fourth sister, meaning she was probably the most talented. She was tall, well built, and her yellow-and-green disciple uniform complemented her golden hair.


    ¡°Greetings, fourth sister.¡±


    ¡°Greetings.¡± Emeraldstreak¡¯s voice was emotionless and disinterested. Elder Alabaster did not seem to interrupt her before moving on to the final person in the room.


    ¡°And this is your sixth sister, Goodair.¡±


    ¡°Greetings, sixth sister.¡±


    ¡°Hello, reckless little brother. It¡¯s good to no longer be the youngest disciple, so could you please try not to kill yourself? Pleeease?¡± Goodair was slim and tall. She had fluffy dark hair sticking in every direction, making her head look like a giant puff-ball two feet in diameter.


    Just as Newt was trying to come up with an answer, Greenbow spoke.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind Goodair. She¡¯s an honorary airhead, born to a long line of air cultivators.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Goodair tried to protest, but Greenbow kept talking.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t mean anything bad, we¡¯re all here to help each other, and if you need anything, just shout. Me, third, and fourth are core disciples, while little sixth is an inner disciple, just like you.¡± She paused, pressing her lips into a thin line, hesitating whether to speak.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything reckless. We have lost second on a mission two centuries ago, and fifth disappeared on a mission twenty-three years ago.¡± The woman spoke with a motherly tone, heavy with worry, but Newt focused on one thing.


    The second brother or sister died two centuries ago. How old does that make Greenbow?


    Greenbow stared at Newt, expecting something.


    ¡°Thank you for the advice and care, senior sister.¡± Newt bowed slightly. ¡°I will take it to heart.¡±


    ¡°Just call me First, or Greenbow,¡± she smiled. ¡°Whatever you need, feel free to tell us. We¡¯ll do what we can to help you. I live in the core disciple house number seventeen, feel free to drop by when the healers release you.¡±


    ¡°I live in the house twenty-seven.¡± Stegorock chimed in, and Emeraldstreak remained silent until Stegorock elbowed her.


    ¡°House four.¡±


    ¡°I live on the fourth floor, room four-o-four. If you need anything, feel free to ask.¡±


    New considered Goodair¡¯s proposal and decided to take her up on it immediately.


    ¡°I¡¯m from room five-o-three, could you tell my roommate I¡¯m here, and that he should visit when he has the time?¡±

 Chapter 85 - A Childish Plot

    7th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt spent his first day at the Chamber of Healing in quiet cultivation. Within his realm, he arranged fire-attributed runic arrays along the lava flows, often thinking about the two nearly identical energy capturing spell formations Dandelion had shared with him.


    They would take up vast swaths of his realm, and if he were to one day switch to lava, like he knew he would, those areas would become forever useless, a dead part of his realm.


    I need to learn how to fuse and separate spiritual energy of different attributes. The energy of my realm is so incomparably vaster than the sliver I can use for my techniques that filtering the desired element and feeding the rest back into the realm itself won¡¯t change anything.


    ¡°Unfilial child!¡±


    Besides, I have a feeling I¡¯m using my elements more or less equally, just at different times, so any change to the balance should be minimal. I have to ask Master and Elder Flameax how to merge my two energies into a single attribute. They shouldn¡¯t¡ª


    A soft chime snapped Newt from his cultivation. He opened his eyes, a sound identical to the one that echoed in his realm still ringing in his physical ears.


    The awakening spell formation is incredible. I can¡¯t believe someone figured out how to make a spiritual bell to awaken cultivators from their trance. Why don¡¯t they use it in the energy gathering chamber?


    ¡°Come in!¡± Newt had two theories to answer his question even before he finished uttering the words.


    He would have continued contemplating the question, but the door opened with a nearly inaudible click, and Obsidian entered the room.


    ¡°Hello, Newstar. How are you feeling?¡± the tall man said, his face revealing the unasked puzzlement of ¡®what the hell did you do and how?¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m feeling perfectly fine, but the healers insisted I have to stay here for a week, so they could keep an eye on me, just in case I decide to spontaneously combust again.¡± Newt chuckled and rolled his eyes. ¡°As if I would do something like that to myself ever again.¡±


    Obsidian nodded and licked his lips.


    ¡°You wanted to talk about something?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Newt tried to sit, but something pulled him back the instant his back left the mattress. He turned around, looking at the bed with a perplexed frown.


    ¡°Mandatory bedrest,¡± Obsidian answered the unasked question. ¡°Until the healer in charge allows you to get up, a spell formation will keep you in bed.¡±


    I¡¯ve been here for two days, and this is the first time I¡¯ve noticed it. Newt felt blood rush to his cheeks in embarrassment. Cultivators really are like rocks. You leave them wherever, and if they have cultivation to catch up on, they won¡¯t move for days or months.


    ¡°Um, I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m not getting up. It¡¯s not a show of disrespect¡ª¡± Newt started rambling, and Obsidian smiled, a bit of tension bleeding out of him.


    ¡°Relax, what did you want to talk about?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been to a soother and asked him about Jasmine and Roselilly.¡± Obsidian twitched when Newt said that, but the youth kept talking. ¡°He said that we probably can¡¯t help them with mere words.¡±


    Obsidian nodded. ¡°They said the same thing to me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but did they mention provoking them into resolving their own problem?¡±


    Obsidian¡¯s gaze drifted upwards, trying to recall what he had discussed with his soother months ago.


    ¡°They did,¡± he dragged out the words, then his speech picked up speed as the memory grew clearer. ¡°But when I asked how I was supposed to do that, they didn¡¯t think of anything.¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°I gave it some thought.¡± Newt smiled. ¡°By sharing a dorm room, we are the members of the same team. Sect rules state that teams may accept new missions as long as at least half the team is present when the mission is assigned. Meaning, you and I can sign up for a mission and go on our own.¡±


    Obsidian stared at Newt. ¡°Why would we ever do that?¡±


    ¡°To force them into action. Your sister will follow if you tell her you¡¯re off.¡± I hope. ¡°Missions are dangerous, and she won¡¯t let you go on your own if there¡¯s half a chance of you not returning. I don¡¯t know about Roselilly, but I hope they at least try to stop us. That should give us an opportunity to talk reason with them. But the key is to really want to go, and for us to be willing to leave, even without them. Even if it¡¯s dangerous.¡±


    Newt faltered under Obsidian¡¯s glare. ¡°We need to show determination and commit to what we start. That said, we should pick an easier mission, one we could hopefully complete with just the two of us. You know. Just in case.¡±


    Obsidian nodded slowly. ¡°Right. We don¡¯t know anything about each other, and we should go pick a mission we can complete together. Easily. Because the sect issues those all the time.¡±


    ¡°We have three months!¡± Newt blurted. ¡°That¡¯s enough time to get to know each other¡¯s skills and filter the missions we could complete. We can start training as soon as they let me out of this place.¡±


    ¡°They will probably ban you from sparring and performing strenuous activities for a month or two, but your plan is¡­¡± Obsidian struggled to find the right word. He wanted to say solid, for Newt¡¯s sake as much as his own, but the word got stuck in his throat. Newt¡¯s plan was iffy at best.


    ¡°¡­ more substantial than anything I have done in all these months.¡± Obsidian admitted. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. I have some questions, though. What can you tell me about the missions? Are they real problems that need solving, or artificial, prepared in advance by the elders to challenge the younger generation?¡±


    ¡°That depends. Nobody will just hand over resources to you. You have to make progress of some kind or contribute to the sect. We have regular, bi-monthly outings into the Savage Wood. Elders lead large groups in airships, and wait for us to return while we gather whatever it is the sect needs from the wilderness.¡±


    Obsidian folded his arms and shifted in place.


    ¡°Sometimes seniors escort us, sometimes not, depending on the area¡¯s dinos. Then there are the danger zones. The sect owns a number of mines, areas with unique resources, and even special locations with denser spiritual energy, each housing colonies of various spirit beasts. I don¡¯t know why elders don¡¯t exterminate the spirit beasts, but disciples are in charge of gathering the resources. Like for the Savage Wood expeditions, the reward is usually half of whatever you collect, with bonuses for outstanding performance.


    ¡°Finally, there are the sect-owned secret realms, in which disciples train for treasure hunts in more hostile secret realms. Those are usually reserved for the core disciples, and inner disciples practically stand no chance to visit them.¡±


    Newt listened patiently, expecting Obsidian¡¯s list would be longer, but a silence hung in the air, turning more awkward.


    ¡°Are there any crafting missions? I¡¯ve seen disciples doing odd jobs here and there, are those missions too?¡±


    Obsidian nodded. ¡°They are, but such missions are for outer disciples alone. Most disciples practice one of the supporting occupations, and you can earn spirit gems working, much like you would in the guilds. From time to time, elders issue a bonus for crafting a certain type of item, pill, potion, or whatever. That¡¯s rare, and even rarer is the event where the sect can order you to craft something, the compensation is even better than when elders make requests, but crafting is mandatory, but I¡¯ve never heard that happen.¡±


    Newt had read about both types of request in the sect rules. Explorer¡¯s Gate also reserved the right to conscript all its disciples in a sect war, but those should be exceedingly rare.


    ¡°I¡¯m a formation scribe. You?¡±


    ¡°Novice blacksmith. I¡¯m focused on heavy weapons, but I can make swords and daggers just fine. Jasmine is also a smith, focused on armors, and Roselilly is in the Chamber of Healing.¡±


    Obsidian opened his mouth, but left them to hang a moment in hesitation.


    ¡°What did you do to wind up here for a while? I heard a rumor you injured yourself in the Chamber of Instruction.¡±


    Newt looked to the side, avoiding Obsidian¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°I experimented with a technique. I guess I had a sudden bout of inspiration and seized it without thinking. The next thing I knew, I was spewing blood, my head was spinning and I could barely get up.¡± Newt swallowed a lump. ¡°Master told me I blew up my lung and a part of my heart.¡±


    Newt looked up at his new roommate with a strained grin.


    ¡°I promised not to do it again.¡±


    Obsidian nodded slowly. Very slowly. ¡°How old are you?¡±


    ¡°Seventeen.¡±


    Obsidian whistled.


    ¡°Please keep the noise down,¡± the wall said in a choppy voice, and Obsidian covered his mouth while Newt stared at him blankly.


    ¡°You¡¯re really seventeen?¡±


    Newt nodded.


    ¡°Small world, I¡¯m seventy-one.¡±


    It was Newt¡¯s turn to gape.


    ¡°Jasmine is seventy-one too. Roselilly is twenty-eight.¡±


    You¡¯re ancient! How in the world can¡¯t you deal with your own problems? Why are they drinking their pain away?


    Newt wanted to shout a whole lot of things at that moment. Fortunately, there were too many, leaving his tongue paralyzed.

 Chapter 86 - Cultivating on Sick Leave

    7th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Obsidian left behind one confused Newt as he closed the door to the recovery room. Newt gazed at the pale-blue ceiling, considering the implications of everything he had heard. Average third realm inner disciples of major sects were between fifty and two hundred years old. Obsidian was not weird, Newt was.


    Newt did not ask why Jasmine and Roselilly acted like children, but Obsidian inadvertently answered that question by justifying his own age.


    Obsidian had spent twenty years gathering energy, just as many cultivating his realm, struggling with forming the perfect shapes inside his realm to strengthen his foundation. He spent years in the library, training combat skills, mastering techniques, resolving heart demons, and doing missions.


    Ever since he was fifteen, Obsidian hardly had time for anything save the headlong dash towards the next realm. Always grabbing forward, reaching for an extra bit of power.


    Newt rubbed his face, trying to find excuses for his teammates and failing.


    They are fully grown adults! Wait, if Jasmine and Obsidian took so long to reach the third realm, how did Roselilly do it? She¡¯s less than half their age.


    Newt considered the matter and quickly reached an answer. Roselilly had a master, Obsidian and Jasmine did not. Cultivation with resources and someone to tell you what you should do was five or ten times faster than the library approach and scant resources. While it does not mean the climb is impossible, it is countless times harder. After all, Dandelion was an obvious example of lone cultivators doing things quickly without external aid.


    Newt closed his eyes. My opportunities are good enough. Master wants me to figure things out on my own, but not because she doesn¡¯t want to explain things, but because she thinks some things I will need to learn on my own, and she¡¯s right.


    Newt inhaled, his racing thoughts slowing. I will trust her and do my best.


    With that, he entered his realm. The light breeze was pleasantly scalding, the earth beneath Newt¡¯s feet solid and warm, and the surrounding black forest seemed to rise into eternity, touching the blazing sky.


    Newt took a moment to appreciate the sight before heading to the nearest stream of lava, and following its languid flow down the mountain of his spiritual realm.


    Is this me? He wondered, gazing into the lava, and turning back to take in the imposing volcano. It was an age-old question, was the spiritual realm the cultivator¡¯s ever-expanding soul reshaped, or was it a construct made by the soul, a palace to house it. Nobody knew the answer, but Newt preferred to think everything within his realm was an expression of his uniqueness. With the spell formations he was arranging, he was making himself more complex, more adaptable, more himself.


    ¡°Newstar!¡± his mother¡¯s voice wailed, and Newt ignored it.


    I hope you are doing well, Mom.


    After a moment¡¯s pause, Newt turned around and went downhill to work on his next spell formation. It was a weird one, and he still was unsure why Dandelion had suggested it. A giant seal encompassing softness, flow, and flexibility. The problem was that the runic array was for earth.


    How can earth be soft, flowing, and flexible?


    Newt¡¯s mind drifted to the scalding black sand he had seen when first stepping foot onto the Explorer¡¯s Island. That sand was undoubtedly earth, but soft and flowing, and wonderfully hot to the touch, brimming with fire energy.


    I could remake it here.


    ¡°Unfilial¡ª¡±


    Newt tuned out the scream, focused on the sandy beach. Instead of making the spell formation a tiny, oddly shaped hillock, I could change the material of the runes themselves. It should work.


    Some instinct told Newt that not only would his solution work, but that it would be superior to his initial approach. Having the material¡¯s nature match the rune¡¯s purpose would promote its effect.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Newt stopped and looked back at all the formations he had finished. He shuddered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll probably have to redo most of them.¡± He shook his head despondently. ¡°And I will need to scour the library for books about rocks.¡±


    He reached the place where the ¡®flow¡¯ rune was supposed to go, and willed the rock to decompose into sand. The ground split with a loud crack, the rock crumbling into smaller chunks, then pebbles, then coarse sand. It kept disintegrating until its grain grew as fine as milled flour.


    Newt observed his prototype. Deep down, he knew he had made something good; better than what he had planned, but he still had room for improvement.


    How do I do that? How do I make it flow? The first natural thought that came to his mind was to make something like an hourglass. But such a construct was unnatural, at odds with the rest of his realm. Newt observed the wide open expanse, searching for movement, but other than wind and lava, nothing moved.


    Newt ruffled the sand with his hand, but that was neither sufficient nor would solve the problem in the long run. I¡¯ll figure it out later. This is enough of an achievement for now.


    Newt then focused on another rune, then another, and another. Working on those whose concepts aligned with sand in some way.


    The familiar chime sounded, and Newt left his realm. He opened his eyes, feeling his lips dry and cracked before realizing he was willing to pay a spirit gem for a cup of water.


    ¡°Come in,¡± he croaked, and a healer in white robe entered his room.


    The orange-haired woman was merely in the second realm, focused on reading a scroll before looking up at Newt.


    ¡°Inner disciple Newstar, how do you feel?¡±


    ¡°Thirsty.¡±


    The woman looked at him, then at a cup and a silver pitcher full of water within Newt¡¯s reach.


    Newt followed her gaze and poured himself a cup.


    ¡°Thank you, I was cultivating and lost track of time.¡±


    ¡°How do you feel now?¡±


    Newt drained the cup. ¡°Ahh, better.¡±


    The healer rolled her eyes. ¡°I was asking about your injury.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s better too.¡± A tiny part of Newt was amused, watching the orange-haired woman clench her teeth, before calming and once more speaking in a cool, professional tone.


    ¡°No lingering pain, discomfort, tightness of the chest, trouble breathing?¡±


    She kept listing conditions, and Newt kept shaking his head.


    ¡°None of those.¡±


    ¡°Very well, today is the fifteenth. We kept you here two extra days for observation, but you seem healthy, and you are denying any signs of lingering trauma. You¡¯re free to go as soon as you sign this.¡± She handed Newt a rough parchment and a charcoal stick.


    ¡°Sign here.¡± She pointed at a line at the bottom.


    Newt did, glancing at the document he was signing as he wrote his full name above the thin line. In short, the Chamber of Healing¡¯s Dulceta Sun deemed him healthy, and he confirmed her observation.


    ¡°You are not allowed to perform any strenuous activities for fifteen days, and no spars, or any other kind of activity in which you could potentially injure yourself for another fifteen days.¡± She looked Newt in the eye. ¡°That means no fighting for thirty days, or you might be bedridden for a longer period. I don¡¯t care about missions you have to fulfill, bets, friends you have to help, or anything else. Deviating from my orders might aggravate any hidden injuries, and any damage you suffer may compound on anything we might have missed. Is that clear?¡±


    Newt nodded, wondering how old the woman was. Her manner of speech indicated quite a bit more than the early thirties her appearance suggested.


    ¡°Your master already knows this, and they will adjust your training accordingly. Any questions?¡±


    How does the spell formation which kept me chained to the bed work?


    Newt yearned to ask that question, but shook his head and left the room. He exited the Chamber of Healing, and drew a deep breath of the fresh jungle air, realizing belatedly that the air inside was suffused with sharp herbal scents.


    What now? Newt just asked himself that question when he froze. The deep red color of her hair drew his gaze, then his eyes wandered to her perfect face and attractive figure. Newt could feel blood rushing through his neck, his face growing redder and redder.


    He hoped her gaze would slip past him, but then he saw the light of recognition, and Elder Woodhopper¡¯s lips drew into a light smile.


    She approached at a leisurely pace, and Newt apparently moved down the earthen path, even though he was certain he was standing locked in place.


    ¡°I heard you hurt yourself. I¡¯m glad you¡¯re fine.¡±


    Newt swallowed a lump, struggling not to lower his gaze. ¡°Thank you, Elder Woodhopper.¡±


    ¡°How did you injure yourself in an energy gathering chamber, if you don¡¯t mind my asking?¡±


    Newt minded very much. He already felt like an idiot, and that question made him feel even dumber.


    ¡°I,¡± he started stuttering, ¡°got sidetracked and thought about the technique I discussed with Master that day, and started trying it, and I messed up, and I¡­ got hurt.¡±


    Elder Woodhopper nodded, her beautiful features serious. ¡°I¡¯ve had students bitten nearly in half by beasts, and the Chamber of Healing released them faster than they let you out. Please take care of yourself, and remember we only have one life.¡±


    Newt bobbed his head like a pecking yamaceratops, bade the elder a nervous goodbye, and hurried away. Elder Woodhopper just stood in the middle of the street and smirked as Newt scampered away.

 Chapter 87 - Taking it Easy

    15th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt felt like banging his head against a rock. Elder Woodhopper may have appeared like she was enjoying the spring of her youth, but she was his master¡¯s generation. The whole situation felt absurd. He had a crush on a woman who was at least a thousand years his senior.


    ¡°Stupid, stupid, stupid,¡± he muttered and saw the Chamber of Tomes.


    Rocks.


    He turned and marched over to the door, his cheeks still burning.


    ¡°Good day,¡± he greeted the librarian, and spent the next couple of hours studying geology, focused on igneous rocks. There were two more types of rocks, but they were incompatible with the concept of magma or lava. And why the different names? They were basically the same molten rock as far as Newt was concerned.


    An interesting fact he learned was that lava was rich in metal, much richer than the earth element on average. Newt knew the tidbit could prove useful one day, and he might be able to add metal, often classified as yin-earth, to his arsenal.


    The mundane books proved fascinating and boring at the same time. The ideas and general concepts tickled Newt¡¯s mind, then devolved into irrelevant tripe about specific weight of volcanic rocks found in different regions, and their appliance in metallurgy, masonry, and other aspects of life.


    Newt was additionally disappointed because he expected that the denser rocks had greater concentration of spiritual energy, but that was not the case. In fact, the data he had glossed over suggested there was no correlation between the rock¡¯s physical properties and the density of spiritual energy.


    Newt¡¯s stomach thundered, and he snapped the book shut in embarrassment. He glanced around the reading room catching a few odd glances before rushing out.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he whispered to Elder Thunderwing as he returned the books. ¡°Could you please tell me where I can get something to eat?¡±


    The old librarian trained her gaze on Newt, making him want to shrink back. She took a moment to decide Newt was not joking. ¡°You will have to visit the outer disciple ward. Just follow your nose once you get there.¡±


    Newt thanked the elder, and walked into the night, certain his face was glowing red in the dark. He was not alone. Fireflies bobbed up and down in the air, probably making even bigger fools of themselves than he was.


    Why am I thinking such stupid things? Newt bit his cheek on the inside and tried to clear his mind while hurrying towards the main road.


    He followed it back towards the beach and took a left at a sign saying Outer Sect.


    Newt expected a bunch of barracks, or dormitories, like the one for inner disciples, but instead, a large, chaotic village of tents and small houses made of straw and wood appeared before him. Torches burned, their dancing flames casting flickering lights. The scene was surreal. The settlement was more primitive than most mortal hamlets Newt had seen.


    While his eyes drank in the sight, his nose devoured the scent of grilled fish mixed with unknown, sweetish odors. Newt¡¯s stomach growled once more, and he followed the delicious aroma.


    The buildings, large and small, were scattered about without order. Newt guessed most of them were residences, but the larger ones were shops and taverns. Despite the late hour, he passed two dozen people, most of whom were at the second realm, but some of them were at the third, with one elderly man even being at the fourth.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The gray-haired man wore the sect¡¯s colors, and he was using a fan made of branches and leaves to fan the coals, above which fish sizzled. Newt gulped, saliva running in his mouth like a torrent.


    ¡°Good evening.¡± Newt was confused. How should he address the man? Senior because he was older and in a higher realm? But Newt was an inner disciple, while the old man was an outer disciple.


    While Newt pondered, the silence dragged on, until adding any appellation would seem weird.


    ¡°Good evening.¡± The old man returned Newt¡¯s nervous smile with a calm one. ¡°What can I get you?¡±


    He stopped fanning and gestured with his fan, pointing at the whole bunch of eel-like fish sizzling atop his grill and a dozen skewers at the edges of the grill, lined with cubes of whitish meat and multicolored something in similar format.


    ¡°What are those?¡±


    ¡°These are haikouichthys,¡± the ¡°merchant¡± identified the whole fish first then pointed at the skewers. ¡°And these are diced coelacanths, crabs, and pineapples, seasoned with a secret mix of spices and dressings I have developed over the centuries. Care to try one?¡±


    Newt swallowed his saliva, but did not move to take the offered skewer.


    ¡°How do I pay?¡±


    ¡°In goods and services. Money has no meaning here, but various trinkets do, or you could catch some fish for me to sell in exchange for the food.¡±


    Catch fish? Newt had no idea how he was supposed to do that, but he knew that everyone would ask something from him in exchange for food.


    He hesitated, standing there like a statue, wondering whether he should tell the ¡°merchant¡± that he was new and still trying to figure things out. Then his gaze drifted to the shimmering coals, and an idea struck him.


    ¡°I could make a spell formation which would replace the coals. But scribing it for a mere skewer of food isn¡¯t happening.¡± Newt did his best to imitate Dandelion¡¯s speech, the hesitant and aloof offer, with barely a hint of interest in the subject, before supposedly realizing that what he offered was too good for the other party. He just hoped his stomach would not betray him and remain silent.


    His plan worked. The merchant¡¯s eyes went wide in realization. ¡°I pay two skewers a day for the coals. I could pay you one skewer a day from now on.¡±


    Newt felt smug about the way he handled the matter and raised six fingers to match half the number of skewers on the grill. ¡°Six skewers upfront, and you have to provide me with a metal plate and some acid to scribe the spell formation with.¡±


    The merchant shoved the six skewers into Newt¡¯s hands. ¡°Deal. Wait here for a while, I need to find the materials you will need.¡±


    Newt watched the man hurry away and bit into the first stick. The fish melted in his mouth, salty with faint hot notes. Newt wanted to cry with how hungry he was. It was even worse than when he was at the mines. At least he had bread back then, and the bland meat was never anything he would look forward to, while the difference between weeks of hunger and a spicy, succulent coelacanth was like night and day.


    Then he bit into the chunk of crab meat. It was firmer, chewier, glazed in a sweet and sour sauce that felt like a divine tonic. Newt¡¯s stomach growled as he chomped on the sweet fruit, quickly followed by another piece of fish.


    He sat beside the grill and gorged himself. By the time the merchant returned, Newt was long finished with his meal, his fingers fully licked. He was sated, but still had some room in him, and he regretted not getting some haikouichthys as a part of the deal.


    ¡°Here you go.¡± The man handed Newt a metal plate a foot long and a foot wide, as well as a glass vial of greenish-orange liquid, which might have been plain pale-green in daylight.


    Newt examined his tools, taking the black plate into his hands. It could have been bigger, but the ambient spiritual energy was rich enough, and he could make it work with two instead of four runes for gathering energy from the environment.


    He would replace the burst rune from his killing formation with flow, so the heat would not build up, but instead radiate upwards at all times. Newt plotted the spell formation as he considered his task, the knowledge of runes and their arrangements he used to cultivate his realm incomparably more complex and intricate than a grill.


    To him the task at hand was a minor thought exercise, but most guild scribes of his level would have resorted to already existing spell formations, rather than invent one on the spot by repurposing a lethal trap.


    With the spell formation plotted out, he uncorked the acid and scrunched his brows at the vile smell. He formed Granite Crust to cover his hand and projected it two inches away from his skin before dripping the caustic liquid onto the tip of Granite Crust¡¯s index finger.


    Newt counted to ten, but other than a minor increase in spiritual energy consumption, the mundane acid could not harm his defense. Newt pulled back Granite Crust to cling to his skin, dipped his finger into the acid, and started drawing under the merchant¡¯s watchful eye.

 Chapter 88 - Foundations

    16th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Standing at the training area, Newt brimmed with satisfaction at making something practical, something which would help another person do their job more comfortably. Better yet, he got some tasty food out of it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s recap. What are you going to do from now on?¡± Elder Alabaster¡¯s voice was icy, her arms folded, her feet tapping the ground.


    Newt¡¯s master knew how to douse his good mood in an instant.


    ¡°For two weeks, I won¡¯t cultivate, nor gather spiritual energy. I will spend my time in the library, or engage in relaxing activities. No unauthorized use of spiritual energy. After that I will be allowed to enter the cultivation chamber, but can¡¯t do anything other than draw energy and cultivate my realm, no experimenting, no getting distracted. Any duels, spars, or anything else that could pose even a modicum of danger I will do in this training field. Elder Elmshade will pay extra attention to me while I¡¯m here.¡± Newt parroted his master¡¯s instructions imitating an earnest tone.


    ¡°You cheeky brat, you think I¡¯m treating you like a kid.¡± Elder Alabaster speared Newt with her gaze, her fists resting on her hips. ¡°Well, I am. Let me remind you, you detonated your lung and a chunk of your heart. It¡¯s gonna take a decade for you to regain my trust and for me to leave you to your devices without someone to monitor you. Is that clear?¡±


    Newt nodded, his gaze downcast, his shoulders drooping.


    ¡°Newstar, this concerns your life.¡± Elder Alabaster placed her hand on Newt¡¯s shoulder, her voice low and solid like a rock. ¡°Disobey me, and I will expel you from the sect. Is that clear?¡±


    Newt once more nodded.


    ¡°Good, we will continue building your spiritual sense for the next two weeks. You will start with two threads, and we will increase it slowly and carefully.¡±


    Newt obeyed. Two weeks passed in reading and filling voids in his knowledge on various subjects. The practical training both by Elder Alabaster and Elder Flameax went as expected, Newt¡¯s master stayed true to her word, and in two weeks, they increased the number of threads he could handle to four.


    Elder Flameax explained the weaknesses of Newt¡¯s techniques, potential improvements, and multiple ways in which he could develop them. The two weeks were extremely peaceful, allowing Newt to make full recovery.


    ¡°Today, you¡¯re learning earth-aligned techniques. Finally,¡± Elder Alabaster said, leading Newt to the training field. ¡°We should¡¯ve started ten days ago, but someone had to blow himself up. And no, I won¡¯t stop saying that for at least a couple years. Now, as I¡¯ve said before, these techniques won¡¯t be anything earth shattering. I will give you the manuals after today¡¯s lessons, but today, you will struggle through them without instructions, guessing how the skill works based on my descriptions and instructions.¡±


    Elder Alabaster paused, silent for a couple of moments, before speaking again. ¡°If you reach the sixth realm, or the higher ones, this won¡¯t be the case. At that level, you will have to figure things out on your own based on your previous knowledge. You will get the manuals only once you have made a technique you yourself find a perfect fit. I am also learning like this under my master, and none of my techniques have reached the level of perfect completion. Fortunately, the sect cares little for perfecting low and mid tier versions of our techniques, but any improvements you can make will be rewarded appropriately.¡±


    They reached their training area, and Elder Alabaster turned to face Newt.


    ¡°Any questions?¡±


    ¡°No, Master.¡±


    ¡°Good. The first skill for you to learn is the earthen barrier. As its awe-inspiring name suggests, it involves creating a barrier of earth to block attacks. You are supposed to move earth and shape it into a rough wall. Due to range restrictions, the technique is very limited at the third realm, but it becomes handy starting from the fourth realm.¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Newt shifted, and his master sighed.


    ¡°Yes, Newstar, what is it?¡±


    ¡°If I may be so bold, Master, why am I learning a technique that is useless for my realm?¡±


    ¡°Stop interpreting my words and just listen. I never said useless, I said limited. There is a difference. The technique is limited because you can only block attacks against you and create a bit of cover within a few steps. Once the range increases tenfold, you can do the same for the rest of your team, creating bigger and sturdier walls in the process. At the fifth realm, you can cover an entire battlefield.¡±


    She paused, looking at Newt with bored, half-closed eyes.


    ¡°And you should learn it now because it will make things easier later, and the higher your realm, the more starved for time you will become. Especially if you take pigheaded disciples who question your every word and misquote you every chance they get.¡±


    Newt resented the statement, but he could tell from Elder Alabaster¡¯s tone that the woman was joking.


    ¡°Master, do all elders have disciples?¡±


    As expected, Elder Alabaster shook her head.


    ¡°Most take disciples at certain points. Teaching and writing is also cultivation in a certain sense. Some use disciples to resolve heart demons, others to deepen their own comprehension, others simply teach their descendants, though that one often has questionable results, especially if you¡¯re close with the descendant in question.¡±


    She folded her arms.


    ¡°Now, I indulged your idle thought, so get started with the earthen barrier. We have three more techniques to go through and only two hours.¡± Newt stared for a moment too long, and Elder Alabaster clapped her hands. ¡°Chop chop.¡±


    Newt immediately closed his eyes and sent a pair of earth-aligned tendrils of spiritual energy from the soles of his feet. They entered the ground and moved in front of him. He had already considered the inner workings of his master¡¯s techniques, which summoned rock spikes, and he concluded that she was using the same tendrils of spiritual energy she used for perception, but added a purpose to them somehow.


    Yeah, that somehow is the key.


    Newt considered the only other experience he had with changing the surrounding terrain, and thought of cultivating his realm. However, his realm obeyed his desires, how would he make the real world obey him.


    Please form a wall, Newt thought at the earth, and nothing happened. Then he made the same request to the thread of spiritual energy extending from his feet with the same result.


    Maybe I need to be more persistent? Newt kept repeating a simple mantra of, ¡°Form a wall,¡± but the world ignored his request, no matter how earnest.


    Thanks to his youth, Newt¡¯s patience was limited, so less than a minute after starting he poked at an especially thick clump of earth energy he sensed, pushing it up, and the energy moved. It was a minuscule shift, but Newt clearly felt the movement, and the grass shook before him, despite the fact that there was no wind inside the spell formation.


    Newt tilted his head and poked again, but instead of stopping after the initial shove, he kept pushing. A tuft of grass rose from the ground, forming what looked like a modest, abandoned molehill overgrown with grass.


    New was grinning, so focused on his success, that he failed to notice his master¡¯s eyes bulge. It had been less than five minutes since she gave her genius disciple the vague task, and he was already moving the earth.


    Newt mobilized another thread of spiritual energy, rising the tiny mound even higher. He followed up with the third thread, and considered trying with the fourth, but there was no need. The mound slowly rose higher and higher, and Newt felt like someone was sitting on his brain as the world resisted his unnatural change.


    Half a minute after the initial success, Newt had a conical, wall-ish, construct, which reached all the way to his knees. Finally, with a sweaty brow, Newt stopped projecting spiritual energy, but the mound remained.


    ¡°Was that any good, Master?¡± Newt¡¯s voice was full of doubt.


    Elder Alabaster made her face expressionless before Newt looked at her. ¡°It¡¯s passable, but I won¡¯t lend you the books discussing these techniques. I have to discuss them with my master, and check whether there¡¯s anything better suited for you.¡±


    Newt was unsure what to think. Was his display vexingly inapt and his master needed to consult with someone more experienced? Or was he a genius they would invest more resources into?


    Considering the Explorer¡¯s Gate had ninth, and probably tenth realm experts, who were disciples at some point, it was unlikely Newt was staggering enough he warranted Elder Alabaster to discuss his progress with her master. That only left one option in his mind; he was underperforming.


    ¡°Master, I will try harder.¡± Elder Alabaster nodded, dead serious.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t expect anything else from you. The next technique is earthen spike. The basic premise is the same as for the barrier, but more focused, so creating a wide mound won¡¯t cut it.¡±


    Newt sighed in relief. Making one point to guarantee sharpness was much easier than dispersing his power in multiple spots.


    ¡°Yes, Master, I will do my best!¡±

 Chapter 89 - Teaching Methodologies

    30th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°He is a rare gem,¡± spiritual energy danced in Alabaster¡¯s ear, carrying Flameax¡¯s whispered words. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not being too hard on him? Maybe he needs a bit of acknowledgement, encouragement? Someone telling him he¡¯s special. That he¡¯s good.¡±


    If any of her disciples had heard those words, Alabaster would have snorted and made a dismissive face, but free of audience, her features did not even flicker in disagreement.


    ¡°Spare the rod, spoil the child.¡± She sent to her fellow elder just outside the barrier. ¡°Frosty told me Newstar has a well educated friend who seems to have taught him too much. Imperial cities are crawling with masters of theory at the third realm and lower, some even at the fourth, but what will the boy do once he hits the fifth, the sixth? Nobody¡¯s going to serve him neatly packaged information, and he won¡¯t know how to search for the answers he needs.¡±


    ¡°A word of praise isn¡¯t lost.¡± Flameax¡¯s sent words lacked emotion, but Alabaster knew he did not agree with her methods to the point of arguing. ¡°He¡¯s fragile, too innocent.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s why he needs to toughen up. He¡¯ll almost certainly choose the path of magma, but his will is too weak; he lacks the drive and determination, I fear he will burn himself before ascending high enough.¡±


    ¡°Even if he makes all the wrong choices, that boy will rise higher than either of us¡ª¡±


    ¡°If he doesn¡¯t kill himself. And what¡¯s so special about someone reaching the eighth realm and getting stuck there when they could have become a tenth realm overlord? If anything, that makes us, his teachers, failures.¡±


    ¡°Al, he¡¯s a kid, not twenty years old. He¡¯s at the third realm and discovered tracing all on his own.¡±


    ¡°And he used it to almost incinerate himself before forming even the embryonic stage of his traces.¡± Alabaster¡¯s sending failed to convey the frustrated snap of her words.


    Newt¡¯s accident annoyed her to no end. Encouraging a third realm disciple to reinvent a technique which was generally reserved for the fifth realms or prodigies at the fourth realm was something most Explorer¡¯s Gate¡¯s elders would call reckless. Having it blow up in her face less than a day later only made the matter worse.


    ¡°Dual elementalists have it hard, even at the higher realms. He is lucky his combination is natural and sits well with his temperament. Unfortunately, our sect lacks magma cultivators, even if we have some records¡ª¡±


    ¡°Master,¡± Newt snapped Alabaster out of the conversation she was having while overseeing his training. ¡°Are we done for the day?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Well done, you managed to survive yet another day. Elder Flameax is burning with the desire to give his first practical lesson and check your talent for fire-related arts.¡± Alabaster refused to back down. She was certain the boy in her care was spoiled and uneducated. What redeemed him were his willingness to learn, flexibility, and age.


    She wanted to berate her disciple¡¯s parents and teachers, but deep down she knew that they were probably doing what they could at their level. The little bit of background check she did simply indicated that their clan had declined too much, sunk too low, and lost too much.


    ¡°I will see you tomorrow,¡± Alabaster said, and moved at her regular speed, something most below the fifth realm could not follow with their limited senses.


    ***


    ¡°Newstar, it¡¯s finally time for a real lesson.¡± Elder Flameax grinned, taking Elder Alabaster¡¯s spot not a second after she had left.


    Newt found their movement unnerving, and if the switch happened while he was blinking, like it did once, it made it appear like one elder shifted into the other.


    Unaware of his musings, Elder Flameax started the important discussion. ¡°Your defensive technique is very unique, and still effective. I shan¡¯t make any suggestions on how exactly to modify it, but I will clarify several options we discussed before. But before I do that, I wish to know what exactly do you want out of it?¡±This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Newt thought about it. He recalled how he initially wanted to give Magmin Scales offensive capabilities, but he had grown past that childish thought. Defensive techniques were made for defense. The excursion in the Frostworm caves was a glaring confirmation of Dandelion¡¯s offhand comment back when they first discussed cultivation.


    ¡°Magmin Scales are working as intended. The only changes I would like to make are the ones which would enhance the technique¡¯s current function. So, increasing the efficiency with which it counters temperature changes, stabilizing the effect at extreme temperatures, and reducing its spiritual energy cost so that I could use it longer.¡±


    Elder Flameax inclined his head, the answer had not changed in two weeks. ¡°We can work on that later.¡±


    The tone made Newt¡¯s skin crawl. He had a feeling those improvements involved fire-attributed spiritual energy traces, and he was unwilling to experiment with those just yet. Sensing the awkward silence, Elder Flameax changed the topic.


    ¡°You should give this matter more thought. Until then, we shall start with your movement technique. It has a lot of room for improvement, and you seem to favor using fire for movement, which is natural, earth is the least mobile element, while fire is second only to air. You are using bursts of hot air to move around, but using currents of heated air could make you lighter. If you properly master the technique, you could achieve true flight at the fourth realm. But even without flight, you can still enhance your land speed by liquifying whatever you are standing on and skating on the surface. There¡¯s also heating the air ahead of you, it¡¯s less useful at your realm, but once you hit the sixth and walk at speeds mortal eyes can¡¯t match, it helps.¡±


    Elder Flameax continued explaining various changes Newt could consider before moving onto the offensive techniques.


    ¡°You lack fine control over your fire techniques.¡± The elder tossed a manual towards Newt, signaling the start of the practical portion of their lesson.


    ¡°Here. This technique is useless in combat, but excellent to train precision.¡±


    The elder waited while Newt browsed the twenty-page booklet. The first page had an introduction to Flame Needle along with a drawing of a woman with a thin jet of flame rising from her outstretched finger.


    Newt skimmed through the text, the declaration of the technique¡¯s purpose, the problems it was supposed to tackle, and finally the circulation method. He studied the two diagrams of spiritual energy flows and closed the book.


    ¡°The technique seems deceptively simple. Are you certain you have comprehended it?¡± Elder Flameax tried to keep his voice neutral and instructional, but Newt caught the doubtful tone.


    ¡°Fairly certain. I will first test it out in my realm, if you don¡¯t mind, teacher?¡±


    ¡°Please do.¡± Elder Flameax gestured towards the ground, and Newt sat, closed his eyes and entered his realm.


    Inside the calcified forest, Newt willed his energy to move, and a flame appeared above his finger.


    The technique is almost identical to the one Dandelion forced me to discover, but it can keep itself stable with only a single flame.


    He used the technique he had invented from his other index finger and observed the differences.


    Flame Needle is much smaller, two times shorter, and its volume is probably a tenth of my self-invented technique.


    Newt tilted his head. The shape is similar, but my version widens before narrowing. Meanwhile Flame Needle is the widest at the tip of my finger. The amount of fire-attributed spiritual energy fueling them is similar, though.


    Newt guessed that the greater concentration of spiritual energy made the new technique several times more powerful. I guess that¡¯s the difference between something polished for generations and something I made up in an afternoon. But if that¡¯s the case, why are Magmin¡¯s self-invented techniques still strong enough, and they seem to be growing stronger?


    Newt had several ideas on why that was the case. The theory he believed the likeliest was that spiritual beasts¡¯ technique grew with their bodies, and since Newt¡¯s physique was improving along with his cultivation, the techniques progressed accordingly. His second guess was that due to their simplicity, the runic formations he was filling his realm with had greater impact on them.


    Newt dispelled his errant thoughts and dismissed the two techniques. He summoned the new version of Flame Needle five times, before confirming he could conjure the flames without difficulty.


    ¡°Teacher,¡± Newt said, opening his eyes. ¡°How common is it for two techniques to bear the same name even if they are different?¡±


    Newt originally thought of his technique as the Flame Needle, only to find someone else had their own similar yet different version.


    ¡°Depends on the name. Things like Flame Needle, Flaming Needle, Fire Fist, Fire Strike, and others, are fairly common names. The Golden Dragon Soars Into The Setting Sun is a fairly unique name for a technique. So, it depends on the technique¡¯s complexity and on how common the name sounds.¡± Elder Flameax answered without the frowning and snorts which followed Elder Alabaster¡¯s answers to Newt¡¯s question outside the scope of their lesson.


    ¡°Now, go back to cultivation, and then we can test your deductions.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± Newt focused, conjuring a flame from his finger, much too big for the Flame Needle, but smaller than his original version. He frowned, dismissed the technique, and re-conjured it. The flame was smaller, appearing more concentrated in Newt¡¯s third eye, but still not quite there.


    On the third try he got it more or less as he wanted it.


    ¡°Is this good enough teacher?¡± Newt lifted his gaze to look at his teacher, who regained control of his features.


    ¡°It¡¯s great! There¡¯s still room for improvement. Lessen the flow through¡­¡±

 Chapter 90 - The Summer Solstice

    45th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Thank you for helping me pick the glaive, Master.¡± Newt had spent the first part of the day¡¯s training with Elder Alabaster picking a heavy weapon for his spar with Obsidian.


    On Newt¡¯s insistence, his roommate agreed to a duel at noon. Newt believed it was dramatic and symbolic enough, and while Obsidian did not see the attraction, he still agreed to humor his young friend.


    Friends, huh? Newt considered the word. I guess we are friends. We will entrust our lives to each other, and we will support each other both when we are inside the sect and when we are out on missions.


    Another change following Newt¡¯s injury was his increasing familiarity with the library and all the mundane matters which could influence his cultivation. Knowledge was power, and cultivation was the application of that power.


    He was still far from where he wanted to be, but he had acknowledged his shortcomings and started addressing them.


    I¡¯ll need at least a decade of reading before I can optimize the changes I wish to make to Dandelion¡¯s realm blueprint, and I should refrain from reaching anything beyond the sixth layer in the meantime, so that I can visit Magmin¡¯s realm.


    Various thoughts of outstanding futures flashed through Newt¡¯s mind as he approached the training field. Obsidian stood there, waiting, and Newt¡¯s heart quickened. He could feel himself sweating from excitement.


    Will I be able to win? Obsidian described himself as primarily a melee fighter, so we can exchange blows freely, especially since Master is there to watch over us.


    Newt flashed a grin at his roommate, then glanced towards his new weapon brimming with pride. It was a fourth realm masterpiece, and it almost slipped through his fingers because of the debt. Fortunately, Elder Alabaster relented to Newt¡¯s begging, and allowed him to claim his reward instead of forcing him to cash it in to settle his medical bill.


    All this is just so exciting. Newt struggled for breath, still grinning. Heavens, it¡¯s hot today.


    ¡°You all right?¡± Obsidian asked as Newt approached.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m a bit dizzy. It¡¯s hot¡ª¡±


    The world blurred and then became crystal clear again, clearer than it had ever been. Obsidian had disappeared, as had the entirety of Explorer¡¯s Gate, the jungle, the training yard, everything. Instead of a grassy field, Newt found himself in the middle of an apocalypse. The ground was charred for hundreds of miles in every direction, earth rising into mountains, spewing lava into the air.


    Clouds of ash devoured the sky, but a tiny red dot blazed in the hellish landscape. It was as small as his nail, standing more upright than any dinosaur or spirit beast he had ever seen, but it lacked scales, and blood flowed freely across its surface, yet never leaving the body.


    Newt¡¯s whisker twitched at the alien creature¡¯s vile scent. Regardless of what it was, it had invaded his domain, and Newt would destroy it. There was only one concern; despite being tiny, the intruder was strong, freakishly so.


    Newt clenched his fist, digging it into the ground. As his claws drew closed, power gushed through them and into the earth. The countless volcanos dotting the land spewed earth and fire, melding it into one titanic torrent, and the flow powerful enough to strip the flesh off of ninth realm spirit beasts slammed into the bloody bipedal monster.


    The creature of blood raised its arm, palm outstretched, and the billions of pounds of molten rock parted, smashing into the ground beyond, but leaving the monster unscathed.


    Newt roared in fury, and the world shook from his rage. It had been countless ages since anyone dared threaten his dignity. Worse, the tiny creature radiated arrogance, as if it was invulnerable.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Newt pounced, his twenty-mile-long body descending on the tiny, insolent thing. He had forgotten the last time he moved personally to deal with an intruder, but the bloody creature had slaughtered his servants, and he could contain his rage no longer.


    The thing moved, blurring in Newt¡¯s eyesight, but its heat was easy to track. It probably thought it could sneak up on him, or use the speed to its advantage. Newt smirked.


    How arrogant.


    He swiped his clawed hand through the air and smacked the bloody thing out of the sky. The world took a moment to realize what had happened, then the air exploded like thunder. The bloody thing distorted, becoming a flying stain, and smashed into a volcano, splashing lava towards the sky.


    The world was quiet for a moment, then Newt felt the sting. He looked at his palm. A tiny bloody crack had formed in his crust made of granite, marbled with veins of molten rock.


    Newt frowned. The speck radiated danger, and without hesitation, the whole part of his hand burst outward, Searing blood dripping onto the ground, setting the rocks on fire.


    ¡°What an insidious creature you are, little fly,¡± he thundered, feeling the bloody creature swim towards him through the network of magma veins below the earth.


    The creature got right below the chunk of molten flesh Newt had discarded, unaware that Newt could see its position all along. It burst from the ground, but instead of a surprised target, it found a fiery tail, slamming towards it like a divine hammer. With a crack, the bloody creature exploded into specks, raining down on the molten ground.


    Newt snorted, flames flying from his nostrils, then froze. The enemy was destroyed, but three others were creeping towards him, with more incoming.


    He bared his teeth and roared.


    Three days later, they were all dead. Twenty-seven of them had come, twenty-seven Newt buried in their fiery graves, but they were tough.


    The insidious, cowardly beings injected him with something every time they landed a blow, and eventually their numbers grew too big for Newt to counter them effectively. His body was riddled with holes, but his spiritual energy was more than half-full.


    Tired, he landed, covering five volcanoes to feast on their heat, but something was wrong. His body, tougher than rock, hotter than lava, was rotting from the inside.


    He expelled the parts of his body that were infected, but new zones broke down, seemingly at random. He shed blood and flesh, ripping off his scales, to no avail. Newt¡¯s agony kept increasing, and finally, after days of torture, he accepted the truth, the monsters of blood had bested him. He took out twenty-seven of them, but they dragged him down with them.


    Newt was indignant, furious, but there was no benefit to those feelings. Not any longer. He chose the plot of land where spiritual energy converged. After his death, his body would draw it to reinforce his cores, and he would leave a sliver of himself there, for one of his descendants to find.


    They needed to know the truth, that the tiny monsters made of blood and nothing else were dangerous enough to kill him, and that the best way to fight them was to bring battle to them. It went against the natural order, but the mighty had to leave their places of power unguarded and eliminate the opponent, otherwise, the tiny pests would kill them all one at a time.


    Newt opened his eyes and found himself in a vaguely familiar room. The weight of eons fell, and his dream turned to smoke. He tried to grasp it, to recall everything he could from his dream, but he was grabbing for water, only bits and pieces sticking to his palm.


    Finally, the dream was gone, leaving Newt in the clean room.


    Chamber of Healing. Did I faint because of my previous injuries? It¡¯s been weeks since then.


    ¡°How are you feeling, Newstar Blazing Salamander?¡± Newt turned towards the unfamiliar voice, finding a white-robed man who looked younger than Obsidian, but he was a void in his spiritual perception.


    ¡°I am feeling great, thank you for asking and worrying about me, Elder.¡± Newt tried to get up and bow towards the person he assumed was a senior healer, but the bed kept him glued in place.


    ¡°It is good that you are good.¡± The man had clear blue eyes, and a gaze so sharp it seemed like it was slashing Newt into pieces and examining him for lingering problems. His lips were drawn in a light, friendly smile, and surprisingly its warmth reached his eyes, once he confirmed Newt was indeed good.


    ¡°Can you tell me what is the last thing you recall?¡±


    Newt looked up towards the ceiling.


    ¡°My master helped me pick a nice glaive, then I went to spar with my roommate. I got excited, and it was hot, but it¡¯s cool here in the Chamber of Healing.¡±


    The elder nodded. ¡°And afterwards?¡±


    Newt considered his dream and what he could say to the stranger. He almost lied, then recalled the elders could see through lies.


    ¡°I had a strange dream. I¡¯m guessing I fainted.¡±


    ¡°Do you recall anything from the dream?¡± The elder¡¯s expression, voice, and gaze did not change a whit, yet Newt somehow sensed the tremble of his excitement.


    ¡°I was a dragon fighting monsters.¡±


    The elder nodded, a slight ripple in his eye. ¡°You have been asleep for three days, your master will come in shortly and explain what happened. I wish you a speedy recovery.¡±


    The man disappeared without even leaving the trace of spiritual energy.

 Chapter 91 - The Day of the Inferno

    45th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Obsidian was waiting for his teammate. He did not want to admit it, but he was excited. He had heard of geniuses who reached the second or even the third realm before hitting twenty, he had even seen some of them, and Roselilly was close to that category, but he never expected he would have one on his team.


    He spotted Newt from across the training field, the young man returning an excited gaze, as eager to fight as Obsidian was. However, there was something odd. Beads of sweat rolled down Newt¡¯s forehead, and his eyes were odd, out of focus.


    ¡°You all right?¡± Obsidian asked, the duel had not even started but Newt seemed dazed, his hand moving towards his heart. He seemed to have trouble breathing.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m a bit dizzy. It¡¯s hot¡ª¡± The words died. An inferno burst out of Newt, enveloping them. Obsidian blinked, instinctively summoning his defense. In that blink, the youth standing before him had collapsed.


    ¡°El!¡± Elder Alabaster screamed, appearing between them, a blast of fire smashing into her like a wave against a rock.


    Chunks of charcoal fell off Newstar¡¯s body, which burned brighter than the sun. The healing elder appeared, wrapping the injured youth in a sphere of water, and Obsidian breathed the breath that got caught in his throat.


    Whatever accident Newt had suffered, he would be fine. A sixth realm¡ª


    A bubble weaved through the water. It hit the surface, and the sphere turned garnet, blood and charred flesh swirling as the water boiled.


    ¡°Get Master,¡± the healing elder grunted, and Elder Alabaster vanished.


    ¡°Help!¡± the healer screamed, sweat streaming down his forehead, blood crawling out of his nostril.


    Obsidian took a step back and fell on his butt when two others appeared. He did not know the elders, but the one with white hair sticking upwards like a brush punched his hand into the ball of water, raising the other up, grasping for the sky.


    A jet of flame a hundred feet tall exploded above the training field, its volcanic heat engulfing the entire yard. Obsidian was certain he was dead, then the world blurred, and he stood two hundred yards away from the field, at the edge of a confused crowd.


    Another giant flame burst towards the heavens, then another. In a matter of moments, four titanic torches painted the world crimson.


    ¡°What in the heaven¡¯s name is going on?¡± someone muttered.


    Obsidian had no idea. He just hoped Newt was still alive.


    ***


    Newstar was excited. Alabaster could feel it with every step he took. His heart rate, his breathing, and the flow of his energy were all speeding up steadily ever since they walked out of the vault with the glaive.


    Hotheads were known for their element influencing them when they were extraordinarily excited, but for some reason, Newstar¡¯s body temperature kept climbing as he went to meet his friend. Alabaster focused her third eye, noticing something strange, the sun¡¯s radiance, which should have bathed all the world, somehow seemed to have become a spotlight, abandoning the rest of the world and focusing on her disciple. The change was subtle enough for her to doubt her senses. She could have been wrong. Strange.


    The boys were talking, and the energy in her disciple suddenly increased by a hundred-fold. She moved, standing between them, trying to snatch Newstar away, but he burst into flames before she grabbed him.


    ¡°El!¡± she shouted, shielding the other youth with her body.


    What in the heaven¡¯s name is happening? Newstar registered as a fourth, no, fifth realm in her eyes.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Elmshade rushed over, trapping Newstar in the healing cocoon powerful enough to keep a dying fifth-realmer alive indefinitely, but the blaze got stronger. Whatever was happening to Newstar would burst the bubble.


    ¡°Get Master.¡±


    Those two words snapped Alabaster out of her daze. She sprinted two steps, then surrounded herself in spiritual energy and flew faster than a gale, smashing through trees as she plowed through the forest, straight for the Chamber of Healing.


    Why isn¡¯t an airhead running messages?


    She got to ask herself that question before punching through the outer wall of the head healer¡¯s room. Alabaster did not get to say a word, the red sky behind her back was all the healing venerable needed to know. The woman disappeared, Alabaster registering her at the edge of her perception before she completely left her area of awareness. Double air and water affinity meant she was probably already healing Newstar.


    Alabaster stared at the flaming sky. The energy had already grown from sixth to eighth realm. She rushed back, helpless.


    If it keeps growing¡ª


    The fire disappeared, the blazing beacon of energy swallowed completely as it reached the ninth realm. Alabaster landed in the middle of the training yard, met with something she had not seen in ages.


    All the venerables were gathered, and the sect master himself hugged her disciple, shielding him from the sun. A pale beam turned brighter and brighter, as all the sun¡¯s energy landed on their leader¡¯s back.


    The alchemy and disciplinary venerables, along with elder Char, another eighth realm elder, redirected the portion of the heat. The air above quivered, popping and whining from the heat.


    Alabaster could not hear a thing, but a lot of spiritual communication must have been going on. The healing venerable had covered herself and her patient in a shield of water, keeping Newstar alive. Elders with fire-attributed spiritual energy moved to make a complex shape, the two ninth realms, drawing more sunfire, the single eighth and three sevens reducing their load, and the five sixes further reducing what they were drawing.


    Alabaster realized Longfang must have been coordinating their effort, but despite their toil, the sect leader¡¯s robe started smoking. Columns of flame rose, and for the first time ever, Alabaster saw mighty eighth realm elders sweating.


    The sun reached its peak, and the searing column of white light consumed the world. With her eyes blind, Alabaster saw something impossible. The energy of the earth flowed into her disciple, it was nowhere nearly as powerful as the sun¡¯s or even the water energy struggling to preserve his life, but the boy had an umbilical of earth energy reinforcing his body, struggling to keep him whole.


    Noon passed. The beam grew weaker, the elders stopped drawing the fire-aligned spiritual energy from the sect master, and color returned to the world.


    The scene was devastating. The mighty elders and venerables who had to remain close looked like beggars, their clothes ruined or completely gone, their skins covered in black flakes. A moment later, their bodies returned to normal, spiritual energy moved, dancing and weaving around their bodies to make them decent.


    The training yard and its spell formations were gone. Overloaded and wiped out of existence.


    ¡°Repair this mess as soon as possible.¡± The sect master said, his voice and bearing relaxed and calm, a world away from what Alabaster was feeling. Lightning danced and formed a bluish-white robe to cover his nudity.


    Alabaster stared in awe as he turned towards the disciplinary venerable.


    ¡°Alorex, nobody outside the sect is to learn of what happened today. If any outsider asks, we were trying to forge a superior sunspear, but ultimately failed as the spell formation grew unstable.¡± He turned towards the forging and scribing heads. ¡°I apologize for saying this mess is your fault, this is a matter of sect interests, I hope you don¡¯t resent me.¡±


    The two fifth realm artisans shook their heads. Longfang opened his mouth, but shut them when the sect master turned towards Alabaster and spoke.


    ¡°I wish to know everything about this boy. Follow me to my abode.¡± The sect master turned around and walked at exactly the speed of Alabaster¡¯s dignified pace. He could have, but did not force her to run, he could have walked at her relaxed gait, but showed urgency.


    ¡°Describe the boy in five words.¡± The sect master moved at what must have been a snail¡¯s pace for him, but he still seemed cheerful and relaxed.


    ¡°Shy, prodigy, uneducated, inquisitive, obedient.¡± Alabaster slightly hesitated about the final adjective, but Newstar did obey, when he understood the whole context, and after the previous incident he obeyed everything she said.


    The sect master remained quiet, leading the way through the jungle, and a minute later they reached a small but comfortable cottage with a wide, covered porch.


    ¡°Sit,¡± the sect master gestured at a humble chair next to a round wooden table. ¡°Do you want any refreshments?¡±


    ¡°No, thank you.¡± Alabaster wanted to be next to her disciple and see how he was doing, but that would have to wait.


    ¡°He will live.¡± The sect master sat across the table from her. ¡°Fire and earth energy surged into his body, reinforcing it like a tribulation might, but this whole situation is strange. He stopped drawing the fire-attributed spiritual energy mere minutes after the sun reached its peak, while the sunflames were at their strongest exactly at noon.¡±


    The blue-eyed man tapped the table with his nail. The gesture could have obliterated realm eight cultivators, but he controlled his strength so perfectly it resulted in nothing but a sharp beat. ¡°Is he cursed? Explain his background.¡±


    ¡°He hails from a declined slayer clan. An acquaintance from the Everfrost Palace recommended him and told me I would owe her a favor once I saw how talented he was¡­¡±

 Chapter 92 - Bad Habits

    45th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Sect master Greenthorn nodded. ¡°I see.¡±


    He made a dramatic pause before steepling his fingers and looking Alabaster in the eye. The weight of his gaze was like that of a mountain, and Alabaster did all she could not to buckle under the pressure.


    ¡°Your approach isn¡¯t wrong. Neither is Flameax¡¯s. To cycle between softness and hardness is indeed the best way to shape and polish an unsightly lump of jade into something precious.¡± The sect master gazed into the distance. ¡°But, ultimately, sculpting might not be the thing this Newstar needs.¡±


    Alabaster furrowed her brows, but did not interrupt her sect master. ¡°Today is the summer solstice, the zenith of the world¡¯s fire. Based on today¡¯s incident, the boy is either cursed, or he is a reincarnation of a long dead master and for some reason his power flared today. I¡¯m leaning towards the latter.


    ¡°You said he comprehends techniques extremely quickly and that he has reached his current realm in less than a year while cultivating a powerful, stable realm without a clan¡¯s backing. His self-invented techniques are good enough for his current realm despite the fact that he created them back when he was at the first realm, while his clan¡¯s techniques are sorely lacking. His skill makes no sense for a self-taught, barely educated child, doubly so for one which spent three years banished in a cave.¡±


    Alabaster agreed that her disciple was unique, but she could not bring herself to believe her sect master¡¯s words.


    ¡°Is there really such a thing as reincarnation?¡± she asked.


    Unexpectedly, the sect master, who sounded so sure a moment ago, shrugged.


    ¡°Curses, karma, reincarnation, these things can¡¯t be proven. Powerful masters certainly can sacrifice their lives to create secret realms with attributes which would boggle the minds of those below them. Imprinting your mind into a fragile child and making a copy of yourself is possible. It¡¯s unlikely that the child would survive, and a secret realm could only perform such an esoteric deed a handful of times before collapsing. But someone desperate or deranged enough could certainly do it.¡±


    Alabaster shuddered, but Sect Master Greenthorn paid her no heed.


    ¡°Is that reincarnation? Rebirth of the mind in a young, malleable body? The example I provided is certainly demonic in nature, but with some slight adjustments, it could be made into something righteous. An orthodox clan could indoctrinate its youths to become vessels for their grand ancestor, and if the youth genuinely believes they are doing the honorable thing, there is nothing demonic about it. In fact, the entire world would praise their sacrifice.¡±


    A heavy silence lingered for a moment, stretching until Alabaster found it oppressive.


    ¡°You think he stumbled across a secret realm which warped his personality?¡±


    The sect master shrugged again.


    ¡°It¡¯s unlikely. An old monster reborn into this world with a sliver of its former self would seclude themselves into the best library they could find to rebuild their knowledge and find potentially useful secret realms, but this child has been reading about sect rules, rocks, and he even checked out a dictionary several times.¡±


    He spoke with senior Thunderwing while we were talking. Alabaster realized that just as Newstar and other disciples seemed to move in slow motion when she focused, she too must have been crawling in Sect Master Greenthorn¡¯s perception.


    ¡°He can apparently speak with snakes as well, and he picked up spell formations seemingly from nowhere.¡± The sect master paused before shifting his distant gaze back onto Alabaster. ¡°Why is he here? What does he hope to achieve? Why is he cultivating?¡±


    ¡°He is here to grow his power to reunite his family and protect them. I guarantee he is righteous. Should we help him achieve his goal, he will return the favor in kind. He is already aware of all obligations disciples have towards their sects.¡±


    Sect Master hesitated, displeasure flashing briefly in his eyes. ¡°Fine. Help him as much as you can, but don¡¯t waste too many resources to make his wish come true. As for his training, the usual inner disciple regimen won¡¯t work for him. Despite having a clan, he carries himself like an outcast wanderer; see to it that we build up a sense of belonging, first with his team, then the rest of the sect. To keep him, we need to become his home.¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The sect master went silent, slowly tapping the table with his nail a dozen times before speaking again, still gazing at the horizon.


    ¡°His team is a mess. Arrange for their first mission together to be in the Valley of the Lost.¡±


    Alabaster¡¯s eyes went wide.


    ¡°With all due respect, Sect Master, Valley of the Lost is an elite training ground. Newstar might die.¡±


    Sect Master shook his head. ¡°He won¡¯t; by the end of his tribulation, his body had toughened up to rival that of an average fourth realm cultivator. Venerable Monsoon¡¯s disciple is on his team, I¡¯ll have to talk to her, I can¡¯t believe nobody informed me that the candidate for the next healing venerable is nearly crippled.¡±


    Sect Master Greenthord shifted his gaze back at Alabaster.


    ¡°You are dismissed.¡±


    ***


    48th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The elder in white robe had just vanished from Newt¡¯s room when his master opened the door and entered.


    ¡°Newstar, thank goodness you¡¯re alive.¡±


    Newt expected a scolding or something, but his master just stared at him in silence until he felt awkward.


    ¡°Thank you, Master. What happened? Was it a relapse from my previous injury? The healing elder that just left said I was asleep for three days.¡±


    ¡°You were.¡± Elder Alabaster¡¯s indifferent, stony facade cracked, revealing hints of worry and confusion. ¡°You spontaneously combusted and suffered great injuries.¡±


    Oh, boy, how much is this going to cost?


    ¡°Master, I fainted. Nothing out of¡ª¡±


    ¡°Newstar,¡± Elder Alabaster¡¯s voice hardened, ¡°the incident you caused was so great, that you can confirm its extent with everyone in the sect, starting with your roommate, who only survived because I shielded him.¡±


    Newt¡¯s jaw dropped.


    ¡°You have incinerated the entire northern training area in your outburst. Have you really no recollection of the incident?¡±


    Newt shuddered. A part of his mind telling him he was trying to swat a blood-sucking fly.


    ¡°Yes? What did you remember?¡±


    I already told that healing elder.


    ¡°I had a strange dream in which I was fighting monsters.¡±


    Elder Alabaster sat on the edge of his bed and looked him in the eye. ¡°What kind of monsters?¡±


    Newt wanted to lie or stay silent, but as weak as he was, there was no way to protect his secret. Then he recalled Dandelion¡¯s advice never to reveal Magmin¡¯s cores and secret realm to a living soul.


    ¡°They were humans or human-like. Men made out of blood. That¡¯s more or less all I remember.¡±


    I need to use vague words like that. Hopefully, they won¡¯t pry too much.


    Elder Alabaster frowned, missing Newt¡¯s final words.


    ¡°The Blood Cult?¡± she muttered, and Newt stared at her.


    ¡°The what?¡±


    ¡°The Blood Cult; demonic practitioners cultivating a special kind of water-aligned spiritual energy. They draw the blood of their victims, manipulate it, merge it with their own, and create monsters out of it. There are all sorts of demonic cults, and heresy hunters are roaming the world, searching for them, hounding them night and day. Do you remember anything else?¡±


    ¡°There were a lot of them. I killed them all, but died from the injuries I suffered.¡±


    Elder Alabaster nodded and did not pry anymore. ¡°The healing venerable said you are free to leave the Chamber of Healing. She personally treated your injuries and claims your condition is stable.¡±


    Newt swallowed.


    What do I do now? Is this the moment she tells me how much I owe them? The main healer healed me¡­


    He waited for the number to drop, to crush him with the weight of an entire field of spell formations¡¯ worth of spirit gems, but Elder Alabaster said nothing. Newt knew the astronomical number was coming, but stayed quiet, waiting.


    ¡°The healing venerable said you can continue your training as normal, so your next lesson is tomorrow. Try to relax as much as you can, and I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    Elder Alabaster got up and left the room at a normal pace, without mentioning a single spirit gem.


    When the door clicked closed, Newt covered his face with his hands.


    ¡°Heavens, it¡¯s so much money even she¡¯s afraid to mention it,¡± he mumbled into his palms.


    ¡°Hey there, little seven, do you mind if I come in?¡± Goodair entered the room before Newt could reply. ¡°So, you really like it here? Is it the smell? The quiet? The barren landscape of rooms made for people bound to their beds?¡±


    ¡°Greetings, sixth sister,¡± Newt said, feeling surprisingly fatigued by her appearance. ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to see how my most volatile hothead is doing. So what is it with you and burning yourself alive? I¡¯ve never heard of anyone suffering two life-threatening injuries in half a season, let alone both being self-inflicted and eerily similar in nature.¡±


    ¡°They were both accidents!¡± Newt sat up in the bed, realizing only a moment later that he was not shackled by the spell formation.


    ¡°You can¡¯t have two identical accidents.¡± Goodair grinned. ¡°What you have, little brother, is a bad habit.¡±

 Chapter 93 - Path Forward

    48th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Pillar of light? What the hell happened? Why me?


    ¡°Pillar of light?¡± Newt clamped his mouth shut when he realized he was stuttering the words aloud.


    ¡°Yup.¡± His sixth sister nodded vigorously, beaming with joy. ¡°I wasn¡¯t there, but I saw it from a distance. As bright as day¡­ Well, brighter. In fact, I didn¡¯t know the world could get so bright. Senior apprentice brother Twochains was there; his master told him the sect master got out of his seclusion to protect you.¡±


    Sect master. Newt frowned, then his jaw went slack and he slumped back onto the bed. How much money do I owe them? What is the cost of a tenth realm cultivator stopping their cultivation and wasting the gathered energy? I thought the clan was destitute, but we were never in as much debt as I am right now.


    Suddenly, Newt¡¯s chest grew tight and breathing became impossible. He was a burden. He was making matters worse for everyone.


    Goodair glanced at Newt clenching his chest and pointedly ignored the gesture.


    ¡°Twochains had no clue why the esteemed sect master appeared when he did, but my guess is he thought the sect was under attack.¡±


    Heavens! Did I damage the defensive spell formations?


    ¡°Newstar.¡± Goodair grabbed his wrists, serious for the first time since he met her. ¡°I think you are focusing on the wrong thing.¡±


    She paused and stared him in the eye, none of the flippantness left in that heavy gaze.


    ¡°You. Nearly. Died.¡± She clenched his arms with enough strength to turn mortal limbs into sausages. ¡°If the sect master hadn¡¯t been there, you would have died. The sort of heat that destroyed the field wasn¡¯t something you or I could ever survive. I¡¯m not sure Master could have survived it. Do you understand what I am saying?¡±


    Newt¡¯s skin crawled. He really could have died. To him, everything was just a dream, a somewhat painful dream, but still a dream, then he awoke without a scratch.


    I need to ask Master to explain what happened to me.


    ¡°At least you¡¯re aware of the gravity of it all. Master missed my training on the first day, even though it¡¯s an hour before sunset. When I asked her about it, she said she forgot. I¡¯ve been here for years, and she¡¯s never forgotten about her disciples.¡± Goodair leaned in closer, her nose a palm¡¯s width from Newt¡¯s.


    ¡°She was worried and distraught. Master might seem rigid or like she doesn¡¯t care, but she does. She cares about all of us, and losing disciples was devastating for her. What I¡¯m trying to say is, please, please, don¡¯t make Master worry too much, or I¡¯ll break your legs.¡± She grinned and winked. ¡°Got it?¡±


    Newt nodded, his jaw cracked open, feeling like his soul had left him.


    I nearly died. Again. What would happen if I die? Would anyone else try to save Father and Mother? What would happen to the clan? What about Master? Dandelion? Would they be sad?


    By the time Newt regained his wits, Goodair had left the room. His heart was still shaken, his thoughts dark, but he realized one thing.


    My death would have been painless, had I died. I didn¡¯t know what was happening, I didn¡¯t suffer. Newt¡¯s breathing grew shallow, minutes passing between his breaths. Something was there, he could feel it within reach, dancing just beyond the grasp of his conscious thoughts.


    It was the dream, it was the reality, it was what he had just experienced. The realization was like water about to turn to ice, but missing one last speck of cold. Like always when trying to do something beyond him, Newt¡¯s thoughts shifted to Dandelion, but before he got to ask himself, ¡¯What would Dandelion do?¡¯ he had his answer.


    The path of amiability. Path.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    The snowflake touched the lake of his idea, and ice blossomed. Newt¡¯s thought turning crystal.


    My path. Death is easy, burdens of life, of living are hard. Duty, obligation, love. What is my path?


    The veins of ice spread through the lake of his consciousness. They covered the surface, making it solid. He knew what he was doing, he had the crust, and as the crystalline tendrils spread to the depth, he understood what he should do.


    I want to protect my parents, my clan, my friends. The mist of the unformed heart demon plaguing Newt¡¯s soul grew clear in his realm. The nebula of regret, guilt, and shame turned into a black miasma. Then it became a black crystal, a beautiful statue of black glass representing Newt¡¯s parents locked in a loving, familial hug, beckoning him to join them.


    The statue fell. Newt felt a tug, an urge to keep it whole, to keep it a part of his being, but he did not. The gravity of his realm pulled it down. Newt¡¯s weakness smashed into the granite ground, shattering, just like glass.


    The black glass scattered, striking the inviolable rock, each chip breaking again and again with each contact, until it turned into a fine black powder, carried by the wind and swallowed by the rivers of lava.


    Newt exhaled, feeling lighter than ever. He had found it, something that resonated with him, with his dreams and fears, and even with the dragon from his dreams, who died preparing a way for his descendants to defend themselves.


    ¡°Path of protection,¡± he muttered.


    As long as he stayed true to his path, as long he stayed true to himself, no heart demon would haunt him ever again.


    He smiled.


    ¡°I think we should notify his master.¡± Obsidian¡¯s worried voice reached Newt¡¯s ear.


    He looked up, his eyes regaining focus, and he realized his room was no longer empty. The orange-haired woman was back, staring at him with a frown, and Obsidian stood behind her back, gawking at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± he said with absolute confidence.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be the judge of that.¡± The ginger crossed her arms, still shooting him a terrible frown. ¡°We¡¯ve been here for half an hour, and you¡¯ve just been staring straight ahead like your mind was broken.¡±


    She raised three fingers. ¡°How many fingers do you see?¡±


    It took twenty minutes to convince Nurse Carrot that Newt was sane, that he could see, hear, smell, and feel pain. She performed the last test with way too much zeal and too little professionalism for Newt¡¯s taste, but he endured being stabbed with a wooden poker.


    Finally, the orange nuisance left, muttering she should discuss keeping Newt for observation with her boss, despite the head healer¡¯s orders.


    ¡°So, how are you feeling?¡± With the grumpy healer gone, Obsidian finally had the chance to say something.


    ¡°Better than ever, thanks.¡± Newt smiled, then his grin turned awkward. ¡°Are you all right? Did I hurt you?¡±


    Obsidian waved his hand, dismissing Newt¡¯s question. ¡°I¡¯m fine, I¡¯m fine. Your master saved me in time, and I¡¯m glad you¡¯re also doing well.¡±


    Newt nodded slowly. Should I ask him? He was there, and he saw the whole thing, he should know what had happened better than anyone else.


    Newt was tempted. He opened his mouth, then changed his mind. ¡°When do you think we can have that spar?¡±


    I¡¯ll ask Master. Obsidian seems uncomfortable enough, and there¡¯s no need to make things harder on him.


    Newt expected a stutter or a wince, but Obsidian shrugged. ¡°Whenever you feel like it.¡±


    Newt nodded, and silence drowned the room. He burned with the desire to ask about what had happened, but could not, and he guessed Obsidian had questions he wanted to ask, but found the topics equally sensitive.


    Fortunately, someone was there to help them. Elder Flameax entered the room, his gait bouncy, void of grace or any other attribute one would expect from a cultivator.


    Is this the first time I see him walk instead of zipping around?


    ¡°Hey kids, how are you doing? I didn¡¯t expect to see both of you here.¡± For some reason, the silly walk and the whole appearance made Newt think Elder Flameax¡¯s parents should have named him Fuzzy.


    ¡°Greetings, Elder,¡± Obsidian gave a respectful bow, and Newt wondered whether he had done the same when he first met Elder Flameax. ¡°I was just leaving.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to leave just because I¡¯m here,¡± Elder Flameax assured Obsidian, but the younger man left the room after another respectful bow.


    The door clicked closed, leaving Newt alone with his teacher.


    ¡°I apologize if I caused you trouble, teacher,¡± Newt said just as Elder Flameax opened his mouth.


    ¡°No trouble at all. In fact, I think my cultivation progressed a bit with so much pure fire-attributed spiritual energy coursing through my body. Not just mine, so while you caused us trouble, you did provide some benefits as well, so there¡¯s no reason to feel too bad about what happened.¡±


    Newt smiled, realizing the strange elder was trying to reassure him, but then the man hurriedly added, ¡°Not that there was a reason for you to feel bad in the first place. It wasn¡¯t your fault those things happened, and even if it was, I don¡¯t think you did it intentionally.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Teacher, could you tell me what happened, I assume you were nearby when whatever happened happened?¡±


    Elder Flameax was silent for a moment, gazing into the distance before he found his words.


    ¡°Nobody is really certain about why it happened¡­¡±

 Chapter 94 - Tribulation

    48th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Finally alone in his room, Newt stood from his bed and sensed something off. He stopped and examined himself, but failed to find the source of his discomfort. Newt made a careful step, but his leg jerked too fast, too far. He panicked and froze, one leg up, just about to touch the earthen floor.


    What the?


    He looked at the pitcher of water on his nightstand and carefully lifted it. Three pints of water amounted to barely any weight to him ever since he had entered the second realm, but they seemed lighter than he remembered. Much lighter.


    He looked at the table, but decided not to lift it.


    I might break something.


    Instead, Newt hopped in place. He exerted his muscles to just barely lift himself off ground, but jumped over two feet, nearly hitting the ceiling.


    All right, I¡¯m stronger. Much stronger.


    He moved a bit, striking air with his fists and chopping with his palm before reaching a conclusion.


    It¡¯s like I¡¯ve advanced a realm, but my mind and senses didn¡¯t keep up. Is that because I was unconscious while the change happened, or is there another reason? What¡¯s my realm?


    New closed his eyes, but found his realm unchanged.


    That¡¯s strange, my body got stronger without my cultivation advancing? I¡¯ll check it later.


    After confirming that fact, Newt did simple, safe exercises. By the time he left the room, he was mostly used to his body, free of jerks and displays of dichotomy between his senses and muscles. He went to the northern training area and found it identical to how he remembered it.


    Several disciples and most elders shot him curious glances when they thought he could not see them, but nobody said a word as he entered an empty training ring. The outside sounds disappeared, and he spent his time jumping, doing flips and handstands, slowly pushing the limits of his body to get familiar with it.


    The session lasted an hour, and by the time he finished, Newt was confident he would not cause any incidents with his outbursts. And since he did not want to manipulate spiritual energy without his master, he headed for the Chamber of Tomes.


    ¡°Greetings, Elder,¡± he whispered and bowed to the old librarian, who nodded in acknowledgement but remained silent.


    Newt went to search for the information on the topic which interested him the most, the Blood Cult, but he quickly found there was no mention of demonic cultivators or their techniques on the shelves of the index room. He bit his lip, then went to see the librarian again.


    ¡°Elder,¡± he bowed respectfully, ¡°I wish to see any information on the Blood Cult we might have.¡±


    The air in the room turned solid, and the welcoming, warm old lady turned into the edge of a razor-sharp sword.


    ¡°Why do you require such information?¡±


    Newt¡¯s shoulders were stiff, and he had the need to shrink his neck as he gulped. ¡°My master mentioned them, and I want to know what she was talking about.¡±


    The tense atmosphere thawed.


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll need to have a chat with Leucaena. As for you, young man, there¡¯s no reason to worry about the Blood Cult at your realm. They are bad people, doing bad things, and once you reach the fifth realm, you will learn more. Until then, ignorance is bliss.¡±


    Newt nodded. Elder Thunderwing had said nothing new, if members of the Blood Cult were demonic cultivators, siphoning blood from people to cultivate, they were definitely bad people. The only new bit of information she revealed seemed irrelevant, yet Newt mulled it over.


    Why the fifth realm?If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    He bowed and thanked her. Just as he was about to turn around and leave to find another book, Newt decided to ask the question he was itching to ask.


    ¡°Do you know what happened to me, Elder?¡±


    Elder Thunderwing stared at him for a long moment before shaking her head.


    ¡°I saw what happened, I can even tell you what happened, but I don¡¯t know why it happened. As far as I know, this was a unique incident. Don¡¯t waste your time searching for other instances, we have no recordings of anything similar. I checked.¡±


    Newt bit his lip. ¡°And about the changes to my body?¡±


    The odds were she did not know, but it did not hurt to ask. Much to his surprise, the old librarian answered without a hint of surprise. ¡°Search for ¡®Heavenly tribulation,¡¯ and ¡®Spiritual body reformation¡¯.¡±


    Newt bowed and followed her instruction.


    Three index books later, he sat in the reading room, focused on the first book he had checked out.


    Heavenly tribulation was a phenomenon that happened to man and spirit beast alike upon reaching the sixth realm and those beyond. Starting from that realm, the amount of spiritual energy drawn by a single individual grew too much, and the world wished to obliterate the cultivator to preserve its energy.


    That was one theory. Another stated that the heavens feared the rise of an ultimate being, who would subject them to his or her will, sending tribulations to smite the cultivator when they were at their most vulnerable, at the embryonic stages of their new realm. Each tribulation was stronger and more fearsome than the last, and anyone who intervened would suffer a tribulation of their own, only hurting the person undergoing their trial.


    Some authors, on the other hand, thought it a trial, a test of the heavens for the right to advance to the next realm. The last option sounded absurd to Newt, but the whole topic helped him understand some things better.


    How it was possible for wealthy clans to decline. Being rich was a requirement for cultivation, but it was far from being the only requirement. Several failed tribulations were all it took to sever a clan¡¯s inheritance.


    Like always, danger came hand in hand with opportunity. Heavens dealt the tribulation using the cultivator¡¯s element and surviving it reinforced the body and its affinity to the element in question. Newt also finally discovered why there were only four elements. The tribulation came in four different elements, mixing them to smite the cultivator with their own element, thus giving birth to the orthodox division of elements.


    Huh? I bet Dandelion doesn¡¯t know this, or at least he didn¡¯t know it when we discussed cultivation for the first time.


    Newt kept reading and found a section mentioning a hypothesis that the enhancement of the physique during a tribulation happened naturally as spiritual energy over-saturated the body. Another interesting bit of trivia was that spirit beasts suffered from stronger tribulations than humans of equal realm.


    Then things turned grim. Cultivators needed absolute safety when undergoing tribulation, since it was their most vulnerable time, and hostile organizations often employed assassins to target their rivals during these periods of weakness.


    Newt flipped the pages in fascination, finding references to accounts of the Explorer¡¯s Gate¡¯s elders undergoing their tribulations.


    Newt read booklet after booklet in which long-dead elders first introduced themselves, their element, and their techniques before explaining the trial the world put them under. No two accounts were alike, and the intensity of tribulations varied within the same realm, but some elements were common.


    The world or the heavens, authors disagreed on who was meting out punishment, always used their element or an approximation of it. The tribulation involved the techniques the cultivator themselves used, polished and often improved, serving as the base for the cultivator to advance the technique and make it truly their own.


    And then, in the fifth account Newt read, he found what he was looking for.


    ¡®The sensation truly is odd. Good, but odd. Like waking up in someone else¡¯s body, or wearing clothes that don¡¯t fit. I took the better part of an hour to get used to the changes.¡¯ Elder Hail Shiningstar mentioned towards the end of her account.


    Newt closed the book and gazed at a distant spot ahead.


    So, I have experienced some sort of tribulation. The heavens testing, punishing, or blessing me, depending on who you ask.


    Newt returned the books and went to find Obsidian, still deep in thought, considering all the implications of the unique event.


    This is definitely related to Magmin, but is it because I used his cultivation technique or something else? Dandelion said he emulated my technique for his own cultivation. Did the sun smite him as well?


    Newt wanted to write a letter to his friend, but he had no idea where Dandelion was. The chances that he was still in the imperial city were slim, he mentioned he would move deeper into the empire, searching for better libraries, better resources, and better opportunities.


    Senior is extremely competent, but I don¡¯t think he can survive what happened to me if he needs the protection of a tenth realm master. I hope he¡¯s alive, and that this has nothing to do with the cultivation technique, but what else could it be?


    Newt quickly arrived at another possible reason. His spirit roots were anomalous. Humans consumed the spirit beast cores when forming their spirit roots, but Magmin¡¯s still existed as a separate realm.


    Maybe heavens want to destroy me because I¡¯m faulty or maybe some limit which should exist doesn¡¯t exist on my spirit roots? Maybe they can¡¯t tolerate the duplication that happened?


    Newt did not know, and he had a feeling he would take decades or even centuries to find the answer.


    I hope this was a onetime thing.


    He reached his dorm and found light under Obsidian¡¯s door. Whatever it was, it would have to wait. He had a duel he had been postponing for long enough.

 Chapter 95 - The Long-awaited Spar

    49th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Obsidian was nervous. It was almost impossible for something world-shaking to happen again during his and Newt¡¯s spar, but a part of his hind brain kept asking, ¡®What if?¡¯


    It was a foolish notion, and yet the wary gazes of countless elders focused on them reinforced Obsidian¡¯s absurd fear. Newt was handling the situation well, all things considered. The only sign of his nervousness was the death-grip he had on his glaive, manifested through white knuckles and tense muscles.


    ¡°You ready?¡±


    Newt nodded, and Obsidian lunged forward.


    The sudden move caught his opponent by surprise, as did the speed with which Obsidian swiped at Newt¡¯s skull with his stego mace. That barbed mace-head whistled through the air, and without an elder¡¯s supervision, Obsidian would never have dared to wield it so recklessly in a friendly match.


    He could already see his one-move victory when Newt leaned back, letting the mace scream less than an inch from his nose and blow his hair and robe back.


    Suddenly, earth sank under Obsidian¡¯s foot. He sent a surge of spiritual energy to stabilize the ground only to find the earth refusing his request. Someone else was controlling it.


    Crap!


    Embarrassingly, a third realm earth cultivator tripped. Mortified, Obsidian flung himself to the side, twisting his body as the glaive slashed towards him. The move might have fooled the other disciples, but each instructor paying attention to their match knew the truth.


    He had tripped. After regaining his balance, Obsidian swept his heavy mace sideways, and the massive weapon smashed into the shaft of Newt¡¯s glaive. The momentum should have disarmed most other third realm disciples, but Newt barely staggered, his glaive challenging Obsidian¡¯s strike.


    Sword-wielders used situations like these for dramatic, intense standoffs to inspire the cheering crowds, but Obsidian found himself overextended and out of balance, his winning blow paving the way to his defeat. Newt capitalized immediately, yet mercifully.


    He grabbed the mace with his hand gloved in black spiritual energy, emanating the aura of volcanic rocks, and pulled. Obsidian was easily twice as big as Newt, he was a large man, and Newt was a very skinny boy. Despite this obvious advantage, Newt pulled him forward like a doll and the bigger man crashed to the ground.


    Once more, Obsidian regretted his choice of weapon. A sword would have served him better, but earth-attributed cultivators instinctively favored massive weapons. Oversized clubs, mauls, sledgehammers appealed to them more than blades.


    I wish I had a dagger, he thought as Newt neutralized his weapon and laid the butt of his glaive on his shoulder.


    ¡°My loss,¡± Obsidian said, and Newt offered him a hand to get up.


    He took the offer, even though no cultivator would ever need help getting up. He eyed Newt¡¯s glaive and nodded in appreciation.


    ¡°It seems sturdy, but I didn¡¯t expect it to be so steadfast. And I didn¡¯t expect you to be so strong,¡± he added after a moment¡¯s hesitation.


    Newt smiled and scratched the back of his head. ¡°There were some benefits in turning into a human torch.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and they were greater than expected,¡± said Elder Alabaster.


    Newt simply smiled at his master, but Obsidian bowed, taking her words and appearance as a tactful dismissal.


    To his surprise, the elder addressed him, ¡°Stay here, Disciple Deeproot, I wish to discuss your next mission, the time you have to take one is growing short. Many important people in the sect are aware of your obligations, but none mentioned an extension to your deadline, meaning there won¡¯t be one. You must take a mission and complete it by the end of the Season of Fire. That or accept your demotion.¡±This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Obsidian gulped despite himself and looked at Newt. Given Newt¡¯s strength, the two of them should be able to complete a simple mission, if they picked it correctly and made no blunders.


    Just as he started liking his chances, Elder Alabaster continued, ¡°Unfortunately for you, this is the busiest time of the year, as far as missions are concerned, and the Chamber of Instruction has none left.¡±


    Obsidian frowned. He had never heard of the Chamber of Instruction running out of missions before. Then his frown deepened when he saw Newt¡¯s hand moving towards his heart.


    Will he explode again?


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic, Newstar,¡± the elder said. ¡°I managed to dig up a mission for you, but don¡¯t thank me yet. Your mission will be in the Valley of the Lost.¡±


    Obsidian shuddered, believing he had misheard. Newt was smiling, so Elder Alabaster could not have said what he heard.


    ¡°What is the Valley of the Lost, Master?¡± the smiling boy asked, and Obsidian was once more certain there was something wrong with his ears. Nobody ever sounded cheerful when discussing the Valley of the Lost.


    ¡°It¡¯s a mist-plagued danger zone deep within the sect controlled mountain range, just beyond the sea.¡± Elder Alabaster pointed eastward, and Obsidian found himself looking in the direction, despite the surrounding jungle blocking his view.


    ¡°Valley of the Lost is a natural trapping spell formation. You can get in from any location the fog touches, but no matter how much you roam it, there is only one exit. Even more senior cultivators can walk right past the exit and never know they missed their chance to leave the area.¡±


    Newt opened his mouth.


    Obsidian expected a lot of things, confusion, protests, questioning Elder Alabaster¡¯s sanity, maybe asking how they could leave such a place once they entered. But he never expected Newt¡¯s avid interest.


    ¡°Do we know how it works?¡± the boy asked with stars in his eyes.


    ¡°The formation is equivalent of a ninth realm spell formation. Anyone who enters will be stuck, but the difference is in the realm of those who enter. The higher the realm, the more the person or spirit beast moves towards the center of the danger zone, getting trapped in the depths of the formation. Visibility and spiritual sense are muffled, so there¡¯s little in terms of landmarks that can aid you, and with your instincts dragging you deeper, leaving without a special compass attuned to the exit is next to impossible.¡±


    Obsidian expected Newt would finally understand the true horror of the danger zone; anyone who lost or damaged their compass was stuck in it. The boy was either stupid or did not care, as he kept asking more and more technical questions with ever-growing enthusiasm.


    ¡°Enough questions.¡± Elder Alabaster placed her fists on her hips. ¡°If you wish to know more, visit the library, it¡¯s time for your lesson now.¡±


    Obsidian excused himself and went to meet Ceros for their sparring appointment. He walked across the island, towards the eastern training field, hardly noticing the merciless sun baking his skin.


    ¡°How did it go, Obi? Did you beat the kid?¡± Obsidian¡¯s friend asked instead of a greeting.


    Obsidian looked at him, his mind still struggling with the lethal prospect. Suddenly, he recalled that he had lost a sparring match against a child.


    ¡°He¡¯s freakishly strong, Ros. I hit him with everything I had, but he barely flinched.¡± Obsidian paused, admitting he lost to someone a quarter of his age was embarrassing to say the least, but there was no hiding something that happened in the full view of the public. The best he could do was soften the blow by telling his own side of the story, which he did in several sentences.


    ¡°But that¡¯s not important now,¡± he said, and Ceros folded his arms and grinned, his mischievous raised eyebrow saying, ¡®Sure.¡¯


    ¡°I mean it. I have to go on a mission or go back to outer sect, something you did twice already, but the problem is the mission.¡±


    Ceros looked at him, his expression torn between making fun of Obsidian and fear that the mission might actually be as serious and as terrifying as Obsidian hinted.


    ¡°Fine. What did you get?¡±


    ¡°The Valley of the Lost.¡±


    Ceros blinked, his jaw slack. ¡°The Valley of the Lost?¡±


    Obsidian nodded, and Ceros sucked a breath between his teeth. ¡°Listen, Obi, going back to outer sect isn¡¯t as bad as it sounds. It¡¯s practically a vacation, a chance to rest and recover before trying for the inner sect and all its associated stresses once again.¡±


    Obsidian bit his lip. The lie was a pleasant one, an easy escape from his current situation, but on the other hand, maybe his current situation required a drastic measure. Just maybe not as drastic as the Valley of the Lost¡­


    ¡°If we go back to being outer disciples, even if I do bounce back, Jasmine will never recover. She will remain an outer disciple forever, her realm stuck. She would die in a couple centuries.¡±


    Ceros was selfish, for all his jokes, advice, and help, the one he was helping was ultimately Ceros. He was a trustworthy friend, one driven by self-interest, but honorable and true to his word and the deals he made.


    Obsidian knew the man would never understand the bond he and Jasmine shared.


    He clenched his teeth and looked Ceros in the eye. ¡°I won¡¯t abandon her. We¡¯ll make the climb together, or die trying.¡±


    Getting those words out made Obsidian feel better than he had in a long time.


    ¡°Thanks for listening to me.¡± He slapped Ceros on the shoulder. ¡°See you later, I have to talk to my new teammate.¡±


    He turned around and trotted off, leaving Ceros dumbfounded.


    ¡°Oi! Obi! Our spar!¡±

 Chapter 96 - Adventure Awaits

    49th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt enjoyed the two training sessions which followed his short spar. He was slowly learning how to use his spiritual energy outside himself, how to shape the terrain and how to keep his fire forms stable longer. While he was certainly not at the level of the third realm cultivator who could hurl his flame bolt thirty-odd feet, Newt¡¯s technique had come a long way compared to its starting point.


    Using earth to trip a fellow rockhead by contesting them was a sign of superior skill. That, and Newt had expected Obsidian would try something, so he kept a tight grip on the energy he already commanded just in case, making it impossible for his opponent to wrestle the control from him in an instant.


    Regardless of his advantage, the praise his little trick brought him made Newt happy and motivated for the entire four-hour block of instructions.


    He was still exhilarated when Obsidian returned a full hour before the end of his session with Elder Flameax. The big man waited patiently at the edge of the training bubble for Newt to finish.


    ¡°I see your friend wants to talk to you. Keep up the good work and see you tomorrow,¡± Elder Flameax grinned and vanished once their two hours were up.


    Obsidian took his disappearance as an invitation and entered the ring.


    ¡°Newt,¡± he said, then looked down.


    ¡°Obi?¡± Newt tried not to, but still grinned, thinking the man was taking his loss poorly.


    ¡°We need to discuss the Valley of the Lost.¡± Obsidian wiped the sweat off his forehead then turned around, checking whether anyone was approaching their isolated sphere. Seeing that nobody was paying them much attention he let out a heavy breath. ¡°I think it¡¯s a great opportunity for what you and I wish to do. To shake up Jas and Rose, I mean.¡±


    He licked his lips and glanced sideways, as nervous as a jittery yamaceratops.


    ¡°But the Valley of the Lost is extremely dangerous. If our compass gets damaged, we might be stuck there for a very long time, possibly forever.¡±


    Newt opened his mouth, but Obsidian kept talking.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re going to say, all we have to do is keep the compass safe and ensure nothing damages it, but a lot of unexpected things happen in combat. The valley has lots of spirit beasts, and the ones that survived this long should all be at the peak of the third realm. That means they are stronger than us. We can overcome that challenge, but the problem of low visibility is much worse. Because of the valley¡¯s nature, a roaming spirit beast may wander into the person holding the compass with little warning.¡±


    Newt listened patiently. He could understand why what Obsidian was describing could be an issue, but that problem had a simple solution.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we store the compass in a spatial pouch? It should be safe from harm there.¡±


    Obsidian¡¯s gaping face was priceless. Newt¡¯s idea was extremely simple, but the man seemed like he had never considered that option.


    ¡°You have a spatial pouch?¡± he stuttered.


    ¡°Well, no?¡± Newt said carefully. ¡°Do you? Do you know someone who has one? Could we borrow it? Rent it?¡±


    Obsidian burst into laughter, which devolved into a chuckle when he saw Newt was serious.


    ¡°You¡¯re serious? Newt, even if a disciple other than Jas had a spatial pouch, they wouldn¡¯t loan it to me. Every expedition comes with a chance of dying, and in the Valley of the Lost, there¡¯s a chance that you can, well, get lost, never to reappear. I don¡¯t think anyone would gamble with such a treasure unless they are the closest of kin. They might even join the expedition to keep their pouch safe.¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Newt wanted to say he could always ask his master, but then thought better of it. While not stingy, Elder Alabaster seemed intent on making his life needlessly difficult over the most trivial matters. Like simple five-word answers.


    He was silent for a while before nodding. ¡°I guess that makes things more challenging, still, Roselilly is an airhead. She should be mobile enough to keep it safe. Right?¡±


    Obsidian gave a hesitant nod. ¡°If we can talk her into going with us, and if we can keep her safe. The rumors claim the fog changes, sometimes, you can see a hundred yards away, sometimes ten feet.¡±


    Newt knew just the thing to prepare for the dangerous expedition.


    ¡°How about we check the library for available information?¡±


    Obsidian opened his mouth, then closed it, then spoke, ¡°Newt, have you ever been on a mission?¡±


    ¡°Actually, I have, with three friends.¡± Newt beamed a smile, ¡°We killed a bunch of Frostworms. Nothing fancy, third and fourth realm, then a fifth realm one chased the three of us, but we escaped unharmed, thanks to my friend¡¯s quick thinking and keen senses.¡±


    Obsidian gaped. ¡°And what happened with the fourth friend?¡±


    Dandelion pulling their leg about experience with ceilings flashed in Newt¡¯s mind. He wanted to make a similar joke, but then recalled the source of Obsidian¡¯s and his team¡¯s troubles, and the joke suddenly became tactless.


    ¡°She started a fight with the leader of the group, so he had her wait outside of the danger zone. No harm came to her.¡±


    Obi bit his lip. ¡°Does that mean the three of you handled fourth realm spirit beasts?¡±


    ¡°Well, yes, kind of, Dandelion handled some on his own. He was fast, made almost no sound when he moved, and he knew where and how to strike them to take them out in one hit. I can bet he¡¯s even more amazing now.¡±


    ¡°Which realm was he?¡±


    ¡°Third realm, mid to high layer, not sure which.¡± Newt suddenly realized he was bragging, so he hurried to make himself appear more humble. ¡°But we had information about the spirit beasts we would encounter and we ambushed them, rather than the other way round. It was really easier than it sounds.¡±


    Obsidian nodded, not believing him one bit.


    ¡°And escaping a fifth realm beast? Was that also easy?¡±


    ¡°To tell you the truth, I was terrified. We spent days in a cramped fissure, and we would have suffocated had we been in the second realm, but we somehow survived, and we achieved everything we set out to do, and then some. All in all, it was fun. Terrifying and stressful at times, but fun nonetheless.¡±


    Newt grinned, and Obsidian stared at him, obviously full of doubt.


    ¡°Oh, come on. It was an adventure similar to what you might hear in stories about cultivators. Our expedition to the Valley of the Lost will hopefully be something similar¡ª¡±


    ¡°Bite your tongue.¡± Obsidian hissed. ¡°We need to build up confidence, not have an exciting mission. The best possible outcome for us is to wander the mists, gather our quota of mist-crystals, and leave without encountering a single spirit beast.¡±


    Newt agreed with the first part. The team undoubtedly needed to complete the mission, assuming they managed to talk Jasmine and Roselilly into joining them. But that was far from enough. To build up their shattered confidence, they had to defeat spirit beast after spirit beast until they put the fear of blood and death behind them.


    Should I argue about this?


    Newt decided not to. The argument would be pointless, merely wasting breath to prove himself right. In reality, the odds of them wandering a danger zone and not encountering a single spirit beast were next to none. Especially if the mission was a resource gathering one.


    ¡°What are mist-crystals?¡± he asked instead, dropping the subject.


    ¡°They are a special kind of ore. I don¡¯t know much about them, other than that they are valuable.¡±


    ¡°We can check that in the library too, come on.¡± Newt led the way, and soon found himself in the reading room.


    Mist-crystals or misterium was a common component for spell formations dealing in trapping, befuddling, and tricking those who entered them. The ore was split into grades, which coincided with the danger zone¡¯s concentric rings.


    Reading that part, Newt suddenly had a bad feeling, and the following passage confirmed his suspicion.


    The danger zone was divided into different areas with different levels of danger, ranging from third realm all the way to the ninth. Spirit beasts and cultivators alike were drawn towards the area naturally suitable for them, unable to enter lower realm areas once they entered the higher one.


    Newt swallowed, but then relaxed. One could not enter a higher difficulty area either. Cultivators instinctively shied away from the higher realm zones, but even if they tried to enter them, something akin to an immaterial wall stopped them.


    That sounds oddly like a secret realm, but there¡¯s no way seniors specialized in treasure hunting could make such a mistake.


    He stopped reading for several moments to further consider the thought, but he could not think of a rational, plausible explanation for his immediate idea. Not with others more capable than him checking before.


    He went back to reading, discovering about the zone¡¯s unique flora and fauna, as well as the spirit beasts the sect unleashed inside to provide a challenge for the disciples and to feed the native species.

 Chapter 97 - The Talk

    49th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt placed his hand on Obsidian¡¯s trembling shoulder. The big man¡¯s nervousness grew more and more palpable with each step they took up the stairs. Obsidian turned around and gave him an appreciative nod before opening the door with a quivering hand.


    The five-o-four¡¯s common room was dark, but not pitch black, and no lights seeped in beneath the doors to the girls¡¯ bedrooms. Obsidian¡¯s chest rose as he took a deep breath.


    ¡°Jas, Rose, Newt and I are leaving for a mission tomorrow.¡± Obsidian said, his voice nearly a shout. ¡°If we don¡¯t go, the sect will demote us to outer disciples, and basically cut off our cultivation resources.¡±


    Newt stared at him flabbergasted. Can¡¯t you be quieter? It¡¯s almost midnight.


    While everyone in the building was a cultivator at the third or fourth realm and rarely slept, shouting in the middle of the night still seemed like an uncouth thing to do. Before he got to consider how inappropriate the whole thing was, the door to Jasmine¡¯s room opened with a bang.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing what?¡± she shouted.


    A wave of alcohol fumes rolled into the room, but at least she was decent. Apparently, getting a new roommate forced her into wearing pants and sleeveless shirts even when passed out drunk.


    ¡°We accepted a mission, and we¡¯re leaving tomorrow, with or without you.¡± Obsidian stopped shaking, his tense shoulders finally relaxed. Saying the words seemed to free him of his burden. Whether it was because his path of retreat was severed or because he was finally moving forwards, Newt could not tell.


    ¡°You dumb rock! Why¡¯d you do that? What¡¯s wrong with that thick skull of yours?¡±


    While Jasmine screamed, Roselilly opened her door a crack, just as decent and just as terrified as her friend.


    ¡°We have selected the mission because an elder told us we have forty days to complete one or we would all get demoted. You don¡¯t have to join us, Newt and I can go alone.¡±


    ¡°Like hell you are!¡± Jasmine glared at her brother, then turned towards Newt, murder in her eyes. ¡°You! This is all your fault!¡±


    Obsidian stepped between them.


    ¡°This is nobody¡¯s fault. The sect rules state that we will get demoted if we can¡¯t fulfill our missions or pass the tests. I don¡¯t want to fail because of a technicality. I was just informing you because it¡¯s the right thing to do. You can do whatever you want with that information.¡±


    Newt wanted to peek around Obsidian, to see Jasmine¡¯s face, but Obi turned around.


    ¡°We should grab some sleep, then get the compass and equipment we might need tomorrow.¡±


    Newt nodded, but Obsidian had already turned around, probably not even registering his acknowledgement.


    ¡°We are going to the Valley of the Lost. Don¡¯t look at me like that, gathering mist crystals was the only mission left.¡± This time, Newt did peek around, and saw the woman¡¯s face frozen in silent horror.


    ¡°You can¡¯t go! Are you insane?¡± Roselilly opened her door all the way and stepped forth, flailing her arms. ¡°You¡¯re going to die.¡±


    ¡°Rose,¡± Obsidian¡¯s voice turned gentle, as if he were speaking with a child, ¡°missions are dangerous. We were unlucky once, things spiraled out of control, and we lost a dear person, but that doesn¡¯t mean it will always happen. We can¡¯t stay holed up in our rooms. And if that is your solution, you should consider quitting cultivation altogether.¡±


    ¡°And what?¡± she shrieked. ¡°Your solution is jumping straight in the middle of one of the sect¡¯s most dangerous locations?¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Obsidian hesitated, he agreed with Roselilly in principle. Heading into the Valley of the Lost after an extended break was a horrible idea. They needed something simple, like clearing velociraptor chicks from someone¡¯s basement, but the stars seemed aligned against them, and the only thing they could do was toughen up, or surrender to their fate.


    He drew a deep breath and sighed.


    ¡°I agree it¡¯s not a good solution, but it¡¯s the only way forward other than giving up, and I don¡¯t want to give up. To cultivate is to go against fate and against the heavens. I¡¯m afraid that giving up now means I¡¯m forming a crack in my realm, maybe even creating an undefeatable heart demon, because I think there¡¯s no going back after surrendering to fate. I¡¯d basically give up cultivation, and I don¡¯t want that. Do you?¡±


    Roselilly lowered her gaze, biting her lip. Watching things unfold, Newt felt like a stranger, an extra who should wait outside the room for this conversation to finish, even if he was the stone which created the ripples leading to this conversation.


    ¡°I¡¯m going with you.¡± Jasmine¡¯s hard voice broke the silence. ¡°I don¡¯t know about my cultivation, I haven¡¯t considered it in a long time, but I don¡¯t want you to go somewhere so dangerous without me.¡±


    Yes! Newt¡¯s heart raced as a grin escaped him. He had made a difference. He glanced towards Roselilly, but the young woman was still staring at the floor.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± The words were barely louder than a whisper, then Rose looked up, her voice growing louder, more certain. ¡°I love you guys. I don¡¯t want anything bad to happen to you. But¡­ But, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready.¡±


    She bit her lips yet again, balling her hands into trembling fists. ¡°I need time to think. Can we talk in the morning?¡±


    Obsidian nodded solemnly, and Roselilly retreated to her room after bidding them good night.


    Jasmine said nothing. She just stood there, glaring at her brother with hands on her hips.


    ¡°You big, dumb kidney stone,¡± she grumbled. ¡°I¡¯m so angry with you. Have you any idea how dangerous this is?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I do. I mean, I know already.¡± Obsidian gave a mirthless laugh. ¡°But we need to do something, otherwise it¡¯s all over.¡±


    He glanced at Newt. ¡°And Newt is freakishly strong. I sparred with him today¡ª¡±


    ¡°Did a scrawny little kid beat you up?¡± A lifetime of habit took over, and Jasmine¡¯s words came out as a taunt.


    Newt resented the statement more than Obsidian. He had tried eating and overeating, but his cultivation had locked his general build into what it was. His skin was smooth and free of imperfections, his hair was healthy and glossy from all the spiritual energy coursing through it, but his three years of starvations were locked into his appearance for some reason.


    A normal human would have recovered in a matter of weeks or months, but a year had passed, and he was still gaunt.


    ¡°He is freakishly strong! And don¡¯t call him a kid. He¡¯s seventeen.¡±


    Jasmine¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°I thought he was at least thirty!¡±


    Why would you call a thirty-year-old man a kid?


    ¡°Stop it, you¡¯re embarrassing him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m confused, not embarrassed. Why do you think a thirty-year-old is a child?¡±


    Jasmine tilted her head. ¡°At the third realm, you can expect to live up to eight hundred years. I¡¯m seventy years old, even I¡¯m a ten-year-old mortal child in the grand scheme of things, let alone you, a seventeen-year-old. You¡¯ll see how time flies. The first realm is quick and easy, the second not so much, the third is already very difficult. No matter how fast and well educated you are, I don¡¯t think you can build a stable realm in less than fifty years, thirty, if you¡¯re some sort of genius or have taken pills to hasten your cultivation. And that¡¯s without taking into account how long it takes to gather the energy to expand your realm up to the limits of the tenth layer.¡±


    Newt wanted to argue, but he could see Jasmine¡¯s logic.


    What about using spirit gems? One per hour, I need to sleep an hour every day on average, and a couple minutes to eat¡­


    Newt guessed it would take about three to four months, but well crafted pills could achieve the same result in a matter of days. But as far as pills went, he had just heard information much more relevant to him.


    ¡°There are pills which make it easier to cultivate?¡± he asked, confusing the siblings.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Obsidian said. ¡°Depending on their quality, they can quicken your innate speed by fifty percent, all the way to tripling the speed with which you cultivate your realm. Higher talent also plays a part, given your age and realm, you might be ready for advancement in ten to twenty years. The pills might shave off¡­¡±


    Newt chatted with them some more, Jasmine visibly relaxing in his presence as she shifted her perception of him from an invader into a junior in need of help and advice from a senior. Then, after half an hour, he went to bed. He was neither tired nor sleepy, but he needed to force himself to sleep. There was no telling how long they would have to wander the Valley of the Lost, and the less they slept inside it, the safer they would be.


    Sleep would not take him, so Newt started counting the lines of various spell formations he should scribe in his realm and passed out of boredom.

 Chapter 98 - Sailing

    50th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Things were in such rapid motion, Newt thought he was dreaming. He was standing on a ship¡¯s deck, rushing towards a chain of distant mountains standing proudly beyond the vast expanse of water. All three of his roommates were there with him, along with Roselilly¡¯s second sister.


    The fourth realm disciple was escorting them on their one-day trip to the Valley of the Lost, but once she saw them there safely, she would return to the Explorer¡¯s Island.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, little sister, I¡¯ll be back in a week. That¡¯s about the earliest you could possibly navigate through the first ring of the Valley of the Lost.¡± The woman reassured Roselilly with a steady voice and a confident smile, the very picture of an aloof fairy. ¡°You just take care of the compass and the map. Remember never to stray from your team. Even if you must flee from attacking spirit beasts, you must maintain visual contact with at least two of them at all times, otherwise you will be lost.¡±


    She turned towards the rest of the team. ¡°Have you read the books about what to do in case of getting separated?¡±


    Newt and the Deeproots nodded. The notion was scary, but the odds of someone losing their mind and running straight ahead into the impenetrable, bewildering fog were next to zero. At least Newt hoped nobody on his team was that stupid.


    ¡°What about the bestiary entries?¡±


    Another round of nods.


    ¡°Good. You¡¯re all set. It might sound strange, but knowing the challenge and knowing your own abilities is the heart of overcoming most challenges.¡±


    With those encouraging words and a light, tranquil smile, senior apprentice sister Hazel turned around, staring into the distant mountains. Salty mist sprayed around her as the ship cut the waves with unnatural speed. The brown-haired woman was beautiful, as were most female cultivators Newt had met. With a sword hanging from her waist, billowing hair, and perfect posture, she struck quite a heroic figure, standing proudly at the bow and looking contemplative yet serene.


    Elder Woodhopper is prettier.


    Newt pressed his lips together at the silly thought invading his mind.


    ¡°Rose¡¯s senior sister is real pretty, ain¡¯t she.¡± Newt almost jumped as Jasmine whispered, but did not, feeling proud over his minor success.


    He snapped his head towards her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Newt stuttered.


    The woman grinned, perfect white teeth making a captivating contrast against her dark skin, painting her smile all the more brilliant.


    ¡°And I guess your face is red because you were running?¡± she teased, and Newt struggled to come up with an answer. He failed as seconds dragged on and remained silent.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯s seeing anyone,¡± Jasmine said, enjoying Newt¡¯s awkwardness. ¡°Do you want me to ask her?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Newt yelped. ¡°Please don¡¯t.¡±


    The two just stared at each other, and Newt suddenly felt something was off. Jasmine¡¯s words were teasing, but the glint in her eyes seemed cruel, not playful.


    For some reason, she reminded him of Puresnow. Back when she was trying to spite Dandelion and drag him through mud.


    ¡°Are you angry with me?¡± Newt¡¯s voice was quieter than a whisper.


    ¡°Furious,¡± Jasmine¡¯s grin remained unchanged. And yet, despite all her facial muscles not even twitching, that pearly white smile twisted. Instead of amusement, Newt sensed something predatory about it. Something that wanted to claim a pound of his flesh.


    ¡°Why? I¡¯m trying to help. To become a part of the team.¡±


    Jasmine stared at him, wordlessly asking him not to play dumb. Faced with his genuine confusion, the woman crossed her arms and snorted.


    ¡°If Obi or Rose die, I will kill you myself, sect rules be damned. Got it?¡±


    Newt nodded. He believed the mission would be simple, but even if there was great danger, he would follow his path and protect everyone. If he failed at the first step, at the first mission after finding himself, he might as well give up cultivation.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    His blush was gone, his eyes brimming with determination as he nodded.


    ¡°All right, I agree.¡±


    Jasmine gawked, then her eyes and features softened.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have said that.¡± She drew a breath and looked away from Newt, towards the open sea and the distant land. ¡°It was a stressful time. Everyone was and still is having a difficult time, you included. What I said was unfair. We are all adults, making our own decisions, and blaming it all on a kid¡ª¡±


    Hey!


    ¡°¡ªis the most immature thing I¡¯ve done in a long time. Sorry.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Obsidian chose that moment to drop into the conversation with all the subtlety of a rock. ¡°What are you two whispering all alone?¡±


    He glared at Newt. ¡°Are you making a pass at my sister?¡±


    ¡°Kidney stone!¡± Jasmine looked at him and smiled with much more sincerity than she spared Newt. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you this lively in ages. You must be a wreck of nerves when you¡¯re beaming so much fake positive energy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a bit nervous.¡± Obsidian¡¯s smile faltered before resuming with twice the energy it had before. ¡°But it feels so good to finally leave the sect. Don¡¯t get me wrong, Explorer¡¯s Island is a wonderful place, full of things to do, but when you¡¯ve shut yourself from the world in general, it just becomes a nice-looking prison.¡±


    It beats a mine, Newt thought, but spoke about something else entirely. ¡°Is Roselilly avoiding me, or does she enjoy her senior sister¡¯s company that much?¡±


    Roselilly had stuck close to Hazel, like a baby raptor to its mother ever since they departed the sect.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Jasmine dragged out the words, clearly uncertain. ¡°I think she¡¯s just enjoying the feeling of safety around a higher realm cultivator who wishes her well.¡±


    Newt nodded, unconvinced.


    That¡¯s quite a coincidence, out of all senior apprentice brothers and sisters, Roselilly¡¯s senior sister is the one accompanying us? It seems intentional, but how did Master know she would come?


    Newt lacked the experience, but Dandelion told him to always keep an eye out for odd happenstances, and their chaperone¡¯s connection with the weakest link in their team seemed suspicious.


    As does the Chamber of Instruction running out of missions, which Obsidian claims has never happened before.


    While Obsidian and his sister chatted, enjoying the air and the view, Newt mulled those thoughts over. Eventually, he decided that if anyone from Explorer¡¯s Gate wished to harm or kill him, all they had to do was not try their best to save him when the sun had decided to sear him into ashes.


    Newt leaned on the railing and pushed those thoughts away. If anyone was pulling the strings behind his mission, he would believe they were doing it for benevolent reasons. He watched the sun shimmer on the clear, azure water, and after a while noticed a school of cartorhynchus darting towards them.


    The agile marine dinosaurs were a foot long from the tip of their cute, grayish-brown snout till the end of their long, slender tail. The tail was flat, like a tadpole¡¯s, and elegant fins replaced the lizard¡¯s legs.


    Around thirty members of the group chased after a much bigger school of thin, yellow fish. The fish stood no chance, revealing the cute, seemingly helpless cartorhynchuses¡¯ ferocious nature as the dinosaurs tore into the fish, biting them in half and feasting on the remains left by the quicker members of their school.


    Are they a school like fish, a pack like raptors and most predators, or a float, like crocodiles?


    Whatever they were, the cartorhynchuses had devoured enough fish and stopped chasing, disappearing from Newt¡¯s line of sight, along with the fish, which stopped swimming frantically once predators stopped chasing.


    They were probably spirit beasts give how fast they were moving, but why couldn¡¯t I see whether they were regular beasts or something more evolved?


    The water¡¯s spiritual energy blocked my third eye, but that makes no sense. Does that mean cultivators can become invisible by swimming?


    Newt doubted it and filed away the thought as something to check in the library once he returned home. He looked at the Deeproot twins, rapidly exchanging whispered words, then his gaze shifted to the two women staring at the rapidly approaching land.


    They are water cultivators. I could ask them, I guess?


    Newt did not like the idea. He was still very much an outsider, and after Jasmine¡¯s tease, he would feel awkward about approaching Hazel.


    Instead, he used the time to think about some of those thoughts he had filed away for later.


    Master said that the subconscious sense of danger steers us away from anything overly or obviously lethal. Do trapping and befuddling spell formations use that sensation as the base principle to fool the mind? If they do, does that principle carry over to the natural spell formations, such as the Valley of the Lost?


    It was an interesting hypothesis, something Elder Longfang certainly knew, maybe even Elder Alabaster, since the woman mentioned she dabbled in spell formations. That train of thought raised another interesting question, did the ancient spell formation scribes invent the technique by harnessing the principle or did they discover the principle after mimicking natural danger zones, like the Valley of the Lost?


    Newt knew his thoughts were idle, but he could already see the port. The ship would land in five minutes, and cultivation was no longer an option. He had made that decision when the voyage started, choosing to mingle with his team, but somehow, he still felt like an outsider.


    Maybe just the few conversations I had with Obi and the few words I exchanged with Jasmine and Roselilly simply aren¡¯t enough.


    He once more regretted not having any real friends, save for Jasmine back home. Jasmine who had brutally betrayed him. It was a bitter thought. One which might push a man into a path of solitude, but then he recalled Dandelion and Everlast and even Puresnow.


    It took some time, a slight show of power, but they became friends. Maybe that¡¯s all his new team needed? Time. Or a show of power?

 Chapter 99 - The Valley of the Lost

    50th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The mountains were much closer to the port than they seemed, mere thirty miles away, and third realm cultivators covered such short distances in half an hour of relaxed jog.


    Hazel was still with Newt¡¯s team when they reached the mountain¡¯s peak. And as Newt ascended the summit, he realized that the entire mountain range was in fact a single, titanic volcano, the mountain peaks were jagged tips of the volcano¡¯s crown, while the crater three hundred yards below was a domain of roiling fog.


    That explains the geysers on the map, but I wonder why nobody bothered to mention that the Valley of the Lost is located inside a huge volcano? Also, are there lakes of lava or similar hazards in the higher realm zones? What if you accidentally fall into one because you can¡¯t see it?


    Like Newt, the rest of the party stopped, watching the fog¡¯s erratic, cloudlike movement. Half a minute passed, and Newt found no obvious rules to the flow, except that it had nothing to do with the wind. Then Hazel drew a deep, intoxicated breath and smiled.


    ¡°All right! Enough awe, you¡¯re going in there and getting out before you know it.¡± Hazel trotted down the slope, sending small trickles of disturbed stones into the fog, and suddenly addressed Roselilly.


    ¡°Little sister, mist is one of the possible water-air combinations. Keep your mind open to inspiration, the valley is fascinating.¡±


    She stopped some fifty feet above the drifting fog and turned around to face the team.


    ¡°This is as far as I go. Your destination is over there.¡± She pointed towards the far end of the crater. ¡°I recommend you take the right path, it has one more misterium deposit, but ultimately, the decision is yours. There are several deposits on either route, and just so you know, the third and fourth realm zones are thoroughly explored. You won¡¯t find any misterium outside the marked locations. Good luck.¡±


    Hazel waited expectantly while the rest of them stared at the wall of fog. Newt¡¯s gaze was one of excitement, while the rest of the team ranged from hesitant to fearful.


    ¡°Come on, there¡¯s nothing in there you should be nervous about. There¡¯s four of you, and all the monsters wandering the mist do so alone. Go get them!¡±


    Newt almost laughed as the gung-ho fist that shot into the air. The immature gesture seemed completely at odds with the dignified senior apprentice sister. Regardless of how silly, the move worked on its intended target, and Roselilly smiled for the first time since Newt had met her.


    ¡°Thank you, Big Sis.¡± Roselilly took the lead and walked towards the impenetrable mist.


    ¡°Don¡¯t walk more than ten feet apart, you don¡¯t know what the visibility is like!¡± Hazel shouted, and the rest of the team followed after Roselilly, Obsidian rushing to take the fore.


    Newt could see them advancing, and when he entered the mist, the sensation did not differ from finding himself in regular mist anywhere else. The sun was dimmer, but still up, Obsidian had slowed his steps and behind them¡ª


    Newt turned around, he was merely a single step inside the mist, but it expanded into eternity behind his back. Then, Jasmine appeared, two steps behind him, followed by Roselilly.


    Newt ignored the two women, focusing instead on the distance. They were mere steps away, the edge of the fog no more than a couple of feet beyond them, he was certain of it, and while he could see two dozen yards in front of himself, somehow the fog was everywhere, and the space behind the two seemed stretched, devoured by a thicker mist.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Newt was not the only one looking back.


    ¡°Weird, isn¡¯t it?¡± Obsidian said, then cleared his throat at the obvious sign of weakness. ¡°Everyone, we have to stay together. We can do this, all we have to do is hike for a week, maybe kill a spirit beast or two, and we can go back home, hopefully get a decent reward and maybe find an easy mission we can do in two to three months.¡±


    The words lifted the girls¡¯ spirits, or it could have been the initial amazed whisper, and they smiled. It was the faintest stretch of the lips, nervous like hell, but it was there, and it was a good sign.


    We¡¯re making progress. Now, if only there was a weak spirit beast to jump us, things would be perfect. Defeating it with only slight effort would do wonders for our morale.


    Newt¡¯s empty musings remained just that. Half an hour passed with no attacks, and hardly a handful of words exchanged. The visibility remained between ten and fifteen yards, with pale, misty outlines visible up to twice that distance.


    Newt enjoyed the silence and observed the strange terrain, which proved quite mundane. They were walking through a hip-high grassland, the grass green and lush despite the intense heat. While the refreshing smell of trampled grass tickled his nose, the silence oppressing his ears made stark sensory contrast. The only sound in the entire world was the rustle of the grass as the four disciples moved through it.


    Newt strained his ears, and he believed he could distinguish each of their movements. His seemed normal, natural. Obsidian and Jasmine move forward with heavy steps that did not quite thud as much as reverberate through the ground while Roselilly breezed through the tall grass, her steps inaudible, and even the grass barely rustling in her passing.


    Then there was the ever-present mist. Warm vapor clung to his skin, soaking through his sect robe and reaching all the way to his underwear. Another half hour, and Newt would be completely wet.


    He could block it with Granite Crust, treating it like a physical attack, which almost felt true with how invasive the moisture was, but the bestiary entries stopped him. The spirit beasts native to the Valley of the Lost had a keen sense for spiritual energy. While the mists dampened their senses, it still had an effective range of around one hundred and fifty yards. The odds of a spirit beast finding them because Newt used his technique were minuscule, but the benefit of minor comfort was just as negligible.


    ¡°So, you guys want to exchange pointers?¡± Newt asked, recalling how physical exchanges helped build camaraderie back in the Frostworm expedition. Then he remembered how ¡°friendly¡± the exchange of pointers was in the Explorer¡¯s Gate.


    ¡°And I mean it in a friendly manner. You know to see who can do what, and to better coordinate our effort. Roselilly, I see you have a bow.¡±


    I have seen it for a day now, but didn¡¯t get the chance to mention it. Can cultivators use bows? Is there a reason she¡¯s using one? Should it be obvious?


    Newt had never heard anything about the subject, so he asked, giving the woman a sheepish smile after her questioning look.


    ¡°Healers tend to fight from behind their comrades. Since we split our time between regular fighting techniques and healing ones, we are not as proficient as others. Ideally, healers don¡¯t fight at all. We stay far from any serious combat, treating patients brought to us. But that¡¯s not always possible, so Master insists we must pick up real life experience over the course of inner disciples missions.¡±


    Newt nodded, genuine interest in his eyes.


    ¡°And the bow? I heard it¡¯s a complex weapon to learn, and delivering spiritual energy through arrows seems really difficult at our realm, and needlessly convoluted at the higher ones.¡±


    Roselilly nodded. ¡°I understand the origin of your misperception. Yes, bow is difficult to master, and I¡¯m not there, yet. But, I can make spiritual energy attacks at a much greater distance than you. It requires a lot of training, but it¡¯s really effective for air-attributed cultivators. Between learning anatomy and healing and archery and archery techniques, I hardly have the time to advance my realm, let alone cultivate it.¡±


    She smiled, but it was not a happy smile. ¡°I¡¯m certain I will die of old age before I reach the point where I lack the strength to push the wall of my realm further and grow. There¡¯s so much to do, and so little time.¡±


    Roselilly choked up a bit whenever she mentioned the lack of time, keenly aware that she had wasted a year of her life. Newt thought it a good sign. She understood she had done something wrong, and she was taking steps to make things better. The only real question remaining was whether she could make it or not.


    The woman fell into a contemplative silence, and Newt left her alone. The topic of her fighting style interested him, as did the healing arts, but neither was something he himself would ever use. They just seemed like interesting subjects to pass the time.


    ¡°Quiet,¡± Jasmine whispered. ¡°I think I heard something.¡±


    The party froze, eyes and ears peeled. Then Newt caught it too. The rustle of grass even though they stood still. A spirit beast was upon them, and they were ready.

 Chapter 100 - Small Victories

    50th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The beast was unlike anything Newt had ever seen. Hadrosaurus were large, docile herbivores; wild beasts beyond doubt, too massive for common folk to tame, but sometimes used by first realm cultivators as beasts of burden.


    The monster that appeared before the group was massive, nine feet tall and twenty-five long, but that was where the similarities with the rest of its species ended.


    Instead of the unassuming camouflage scales of grayish-green of its genus, the spirit beast¡¯s skin was the bright-red of blood. Instead of an unassuming, duck-like mouth, a pair of saberlike tusks hung from its upper maw, threatening the young cultivators. The beast¡¯s eyes were bright yellow, its black, vertical pupils widening as it spotted the group just as they saw it.


    The bipedal dinosaur sprinted, flaring fire-attributed spiritual energy with every move. Newt observed the technique or to be more exact, the utter lack of one, as the energy bled into the environment, hardly a quarter of it used to enhance the creature.


    The frothing giant opened its maw, aiming for the closest member of the group. Ready, Obsidian hefted his stego mace, his muscles bulging as he whipped it like he did in the practice match with Newt.


    Unlike Newt, the hadrosaurus neither dodged nor resorted to trickery. It met the strike head on, believing it would overpower a fragile little creature which matched its realm, but only amounted to one fiftieth of its bulk. Obsidian¡¯s mace glowed earthen brown, hardly any energy wasted, and smashed the fire-attributed hadrosaurus in the temple.


    The elements collided, the outer layers of heavily condensed earth burning before the scattered explosive flames, but even if one disregarded the difference in concentration, fire was the second-weakest element in terms of defense. The flame barrier yielded, and the spiked mace smashed into the dinosaur¡¯s thick skull with all the weight of a mountain.


    Blood sprayed, but the blow dealt minor damage to the thick, massive skull. While staggered, the hadrosaurus ignored the flesh wound and stabbed at Obsidian¡¯s torso with its massive tusks.


    Newt¡¯s glaive appeared out of the spirit beast¡¯s blind-spot, its tip found its eye when the monster¡¯s massive tooth was a foot away from goring Obsidian¡¯s chest. The hadrosaurus reared, moving back, trying to avoid the pain, but flames exploded beneath Newt¡¯s feet. Lightened by the hot air, he soared up, harrying the retreating monster.


    For a moment, it looked like the hadrosaurus would escape its fate with merely a serious injury, but moving back, it lost its balance from the sudden change of direction and stumbled over its own tail. Newt pressed his attack, his glaive sinking deeper. Disoriented and in pain, the hadrosaurus toppled and died as the glaive pierced its brain.


    ¡°Great job antagonizing and binding it, Obi!¡± Newt said as he drew his weapon out of the third realm spirit beast¡¯s skull. ¡°It hardly used any spiritual energy, the odds are its core is still intact.¡±


    The potential prospect would have made Newt grin ear to ear half a season ago, but as things stood, a third realm core was next to useless to him, barely a grain of sand before his crippling debt. What mattered more was the bright smiles and excited glint in the girls¡¯ eyes. And even Obsidian smiled like a madman.


    ¡°Excellent strike!¡± The big man beamed. ¡°I thought people used glaives for slashing, not for stabbing because they are too massive, but you wielded it like it was a light spear.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. I had a good teacher.¡± Newt drew his shortsword and got to work just as Jasmine and Obsidian drew their daggers.


    A few slashes in, Obsidian put a hand on his shoulder.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing it wrong. Step back and let me do it.¡± Obsidian took over. ¡°You were hitting its ribs too often, you should¡­¡±


    Obsidian parted flesh and broke bones, digging his way to the core, explaining what he was doing and why with every step. Newt found the demonstration educational and to the point. Digging through velociraptors a fraction of the size was easy, and the ankylosaurus was a packed mass of armor where finesse mattered little. The hadrosaurus was an excellent beast to practice butchery.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Unfortunately, the effort did not pay off. Newt thought the core was whole, but the monster¡¯s bulk must have obscured the flare of its shattering.


    Obsidian shook the blood off his hands and glanced at Newt. ¡°Don¡¯t look so disappointed. That¡¯s how life is, you have to check every time, and once in a while you get lucky.¡±


    The big man then moved towards the giant¡¯s rear legs and carved strips off of one thigh before moving over to the belly.


    ¡°Are those valuable?¡± Newt asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Jasmine shook her head, ¡°but they are tasty, if you know how to grill them right.¡±


    And, as it turns out, Obsidian did know how to grill them right. Or at least make the meat smell right. Newt salivated as Obsidian prepared the meal on a mesh he kept rolled up in his sack.


    The group barely moved half a mile away from the scene of battle before stumbling across a solitary tree, but smoke, smell, and noise were not an issue in the Valley of the Lost. A horde of spirit beasts could be running rampant, or fellow cultivators could fight for their life two hundred yards away, and there was no way to tell.


    Newt glanced at his companions, the girls were doing all right. The stress and fear were mostly gone from their faces and shoulders, the victory had the expected effect, even if it came later than Newt would have wanted it to.


    ¡°Obi used to run a grill, back when we were outer disciples.¡± Jasmine broke the silence as she met Newt¡¯s gaze. ¡°His stall was one of the most popular ones, even though we mostly just had fish.¡±


    ¡°I wish I had some proper seasoning, but grilled meat with a tad of salt can be delicious enough if it comes from such a high realm spirit beast.¡± Obsidian flipped a strip of meat with his dagger and prodded the branches burning into embers a good foot below his mesh. ¡°And a couple handfuls of coals would be nice, grilling over a fire is bound to burn some of the food, not to mention the extra smoke.¡±


    Newt considered the words and looked up at the gnarled, old tree under which they had decided to take a break. It was an outlier, since the forest was a full day¡¯s travel away.


    He did not know why he was hesitating. He had already made a grilling spell formation before.


    ¡°You know, I could scribe a spell formation for us, to help with the grilling.¡±


    Newt expected several reactions, awe, surprise, confusion, yet he was the one confused by Obsidian¡¯s response.


    ¡°That sounds great,¡± the big man said, taking Newt¡¯s words in stride, as if it was perfectly normal to arrange a cooking spell formation out in the field. ¡°We¡¯ll use it next time.¡±


    Obsidian then focused on his grilling, and tantalizing aroma filled the air.


    ¡°Why does it smell so good?¡± Newt asked. ¡°We don¡¯t even have to eat all that often, and I¡¯m not even hungry.¡±


    Roselilly spoke up again.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same reason spirit beasts eat each other, even though they could live just fine on ambient spiritual energy and common prey. Their flesh is infused with a much higher concentration of spiritual energy than the environment, and our bodies crave spiritual energy. Spirit beast flesh is like low-potency pills, with no drawback, since the absorption of spiritual energy happens naturally.¡±


    Newt gave a slow nod, taking in the information before smiling.


    ¡°You¡¯re trying to say that Obi isn¡¯t skilled, he just has good ingredients?¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    ¡°More or less.¡± Roselilly smiled, and Jasmine covered her mouth with her hand.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Obsidian turned around and hissed at his sister. ¡°Traitor.¡±


    All four burst into laughter before Obsidian turned around and resumed fanning the coals and half-burned branches.


    Newt kept mulling over his idea. ¡°I think there¡¯s a problem, spirit beasts native to the Valley of the Lost would find the spell formation from a distance, since it causes a disturbance in the ambient spiritual energy. But we could use it to lure them into traps.¡±


    Roselilly shook her head.


    ¡°Not worth it. Their range of detection is too small, and if you¡¯re making spell formations to grill the meat of the ones we slew, the odds become even slimmer, since it¡¯s unlikely that two spirit beasts roamed the same general without meeting each other. But even if we use them as beacons, their range is too small to be worthwhile.¡±


    Roselilly¡¯s reasoning was sound, but Newt was not easily dissuaded. ¡°What if we carried a spell formation with us, it would make it likelier for us to encounter spirit beasts?¡±


    ¡°And why would we want to do that? Our mission is to harvest misterium, not to kill roaming spirit beasts. They are an obstacle, not the goal.¡±


    Newt disagreed. He had a feeling his master had arranged the mission in the Valley of the Lost specifically for him and for his team as a bonding experience or something of similar nature. That meant the more monsters they fought as a team, the better the end result. Still, it was only his opinion and a conversation in which he explained his hypothesis that they were in a danger zone to better integrate him into the team sounded like it would hurt his cause more than help.


    Eventually, Newt nodded in agreement with Roselilly, hoping the regular spirit beast population would prove enough to serve his master¡¯s purpose.

 Chapter 101 - The Right Path

    51st of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    If Newt had to describe the previous day, he could summarize it in two words - surprisingly smooth. While fighting the hadrosaurus he realized how much tougher his body had gotten compared to the time he fought the frostworms. Even without relying on techniques, he could physically overpower third realm spirit beasts, and the roaming monsters of the Valley of the Lost¡¯s outermost layer were no match for him, let alone for his group.


    During the three minor skirmishes, there were no injuries, nor was there need for Roselilly to shoot an arrow or lift a hand to heal anyone. Even Newt was mostly a bystander, focused on damage control, letting Obsidian and Jasmine smash the monsters, Obsidian with his stego mace, Jasmine with her heavy, two-handed broadsword.


    The brother and sister made a good pair. On their own, they were wide open and full of vulnerabilities, but they watched over each other¡¯s weaknesses and shored them up, keeping the spirit beasts at bay.


    Unfortunately, the group¡¯s effort yielded zero cores, but vastly improved everyone¡¯s confidence, and boosted the party¡¯s morale to the point that it was incomparable to before they stepped into the danger zone.


    Unlike the fights, Newt found the mist infinitely annoying. Once they had entered the zone at a certain depth, he had a weird feeling whenever the four of them stepped at the same time. It seemed like each of them tended to choose a slightly different direction when advancing.


    They naturally followed Roselilly, who kept the compass in her hands at all times, but each step Newt took felt like the wrong one, like he was out of place, walking into danger which he could have evaded simply by moving a little bit to the left, away from the direction indicated by the pesky, life-saving device.


    For the first time, he realized how dangerous and useful befuddling spell formations could be. All it took was getting trapped inside one.


    I should devote some time to spell formations, it¡¯s obviously useful knowledge, but when? Even without sleep, I have four hours of daily training sessions with my teachers. I need to find some time for spars and improve my combat ability, catching up with all the knowledge I¡¯m lacking is taking a huge chunk of my time, then there¡¯s cultivation¡­


    Newt felt overwhelmed with the amount of things he needed to do, then glanced at Roselilly and corrected his direction by an irksome fraction of a step. Again.


    She¡¯s got even more on her plate.


    Newt bit his lip. He wanted to ask Roselilly how she managed all her obligations, but she already said she thought she was failing at it, and then there was the whole festering wound of her boyfriend¡¯s death and the year that followed. She was far from fine, and equally far from managing herself and her time.


    In the end, Newt kept his mouth shut. Starting a casual chat on the topic would have hurt the young woman more than it would help either of them.


    At least I don¡¯t have to meditate to expand my realm.


    Newt wondered for the heavens knew which time how Magmin, a common snake, had such a brilliant idea. Was it that idea that propelled it to evolve until it became the majestic dragon from his vision?


    Mid-thought, Newt¡¯s skin crawled. His instincts screamed at him, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He could see almost two hundred feet ahead, mist twisted and oozed around the thick, gnarled trees, giving off a surreal yet ominous tone to the scene.


    Before he could think, he pushed Roselilly to the ground. The woman toppled over just as a thick spine, the length of Newt¡¯s forearm, whistled through the air and pierced the empty space which Roselilly¡¯s torso had occupied a moment ago. The spike zipped by and exploded against the soil, spraying a shower of earth from the crater it had created.Stolen novel; please report.


    Newt traced the missile¡¯s path back to its origin and barely spotted the spirit beast braced against a tree ten yards away. It was indigenous to the Valley of the Lost, the fattail shooter gecko. The lizard¡¯s dark brown scales matched the tree¡¯s bark, with lighter twisting and swirling patterns to better blend in with the flowing mist. Its fat tail ended with five foot-long spines, one short of the full set of six.


    The fattail shooter gecko was a nearly invisible, seven feet long ambush predator, killing its prey with sharp, massive tail spines, flicked at its target at high speed. The spirit beast assassin rarely missed, but when it did, its specialized physique worked against it.


    Its short, stubby legs excelled at gripping and finding purchase to allow the gecko to shoot its spines at absurd speeds, but they were lacking when it came to quick movement.


    Newt sprinted towards the camouflaged beast, ten yards covered just as the gecko flicked its tail again. Newt cleaved the limb in two with his glaive. The lizard hissed as its tail fell to the ground, but Newt cut the sound short with a well placed slash, which beheaded the gecko.


    ¡°What a dangerous beastie!¡± Newt grinned, radiating nonchalance he did not feel. Had he been a moment slower, Roselilly would have suffered a heavy injury. They had healing pills, and the odds were Roselilly would have survived without suffering lasting harm, but the injury could have offset all the work on restoring the team¡¯s morale.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Roselilly patted the damp earth off her butt as she stood back up.


    ¡°How did you spot it?¡± Jasmine asked while patting her friend¡¯s back. ¡°Is the compass all right?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Roselilly whispered in response as Newt struggled to answer the former question.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see it. I felt something, like someone was watching me, and then I just moved.¡± Newt¡¯s words made no sense. He had trouble understanding what had happened, let alone explaining it to others. He just felt something would attack them, then reacted to that perceived threat.


    As expected, Jasmine gave him a blank look, and Newt shrugged.


    ¡°That¡¯s what happened. I don¡¯t know how to explain it. Something in this mist is putting me on edge, and somehow that resulted in me sensing the attack just as it happened.¡±


    ¡°Heavens,¡± Obsidian laughed. ¡°I wish it worked like that for me. The mist gives me the creeps, and that¡¯s about it.¡±


    Newt nodded, his roommate had been forcing himself to act like a cheerful bubblehead. His laughter was too loud, came way too often, and outstayed its welcome every time. The fakeness of it bothered Newt, but the girls did not mind or maybe even appreciated Obsidian¡¯s effort.


    ¡°Do you want to do the honors?¡± The big man offered Newt yet another chance to practice butchery.


    Newt nodded. He was improving rapidly, and even though the fattail shooter gecko was easy to butcher because of its small size, he could make things more challenging for himself by imposing additional rules. The most practical one being, having to keep the body as whole as possible.


    Man, life is so much easier when you have a spatial pouch. I wonder how much those things cost?


    The thought brought back the matter of his debt and realization that he would not have the ability to have anything nice in a long, long time. Distracted, Newt jerked his arm too hard while carving the tough, scaly hide.


    Granite Crust sprang into existence just in time to deflect the slash.


    ¡°Are you all right, Newt?¡± Concern seeped into Obsidian¡¯s voice as he kept vigil over Newt¡¯s work.


    ¡°Yeah, sorry. I was thinking about something, and my hand slipped.¡±


    ¡°You should focus on what you¡¯re doing, especially when you¡¯re working with blades. You almost broke our streak of no injuries.¡±


    ¡°Stop jinxing people, you big kidney stone!¡± Jasmine grumbled from the side.


    ¡°What¡¯s the deal with the kidney stone? I mean, I get it, it¡¯s an elemental joke, but I don¡¯t get the joke.¡±


    Obsidian sighed, his false smile gone, replaced with something more genuine. Mirth mixed with sorrow or nostalgia. Newt failed to figure it out before the man started talking.


    ¡°Back when we were kids, Jas didn¡¯t think it was possible to have two babies at once. She thought our mother was making up the story, so she decided I was a kidney stone infused with enough spiritual energy to become a boy. You know the children¡¯s stories about people being made from wood or springing out of stone? She thought I was like that.¡±


    Newt remained silent, processing the nonsense he just heard.


    ¡°How old was she? If she knew about kidney stones?¡±


    ¡°Fourt¡ªOw!¡± Obsidian yelped and jumped away, revealing Jasmine pinching fingers.


    ¡°You were forty?¡± Newt faked shock, but burst into laughter a moment after Roselilly.


    ¡°I was fourteen, all right? Fourteen! And I didn¡¯t believe it, I was just making fun of him, and he was too dumb to figure it out! Now, drop the subject.¡± Jasmine cleared her throat. ¡°Wrap up with that gecko, we¡¯re a couple hours away from the geyser field. Hopefully, they spat out enough misterium for us to complete our mission.¡±

 Chapter 102 - Misterium

    52nd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The night was drawing to an end, and the campfire was slowly fluttering out, flames dying and only embers glowing in the dark. Obsidian had grilled the fattail kebabs over the spell formation Newt had scribed onto the ground, and once they finished preparing the meal, they scrapped the temporary spell formation and started a fire just for the sake of creating a warm, homely atmosphere.


    Newt had offered to take the night watch while his friends meditated and gathered spiritual energy, but the notion appalled them. Regardless of how thoroughly Newt displayed his ability, the trio were not willing to risk their lives by staying completely helpless in a zone with practically zero visibility.


    ¡°The gains earned through an evening of meditation isn¡¯t worth the risk,¡± Roselilly said, and Newt partially agreed with her. The part which disagreed was his pride, since Newt knew he could keep his friends safe from whatever lurked in the mists of the valley¡¯s outermost ring.


    The chatter came to an end, and Obsidian started throwing dirt on the last of the embers. ¡°We¡¯re in the middle of a forest, leaving an open flame might cause a forest fire.¡±


    Newt did not believe the trees of this forest could catch fire that easily. Even when starting campfires, they used Newt¡¯s flames to ignite the wood. Mundane means did not work as well.


    ¡°How far is the geyser field?¡± Newt tried to breathe a new life into the conversation, despite knowing the answer.


    ¡°Two to three hours,¡± Roselilly said. ¡°Hopefully there¡¯s enough misterium there, otherwise we will need to veer off course to check the rest.¡±


    ¡°I doubt we¡¯ll find enough there.¡± Jasmine seemed to be the designated killjoy, and the other two seemed fine with her eternal pessimism. ¡°As far as I can tell everyone taking the right path thoroughly searches the first deposit before moving on to try their luck with the others.¡±


    Obsidian yawned through a shrug. ¡°It¡¯s like with the cores, Sis, you have to check every spirit beast corpse, otherwise you might miss a treasure. Even if it¡¯s a long shot, we might get lucky and find enough misterium to complete our mission.¡±


    Nobody argued his logic. As the ever-present mist turned from black into dancing strands of white, heralding the new dawn, the team took their leftovers, tucked them into their food sacks, and left the campsite.


    The sun had fully risen by the time they left the sparse woodland and entered another open plain. The light smell of sulfur soiled the air, visibility decreasing to mere twenty feet. Suddenly, Obsidian jumped back, barely strangling a yelp.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Jasmine asked.


    ¡°A geyser; just appeared out of nowhere, spraying steaming-hot water everywhere.¡±


    Newt heard nothing, smelled nothing out of the ordinary, and did not even feel the heat of scalding water less than thirty feet away. He took two steps forward, and suddenly the heat slammed into his perception with nearly physical force. The air was sultry, stank of rotten eggs, and it was wetter than the surroundings, as scalding drops landed on his nose, accompanied by an angry, hissing roar.


    Newt stared at the giant geyser, it really was like Obsidian had said. It was difficult not to feel like the gushing water had ambushed him, despite being obviously a stationary terrain feature.


    Good thing Obsidian embarrassed himself for all our sakes.


    Newt was certain everyone would have reacted more or less like the big man had.


    Jasmine stepped next to Newt, gasping in surprise. The scene would not have been as surreal, had the geyser itself been more unassuming. But the column of water was as thick as a five-hundred-year-old oak, spraying upwards into the mist, and returning to the ground as a light drizzle. It was something impossible to hide under normal circumstances even from half a mile away, yet the group could only see it after approaching it to a mere handful of feet.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Newt glanced back, Roselilly was approaching from his left, the space behind him completely empty. He took a step back, and the colossal column of water disappeared as if it had never existed. The fog consumed its form, the gushing roar, and even the heat and the stench. The only clue was the spray of lukewarm water falling from above, the droplets so fine it was nearly impossible to tell them apart from the rest of the warm fog.


    Roselilly stepped into the range of the geyser and pinched her nose.


    ¡°There should be some misterium around here.¡± Roselilly¡¯s snobbish voice was mildly amusing as she moved towards the column of water, spraying a torrent into the air just beyond Newt¡¯s senses. He followed, and the stench returned.


    ¡°Guys, let me. I¡¯m immune to heat, and a high pressure jet of water can¡¯t do anything against my defenses.¡± There was also the unlikely and very unlucky possibility of the geyser shooting a chunk of misterium just as someone searched it for the valuable ore. Depending on the size of the nugget, the damage varied from insignificant to life-threatening.


    That¡¯s a horrible way to die. Imagine cultivating all the way to the third realm and then dying to a rock shot by high pressure water. The worst part was that library texts contained specific warnings regarding watching out for high-speed misterium projectiles and their devastating force of impact. Since it was written down as an actual warning, death by misterium probably happened at least once over the centuries and millennia.


    Since nobody said anything about his offer, Newt advanced towards the geyser, his two defenses compounded atop each other. Granite Crust was segmented into three layers, Elder Alabaster¡¯s suggestion taken to heart, and Newt¡¯s armor considerably boosted.


    From a step away, he could feel the incredible force at work as it continuously shot such enormous quantities of water straight up into the air. Newt wondered where all that water was coming from as he reached his hand into the column.


    And where is it going?


    The water was as hard as stone, its turbulent flow allowing next to zero visibility as it slapped Newt¡¯s probing touch away. He pressed harder, his hand sinking into the geyser, and he started blindly groping for misterium. He almost laughed aloud when he grabbed a nugget with his first attempt. Newt pulled it out, and his victorious grin turned sour.


    He was clutching a common, fist-sized chunk of volcanic rock. He examined it with his third eye, nothing out of the ordinary, a regular rock, with regular concentration of spiritual energy for the region they were in. Newt chucked it to the side, and tried again, and again, and again.


    A quarter hour passed, and Newt had fished out and discarded nearly a hundred stones, with zero misterium nuggets to show for all his effort.


    This isn¡¯t working.


    He pulled his arm out of the column, throwing away yet another random rock, and decided to change his approach. He condensed a strand of spiritual energy and sent it into the geyser. Newt thought himself clever, but the raging torrent shredded the tendril of spiritual energy as soon as it touched the water.


    He muttered a curse and considered his problem yet again.


    Jasmine was right. The odds of finding something at the edge of the geyser are slim, everyone can blindly grope, and with enough patience they would have already emptied the entire reserve of misterium inside the geyser. What if I stepped inside it?


    Newt wanted to try it immediately, but his experience with rash decisions stopped him. Instead, he turned away and rejoined his party.


    ¡°Guys, there¡¯s little to no chance of finding any misterium like this, but I have an idea, and I want your input.¡±


    The trio nodded, and Newt explained his idea.


    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Jasmine glared at him. ¡°If the geyser throws you into the air, we won¡¯t be able to find you, and you might get seriously injured.¡±


    ¡°It is needlessly risky.¡± Roselilly nodded. ¡°And we¡¯re not desperate to find misterium right here right now, there are other deposits.¡±


    ¡°That must be what everyone else thought too,¡± Obsidian said, the most careless of the lot as always. ¡°We just need to tie him with a rope and take it slow. Even if he shoots up from the geyser, we¡¯ll stay together, and I don¡¯t think Newt is careless enough to push beyond his ability.¡±


    The group argued for around five minutes, after which Newt had three ropes tied around his waist, each member of his team holding the other end.


    He activated Granite Crust and Magmin Scales, then stepped into the pillar of water. The sensation was strange, solid water slamming into his foot and trying to tip him over, but Newt sent a surge of spiritual energy through his body and stepped in.


    Half submerged, he rummaged through the stones on the ground. Suddenly, he found one stuck in a ledge that felt different from the rest. The stone was soft to the touch, and Newt pulled it out, falling on his butt right outside the geyser. The nugget was a dull shade of gray, with wisps of smoke rising from it.


    Newt grinned, his hand shooting up, grasping the misterium nugget in victory. They had taken their first step towards completing their mission.

 Chapter 103 - Frustration

    52nd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt was about to leave the geyser with his twelfth piece of misterium when the inevitable happened. He slipped. His foot slid across the smooth stone, but instead of falling down, pulled by the earth, he went up, lifted by the torrent. Newt¡¯s body careened, he spun head over heels straight towards the heavens.


    The motion had barely started when the rope suddenly snapped tight, jerking him to a halt. The three loops bit into his spine and ribs, squeezing Granite Crust as they opposed the upward gush. Newt hovered an unknown number of feet in the air, his feet facing upwards, when the rope squeezing his torso pulled him sideways out of the flow.


    He almost activated his new and improved Fire Burst to stabilize himself, but stopped at the last moment. The technique could incinerate the ropes, and if he tumbled out of his friends¡¯ sight, they might never meet again.


    Without Fire Burst, Newt flew with all the grace of a rock, smacking head first into the wet ground and shallow puddles. He stood up and dismissed his defensive techniques.


    ¡°Twelfth piece!¡± He lifted the misterium nugget into the air.


    ¡°Are you going to pretend nothing happened?¡± Jasmine folded her arms, a smirk dancing on her lips, an eyebrow arched in amusement.


    ¡°No idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡± Newt lowered his arm and opened his hand to better show the fist-sized rock he had snatched from the geyser. It was gray, with spongy texture, soft and full of holes out of which thin wisps of whitish-gray mist rose. It felt so malleable against Newt¡¯s fingertips, he had a feeling he could squeeze the mist out of it if he clenched it a little harder.


    ¡°He was as graceful as every rockhead ever.¡± Roselilly laughed, being the only person in the party who did not match the description. ¡°Do we give up for now? We¡¯ve danced a full circle around this geyser, and Newt obviously can¡¯t go in any deeper without risking injury.¡±


    They had spent around an hour fishing for misterium, yielding twelve nuggets. Much better result than expected, but still a long way from their quota.


    Jasmine nodded in agreement. ¡°Let¡¯s try to find another geyser. If our luck holds out, we could gather enough in the first deposit.¡±


    ¡°Why did you jinx us?¡± Obsidian suddenly shouted. ¡°Now we¡¯re not gonna find any geysers, or those we find won¡¯t have any misterium or¡ª¡±


    ¡°I agree it¡¯s time to move on.¡± Newt stepped in before Obsidian said something stupid, like the option of finding everything just fine and someone dying. He did not think the man would have done it, but better safe than sorry.


    The group packed their gains in a single sack and entrusted it to Roselilly, whose role in the expedition was keeping things safe. Five minutes later, they were stumbling through the thickest mist, blindly searching for the next geyser.


    The books Newt read about the Valley of the Lost had mentioned that the geyser fields had around one hundred geysers each, but there was no way to tell whether the one they found was the first or the last one of the field. They could have walked past ninety-nine of them, each time missing them by a dozen yards, and they would never know.


    Newt pushed away the pessimistic thoughts. We will find enough misterium, we will complete our mission flawlessly, and everything will be all right.


    His optimism lasted half an hour.


    We should have found a geyser by now. The field is half a day¡¯s walk long. We¡¯ve already crossed a third of it, haven¡¯t we?


    ¡°Found one!¡± Surprisingly, it was Jasmine who shouted, rather than Obsidian. She walked about two yards to the left in their arrow formation, and the geyser was outside Obsidian¡¯s field of vision.


    The team treaded to the left, and a column of water identical to the one before appeared in their senses.


    ¡°Should we spread out more?¡± Newt asked, ignoring the stench. ¡°Heavens know how many geysers we¡¯ve missed along the way.¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°No.¡± Roselilly did not even consider his suggestion. ¡°You and Jasmine are already walking over ten feet apart, and that¡¯s risky enough. Maybe the next geyser field will have better visibility. If not, then the one after that.¡±


    Nobody argued with her, and the team got to work. They bound Newt thrice, like last time, and he dove into the jet of water. He withdrew Granite Crust from the tips of his fingers and blindly touched the ground, seeking stones hiding inside cracks and folds in the volcanic rock.


    After the first dozen successes, Newt could distinguish misterium from regular rocks based on touch alone. The high-pressure stream of water and the need to protect himself with Granite Crust made the feat difficult, but not impossible.


    His fingers slid into a vertical slit and touched a rough, squishy surface.


    What if misterium isn¡¯t really a special rock, but a rock that¡¯s been sprayed with the geyser water long enough to change its attributes?


    Newt considered the idea as he pinched the rock between his thumb and forefinger and dislodged it from the tight crevice. It was an interesting idea, but he doubted it was true.


    ¡°That¡¯s one!¡± he shouted as he jumped out of the geyser.


    An hour and a half passed, and Newt collected sixteen more nuggets of misterium, bringing the party¡¯s total to twenty-nine without taking foolish chances. By the time the mist turned garnet, signifying the approaching night, the group had left the first valley. They had visited five geysers, collected a total of eighty pieces of misterium, and elevated their morale to new heights.


    They had harvested four fifths of their quota without encountering a single problem. Jasmine was probably about to point out the fact when Obsidian raised his finger at her as soon as she opened her mouth.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you say a word. We¡¯re enjoying a good thing, don¡¯t spoil it for everyone.¡±


    Jasmine stuck out her tongue at him, and Roselilly chortled. ¡°Can you two stop it with your silly antics?¡±


    ¡°Nothing silly about it! She¡¯s a jinx. She always says something and things go wrong.¡±


    Newt tuned out their banter. The siblings were putting on a show for Rose¡¯s sake, and it was getting tiresome.


    I wonder whether her mirth is genuine. She doesn¡¯t seem to be pretending, but there¡¯s no way the same old act over and over can make her laugh. Right?


    Newt focused on other problems. They needed twenty more mist crystals to complete their mission, with each additional crystal increasing their reward slightly. Should they rush their mission and complete the most basic requirements, or should they focus on gathering more?


    The former made no sense to Newt, even if they harvested hundreds of bonus mist crystals, Newt¡¯s medical debt was thousands of times the reward. His friends, on the other hand, could really benefit from that bonus, and helping them advance was in his best interest.


    I guess, reducing my debt by a fraction is still worthwhile, more-so because it helps them.


    Newt glanced at his teammates. They were kind of all right, but he did not think he belonged to the team. They were positive, and trying to move on with their lives, but there was something off.


    They aren¡¯t Dandelion and Everlast. Newt considered the thought and found that was exactly the problem. In the other group, he was the weakest, constantly forced to improve himself to keep up. But his new team was on par with him, and that was him being generous, they were probably weaker.


    Sure, Obsidian offered tips on processing corpses, and grilled enjoyable meals, but in combat the Deeproots were lacking. They were decent, they could handle third realm spirit beasts under Newt¡¯s watchful eye, but they were missing something.


    What are they missing? I have a feeling that figuring that out might help me improve in some way.


    Newt spent the evening considering the question, but even as the world grew brighter, he failed to find his answers.


    The next day was full of even more frustration. The debilitating mist oppressed his senses, the wrongness followed his every step, and three fights in which Obsidian and Jasmine revealed endless openings grated on his nerves.


    Then, as they made their evening camp, Newt realized even the meal was frustrating. They did not need to eat, nor rest, nor did they need fire. Why bother with it then? Newt suddenly found a problem with his question. The meat was palatable, there was no reason to get angry about free, tasty meals.


    ¡°Is anyone else feeling angry or frustrated for no reason?¡± He asked, realizing it might have been a feature of the Valley of the Lost.


    Unfortunately, his three teammates shook their heads.


    ¡°No, but you¡¯ve been gloomy all day.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, hardly said a word. And you killed that hadrosaurus today before we had a chance to react, like you were venting.¡±


    Obsidian was right. Newt should not have done that, but watching the siblings fumble around had grown too annoying to bear.


    That¡¯s not how I usually am. It¡¯s strange and unnatural. Is it because I have a third eye?


    ¡°I think it¡¯s the mist doing something to my mind. I¡¯ll watch out not to do something stupid. But keep an eye out for me, please.¡±


    That was what Newt said, but he had a feeling the remaining handful of days would prove stressful. Very stressful. He could only hope his eventual outburst would not fracture the team further.

 Chapter 104 - Release

    54th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The group was wrapping up their third geyser field with over two hundred pieces of misterium in their bags, their main goal long since completed. His companions¡¯ greed annoyed Newt, but he kept his mouth shut. His irritability was growing by the hour, and deep down he knew there was nothing wrong with wanting more resources at the expense of several hours, or maybe a day or two, of honest work. He would have been all for it too, if not for his debt.


    The annoying fights were also a sore point for him. At least, he had his path to anchor his heart and mind during the tests of his patience. He was a protector, he protected, even though the twins needed little protection. They were competent enough as a group to fight most regular monsters wandering the outermost zone of the Valley of the Lost. The deceased member of the original team was a scout, not a fighter, meaning Obsidian and Jasmine were the original party¡¯s main combatants and expected little help.


    The only time Newt needed to intervene was when the group encountered another specimen indigenous to the Valley of the Lost, a shroud deinonychus. The agile predator appeared out of nowhere, slammed into Obsidian, and toppled him over before anyone else saw it. It struck like lightning, clawing and slashing like a whirlwind, but the spirit beast was air-attributed, and its attacks hardly scratched Obsidian¡¯s defenses before Newt decapitated it.


    Every other fight, the twins handled without his intervention. Hours later, Newt mused that he could have left the deinonychus alive for the twins to practice fighting in adverse conditions, but their mission was about getting the girls back on track, shaking them out of their guilt, and integrating him into the team. Tactical improvements and challenges could wait.


    Newt gritted his teeth in frustration when he suddenly sensed his unease subside as they traveled from the third deposit to the fourth.


    What changed?


    He scrunched his brows and found the answer as soon as he asked the question - the group was heading in the direction into which the mist was tugging him. He did not have to adjust his steps just before his foot landed, and the wrongness gnawing at his nerves for days had finally disappeared.


    A smile replaced his frown, and Newt felt his shoulders relax, realizing just how tense he had been. He drew a breath and exhaled, mist swirling out of his nostrils as if he was a legendary dragon puffing out a cloud of smoke.


    ¡°I think I just figured out what was wrong with me.¡± He could sense the entire party focus on him, with visibility at relaxing fifty feet, it was fine for their attention to wander a bit.


    ¡°Up until now, the direction we were following went against my intuition. Now that we are moving this way, it feels more natural.¡±


    ¡°The fourth deposit is close to the border between the third and fourth realm areas, so we¡¯re heading deeper into the valley,¡± Roselilly explained, her cheeriness suddenly much less strained and fake in Newt¡¯s eye.


    Is my mood affecting my perception of people? Newt wondered before considering Roselilly¡¯s words. Does that mean this area is too easy for me, and the Valley of the Lost has been trying to nudge me deeper in since the start. That probably means the spirit beasts we fought weren¡¯t at the peak of the third realm, but actually in the lower third.


    Newt voiced his thoughts to his teammates, but got shrugs in response. His team¡¯s lack of ideas would have annoyed him mere minutes ago, but without the added pressure, he realized there really was no reason for his teammates to have an answer to that question.


    Still, too many unanswered questions hanged above his head, spawning more.


    Why did the library have what is probably false information? Is it to keep the disciples vigilant? Could there be another reason? Should I ask Master once we get back? Maybe Elder Thunderwing?This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Newt decided to try his master first, Elder Flameax second, and finally the old librarian. The decision came easy, and suddenly everything around him felt better and simpler. The only train of thought left without resolution was why did the danger zone evaluate him stronger than his peers and how did it do that?


    As Newt considered whether that mystical differentiation was the key which separated the Valley of the Lost into layers, Obsidian froze, then took a step back.


    ¡°A stego, about a hundred feet ahead. I don¡¯t think it saw me.¡±


    Newt agreed with Obsidian¡¯s evaluation, since there was no raging spirit beast charging towards them with the intention of devouring them. The only problem was the spirit beast¡¯s species.


    Jasmine and Roselilly paled, and even Obsidian was jittery, clenching his spiked mace.


    ¡°Relax, you got this.¡± Newt broke the silence. ¡°Obi, you and Jas can handle a third realm stego alone, but I will be there and help, if you need help.¡±


    The bigger, balder twin nodded, but did not seem convinced.


    ¡°Do you want me to draw its attention?¡± Newt offered. ¡°I could move to the side, have it charge towards me, it will probably ignore you, and you can ambush it from its blind spot.¡±


    Obsidian pressed his lips together, considering the notion, but Newt could tell the big man would refuse.


    ¡°No.¡± Jasmine¡¯s voice was firm, her eyes hard. ¡°We do it like every time. The two of us will keep its attention and try to kill it. If you see an opening or think we need help, you can assist us.¡±


    Newt nodded. It was a good call. They needed to face their heart demon alone, and even if the unfortunate encounter with the aberrant stegosaurus last year did not leave a heart demon, it certainly had turned its whole species a source of nightmares for the three cultivators. The fear with which they reacted to Obsidian¡¯s news was proof enough of that.


    Since nobody disputed Jasmine¡¯s plan, Obsidian stepped forward and yelled at the mist. The guttural shout was both a challenge and a release of pent-up emotions, but most importantly it worked into taunting the stegosaurus towards them.


    The beast was lumbering, its steps heavy in the sparsely forested grassland. The mist blocked Newt¡¯s third eye, veiling everything with a layer of water and air attributed spiritual energy, but the heavy steps and the solid build made it absolutely clear the beast was earth-attributed.


    That must have been what they thought about the stego that killed their friend. Obsidian would say I¡¯m a jinx for thinking that.


    The dinosaur let out a throaty hiss, and sped up, reaching an impressive speed for first realm spirit beasts, but nowhere near most second and third realms.


    Newt was vigilant, five yards behind the twins, keeping a close eye on the barbed tail. Roselilly unleashed half a dozen arrows carrying water-attributed spiritual energy, each aimed at the knees of its front legs.


    Is she trying to fill its knees with water? Newt did not understand the logic, but the shots did hamper the beast¡¯s movement, and that was the important thing. The stegosaurus responded by reinforcing its legs with layers of rock, essentially losing all maneuverability as a result, and allowing Obsidian and Jasmine to bludgeon and hack it to death in several short minutes.


    ¡°We won!¡± Obsidian shouted with an embarrassing amount of enthusiasm for such an easy battle.


    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Newt mumbled, approaching to check the massive beast for a core. They had found none so far, and he was doing it because checking for a core was something you do.


    Obsidian was busy slashing the tail into strips of grill-able meat, when spiritual energy flared before Newt¡¯s third eye.


    ¡°Guys! I think we¡¯ve finally found one!¡±


    The core was less valuable than the mist crystals they had gathered, but it was still a nice trickle of resources for the party, and Newt felt happy about finally finding something after digging through so many carcasses.


    Strange how quickly things can change.


    He looked at the dead beast¡¯s tail spines with regret. Those are bound to be worth something, but we don¡¯t have a spatial pouch to carry random beast parts.


    That evening, when the group made camp, Newt drew the grilling spell formation on the ground with a smile. He was looking forward to the food, which annoyed him the previous day, and the stegosaurus the group defeated without his aid had topped the group¡¯s morale. Even he was genuinely happy and did not need to pretend or watch his mouth for venomous remarks.


    ¡°Here¡¯s to our glorious first mission together!¡± Obsidian toasted with what resembled grilled bacon. ¡°May we eat our enemies and grow strong for many years to come!¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s the jinx now?¡±


    ¡°I hope we don¡¯t fight any humans.¡±


    Newt laughed and took a bite out of his tail meat. It was great, just like life.

 Chapter 105 - Challenge

    55th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The fourth geyser field came with a realization. It was over. From that point on, the Valley of the Lost would continue to grate at Newt¡¯s nerves. Things had reached their peak, and the only way forward was downhill.


    We have about three to four days left before we leave this place. I can endure it.


    Knowing what was wrong and why would help Newt cope with his dark mood better. At least he hoped it would.


    First! Newt grasped the mist crystal and worked it free from the crack it was lodged in. He had just started working on a new geyser, and he hoped he would find at least a dozen mist crystals inside it. His teammates needed the resources, and making any dent in his debt was better than nothing. It seemed so strange that something as basic frustrated him.


    He turned around to follow the ropes out and brandish his trophy, then encountered a problem. He took a step, then another. Newt should have left the geyser in a single step, yet he had made three and remained trapped inside the scalding torrent.


    He wanted to shout, but could not inside the gushing water, so instead of following the ropes, he moved sideways until he was out of the geyser.


    ¡°Guys!¡± He gazed at his tethers. They started around his waist, stretching into the mist until they faded away. They seemed dozens of yards long, taut like bowstrings.


    Newt¡¯s skin crawled. The ropes were five yards long, with around ten feet of slack between him and his teammates, so he could move around.


    What¡¯s happening?


    Newt considered the records he read and his personal experiences in the Valley of the Lost, and none explained the strange phenomenon. He dropped Granite Crust and Magmin Scales, and the ropes yanked at his spine. His friends were pulling with all their might, but their strength proved insufficient. Somehow the force dispersed after a moment, but Newt followed the ropes, wandering the mist. For a moment, the pressure against his flanks increased, but then disappeared, and the ropes were no longer stretched tight.


    Newt¡¯s breathing quickened, a panicked habit, rather than an actual bodily need, as he stared at the slack ropes laying on the ground. His head spun, and he felt like he really needed to sit down.


    What¡¯s going on? Newt naturally knew what had happened, he simply refused to accept the reality of his situation.


    His gaze wandered to the rock in his hand, his eyes growing wide.


    The mist is denser. The spongy stone was more or less the same size as the others he had gathered, but instead of oozing, the wisps of pale mist flowed out of every tiny orifice, dancing and mixing with the mist in the air.


    This is probably a fourth realm mist crystal. The thought forced Newt to accept the fact; he had somehow strayed into a higher realm zone.


    Newt crossed his legs and sat, not out of shock, but because he needed to think.


    What now? Why was I able to go through the zone barrier? Is it because I have a shadow or a copy of Magmin¡¯s core? Does the Valley of the Lost recognize it? Will it draw me towards the center? What happens if I move?


    After a moment, more relevant thoughts entered his mind.


    Fourth realm spirit beasts are prowling around. Will someone come here to rescue me? Should I just sit still and wait for Master to come save me? She is bound to arrive at some point, and I could hide in a geyser with next to no chance of spirit beasts finding me.


    Stop! Newt drew a deep breath and exhaled, doing the basic meditative breathing exercises to calm his nerves.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    If Master arrives, I will probably owe her a reward for her mission to rescue me or something, and the odds are the sect might not even issue the mission. People die on missions. I should rely on myself, but how do I get out of here without a compass? Can I face fourth realm spirit beasts?


    A part of Newt, a very vain part, was certain he could do it. He dispatched most third realm spirit beasts with a single blow, and they no longer proved a challenge. Hopefully, that meant he was ready to fight them.


    Dandelion could fight fourth realm frostworms and slay them with little trouble. I¡¯m not him, but I¡¯m certainly better than the Deeproots. I stand a chance. At least. I hope.


    The considerably larger problem was traveling without a compass. Newt would have no goal, and he might spend days going in circles, or worse, heading into the fifth realm zone, whose denizens he was certain he could not beat.


    He looked around, the geyser was still there, but it was behind his back.


    Where and how did I move for the geyser to be behind me? Was I heading deeper into the fog?


    Slowly but steadily, Newt inched his way towards the geyser. Each step felt wrong, but he reached his objective after nearly half a minute of focusing on his body moving the way he wanted it, and not the way it wanted to go.


    It took so long to cover a handful of yards when going without a guide and against myself.


    Returning to a familiar point felt good, in a sense that Newt had achieved his minor goal, but it was also bad, since the Valley of the Lost resisted his effort. Worse, he was none the wiser about what he should do next.


    First gather the misterium. The fourth realm crystals are valuable enough to clear my debt if I gather enough of them. Even if I don¡¯t, I can significantly reduce it. Next, I should walk with a hand against the barrier between the zones. That should keep me in the outermost part of the layer until I find the exit.


    There was a minor problem, however, Newt had no idea how to find the barrier. It was supposedly impenetrable, but intangible.


    One foot in front of the other. Newt lost sense of time as he gathered thirty-nine fourth realm mist crystals from the geyser. He would have tried for more, but the rushing torrent had grown strong enough for his footing to become unsteady. Newt did not dare take a risk. If the geyser lifted him too high up or launched him into a great distance, he might land atop a spirit beast. While he was confident he could fight them, that assumed neutral circumstances, rather than dropping from up high in front of a dinosaur ready to maul him.


    Thirty-nine is enough.


    Newt withdrew from the water, a small pile of misterium waiting for him. He fit half of them into his food sack, and the rest he placed inside his robe¡¯s various pockets.


    This won¡¯t do, unless this is the only geyser I run into.


    Newt wished to avoid the unpleasant topic, but there was no room for delay, unless he chose to sit down and wait for rescue.


    Where do I go?


    He turned full circle, two thirds of it were undesirable directions, and a third felt just right.


    Yeah, I¡¯m not going there, thanks.


    He turned the other way, and a subconscious part of his mind kept screaming that he was heading into danger, somewhere wrong beyond words. Newt ignored his roiling guts and took a step. It was the first of many on a difficult journey.


    ***


    Sect master Greenthorn sat on the porch of his humble abode in the middle of the island jungle. His eyes were closed, his chest moving in a steady rhythm, which was completely pointless for someone at his realm. It had been centuries upon centuries since the last time he felt hunger, thirst, or the need to breathe.


    But steady, timed breaths helped him focus on his contemplations. The final pieces of his tenth realm needed more time to design and theoretically test than they needed to implement.


    Greenthorn believed his realm a mess. He had no idea how the jumbled ideas and concepts he manifested managed to propel him to his current heights. Tenth realm was the top of the world for most, yet to him, standing at the top, it was an even greater mystery. One he spent ages unraveling. One he hoped his sect¡¯s newest aberrant disciple might help solve.


    Hours passed in quiet contemplation when another anomaly happened.


    The sect master opened his eyes and glanced towards the Valley of the Lost.


    Interesting? Did it recognize his body¡¯s realm rather than his soul¡¯s? Did it consider him a beast? Several scenarios flashed through his mind, but none seemed any more valid than the rest, as such all and none were correct.


    Greenthorn let out the breath he was holding since he had noticed the anomaly.


    This is good. Maybe a challenge will help awaken his past memories. It would be a shame if he died, but such is life and cultivation. If he really is a reincarnation of an ultimate master, someone beyond me, his soul would disperse in shame after a fourth realm beast slays him.


    Greenthorn closed his eyes, focusing on his own problems, but a sliver of his spiritual sense followed Newt, wondering what the boy would do.

 Chapter 106 - Assumptions and Guesses

    55th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Rose¡¯s heart galloped. Something was stuck in her throat as she stared at her empty hands. A mountain-sized rock, based on how she was feeling. The young woman opened her mouth, but failed to utter a word.


    ¡°Are there any spirit beast ambushers in the geysers?¡± Jas¡¯s voice trembled, and Rose¡¯s eyes grew wet.


    No! No, nonono! Her lower lip wobbled. Not again!


    She was suffocating, despite the fact that several seconds without air could never harm her body.


    ¡°Don¡¯t spew random nonsense!¡± Obi roared. ¡°He¡¯s fine. There are no spirit beasts that dwell in the geysers. The sect¡¯s bestiary would never hide such important information, otherwise nobody would believe anything inside.¡±


    Obi was right. Rose wiped her nose and eyes.


    ¡°We got separated in the Valley of the Lost, Newstar is competent in combat, and we can handle ourselves.¡± Her voice trembled, her gut told her a calamity had befallen them, but she had to think positive. Newstar was alive. They were alive. That was the first, fundamental requirement of life. As long as you are alive, things will get better. They had to.


    ¡°And how will he find his way out?¡± Jasmine just had to ask the one question, which Rose¡¯s mind refused to entertain.


    ¡°If he kills too many spirit beasts, elders are bound to drag him out so he doesn¡¯t ruin the danger zone for other disciples.¡± Obi¡¯s words sounded like a joke, but there was some truth to them. Newstar¡¯s elemental affinities made him a god of war in the making. Earth for defense, fire for offense. Both elements were somewhat suppressed in the dual water and air environment of the valley, but he seemed unaffected, or he was even scarier on neutral terrain.


    ¡°Obi, you sparred with him, and you think he can do it?¡± Rose asked, and her friend nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m positive. Newt¡¯s a monster. Besides, you¡¯ve seen how easily he dealt with the spirit beasts attacking us.¡±


    Obi was right, of course. Rose had seen Newstar fight. Whenever they encountered spirit beasts, he stood to the side, watching them like their battle was a child¡¯s game. She had thought that they were dragging him down more than once, but she could also see another truth.


    Newstar would leave their team as soon as the next core disciple tryouts happened. She was also destined to become a core disciple one day, once she mastered her healing arts to a satisfactory level. But Newstar was different. He did not need to develop special skills. His martial prowess was something the sect valued, since they could enter him into various tournaments, challenges, and competitive secret realm explorations. The opportunities were greater than anything she would receive, but the risks involved were also greater than she would ever dare take.


    He will dominate such events. Yes, that¡¯s right. The sect¡¯s leadership would never let him waste away here. Once we return and notify the elders that he is lost inside this blasted fog, they are bound to get him out.


    Rose calmed down. Those thoughts reassured her enough. Her hands still shook, and her heart was still beating too quickly, too strongly, but she was fine. And Newstar would be fine too.


    ***


    Newt was not all right. He had to sit down and rest from the mental strain. He closed his eyes and drew deep breaths. Having someone with a compass to follow made navigating the mist relatively simple, but having to rely on your own instincts was another thing entirely.


    Worse, the Valley of the Lost seemed to have figured out what he was doing, so the right and wrong paths merged, converged, and changed every couple of breaths.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    This isn¡¯t working. It¡¯s impossible for the danger zone to read my thoughts, that means it¡¯s somehow messing with the way I think.


    Newt mulled over that idea. It seemed the best way to explain what was happening to him, how the directions kept changing, and how his innate spatial awareness suddenly became erratic, useless trash.


    But how does it do that?


    The likeliest and the most obvious method seemed to be meddling with Newt¡¯s sense of danger somehow. The unease and discomfort born from the dissonance between the obvious safe path, which was everything but safe, and the dangerous path, which was an unknown, was ruinous for psyche for some reason.


    The bestiary stated that creatures native to the Valley of the Lost can track prey, but can¡¯t move between layers. That obviously means they can navigate the danger zone, and if they can do it, so can I. But how do I do it?


    Newt considered the question, and the first answer to come to mind was for him to ignore his sense of danger somehow. If he could do that, the confusion should pass.


    Unless there are other underlying techniques beyond that one. Distance seems to stretch, mist grows thicker and thinner to confuse me, so I would still end up wandering around, even if I managed to shut out my sense of danger. Worse, I might stumble into higher realm zones if I move around blindly.


    No, that¡¯s not the way.


    Making a tool or a spell formation to solve the issue also seemed like a valid solution, but Newt had nothing on him. A glaive strapped to his back, a shortsword hanging from his waist, three ropes looped around his abdomen, a sack full of mist crystals hanging from his belt, and a few miscellaneous, everyday trinkets. Improvising a solution out of such mundane components was out of the question; as for scribing a spell formation to find his path, that was beyond his current ability.


    I should¡¯ve spent more time learning spell formations. They are obviously useful. Master said she dabbles in them, and saying you dabbled in something at her realm means she¡¯s way ahead of me, maybe even Dandelion.


    The problem was, Newt did not know how advanced his knowledge needed to be to solve or counter the riddle of an entire danger zone. He guessed incredibly high, and that level was decades or centuries beyond him.


    What else can I do, save for daydream about a solution?


    Newt¡¯s thoughts wandered, making guesses and discarding them, but he always returned to the same esoteric concept he did not understand. Sense of danger.


    Master said something about it being important and maybe said I would one day have to master it. I guess today is that one day, and it¡¯s much better than blindly wandering the valley, but how do I go about mastering a new sense?


    The answer seemed obvious. Newt tried the same approach as when he was developing his spiritual sense. His master was absent, but he was not doing anything dangerous. The spiritual energy tendril entered the earth and moved around, but there was nothing unusual, save for the ground being heavily saturated with water energy, and having thrice the usual amount of air energy.


    Can spiritual energy even detect something as incorporeal as danger?


    He extended a tendril into the air. Earth was a poor choice of energy to let drift in the mist, so he chose fire. The abundance of water stifled the tendril, but air would have strangled earth almost completely at his level of proficiency. Newt solved the problem by sending more energy through it, and the near-invisible thread of flame extended. Newt slowly turned, letting the short tendril dance in the air, feeling in all directions, but he sensed nothing out of the ordinary.


    The air was full of air-aligned energy, heavy with water from all the vapor, and had traces of fire-attributed spiritual energy, but there was no danger in the air, nor did the Valley of the Lost try to use his spiritual sense to entrap him.


    I guess the heavy concentration of spiritual energy in the air combined with the natural bewildering spell formation erodes the spiritual sense. Newt¡¯s conclusion was probably correct, but less than useless for his current needs. He considered the matter a moment longer, then decided on an experimental approach.


    He stood and closed his eyes, focusing his attention inwards, then he took a step in an uncomfortable direction. His skin crawled, his gut twisted, his heart rate quickened, and his muscles tensed.


    Newt¡¯s body knew danger lurked there, somewhere just beyond his perception, and it prepared accordingly. Then he took a step back, heading in what the Valley of the Lost considered the right direction for him.


    The unease disappeared, his bodily functions reverted to normal. The consequences and byproducts of his anxiety were obvious, even if he missed some of the more subtle sensations.


    What I need to do is find whatever is controlling my body. It¡¯s outside my normal awareness, something I don¡¯t consciously do, but it happens somehow. Where do I look for parts of myself which do their work without my intent?


    Newt moved, alternating between going in the safe direction and in the dangerous direction, delving into every part of his body he could find. The changes were easy to find, and they grew more numerous the more attention he paid to each body part. However, the gastonia pulling all that weight eluded him.

 Chapter 107 - Danger

    55th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Obsidian was a lot more nervous than he revealed to Rose and Jas. Newt was strong, there was no doubt about that, but he was still merely at the third realm; he needed to sleep once a week. He would have to sleep alone, with nobody keeping watch. Alone inside the Valley of the Lost. And while overhunting the danger zone would eventually force the elders to kick him out, what were the odds of that happening?


    Newt would have to cross the entire length of the danger zone to find the monsters, but it was much more likely for him to run in circles within a single square mile. No, Obsidian had no confidence at all that Newt would manage to leave anytime soon. Despair might even force him to cultivate and increase his realm, and without manuals, without instructors, without guardians¡­ Calamity.


    I¡¯ll beg his master and teacher. They should have enough authority to do something.


    Obsidian was unsure, but he personally had little say in the matter. In truth, he had no authority at all to move the sect forces, but he hoped the two elders held some sway. The one thing he and his friends could do was abandon the next geysers, and head straight for the exit. He doubted the day¡¯s difference would matter, but it was all they could do.


    Suddenly, a red blot appeared in the distance, and Obsidian immediately retreated.


    ¡°Another hadrosaurus,¡± he warned the girls.


    The species must have been popular with the elder in charge of populating the Valley of the Lost.


    ¡°Jas, you and I will advance towards it slowly. Rose, keep your eyes open for any other signs of danger and make sure we don¡¯t leave your line of sight.¡±


    What in the heaven¡¯s name snatched Newt from that geyser? Was it a hadrosaurus? Did he kill it? Was he hurt?


    Right before his first battle without Newt, Obsidian could only hope that his young friend would prove capable of coping with his problem. Obsidian focused on handling his own share. He had a sister and a friend to escort safely out of the befuddling mists.


    ***


    Newt stared at the footprint before him, boiling with fury. Slight tremors induced by rage shook his hands, and he was so angry that his stomach began hurting to the point of retching. He had started leaving marks of passage after every two dozen steps hours ago. The marks were nothing fancy, merely a stomped, extra deep footprint in the hard ground, and yet they served their purpose. Newt had come across one.


    He was certain it was his. After all, how many cultivators wandered around the valley, periodically stomping their right foot into the ground, just to leave a mark? Just in case, he placed his boot into the print.


    It matched.


    He clenched his teeth and tried to calm down.


    Why am I angry? The realization that you¡¯re walking in circles is a bad thing, usually. But this is what I wanted to achieve. I was trying to fight against the direction the mist wanted me to take, and I have obviously succeeded, since I can still feel that tug on my senses telling me to go left.


    Suddenly, straight ahead of Newt also became attractive, and he muttered a silent curse. For a moment, he questioned his reasoning. Was it possible for random changes of direction, which were meant to draw him in deeper, to make him return to a spot he had previously visited?


    The answer was obviously no.


    If my assumption is correct, the fog should draw me deeper and deeper, until I reach the heart of the ninth-realm zone. That means I¡¯m doing something right. The veins in Newt¡¯s head pulsed again; he closed his eyes and pressed his temples with his clenched fists. The Valley of the Lost was not assaulting his mind, not directly, but defying its nature with nothing but sheer will was exacting its toll.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    It¡¯s been an hour since he had cleared the third geyser, and he was exhausted, mentally and physically. Newt¡¯s shoulders were stooped from the pain. The feeling of safety straight ahead disappeared.


    Rest. I need rest.


    He sat, then went down on his back, staring at the endless expanse of fog above, his eyes closing from fatigue, but he forced himself to keep them open. At first, he thought about nothing, then one after another, thoughts trickled through his mind.


    This isn¡¯t working.


    Even if I know I can resist a part of the bewildering influence and more or less set the course to walk around in circles, that doesn¡¯t solve the most basic problem. I don¡¯t know where to go. Where is the exit?


    He kept massaging his temples, staring at nothing. I¡¯m on the wrong track. The creatures native to the Valley of the Lost can¡¯t be fighting migraines all day every day just to stalk prey. That means there¡¯s a solution different from intellectually processing what you are feeling and forcing yourself to do the opposite of what your body tells you to.


    Newt screamed in pain and frustration. It was an incoherent, bestial sound, but it captured his feelings perfectly.


    What am I missing?


    Suddenly, the previously dangerous area to the right became more attractive. It was safe, whispering and calling to Newt. He focused on the unnatural sensation. The zone widened and moved, then grew more narrow.


    Newt shot to his feet, stumbling, but gritted his teeth and pursued the feeling. He had felt it a hundred times, and never bothered to explore it. He had better ideas to test, but all those tests ended in failure. Desperate, he went to see what was happening. What was making the shifts.


    The attractive zone¡¯s shrinking slowed, then Newt sped up and it started expanding. Finally, the safe area disappeared, becoming unattractive once again, and the mist in front of Newt thinned to reveal an azure stegosaurus.


    The dinosaur¡¯s back was turned towards Newt, its spined tail swaying left and right with each slow step not fifty feet away. Newt remained still, doing nothing, and the stegosaurus disappeared from his view.


    With its disappearance, the neutral area before him once more grew attractive.


    That¡­ is something.


    Newt realized he could use his budding sense of danger to find potential threats or prey. The spirit beast¡¯s scales were tinged with blue tones, its attribute likely one of water, meaning it probably had better-than-average regeneration. The ability provided a minor advantage in quick fights, but could turn the tide in battles of attrition.


    Regeneration is not the only ability granted by the water attribute. The stego might also make the surrounding foggier, turn the mist to ice, breathe out glacial storms or scorching steam¡­


    The bestiary entry for third realm stegosauruses mentioned launching projectiles with the flicks of its mighty tail, but the fourth realm descriptions were in a book which Newt and his team had not read because of lack of privileges and access to information above their realm.


    He recalled the fourth realm ankylosaurus fending off velociraptors. Aside from self-healing, there were no offensive maneuvers it used to attack or defend, but that particular spirit beast was exhausted. The stegosaurus should be the same in theory, but he doubted whoever brought it into the valley had done so just to fill up numbers. There had to be a catch.


    Only one way to find out.


    Newt hurried after the dinosaur, and the stegosaurus once more appeared fifty feet away. Newt could run the distance almost instantly, but a fourth realm opponent could use that same fraction of time to react to his sudden burst of motion and energy. So, Newt took the slow approach.


    He stalked the stegosaurus, walking slightly faster than his prey. He shortened the distance to thirty feet when the dinosaur froze. The scutes adorning the beast¡¯s back swayed left and right, and it flicked its tail, twisting it to point the spines at the incoming enemy.


    But the problem was, the enemy was coming from the rear, and yet the stegosaurus was preparing for a frontal assault.


    Newt¡¯s curiosity was piqued. Was the stegosaurus reacting to him, or was there an unknown enemy in the mist ahead? Newt burned with the desire to approach, but a fourth realm spirit beast was not something to be trifled with.


    If worse comes to worst, I can escape it. Stegos are slow, and I think I finally understand what¡¯s happening. I just need to test it out.


    Newt lightened his body with warm air, sneaking forward without a sound. Three steps later, the stegosaurus flicked its tail too hard, digging at the dirt with its tail spines and spraying earth. The beast was growing even more agitated, huffing in a breath of air, inflating its body to appear more intimidating.


    The approaching opponent seemed powerful enough that the dinosaur would prefer to intimidate it with a show of force, rather than risk a head-on clash.


    Newt stalked closer still, and the stegosaurus let out a deep, throaty bellow, warning the still invisible opponent.


    My guess seems to be correct. The Valley of the Lost inverts the sense of danger. The area in front of the stego, which seemed safe until a moment ago, seems to be brimming with danger for it to react like this, when in fact its back is completely exposed.

 Chapter 108 - Safety

    55th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt had taken another page from the book of Dandelion. After he closed the distance to fifteen feet, the stegosaurus turned sideways to greet the unseen opponent with its tail. Newt seized the chance and exploded with speed, his glaive stabbing straight for the base of the spirit beast¡¯s head.


    The sudden appearance of an enemy from the dinosaur¡¯s blind spot terrified the creature for the briefest moments, which were the rest of its life. Water-aligned spiritual energy rippled, but the sword-like spearhead sank into the dinosaur¡¯s skull and cooked its brain before the shield fully formed.


    Newt twisted the glaive and pulled it out, his mind full of things he needed to consider, but first he checked whether the stegosaurus had a core. Ten minutes later, he found no core, only flesh over-saturated with spiritual energy surrounding the spirit beast¡¯s second heart.


    With his butchery done, Newt slowly spun full three hundred and sixty degrees, sensing all directions around him. Roughly a third of the circle was safe while the rest spelled disaster. His mind made up, Newt headed straight for the center of the dangerous area, leaving the carcass behind.


    So, if the Valley of the Lost reverses a person¡¯s or a spirit beast¡¯s sense of danger, why were Obsidian and the rest unaffected? Wait. They said nothing unnerved them the same way it did me. Could it be that the entire danger zone was dangerous to them?


    Newt considered the thought and decided he was almost certainly correct, but left it as an open question he would discuss with his master the next time he saw her.


    But if that¡¯s the case, why didn¡¯t the spirit beasts we fought react to me? Because every direction was dangerous to them too, so nothing was dangerous to them? Why didn¡¯t I sense them as safe? Is it because they weren¡¯t dangerous to me?


    Newt considered everything that had happened in the past days, then recalled the shroud deinonychus.


    It looked straight at me when I attacked, but it didn¡¯t have enough time to avoid my attack. Shroud deinonychus is a spirit beast indigenous to the Valley of the Lost. It makes sense that native species have learned how to overcome or compensate for the danger sense inversion.


    Newt sat down to meditate on his discovery, a part of his consciousness dedicated to minding his budding sense of danger, looking out for sudden changes.


    He was on the right track, definitely, he just had to learn that up was down and down was up. The fact that Valley of the Lost still felt hostile to him meant that he was still in a layer it did not deem correct for him, but if his guess was correct, spirit beasts would eat him long before the valley thought he was properly challenged.


    Now, how do I get rid of the headache I get from fighting my instincts?


    ***


    57th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The past three days would have been Jasmine¡¯s nightmare incarnate, except everything was running smoothly, despite Newstar¡¯s disappearance. The spirit beasts, she was certain would jump out and eat or crush them one by one had never appeared. What appeared instead were seven opponents, three of which the group had ambushed, and the remaining ones they confronted frontally without suffering a single injury.


    The fights were going well, excellent in fact, the problem was - Newstar was still missing. She did not believe Obi¡¯s speech about overhunting spirit beasts for one second, but there was nothing they could do to help, save for pressing on as fast as possible towards the exit and getting help.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    They had met their mission quota and then some, and their sole remaining reason for searching for more mist crystals was their own greed, which paled before the value of a human life. Rose said they were a mere handful of hours away from the exit, but the girl still checked her map every handful of minutes to confirm they were on the right track.


    Sensible, really. Jasmine wished she could be as sensible and just do her part of the job to the best of her ability. As things stood, she forced herself to keep a brave front and believe everything would turn out fine. Putting up a facade was easy. Keeping a certain memory from invading her mind, not so much.


    The face was different, but the memory was real. Instead of Blue, Newstar was shattered into chunks of gore by a flailing stegosaurus. It could have happened at any point in the past three days. It could be happening even as she suppressed her wild, grim imagination..


    Her baby brother¡¯s startled scream snapped her out of her waking nightmare. In the fraction of a second it took for her to shift her gaze and observe Obi, a whitish-gray blur slammed into him, toppling him to the ground.


    The dinosaur was human-sized, slim and wiry. Its massive jaw was full of pointy teeth, half as long as her pinky finger. The massive claws on the dinosaur¡¯s feet pierced the robe covering Obi¡¯s abdomen, then, instead of tearing into his flesh, they screeched against his Stone Skin.


    The layer of gray stone spread across Obi¡¯s body, but not quickly enough. The shroud deinonychus clamped its jaw around Obi¡¯s shoulder, and the monster jerked its head back, splattering Obi¡¯s face and neck with blood.


    Obi grunted and Stone Skin covered the wound, swiftly spreading down to encase his hands. The deinonychus scratched at Obi¡¯s neck, but its strike only caused a handful of sparks.


    Jasmine lunged towards them, sword drawn. She slashed horizontally, careful not to hit her brother, but the agile dinosaur jumped out of her way, then pounced back at Obi, slamming its clawed feet into his chest. Obi, just trying to get up, slammed hard against the ground again, but Stone Skin held. The deinonychus slashed and scratched so fast Jasmine barely saw a blur. She counted the strikes by sound and sparks flying off her brother.


    Jasmine swiped her blade again, but the deinonychus retreated, then lunged at Obi, trying to use the added momentum to crack his stone shell.


    ¡°Now!¡± Obi shouted, grabbing hold of the dinosaur¡¯s ankles.


    The beast tried to jump out of the way, jerking Obi¡¯s arms up, but Jasmine¡¯s little brother held fast. The deinonychus raised its claw to block the massive sword, but its effort was futile. The blade severed the limb, then the neck, and blood gushed into the air.


    The headless spirit beast thrashed, then its twitching body fell to the ground beside Obi.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Obi got up, ignoring the corpse and the potential core inside. The dinosaur was small, unlike the other seven they met since losing Newt, butchering it would have taken five minutes, yet Obi did not spare it a glance.


    ¡°I need to heal your wound.¡± Rose forced herself to sound calm, but Jasmine noticed the faint quiver of her hands. ¡°You¡¯re bleeding, and a chunk of your flesh is missing.¡±


    ¡°Can you do it while we walk?¡± Obi asked.


    ¡°I,¡± Rose stuttered, before steeling herself and shouting. ¡°No, I can¡¯t dammit! Sit still for a quarter of an hour and let me heal you. Fifteen minutes won¡¯t make a difference, whatever¡¯s happening, and the difference between you entering a fight wounded and combat ready is a huge deal for us.¡±


    Obsidian looked like he was about to argue, when he sighed and his shoulders slumped, blood still flowing from his wound.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m not thinking straight.¡± Obi sat on the ground, and Rose placed her hand on his wound.


    While her brother¡¯s wound glowed with bluish light, Jasmine looked at the dead shroud deinonychus, then took out her butchering knife and got to work.


    She could not remember ever being as unenthusiastic about searching a spirit beast¡¯s carcass. More importantly, even when she found the core, it barely caused a flicker of emotion.


    ¡°Found a core,¡± she called out her find, but nobody cheered.


    Rose had stopped Obi¡¯s bleeding, and was doing something to stimulate his natural recovery and prevent infections and scars, much like she always did, and Obi merely grunted in acknowledgement.


    Another five minutes and they were off. Obi¡¯s wound was raw, flesh still missing, but the damaged muscles would regrow with time, and he was more or less ready for any other last minute encounters. The three of them advanced through the mists for two more hours when Jasmine¡¯s skin crawled.


    She wanted to turn away, to leave the path they were on, but forced herself to follow Rose¡¯s instructions.


    Then Obi disappeared. He was their vanguard, and he was gone. That could only mean one thing, he had left the Valley of the Lost.


    ¡°Rose, you next, I¡¯ll hold up the rear.¡±


    Rose obeyed, gave Jasmine the compass, and a handful of seconds later, all three of them had safely exited the valley.


    ¡°Where is Newstar?¡± Hazel, Rose¡¯s senior sister, asked.


    ¡°Big sis!¡± Rose burst into tears, the suppressed fears and emotions finally free. ¡°We got separated. He was tied with three ropes while searching for misterium, but¡­¡±

 Chapter 109 - Progress

    58th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    I think I got it. Newt stood after spending days in meditation, considering what the Valley of the Lost was doing, and how to counter it. In the end, he decided that resisting it was not the way. Defying a natural phenomenon potent enough to overpower and confuse cultivators at the ninth realm was possible only if you were at the tenth.


    Newt¡¯s original idea was influenced by his unyielding element, earth. He wished to withstand the pressure and find his own path regardless of the obstacles, like lava rolling downhill, consuming everything in its path. Had Newt cultivated air or water, he would have found the solution much sooner. What he needed to do was act like a fish in the rapids, let the current surround him, and slip past him while he navigated the river of danger.


    He took a breath and sensed the world around him.


    There. He took a step towards the center of the dangerous area. The Valley of the Lost pressed against his will, but instead of resisting, Newt bent and let it slide past him.


    There¡¯s still some discomfort, but it¡¯s not bad. I can probably improve my technique over time.


    New smiled. Fighting the bewildering effect alone was next to impossible for him, the Valley of the Lost would destroy his sense of direction, even if he could orient himself in the impenetrable fog. Fortunately, the tool it used to make the trap even more perfect could be used to escape.


    Probably. The books we read clearly stated that the exit is several yards wide. Stepping a foot left or right is no different from walking past it a mile away, you remain lost either way.


    Newt took another step, then another, with each step his confidence grew, the only problem was that a stubborn part of him wanted to oppose the pressure, to be the rock jutting out in the rapids.


    Bend. He drew another breath. The earth is unyielding, but lava flows. It goes around that which it cannot consume.


    With every step, Newt felt lighter. There was no encouragement to move straight towards the center of what he sensed as danger, no merit either, and the only reason he headed in that specific direction was because he believed the Valley of the Lost did not want him going there.


    There¡¯s no way the exit is this way, though. If my guess is right, I¡¯m just going away from the center, and towards the outside, not towards the exit. Maybe the spell formation loses its hold over me if I have danger sense as an anchor?


    Newt mulled over that question and quickly discarded his idea as optimistic fantasy. If that was all it took, then compasses would just point out, and you could leave wherever.


    I have beaten just a portion of this giant trapping formation. I shouldn¡¯t assume I¡¯m free. Far from it.


    Newt walked through sparse shrubs, avoiding their thorns and focusing on his danger sense.


    I¡¯m glad Master started teaching me about spiritual sense, awakening something beyond normal senses made gaining basic proficiency over danger sense much easier.


    Newt knew he was a long way from real mastery. If one drew a parallel with sight, Newt¡¯s newfound sense allowed him to perceive light and absence of light, the most fundamental ability of vision.


    The first step was achieving that minor success and moving in any direction he chose. The next was getting a vague outline, followed by details, and minor details. Newt hoped the step-by-step approach was possible.


    I can¡¯t be the first person doing this, is there something like a step-by-step guide in the library?


    Only a handful of weeks had passed, but Newt had moved from an aversion towards books to reliance, finding great merit in reading about his predecessors¡¯ ideas and innovations.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Even if there are, Master won¡¯t let me read them.


    Newt recalled his assignment about threading. He had found seven out of five merits to tracing, but Elder Alabaster only acknowledged three. And she even forbade him from searching for the correct answer until he reached the fourth realm, insisting he should think about it some more instead.


    Newt sighed. This is definitely something more complex than spiritual energy tracing. Wait? Does Master even have danger sense? It would be so funny if I came out of the Valley of the Lost with a fully developed technique she¡¯s still learning.


    That thought put a grin on his face, and he strode deeper into the mists, trying to reduce the lingering resistance towards the pressure of heading the wrong way.


    After half an hour, a new safe direction appeared left of Newt.


    Let¡¯s see what we have here. Newt turned, and as he headed towards what he assumed was the next spiritual beast, the safe direction moved rightwards.


    It¡¯s walking, and I¡¯ll appear from its flank.


    Newt wanted to see whether his guess was correct in the swiftest manner, but stopped himself. He could test it by arranging himself to appear behind his prey. It was a safer, smarter option, and one which would end without a real battle, but with an assassination, a single stab in the spirit beast¡¯s vulnerable spot.


    Several minutes later, a pachycephalosaurus appeared before Newt. Even the regular specimens of the human-sized dinosaur boasted great speed and agility, and given the grayish color of its scales, it was either air or earth attributed.


    Damned mist. Is there a way to pierce it with your third eye? Newt lost count how many times he had cursed that specific aspect of the dense fog emanating water and air, clouding his vision. Worse, there were no records of pachycephalosauruses in the outermost zone. The beast before him was unknown.


    If it¡¯s earth-aligned, it will be tougher and its head-butts will pack a greater punch. If it¡¯s air-aligned, it will be faster and more agile, its head-butts once again more powerful due to momentum and even harder to evade.


    Newt would have preferred the earth-attributed enemy, but as things stood, he considered leaving this spirit beast alone.


    Its scales would have been more brown if it was earth-aligned, maybe black. Given the color, it¡¯s probably air-attributed.


    Newt considered how he would fare against fast and agile opponents good at dodging, what they might do, and what kind of abilities they might have, and Newt liked his chances. He stalked forward, and the pachycephalosaurus froze. It glared dead ahead, digging at the ground with its left foot. As Newt drew even closer, the dinosaur lowered its head, its thick, bony helmet pointed at the illusory enemy.


    Then, the pachycephalosaurus shot forward like an arrow and swiftly disappeared from Newt¡¯s senses.


    Newt watched in silence, then burst into laughter. The pachycephalosaurus was air-attributed, and it was so fast, Newt had no chance of catching up. Worse, its battle style was such that it ran towards the danger, head-first.


    I¡¯ll never catch this one, but at least my theory works.


    ***


    Sect master Greenthorn still sat on his porch, his eyes closed for days. The majority of his attention was focused inward, making simulations and assumptions about the final pieces he should place in his mostly empty tenth realm. A sliver of his attention still lingered on the Valley of the Lost, monitoring the anomaly¡¯s progress.


    The old man opened his eyes.


    That¡¯s five. All hunted down in the Valley of the Lost from several hundred yards away, all from the back. That can¡¯t be a coincidence.


    He rose from his seat and went into his humble abode. His residence was humble because he did not need much, a bed was long forgotten, even chairs were there because of habit, both he and the majority of his guests could float in the air around a table, and they hardly needed tables either.


    No, the cottage was a reminder, an empty shell reminding him of his own mortality, of where he started from. Of yet another shell made spirit incarnate.


    He approached the central firepit, fashioned in a style unused by other humans for at least several thousands of years, and lit a fire with flint. The spark caught on the first attempt, igniting kindling, and soon growing into a dancing little flame.


    Greenthorn retrieved a kettle full of dew outer disciples had collected as a mission and placed it on a hook above the flame. Some things needed to be done properly, slowly, following a ceremony, if you wanted to get a result worth a damn. And considering how rarely Greenthorn enjoyed his tea, he was willing to set aside a day or two to make it right, if that was what it took.


    A sliver of his spiritual sense focused on the water, another guided the fire to burn just right, flames licking around the kettle, and then the living fossil turned to observe his latest experiment and investment. Newstar, or whoever it really was in that young body, was searching for a core in the carcass he had killed. He would not find one, but the act of searching was good for tempering patience and will.


    So, you remember how to use precognition? Or did you just follow an old memory to develop it from scratch?


    Sect master Greenthorn cracked his knuckles, the first sign of tension he had shown in centuries.


    Awaken and grow. Hopefully, we can become friends and exchange cultivation insights as Explorer¡¯s Gate¡¯s guardians.

 Chapter 110 - Hunter Hunted

    59th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Am I cursed? Newt almost started muttering obscenities as he searched his ninth fourth realm spirit beast and found its core had shattered. Both Dandelion and the books said it¡¯s one in ten, one in five if you kill the spirit beast before it uses significant amounts of spiritual energy. So why zero in nine?


    Ever since realizing how to find and approach spirit beasts in the Valley of the Lost, Newt realized it was infested with them. The sole reason disciples wandered so much without encountering them was because the beasts were just as lost as they were. The visibility was meager, and without it, the odds of them crossing each other¡¯s path were negligible.


    Dumb stego. Newt sliced a thick strip of pure muscle from the dead dinosaur¡¯s tail. His stomach had started complaining shortly before dawn, and Newt had decided he would take a pound of flesh from his kill to sate his hunger.


    Stegosaurus tail was all meat and no fat, a delicacy. The only problem was that Newt lacked the grilling mesh which Obi carried around on his person. Who in their right mind carries a portable grilling kit into a danger zone, and why don¡¯t I have one? But I guess roasting is pretty good too.


    An hour later, Newt had a chunk of meat skewered on his glaive¡¯s head, cutting off a bite-sized chunk with his shortsword. The surreality of the scene drew a smile.


    This time two years ago, I was in a mine, no hope, no future. This time last year, I was in that same mine, cultivating my realm and searching for spirit-stones to advance. Now, I¡¯m sitting in a danger zone for fourth realm cultivators, eating fourth realm spirit beast roast, prepared on my fourth realm weapon, cut by my other fourth realm weapon, all of it while I¡¯m still in the third realm. And the best part, my head doesn¡¯t even hurt!


    Over the course of the previous day¡¯s trial and error, Newt eliminated the feeling of wrongness, or at least reduced it to levels he could no longer notice. He was still mindful, in case the minor damage accumulated into something noticeable, but otherwise his mood was great. As great as it could be, considering he was lost inside a danger zone beyond his realm.


    I can do this. I just have to find the exit. I have the means, the brains, and if I got out of that damned mine, I can get out of anything.


    Newt finished his breakfast and started moving. He had rested the previous evening, he was alone, and despite his newfound sense, wandering in the dark was ill advised. The spirit beasts active in the dark could see in the dark, and no matter how elated with his success, Newt had no intention of fighting his equals or superiors while blinded. Stalking and ambushing them from the behind was much more sensible.


    There. Another hour passed before he sensed the island of safety inside the sea of danger he navigated. He turned and followed the sensation to its source.


    Another pachycephalosaurus? I guess this one¡¯s getting away too.


    Newt just thought that, when he sensed another island of safety appear straight to the left of the helmeted dinosaur. It moved slowly for a second, then zipped through Newt¡¯s perception, careening straight at the pachycephalosaurus. A white blur smashed into the startled dinosaur and knocked it down before it could gather its bearings.


    The shroud deinonychus clamped its jaw around the other dinosaur¡¯s neck, sinking its teeth into the scaly flesh. Hardly any blood escaped the predator¡¯s maw before the pachycephalosaurus started thrashing.


    As soon as the pachycephalosaurus offered resistance, the deinonychus snapped its head back, tearing a mouthful of its victim¡¯s throat. The pachycephalosaurus jumped to its feet, bleeding profusely. It sprinted through the fog, disappearing from Newt¡¯s sight, but the deinonychus shot right after it. The two spots of safety joined, and Newt could imagine the deinonychus smashing into the herbivore¡¯s back, taking another bite, as he sprinted after them.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    While his body was equivalent of a fourth realm cultivator¡¯s, Newt was chasing after two air-attributed spirit beasts, and the distance they covered in a blink took him a whole ten seconds to cross.


    Just as he expected, the deinonychus stood atop the pachycephalosaurus, its thick, curved leg talons stabbed into the pachycephalosaurus¡¯s back. Deinonychus had its jaw clamped around its victim¡¯s neck, shaking its head left and right. The pachycephalosaurus whined and groaned, then the whining sounds died with a bony pop, as the deinonychus broke its neck.


    There was no triumphant roar. Instead, the deinonychus turned around, its eyes trained on Newt. Spiritual energy surged through Newt¡¯s body, and Granite Crust covered his skin a moment before the white blur smashed bodily into him. Had Newt been cultivating earth alone, that would have been the end of the exchange, but flames burst out of the grayish black scales covering Newt¡¯s body.


    Firewall swallowed Newt¡¯s surroundings, but the agile deinonychus jumped away, leaving the blast unscathed. The beast was air-attributed, adapted to life in the Valley of the Lost, and it used its tactic for preying on hard-shelled prey. It retreated into the mist and vanished.


    Newt could sense safety in the sea of danger sail to his left, circling around him. He was about to turn around, when he stopped himself.


    Fourth realm spirit beasts are intelligent. If it sees me tracking it in the mists, it may retreat, maybe even wait and ambush me at night, if it has some kind of night vision.


    Newt decided it was better to play dumb and keep his shell active. Instead of tracking the deinonychus, Newt slowly turned rightwards, searching for an invisible enemy, despite knowing where the deinonychus was. Newt spun a full circle and stopped. The deinonychus waited.


    While its element was poor at standing still, the spirit beast proved patient, observing Newt for minutes as he slowly advanced to the pachycephalosaurus¡¯s corpse. With Granite Crust in place, Newt butchered the dinosaur, but found no cores.


    Again! That¡¯s zero out of ten, and I didn¡¯t even kill this one. Newt let go of the ribs he had been holding and glanced towards the shroud deinonychus. Why aren¡¯t you attacking? Is it because of Granite Crust? You know you can¡¯t beat it, so you¡¯re waiting for me to drop it and take me by surprise?


    Newt had to admit, it was a sound tactic, and if he left the corpse alone, the deinonychus might choose to feast first and track him later. Leaving a capable enemy on your back was not an option.


    Newt dropped Granite Crust, sending a new surge of spiritual energy to activate it. The deinonychus held. Newt harnessed the energy, forming a trace ending just a step away from Granite Crust activating, ready to summon it at a moment¡¯s thought.


    The deinonychus still remained in place, waiting, observing, unaware that Newt was observing it.


    Wait, if it can¡¯t see me, how does it know whether Granite Crust is active or not? Does it know? What is it waiting for, if it doesn¡¯t?


    Newt looked at the dead pachycephalosaurus before him turned into a slab of meat.


    That¡¯s it. It thinks I¡¯m feasting on its prey. It didn¡¯t know whether I was turning around, it can¡¯t tell whether I¡¯m looking at it. It can estimate my orientation only when I¡¯m moving. And the only reason it has to attack me immediately instead of leaving me for later is if I deny it its meal.


    Newt looked at the meat before him and started cutting it into ribbons, so he could carry it more easily.


    An hour later, the provocation failed. The deinonychus still had not made a move, and Newt had turned the dead pachycephalosaurus into scrap bones, leaving nothing for his prey. He made for a grim, but comical sight, a man wrapped in hundreds of strips of meat. He was a living lure for the carnivorous dinosaurs. That lure, however, concealed a granite hook.


    Finally, with no other choice, Newt moved in a random direction. The deinonychus waited, then moved behind Newt, probably going to check its catch. The deinonychus was disappointed, it abandoned Newt¡¯s leftovers, and sailed the mists of danger, moving to Newt¡¯s left.


    Why left? Is there a specific reason? Newt wondered, then the safe area grew at incredible speed before the deinonychus appeared and jumped atop of him.


    No, it¡¯s not jumping, it¡¯s flying.


    Newt turned, and the deinonychus smashed into his chest, rather than side. Newt fell on his back, feeling the thick, sharp talons stab into the strips of meat decorating his torso.


    Gotcha! Newt snatched the agile dinosaur¡¯s legs and immolated himself, smelling grilled meat. The deinonychus snapped its legs away, but with bodies in the similar realm, Newt¡¯s earthen physique based on resilience overpowered one made from speed and evasion.


    The deinonychus shrieked as it burned. Spiritual energy swirled around it, and Newt felt a powerful tug upwards, strong enough to lift him off the ground for a moment before he came crashing back down.


    I¡¯m not letting go until I roast you alive.

 Chapter 111 - Taking Risks

    59th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The deinonychus had tried everything. It flew up and slammed Newt to the ground half a dozen times, it slashed, bit, and even slapped him with its tail. Newt endured. He poured all his spiritual energy into the effort, the earthen half protecting him, the fire half cooking the deinonychus alive.


    The seconds stretched, the brief battle exhausted Newt like a drawn-out, hours-long conflict. He tried to reshape his improved Firewall to blast the fire only at his enemy, rather than in all directions. Elder Flameax had helped Newt evolve the technique, but testing it in battle for the first time revealed that over half his energy was wasted, scattered in useless directions.


    The blast of heat intensified as Newt redirected the energy from his back towards his chest, and the deinonychus shrieked like a demon. Suddenly, Newt shuddered. He kicked the deinonychus away and rolled to the side when a scythe of air sundered the earth where he lay a fraction of a moment ago.


    The charred deinonychus whimpered on the ground, most of its energy spent on the powerful last ditch attack it had performed. Newt did not know and did not care whether his enemy was dying or its injuries were serious but non-lethal. He sprinted towards the immobilized dinosaur, unsheathing his shortsword and with a swipe of his blade, severed its head.


    What was that? Newt panted, staring at the headless deinonychus leaking blood. It felt like it severed my arm for a moment.


    Newt turned around and looked at the trench the deinonychus had made.


    That would have cut off my arm.


    Elder Alabaster¡¯s words echoed in his mind, repeating that no element was harmless, and that assuming so was folly, but Newt pushed the thought away. Instead, he focused on the flash of pain which had bitten his upper arm just before the deinonychus struck.


    Unwilling to let the sensation escape him, Newt did something foolish, something all cultivators knew they must never do. Something he knew was folly. He sat down to meditate. In the middle of a danger zone, right next to a carcass of a spirit beast he had slain.


    But that did not matter. What mattered was the tingle, the itch in his bicep, in his bone. The sensation was long gone, but the memory of it remained, filling Newt¡¯s body with discomfort while his soul tickled. Whatever it was, the feeling was important, and Newt submerged himself into it.


    Cultivation and introspection were already second nature to him, so he had no trouble locating the source of the sensation. It was a phantom stimulus, but then again, so were most other things related to cultivation, spiritual made physical, his soul interacting with his body, and now, Newt¡¯s newest form of perception had done something to warn him of an attack which had yet to happen.


    Wait. That¡¯s what it was doing all along.


    Danger sense, as Newt thought of his newest sense, warned him of danger lurking ahead. Yet, how could it do that without seeing a possible future? Walking in a given direction could not be dangerous in and of itself. What was dangerous was the thing awaiting in that direction, action which had yet to happen, an enemy he had never met.


    Newt submerged himself in such considerations, exploring his past experiences. His master said the crowd subconsciously parted for her. Why? They feared a lethal encounter which could have happened, but never did.


    Various scenes flashed through Newt¡¯s mind, first focused on himself, then the enemies he bested in battle, then everyone and everything else.


    He opened his eyes after what seemed like mere minutes, but it was already dark. The dead dinosaur, laying a handful of feet away, had attracted no predators or scavengers.


    There are some benefits to Valley of the Lost. The thought flashed through Newt¡¯s mind, overrun by his considerations on danger sense, or precognition, as he believed would be a more accurate way to call the new sense.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    The ability was always there, in the back of his mind. What the Valley of the Lost had done was make it more prominent, easier to sense, but it had not created it, merely stimulated it.


    And the stimulation comes from being in the wrong layer, which holds spirit beasts powerful enough to threaten me. If you¡¯re in a lower layer heading towards the one appropriate for you, then the spirit beasts you encounter are just as harmless as the rest of your environment. If you¡¯re in a layer dangerous enough for you, the spirit beasts are also dangerous.


    Newt¡¯s situation was either dumb luck, or someone had set things up for him. He mulled over that thought, and the latter seemed more likely.


    Was it Master? That seemed like a reasonable explanation. As far as Newt was aware, nobody else had a vested interest in his success. While an interesting train of thought, it was useless at the moment, and Newt pushed it far back, to revisit one day. Instead, he focused on more immediate issues.


    I will need to fight against spirit beasts from now on. If I assassinate them from the rear, they don¡¯t provide any danger, and I can¡¯t train what I think I can achieve using danger sense.


    Newt got up. He was about to leave, to wander the darkness, when he recalled the deceased fourth realm spirit beast, and more importantly, its potential core.


    There¡¯s no way its core survived.


    He bit his lip, then plopped his butt back on the ground. He had medical bills to pay, plus other unknown debts. Dawn was just some hours away, and he could not hunt at night anyway.


    Dawn proved Newt¡¯s guess right. He cursed the dinosaur and himself aloud, then took a random direction in search of spirit beasts. The first one appeared two hours later. A blip of safety in a world of danger.


    Newt stalked it from the behind, coming across yet another fire-attributed hadrosaurus. The beast was agitated, staring away from Newt, waiting for the phantom to appear from the mists before it.


    Newt¡¯s instinct told him to ambush, to kill without danger. But the purpose of his hunt was the opposite of slaying enemies from a position of safety. So, Newt hefted his glaive, coated his body and his belongings in Granite Crust and Magmin Scales, then struck the ground with the butt end of his weapon before dashing towards the hadrosaurus.


    The beast turned around and swiped with its fore-claws. Newt failed to sense the wave of fire before it appeared. It washed over him, and while the spiritual energy infused into the technique was superior to his own, the technique itself was worse than the worst of the Blazing Salamander clan¡¯s devolved ancestral arts.


    The scorching heat burned upon contact with Magmin Scales, merely obstructing Newt¡¯s sight for a moment. He approached to five feet from the hadrosaurus and stabbed with his glaive. The dinosaur swiped its claw at the weapon to swat it away, but Newt sent a bolt of flame straight at its head.


    Unsurprisingly, hadrosaurus had a shield against heat. It snapped into existence, blocking most of the heat, but not all. The beast screeched, and using the moment of blindness, Newt¡¯s glaive sank into its chest, delivering a deep wound. A downward slash made the wound worse, and with his enemy crippled, Newt finally felt a bit safer.


    Given the extent of its wounds, the hadrosaurus was far from being an equal opponent.


    The rest of the battle turned into a chore. Newt intentionally left several openings for the hadrosaurus to try to take, but even when the beast attacked, Newt¡¯s danger sense remained silent. He put the enraged, dying beast out of its misery and ended the battle.


    Why didn¡¯t it work?


    Newt considered the matter while searching for the core. The best answer he could come up with was that he was putting himself in danger intentionally, and that sensing the danger in that case was a moot point, since it did not even exist in the first place.


    Does that mean I have to face real danger to practice danger sense? He swallowed, even forgetting to curse when he found no core in the hadrosaurus¡¯s chest. Is it worth it? To put my life on the line just to get a little bit better? To improve my odds?


    It was a nasty thought. Cultivation was going against the heavens and natural order. If mankind hadn¡¯t taken any risks, we would have been extinct already, overrun by the Savage Wood eons ago.


    Newt then thought of an example he knew from his personal experience. Dandelion risked death and madness to restart his cultivation, just to get a chance at getting stronger, at climbing higher.


    Newt still recalled Dandelion¡¯s words, their meaning closer to the core of his being than ever. ¡°Weakness, my dear Newstar, is a terminal condition. One we must fix at all costs.¡±


    I guess it¡¯s like Magmin said, evolve or die. Newt clenched his fists, about to head to find a tougher fight when he looked at the dead hadrosaurus.


    ¡°Why the hell am I even bothering searching for the cores when my luck is so rotten?¡±

 Chapter 112 - Troublesome Little Brother

    59th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt dodged a split second before the stegosaurus launched a volley of icicles from its tail. The frozen javelins whizzed by harmlessly, but rather than being happy with his success Newt felt frustrated.


    Now that I¡¯ve confirmed it, I can see that attack coming before my danger sense warns me, and I can¡¯t use it for training. Newt rushed towards the dinosaur¡¯s head. The dash was mad and suicidal, but his newfound sense warned him that the stegosaurus would try to smash his head with its tail.


    He ducked under the attack, then jumped when he sensed the backwards blow coming, and speared the dinosaur¡¯s neck with his glaive. The weak shield of water dissolved while a flash of fire exploded directly inside the mortally wounded stegosaurus¡¯s neck, finishing off the beast.


    Come on! The previous two had intact cores. The sixth dinosaur of the day, unfortunately, did not leave a core behind. Newt was fine with that. Based on the number of spirit beasts he had slain since entering the area for fourth realm cultivators, he should have found three to four cores, but finding two in a row in three hours helped improve his mood. He just had to keep searching.


    More importantly, his danger sense had advanced by a grade. Newt was partially aware that calling his precognition danger sense was wrong, but he liked the name better and chose to stick with it, at least until his master told him the official term for it.


    With the advancement, he could occasionally sense attacks directed at him, but there were limitations. Throwing himself into harm¡¯s way caused no reaction, acting recklessly without intending to allow a certain attack to land on him did trigger it. If his mind could find a pattern for the attack, his conscious mind overruled instinct.


    There were other minor details and guesses. For instance, Newt believed he could detect attacks coming from his blind spots with greater ease, and chaotic, split-instant happenings also seemed easier to foresee, but those were guesses. To infer any sort of rules from a handful of encounters was stupid, and relying on those conclusions suicidal.


    I thought tracing was safe, and it nearly got me killed. Newt reminded himself not to rely on his conclusions, but to observe and discuss his findings with a knowledgeable senior once he left the Valley of the Lost.


    And with the development of his danger sense came a potential direction for leaving the valley. As his danger sense grew sharpener, Newt could distinguish between different grades of safety and danger.


    The change implied two things. He could sense opponents even if he headed in the ¡°safe¡± direction. The stegosaurus he slew was his experimental victim. The second, more important implication was that Newt could in theory search for the exit on his own without a compass. He did not know what exactly he was looking for, but he believed he would recognize it, if he got close enough.


    I think my danger sense needs to be a lot better for that, but I¡¯m improving by the hour.


    Newt could not estimate the time he needed to reach the level of proficiency required to find the way out, but he knew he could get there. It might take days, weeks, seasons, or years, but he would find the exit.


    And when I do, I¡¯ll have a ton of misterium and cores.


    He had already decided he would tie up his sleeves and fill them with valuables. He might take the upper portion of his robe off altogether and turn it into a giant sack, but he would not worry about rich-man¡¯s problems of not knowing how to carry his treasures until he became the said rich man. Until then, pockets and his sack would do.


    Besides, geysers did not seem to register to his danger sense, and stumbling across one while wandering an unknown area after he had left the previous field was something Newt believed required more luck than he had.


    Wandering a danger zone beyond your realm with no clue how to leave is such a chore. What if I end up stuck here for years? What if I wander into the fifth realm area and get stuck there?If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    That thought terrified him. He remembered how powerful the frostworm was, and he knew he stood no chance. For all he knew, a fifth realm shroud deinonychus could shoot those wind scythes at will and tear him to shreds before he got to blink.


    Newt stopped dead in his tracks. He turned around, away from the feeling of safety, and headed straight towards danger.


    Don¡¯t tempt luck. I know where the next realm zone is, but not how far away it is. It should be miles away, but why take foolish chances?


    There was absolutely no reason to tempt fate, and Newt focused on hunting in the direction he was fairly certain should be the periphery of the fourth realm area.


    ***


    Obsidian wanted to go to Newt¡¯s master as soon as they returned, but Senior Apprentice Sister Hazel insisted they visit the Chamber of Instruction first and submit their mist crystals to complete their mission.


    ¡°I know your friend¡¯s eldest sister, we can ask her for advice.¡± With the misterium delivered, and merit noted, Hazel led the way to the core disciple residences.


    Obsidian never dared imagine owning one. His talent was too poor. What he hoped for his future was reaching the fourth realm before aging out of being a disciple and remaining in the sect as an outer elder rather than a laborer.


    The resources outer elders received were worse than those inner disciples received, but he would still have access to the library, knowledgeable seniors, and with enough effort, he might one day become a master blacksmith and reach the status of an inner elder.


    I would definitely help a promising disciple if I was an inner elder. Even if he¡¯s not my disciple.


    Hazel knocked on the door. ¡°Senior Apprentice Sister Deeproot, are you home?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there in a moment.¡±


    Hazel took a deliberate step back as Obsidian and the girls fidgeted while waiting. Rose was popping her fingers and knuckles, Newt¡¯s disappearance hitting her the hardest for some reason.


    Several seconds passed before a brawny woman with brown hair and sharp eyes opened the door.


    ¡°Hazel, what a surprise.¡± She eyed Obsidian¡¯s group. ¡°It looks like this isn¡¯t a social visit. What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Your youngest brother got separated from the rest of his group in the Valley of the Lost. I don¡¯t believe he¡¯s in any serious danger around third realm spirit beasts, but he is wandering the danger zone alone with no means of leaving it.¡± Hazel paused to let Greenbow process the information before continuing. ¡°Do you think we should notify your master?¡±


    Greenbow¡¯s lips twisted, her face ugly. Then, she nodded, her muscular neck as thick as a triceratops¡¯s.


    ¡°That little troublemaker; thrice in one season,¡± she grumbled. ¡°Tell me what happened. How did he wander away from his group? Did the mist suddenly contract?¡±


    ¡°No, Senior Apprentice Sister,¡± Jasmine said. ¡°He was searching the geysers for misterium, and we took precautions. We tied him around the waist with ropes, each of us holding one end¡­¡±


    Jasmine explained what happened, and Greenbow¡¯s face turned ugly.


    ¡°Are you certain that¡¯s what happened?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Senior Apprentice Sister.¡± Jasmine lowered her gaze, they all knew Greenbow would say aloud what they knew all along.


    ¡°The only way something like that could possibly happen is if a dino snatched him and yanked the ropes out of your hands.¡±


    Nobody gasped or made any show of surprise. They guessed the same, since the moment Newt disappeared. Instead, they lowered their gazes, standing in silence. Greenbow¡¯s glare burned through the top of their heads, then she drew a deep breath and exhaled, her nostrils flaring like an angry longneck¡¯s.


    ¡°I need to report this to Master immediately.¡±


    The woman stepped out of the house and closed the door, taking a step forward as if she intended to trample her visitors.


    ¡°Senior Apprentice Sister, may we tag along, if you don¡¯t mind?¡± Obsidian tried to stand his ground tall, but his shoulders drooped.


    Greenbow looked at him for a moment, before nodding again. ¡°Master will probably want to hear what happened. She might have more questions.¡±


    The group moved deeper into the island, passing the outer elder residences, and reaching the inner elder housing. Obsidian walked by the buildings without noticing their charm and the fact that each was unique, some humble cottages surrounded by the jungle, while others were sprawling mansions, each built on same-sized plots of land.


    Elder Alabaster¡¯s abode was made of white marble, its thick walls gleaming in the sun. Greenbow moved with purpose, her stride quick, but not rushed. She reached the door, and shockingly entered without knocking. Inside a spacious entrance hall, an aged outer elder sat behind a desk.


    ¡°Uncle Freshshine, is Master available?¡± Greenbow inclined her head respectfully, despite her status being above that of the outer elder.


    ¡°Elder Alabaster is busy reading, she said not to disturb her unless the matter is important.¡± The white-haired man glanced at Greenbow¡¯s company. ¡°Is the matter important?¡±


    ¡°That trouble-making little brother of mine caused trouble again. He got separated from his companions in the Valley of the Lost, and we need to go find him now.¡±

 Chapter 113 - Failure

    59th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Alabaster listened to Newstar¡¯s teammates¡¯ story with furrowed brows. At first, she took their words at face value that a wandering dinosaur had snatched her disciple, but there were too many holes in that story. The visibility was much greater than the length of rope, they would have heard something, they would have seen the dinosaur. Yet, they saw nothing. There was no blood, and they failed to see Newstar, despite him being a handful of feet away.


    ¡°You said it was the geyser field bordering the fourth realm zone?¡± She sought confirmation despite having the information.


    ¡°Yes, Honored Elder.¡±


    That geyser field was not on the border of the third realm zone, or more precisely, it was, but it did not end at the border, it extended beyond it, into the fourth realm zone. Either a fourth realm dinosaur broke through the barrier to snatch Newstar, or he went over himself, crossing the barrier by accident.


    But how did he do that? She sat in silence, the youths squirming as she thought. The only one relaxed was Greenbow, as attentive and collected as ever. His body is supposedly at the fourth realm, that blessing may have become a curse in this situation. Newstar can handle anything in the outermost zone all by himself. But the fourth realm zone¡­


    Alabaster was uncertain. Physically on par with a fourth realm meant little. After all, a fourth realm cultivator was physically weaker than most fourth realm dinosaurs. Newstar¡¯s techniques were superior in grade, but inferior in realm, and finally, the one area in which he really excelled against beasts was intellect.


    Dinosaurs rarely have well rounded sets of abilities, so he should have a minor advantage there as well, plus his shield is of a higher quality than anything we have for his realm. Alabaster had planned to ask Newstar to share his technique once he outgrew it, but the matter was irrelevant given the circumstances.


    He should be alive. Wait, is this why Sect Master ordered me to send him there?


    ¡°Thank you for reporting this to me. I shall discuss this with several others and see what I can do.¡±


    Alabaster gazed out the window while waiting for the five disciples to file out of her study.


    Given Sect Master¡¯s sharp mind and experience, he probably guessed something like this would happen. Is it all right for me to interrupt his seclusion because of this?


    Alabaster hesitated, she had never had news urgent enough to intrude upon the sect master¡¯s time. Eventually, she decided that if the sect master was in seclusion or cultivating, he would have guardians, or at least attendants, much like she did.


    She stood and calmly left her residence, heading towards the depths of the jungle. She had been walking for a handful of minutes when the sect master¡¯s voice echoed in her ear.


    He is fine. I¡¯m monitoring his progress through the valley. The odds of him perishing are slim and growing slimmer by the hour.


    Alabaster bowed towards the center of the jungle and headed back home. If Sect Master was keeping an eye on things, it meant the situation was under control. The sect policy was to let disciples risk their lives. Some fell, but the number was small enough considering the gains of those who survived carefully gauged life and death battles.


    If Sect Master thinks he¡¯s gonna be all right, Newstar¡¯s gonna be all right.


    ***


    Newt quietly observed a dinosaur he had never before seen or heard of. The biped had a triceratops-like headdress, but instead of a beak, its mouth had long sharp teeth, with the lower jaw curving and some teeth sticking out like a circular saw. Its short, stubby arms ended in talons thrice the length of the arms.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    It stood about ten feet tall, turning its head left and right, as it slapped the ground with its tail, obviously nervous because of the phantom opponent¡¯s approach.


    What in heaven¡¯s name are you? The teeth and mouth indicated it was a carnivore, the horns adorning it hinted¡ªThey probably hinted at something, but even Newt could not figure it out. Horns so close to sharp teeth made no sense and served no purpose.


    Maybe it once belonged to a common species, but its evolution went horribly wrong as it advanced its realm?


    Newt explored that line of thought. His guess meant the dinosaur¡¯s element pushed its evolution in a strange direction. It turned a two-legged, ceratopsian herbivore into a strange carnivore, or it turned a carnivore into whatever the thing was.


    Probably the former. Newt hesitated. On one hand, attacking an unknown spiritual beast with unknown powers seemed suicidal. On the other, he needed that level of threat to advance his skill.


    Carnivores used their claws and teeth, triceratopses gored their enemies with their horns, stegosauruses mauled them to death with their tails¡­ There was next to no chance he could read that alien physique, and all attacks the creature made would be complete surprises to him. That also meant completely relying on his danger sense for survival. Which, in turn, meant risking his life more than he was comfortable with.


    A fraction of Newt¡¯s being shuddered. He was afraid. Unknown qualities were the most feared. From overpowering enemies, you retreated. Your equals or lessers, you defeated.


    It looks like a jumble of random dino parts. It can¡¯t be powerful. Newt considered that thought. If it¡¯s not powerful, why did the sect¡¯s elders bring it here? How did it survive in this environment?


    That¡¯s a stupid line of thought. How did any of the dinos survive here? And I defeated them all, even the deinonychus, and it should be the apex predator in this part of the valley.


    Newt slammed the butt of his glaive against the ground. He had to stop overthinking. He had decided the expedition would be a do or die, and he had no intention of dying. A half-baked dinosaur abomination of nature was mere prey.


    The thing turned around, fixing its gaze on Newt. The exposed teeth of its lower jaw trembled, saliva running down the middle, dripping to the ground.


    Disgusting.


    The staring contest lasted a moment, hunter locking transfixed prey with its baleful glare, then the weird dinosaur shot towards Newt in a blast of scalding air.


    Fire? Green scales could hint at everything save for fire, but it was the last piece of bizarreness, merely added atop the alien physique.


    Magmin Scales and Granite Crust, already waiting as traces, sprang to life, shielding Newt. The creature was fast, but nowhere near as fast as the shroud deinonychus. Newt slashed with his glaive as the dinosaur swiped its massive claws at him.


    Danger sense reported nothing, the dinosaur seemed content with letting the glaive strike it, and it did. Flames burst from its neck at the point of contact, a primitive version of Firewall scorching the air, but dealing no damage to Newt¡¯s glaive. The dinosaur¡¯s scales were tougher than normal, but nowhere nearly tough enough. The weapon bit into its flesh, parted it, then severed the spine before fully decapitating the monster.


    Newt stepped aside to dodge the attack right before the headless body would have smashed into him and gazed at it as it rolled on the ground.


    It had something like Firewall, that means it was a defensive species originally, trying to evolve into a predator. Magmin immediately came to mind. A creature trying to evolve in a direction nature had not intended. Sometimes, such gambles bore fruit. Sometimes, they resulted in conflicted creatures like the one Newt had just effortlessly slain.


    It actually suffered from a cultivation deviation. Instead of following an already existing ancestral path, it tried to blaze its own, kind of like Magmin. The difference is this dino failed. So, what¡¯s the difference between the two attempts?


    Newt considered the question. Even though he did not know it even existed, the matter suddenly became paramount. He was cultivating a deviant technique. Instead of manifesting concepts and symbols within his realm, he was making spell formations. Instead of harnessing spiritual energy the traditional way, he used the technique an ancient dragon, a true spirit beast, once used to reach the top of the cultivation world.


    Would it change him? Would it warp him like it did the ceratopsian he had just slain without effort? Will he reach a higher realm only to find himself a weakling? Someone without a path forward, yet no way of turning back, either.


    Again, Dandelion was in his memories. The man had risked everything to correct his mistake, and faced with the question and a recently deceased warning, Newt understood. He would also risk everything.


    What drove him was not the wish for immortality, for extra years of life. No, it was fear. An abject terror of being helpless again, of being stuck in a mine with no way out.


    He looked at the deceased evolutionary failure, a mix of pity and respect in his eyes. It had a goal, a purpose, and the courage to follow it, but it turned out that its path was a dead end.


    I won¡¯t be a dead end! I will grow strong enough to reunite my family, to keep my friends safe, and to honor my ancestor¡¯s decision, which ruined the clan, but benefitted me.

 Chapter 114 - Mastery

    83th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Four weeks had passed since Newt got separated from his teammates. He had taken to meditation at the strangest of times, in the strangest of places. The fourth realm area of the Valley of the Lost was no longer a danger zone to him.


    He slept, ate, and meditated without a care in the world, often right next to his kills, relying on his ever growing danger sense to warn him in time, to snap him out of sleep or meditation. It happened once, and after killing the offending stegosaurus, which had stumbled into Newt¡¯s hunting zone, he went back to meditate on that newfound insight.


    Even though everything was a realm above him, Newt considered himself the apex predator of the area he was currently in. He even figured out how to hunt pachycephalosauruses. The solution was stupid in its simplicity. If he approached them from the front, he would appear like a safe zone to them, and the valley¡¯s beguiling effect had no effect when they saw the source of their unease.


    In the weeks of training, his danger sense had grown sharper, sharp enough to notice a swirl in the air. As the mists flowed, they carried something in them, the true danger. Whatever the energy or substance were, they somehow absorbed whatever it was that made danger dangerous and projected it through a counterpart.


    Newt understood little of the underlying mechanics, but the trip proved fruitful. While he failed to find more geysers, he had eleven cores tied up inside his sleeve. And more importantly, he had noticed another odd pattern three days ago. The mist swirled, true, but there was a sharp angle in an otherwise smooth flow, a break towards the periphery of the zone. It was impossible to see, but the minute distortion in the particles which shifted danger revealed the crack in the trap.


    Newt had been following the imperfection ever since he had noticed it, and for half a day he had encountered no islands of ¡°safety¡± in his ever-expanding sea of ¡°danger¡±. He was almost certain that meant he had somehow navigated his way back into the third layer, which in turn probably meant he was close to the exit.


    Suddenly, an overpowering feeling of imminent doom flooded his mind. Death awaited ahead, and taking one more step spelled his demise. He smirked, wondering what the exit felt to others who had not honed their sense of danger to the same point he did.


    He took a step forward, and the mist parted. Newt just looked up at the clear blue sky he had not even known he missed, when the back of his head tingled.


    He ducked as a hand flashed above his head.


    ¡°You little rascal!¡± Greenbow shouted. ¡°We were worried sick about you! Why are you shirtless?¡±


    Newt looked at his eldest sister and cupped his hands respectfully, the upper portion of his sect robe doubling as a sack.


    ¡°Greetings, First. I¡¯m sorry to have bothered you. How are the rest of my team doing? Did they safely exit the Valley of the Lost?¡±


    The woman folded her arms, pushing her muscular breasts up, her frown deep, her gaze glued to Newt¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°They are fine.¡± She scrutinized him, she could obviously tell something had changed about Newt¡¯s bearing. He stood taller, more confident, but she did not know what gave him the confidence. She saw nothing to justify the change. Her youngest brother was still as scrawny as ever, his meager muscles like those of a malnourished child.


    ¡°What happened? How¡¯d you get out?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got time. A ship is waiting for us at the harbor, and once we reach it, we have a lot of sailing before we return.¡±


    What can I share? How does equivalent exchange apply with brothers and sisters under the same master? How do I evaluate the worth of the information? Will she get angry if I ask for payment or if I don¡¯t tell her anything? Will knowing hurt her future progress?


    A dozen questions assailed Newt¡¯s mind, but he filtered them by priority almost immediately.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°First, please forgive me, but I have to discuss what I have learned with Master first and ask her what I can share. If I can tell you everything without threatening your future progress, I will do so over dinner once we¡¯re back, but if there are matters which might harm you, I¡¯m sorry, but I won¡¯t reveal them.¡±


    Righteous cultivators as old as Greenbow had their own sense of honor. She should offer him something she believed had the equivalent worth of the information he gave her.


    Greenbow pushed her chest higher, clearly insulted by the idea that someone at the lower realm believed they had information she would find valuable or detrimental to her progress, but she let out a breath and shook her head.


    ¡°Fine.¡± She spat out in the tone that meant, ¡®Silly kid.¡¯ ¡°I guess it¡¯s better if you play things safe rather than carelessly spill whatever you think is so important. Can you at least tell me how you got separated from your team?¡±


    Newt considered the question and nodded. There should be no harm, or revelations one should reach on their own in the way he stumbled into the fourth realm area.


    ¡°I was inside the geyser, gathering misterium crystals¡­¡±


    ***


    Sect master Greenthorn opened his eyes and stood. He stretched his back out of habit and stepped off his porch. His lips curled upward in a barely perceptible smile as he headed towards the inner elder residences. He kept away from the palaces and large, clear plots of land, preferring to walk through dense foliage, hidden from the eyes of the masses. Even the eighth realm elders stood no chance at seeing him if he did not want to be seen, but sometimes, simple solutions yielded the best results.


    He reached a cabin in the jungle, much like his own, but built in an even more ancient style, with a roof of bark covered in dirt, mushrooms, and herbs. The ceiling was low, the bounty growing atop the house accessible to mortals with stools or short ladders, not that mortals had seen the building in thousands of years.


    He politely stood in front of the door and revealed a fraction of his aura to make his presence known. The old woman inside turned her head towards the door, and Greenthorn took it as an invitation to speak.


    ¡°Master, I come bearing news, may I enter your abode?¡±


    ¡°Come in, Thorn. It¡¯s been years since we last spoke privately.¡±


    Greenthorn opened the small door and stooped to enter, taking a step before sitting cross-legged on a mat woven out of pleasantly smelling dry herbs.


    ¡°What is it? You didn¡¯t talk to me during that solar flare, merely issued orders, so what could be so important now for you to suddenly recall you have a master?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be harsh, Master. You were present during that incident, there was nothing I had to inform you of, but something else has happened. Something extraordinary, and the person involved is the same one from the solstice incident.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Greenthorn¡¯s last living master said, waiting for him to continue, her eyes droopy, as if she was ready for a nap.


    ¡°The person in question got separated from his fellows in the Valley of the Lost. His teammates had a compass and found their way easily, but he wandered the mists for three weeks before finding the exit on his own.¡±


    The old woman¡¯s sleepy eyes shot open, her pupils going wide.


    ¡°How did he do it? Did he make a compass?¡±


    Greenthorn shook his head. ¡°He started hunting dinosaurs in the mists, stalking and hunting them from beyond the range of his normal perception.¡±


    ¡°The only way he could do that is through precognition and using the valley¡¯s distinct nature to navigate it.¡± She stared into the distance, Greenthorn giving her the time to reach her own conclusions. ¡°Yes. That¡¯s certainly possible at my realm. Maybe even as low as the seventh. But the seventh has the lowest spiritual energy purity, which would allow the mind to construct a possible future based on the assorted inputs from the ambient energy.¡±


    ¡°The Heroic Tales of Steelraptor claims Steelraptor had developed an ability to perceive danger at the fourth realm.¡± Greenthorn offered, but the old woman shot him a stern gaze. ¡°But I don¡¯t think that¡¯s what has happened here.¡±


    What he believed was even more preposterous, based only on myths and legends. He had no trouble sharing that with a sixth realm cultivator as a mere speculation, but saying nonsense before his master felt shameful.


    It¡¯s been centuries since I surpassed Master, and I still feel like this. I need to meditate on it later.


    The old woman waited expectantly, and Greenthorn forced himself to speak.


    ¡°He might be a reincarnation or may have experienced some other form of knowledge transfer from an ancient cultivator. His master told me that during the summer solstice incident he was in a trance-like state, feeling nothing, living through a vision about slaying the members of the Blood Cult.


    ¡°Furthermore, when he first awoke, I spoke with him, and he told me he was a dragon fighting monsters. I didn¡¯t pry, but I have run a background check on him. He hails from a clan which declined while searching for a mythical dragon¡¯s core. Maybe they found something ages ago, and it merged into their bloodline, only manifesting in him, maybe he was blessed by the dragon or something.¡±


    Greenthorn shrunk under his master¡¯s cold stare, realizing he was rambling.


    Is it really in human nature to set their relationships in stone? I thought I was beyond mortality, and yet, here I am¡­

 Chapter 115 - The Disciplinary Venerable

    83rd of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Greenbow or First, as she seemed to prefer to be called, appeared angry with him. Newt knew why. She waited for him to leave the Valley of the Lost for weeks, and when he finally left, he told her next to nothing. And the bit he did tell her, she did not seem to believe.


    After narrating the parts he deemed safe to share, she would have dismissed them as utter nonsense, if not for the fistful of fourth realm cores. Thanks to the cores, she went silent, making sure their ship was taking them home.


    At first, Newt had an urge to break the silence, then he chose to use his time to cultivate below deck. The ship cut through the waves, a spell formation keeping the inside from rocking, and Newt¡¯s mind sank into his realm without difficulty.


    He appeared dead center inside his realm, at the top of the volcano, right next to the bubbling lake of lava. The view was lacking, Magmin trees breaking Newt¡¯s line of sight. In a rare moment of curiosity, he climbed the nearest pine and gazed upon his realm. Just under half of it was visible, revealing a sparse, black forest, surrounded by an open plain with rivers of lava and protruding rock formations.


    The glyphs and runic formations, with which he had improved his fire abilities, glowed red against the black landscape, promising speed, power, control, and a myriad other enhancements to the flames Newt wielded.


    The rock formations were more difficult to read. They protruded from the ground, obscuring each other, rather than forming neat writing and a web of glowing spell formations. Still, Newt could feel the concepts embodied in them as he focused on specific pieces of terrain.


    Hardness, weight, protection. Most of them came with solid, weighty ideas, but some of his latest work differed from the rest. Then there were the empty plots of land, giant swaths devoid of runes, which Dandelion had planned for Newt to store his energy in, but with Newt¡¯s plan to follow the path of magma and molten rock, that portion needed reconsideration.


    ¡°What I need to do is make something that can separate magma into earth and fire. That should increase my options once I merge my elements.¡± Until then, the spell formations would provide no benefit. But using techniques of both elements at the same time allowed Newt to use either element indefinitely as long as he was willing to waste twice the energy on doing so.


    Newt sighed. He was a long way away from figuring out how to scribe that spell formation, let alone being proficient enough to set it up.


    ¡°Is there a way to integrate danger sense into the use of elements?¡± Newt considered the matter. Having a shield which reinforced the area which would suffer an attack, or retributory attacks similar to Firewall but which damaged his enemies before their blows landed sounded extremely useful.


    ¡°That would be nice, but I have more immediate issues.¡± Newt observed the layout of the terrain, and compared it with what he remembered from the map Dandelion had plotted out for him. ¡°How am I supposed to add fire runes there, when the lava flow is nowhere near?¡±


    He had asked himself the same question dozens of times, never finding the answer. Dandelion¡¯s blueprint only made sense if new streams of lava appeared out of thin air.


    Newt shook his head, he would make the blueprint work one day, somehow. Until then, he would work on the patches of his realm he could cultivate. He spent another minute admiring the glowing patterns before getting to work.


    His study on volcanic rocks was paying dividends as he restructured the third realm glyphs, making their substance adhere to the concept they were meant to embody. The only lingering regret from that discovery was that he could not return to his earlier realms and reinforce the glyphs or the Magmin Pines. The difference in their effectiveness would be minor, but over the years and centuries those fractions would add up.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°I¡¯m being greedy. Imagine if I had learned about rock composition in the sixth or seventh realm, I would¡¯ve been devastated.¡± With the way the realms worked and expanded, the higher the realm, the larger the expanse, so what Newt could marginally improve was a small part of his current cultivation, and a grain of sand once he ascended to the higher realms. Yet the inefficiency still irked him.


    Newt shaped a rune which could best be described as ¡®utility¡¯ using tuff, a type of volcanic sandstone he discovered mortals often used in sculpting, construction, and tool-making.


    ¡°Are there different types of flames?¡± The thought struck him just as he infused the ¡®utility¡¯ glyph with the symbolically linked material.


    ¡°And if there are, can I produce them out of the lava flowing through my realm? Does fire in my realm need to come from lava? Can I just make ever-burning flames?¡±


    One question followed another, and they soon spiraled out of control. Newt reined in his thoughts, coming with a two-word-answer for all of them - the library.


    He continued his work, making sure to note all the questions which appeared in his mind, when a chime drew him out of cultivation.


    ¡°We¡¯re back home,¡± Greenbow said, standing at the door, filling the vast majority of its frame.


    They climbed up, and Newt saw the light of the full moon shining on the shimmering water and the black sand, which looked like an abyss in the night. Everything else had dim outlines, painted in various dark shades of their original colors, but the sand was pitch black, like a hole waiting to swallow them.


    Greenbow jumped down on the pier, landing impossibly lightly on the planks given her size. Newt followed, a steady stream of hot air consuming his momentum, allowing him to step gracefully onto the pier as if walking on clouds.


    ¡°Your teammates have already submitted your mission and your merit has been noted, so there¡¯s no need to visit the Chamber of Instruction. We should head over to Master¡¯s residence and tell her you¡¯re safely back.¡± Greenbow glared at Newt. ¡°She¡¯s been worried sick about you.¡±


    She has? Master usually looks like she wants to beat me up, not like she¡¯s worried about me.


    Newt decided to keep quiet about his observation and followed his eldest sister deeper into the island than he had ever been before. He passed a large settlement with standardized, normal-sized houses surrounded with flower and vegetable gardens. Some had gazebos and benches for sitting outside, while residents of others had added porches to their homes to change the identical layout.


    Further along the path lay a swath of jungle, the trees¡¯ crowns encroaching upon the path, hiding the stars. Then a portion of the jungle disappeared to the right, revealing a paved path surrounded by a well-trimmed lawn with cultivated bushes, flowers, and ponds, leading to a dark outline of a massive building.


    Another path led to the left, disappearing into the jungle, while the main road continued ahead. Unlike the inner disciple section and the one Newt just passed, save for their size, plots of land were all different in the settlement for inner elders.


    Newt observed buildings and gardens that seemed to have come from different cultures and different epochs, all perfectly maintained. Finally, they stopped in front of a palace so white, it glowed in the moonlight.


    As they approached, the door opened, and Elder Alabaster stepped out, framed by the bright light. Behind her followed a shriveled old woman, who looked like a mortal over one hundred years old.


    ¡°Greetings, Master, Elder.¡± Greenbow bowed, and Newt mimicked the polite gesture.


    He did not recognize the old woman, but by the way Elder Alabaster politely held the door to her and motioned her to walk ahead, it was obvious she was important and outclassed his master in the sect hierarchy.


    ¡°I will debrief you before you speak with your master, young man.¡± The old woman walked past Newt without breaking stride, never doubting for a moment that he would follow after her. ¡°We are heading to the Chamber of Punishment.¡±


    Greenbow¡¯s shoulders tensed, her whole-body twitch signaling how she had stopped herself from spinning around to look at Newt or the old woman.


    ¡°Newstar,¡± Elder Alabaster spoke, ¡°follow the disciplinary venerable.¡±


    The head of the Chamber of Punishment? That exhausted-looking old woman? She¡¯s barely keeping her eyes open.


    Newt remained still for the barest of moments as those thoughts raced through his mind, but his master immediately started glaring death at him. He spun on his heel and followed the tired granny leading the way.


    Yeah, Master was obviously worried sick about me. That¡¯s why she¡¯s got murder in her eyes when she looks at me.


    ¡°Thanks for the sack and for escorting me, Greenbow. I¡¯ll return it soon.¡±


    At least he was decent, his sect robes tidy. Newt was certain that visiting the venerable in charge of sect discipline with his uniform turned into a sack for carrying cores and gems was a breach of decorum.

 Chapter 116 - Censorship

    84th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The Chamber of Punishment was bare. It looked like the base model all other Chamber buildings used for their layout before filling it with furniture and life. All furniture in the Chamber of Punishment was sculpted out of the same material as the walls, then Newt realized it was fused with the walls. It was impossible to move or reposition anything.


    ¡°Those visiting the Chamber of Punishment rarely deserve comfort.¡± The old woman¡¯s voice was even and calm, her statement matter-of-factly. She led the way through the well-lit corridors, taking a seemingly random door, and holding it open for Newt.


    ¡°Take a seat.¡± Inside the chamber was a large table with three sets of identical seats on either side. Newt took the closest one, and the old woman sat across from him.


    ¡°This is your third noteworthy incident this season. Any comments?¡±


    The tiny old woman with droopy eyes, struggling not to yawn, suddenly loomed over Newt. His sense of danger screamed at him in a manner he had never experienced. Crossing that granny meant death.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you are, but that¡¯s not what I¡¯m here to hear. What happened? How did you get separated from your friends, how did you get out?¡±


    Newt said everything. Every thought he remembered, every action he remembered, everything save for things involving Magmin and his dragon core. The disciplinary venerable listened carefully. She dissected him with her eyes, and he felt the pressure of her gaze as it hammered against his danger sense in some way. He wondered how she was doing what she did, but he dared not utter a word outside what she asked for.


    Newt had no clue where the menace came from. The disciplinary venerable sat still like a statue, not even breathing as she listened to his account.


    ¡°I see.¡± She steepled his fingers hours later, once his telling was done. ¡°You have developed precognition, sometimes called pre-sense, or intuition.¡±


    The old woman nodded. ¡°You shan¡¯t breathe a word of it to anyone below the eighth realm.¡±


    She pierced him with her gaze until Newt nodded. ¡°Yes, Elder.¡±


    ¡°I will not obstruct your growth and development. If you need someone to discuss your newfound sense, if you have any questions, or need instruction, you will come to me. I have sharpened my intuition long before you or any of your still-living relatives were born. If you have questions to which I don¡¯t know the answer, I will point you towards someone more accomplished than myself.¡±


    The disciplinary venerable¡¯s voice suddenly turned steely and sharp like a sword.


    ¡°You will explain everything you know about the Blood Cult.¡±


    If the old woman was a menace to his danger sense before, her piercing gaze became a cataclysm with that statement.


    Newt gulped, the presence pressing down on him making his bones creak.


    ¡°I had a vision during the summer solstice. In it, I was a dragon assaulted by a large number of human-like creatures made of blood¡­¡± The vision was fragmented. Newt recalled moments of pain, the blood-men hurting him, but it had become a blur, a fever dream he suffered from as the sun tried to scorch him.


    ¡°I see,¡± the disciplinary venerable said again, re-assuming her contemplative pose. She either had a habit or she practiced it ages ago until it became a habit.


    ¡°Demonic cults are taboo. You shan¡¯t discuss them with anyone until your realm is high enough. Once that happens you will enter the draft list, and other things will happen, but that is irrelevant for your current circumstances.¡±


    The woman stood from her chair. ¡°Any questions? If not, you are dismissed.¡±Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    It was obvious she expected no questions, but Newt surprised her.


    ¡°Esteemed Elder, I have some questions. Which parts of my wandering through the Valley of the Lost may I share? When can I come to discuss intuition with you?¡±


    The latter question made the woman open her eyes just a tad.


    ¡°Regarding your first question, you may tell them everything except for the parts regarding how you developed your intuition, the steps you took, and how it helped you. As for discussing intuition with me, you will have to make an appointment at the front desk. Is that all?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Esteemed Elder.¡± Newt nodded, and the disciplinary venerable vanished after opening the cramped room¡¯s door.


    Newt felt a surge of relief. He was back at the sect, an old monster brought him to the Chamber of Punishment, and nothing bad happened to him. He even found someone he could discuss his ideas with and who might offer him guidance.


    Newt left the featureless building, coming face to face with his master.


    ¡°I want to know everything you can tell me.¡±


    And so, on their way back to her residence, Newt retold his master a much shorter and less detailed version of what he had told the disciplinary venerable.


    Does she even have a name?


    Newt decided not to ask, answering Elder Alabaster¡¯s questions instead. By the time they returned to the white palace, he had mostly explained what happened, how many spirit beasts he slew, and what he had learned about his techniques and cultivation.


    ¡°And what do you think your next steps should be?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m torn between advancing my skill with spell formations and reading. Spell formations may prove invaluable if I find myself in situations similar to what happened in the Valley of the lost, and as for reading, there are a lot of mundane questions I have.¡±


    That came out wrong.


    Newt gathered his thoughts before continuing. ¡°The more I read and experience, the more I understand how little I know. Is that strange?¡±


    Elder Alabaster¡¯s stern face softened. ¡°That¡¯s perfectly normal. I¡¯m much older than you, and yet I find the world full of mysteries beyond my ability to understand. Even the sect master, who is at the tenth realm and wields incomprehensible power, is merely a human. He neither knows nor understands everything. In fact, he might be the one most confused, since he sees the most.¡±


    His master¡¯s words did not help Newt one bit. All they told him was that no matter how high he climbed, how far he reached, there would still exist questions beyond him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll answer some of your questions. Just this once, as a reward for doing exceptionally well on your mission.¡±


    Newt jumped at the opportunity. He could have asked about tracing, about spiritual sense, and a host of other subjects, but as soon as those topics came to mind, he decided against them. Those were the challenges his master had given him. Asking her for answers was no different from surrender.


    ¡°I was wondering about two things. Is it possible to create ever-burning flames inside my realm and are there different kinds of fires with different properties? Like more powerful flames, more explosive, gentler, hotter, colder, stuff like that.¡±


    ¡°The first question is simple, and you can find the answer in the library with a bit of effort, but I will answer it. Yes, you can make ever-burning flames, perpetual waterfalls, everlasting landslides, never-ending storms, and many other things. However, those require spiritual energy to maintain, not much, unless you have vast expanses of them, but large enough quantities of them will impact the rate of your realm¡¯s expansion.¡±


    Elder Alabaster paused for a moment and Newt considered the implication. He doubted Dandelion gave him a clue which would harm him. That meant making ever-burning flames were not what the man had in mind when designing his realm.


    ¡°If a cultivator has a particularly important concept they wish to manifest in their realm, the loss is acceptable. Especially if it will greatly increase your power. Otherwise, it¡¯s not worth the bother.¡±


    She motioned him to enter.


    ¡°Are you hungry? If you are, I could have Elder Freshshine bring you some food.¡±


    ¡°No thank you, Master. I have too many things to do, and I just ate the other day.¡±


    Elder Alabaster nodded, a proud smile on her lips.


    ¡°Regarding your other question, I will talk with Elder Flameax. Fire is his attribute, and he should offer better advice than I ever could.¡±


    She was about to close the door and paused when they were still cracked open.


    ¡°Where do you intend to go now?¡±


    ¡°I think I will head to the Chamber of Runes to practice.¡±


    ¡°I figured it would be something like that.¡± Elder Alabaster opened the door to fully see Newt¡¯s face. ¡°You know, your teammates came running over to my home as soon as they returned from their mission. I bet they are worried sick about you, and would really appreciate it if you went back to your apartment and told them everything was all right.¡±


    Newt had completely forgotten about his new friends and teammates. He had wandered the mist for weeks, longer than he had been with the group, and he was used to being alone.


    ¡°Yes, Master, thank you, Master.¡±


    He turned around and went to his apartment, Elder Alabaster staring at his departing back before closing the door and retiring for the night.


    ¡°What a season.¡± The woman shook her head and went to her study.

 Chapter 117 - A Killing

    84th of Season of Fire, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt returned to his dorm room, his nervousness made manifest as serpents dancing in his stomach. After he had learned that his friends were safe, they disappeared from Newt¡¯s mind. Then he wanted to consult his master about what he had learned, but he found out he could not. He wanted to pay off his debt, but he found out it was not urgent.


    So, with his master¡¯s kind reminder, his friends were once more Newt¡¯s priority. He just hoped they would never learn about the temporary lapse of judgment in which he had forgotten they even existed.


    The door to their apartment was locked, and somehow, through everything Newt had experienced, he still had the most basic things, like his key and his token. The lock clicked, and the door opened without a sound. He was afraid he would walk into a gastonia pen, but everything was clean in the moonlight. The window was open, the light tropical breeze filling the room with fresh air instead of alcohol fumes evaporating from his intoxicated roommates, who had once transformed their neat living quarters into a mine shaft.


    A door opened without a sound, and footsteps so light they were barely audible reached Newt¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Thank the Heavens you¡¯re all right!¡± Roselilly nearly sobbed, stunning Newt. ¡°Your master said they won¡¯t send anyone to help you out, and that you would find your own way, but I was so worried something bad would happen to you.¡±


    Before Newt got to ask himself why the woman was so worried about him, another door opened, and Jasmine walked in. The woman was fully clothed, angry fists pressed against her hips, glaring at Newt.


    Why do women around me look like they want to beat me up? It was an unfair thought, Roselilly was the very image of a worried friend, radiating not a speck of violent tendencies.


    ¡°What happened? How did you get out of the valley?¡± Roselilly buffeted Newt with questions, while Jasmine settled for a silent glare.


    For the third time, Newt explained how he had somehow stepped into the fourth realm zone through the geyser, then gave as many details as he could, while hiding all he had to hide.


    ¡°Heavens,¡± Jasmine muttered when she saw the cores Newt had gathered, ¡°he really did try to over-hunt the danger zone.¡±


    Newt cocked his head in confusion, then lowered his gaze to the fourth realm cores. Technically, he acquired them during his team mission, and standard practice stated that the team members split all excess gains from a mission amongst themselves.


    I owe over two hundred spirit gems for my medical bills. And then there¡¯s the other incident¡­


    Newt was about to offer to split them when Obsidian slammed open the apartment door.


    ¡°Newt! Hazel just told me you were back! I¡¯m glad you¡¯re all right!¡± If anyone had been sleeping in the apartment building, Obsidian¡¯s outburst of joy woke them. If anyone had not known Newt was back, they knew.


    ¡°I am, and I was about to say I have some cores and misterium we should split.¡± Newt said.


    ¡°They are your¡ª¡± Obsidian started, but Newt continued speaking.


    ¡°They are all at the fourth realm.¡± Newt finished, and Obsidian choked on spit, unable to finish his words.


    ¡°Obi!¡± Jasmine¡¯s brows furrowed into a dangerous frown, her fists still on her hips, her foot a step away from tapping. ¡°You overgrown kidney stone! He won those alone. Wandering the mist alone, before leaving it alone.¡±


    ¡°Right, right.¡± With a strange, sorrowful grin on his lips, Obsidian nodded. ¡°Of course you¡¯re right. Do you mind if I see them, Newt? I¡¯ve never held that many spirit gems in my hands.¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The creepy face, and the grin a step away from crying, almost made Newt say no. But he understood Obsidian¡¯s feelings. If Obi were the one who found the treasure on an independent adventure and offered him the spirit gems he needed to clear his debt, Newt would have also refused, feeling like crying even as he spoke the words.


    ¡°Here.¡± Newt opened the sacks with his gains, and Obsidian¡¯s eyes shone like spirit gems. ¡°Even if you don¡¯t want an equal share, we went on the mission together¡ª¡±


    ¡°Newstar.¡± Roselilly¡¯s voice was the sternest he had ever heard it. ¡°Relying on cultivation resources you didn¡¯t earn yourself weakens your heart and resolve. Lucky windfalls happen. You should take such opportunities and wring the most benefit you can out of them, but you have to make them yourself.¡±


    Newt thought about the frostworm caves and how they found the core Elder Frostgrave needed. He did not mind asking for favors as a reward for their lucky find. However, a part of that was because he was certain the core was far more valuable than what he had asked in return.


    He nodded in agreement, wondering what opportunity Roselilly had wrung to make the face she did.


    ¡°All right, where are you, you skinny, little imp?¡± Goodair chose that moment to stomp into the room, walking on a warpath. ¡°There you are! I¡¯m breaking your twig legs right here and now! What the hell did I tell you about worrying Master half a season ago?¡±


    Roselilly and Jasmine jumped to Newt¡¯s defense, tackling Goodair, and Obsidian shielded him with his body. Suddenly, Newt burst into laughter.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you too, elder sister, and if you really want to have a spar, we can have one tomorrow under Master¡¯s watchful eye.¡± He taunted her, and surprisingly Goodair gave a sharp nod.


    ¡°You think I won¡¯t dare?¡± The woman crossed her arms. ¡°Oh, I dare. I¡¯m not scared of whatever nonsense heavenly tribulation struck your butt nor that dueling against you will rub off your curse on me. Tomorrow, I¡¯m gonna plant your face in the dirt, and I¡¯ll make you apologize to Master for all the trouble you caused her.¡±


    ¡°People think I¡¯m cursed?¡± Newt¡¯s mood fell. He couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing.


    ¡°And they think the curse is contagious.¡± Goodair barked a laugh.


    Suddenly, Newt realized why nobody challenged him to a duel ever since the summer solstice incident.


    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to her nonsense, she¡¯s teasing you.¡± Obsidian jumped to Newt¡¯s aid. ¡°You were wounded, and under orders not to overexert yourself, including a restraint from training, and then we left for the Valley of the Lost as soon as you were well enough.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not teasing!¡± Goodair said with the air of an experienced liar. ¡°After your teammates returned without you, people immediately started speculating whether you¡¯re a curse, a dark star shining malevolent light of misfortune on everyone and everything around you.¡±


    Goodair kept teasing until Jasmine bodily pushed her out of the apartment, the two cultivators moving and shoving with the grace of boulders clashing. Goodair was stronger, but she let Jasmine kick her out.


    Finally, with only the team left, Obsidian spoke.


    ¡°How about we go and get some grilled delicacies down by the outer disciple residences?¡±


    Newt liked the idea. He was nowhere near hungry, he had eaten fourth realm spirit beast flesh whenever he found something he fancied, but hanging out with the gang, like they did in the Valley of the Lost, appealed to him.


    While he wandered the mist alone, he was thinking that maybe he did not need friends and companions, but having peers, no matter how temporary, felt good. The years of solitude in the mines flashed back through his mind while he was lost, but that was all they were; unpleasant memories.


    The trip down the moonlit path was wonderful and liberating. The tension Newt experienced when arriving with Greenbow, heading to his master¡¯s residence was gone, and he enjoyed the night breeze, free of mist, caressing his cheeks.


    Newt wanted to take the guys to the old man grilling seafood, but try as he might, he failed to find him. He tried to recall the old man¡¯s name, but realized he had never asked it and never introduced himself either.


    Eventually, Obsidian led them to a spot he frequented.


    ¡°Hey, Flick,¡± he greeted the middle aged man whose cultivation Newt estimated at the high layers of the second realm. ¡°Give us eight specials and put them on my tab.¡±


    You can have tabs? Newt recalled how embarrassed he was about having nothing he could barter for food with. Then he noticed that Flick was using a searing hot metal plate, free of coals, smoke, and everything else grills entailed.


    He focused on it with his third eye, and beneath the metal sheet he noticed a very familiar pattern.


    ¡°Where did you get that?¡± he asked, pointing at the grill.


    Flick gave him a quizzical look, but apparently being in Obsidian¡¯s company made Newt familiar enough for the food vendor to answer his question.


    ¡°Senior Apprentice Brother Threewave gave up his stall and started selling these a moon ago. You can get one for the value of a year¡¯s worth of coals. He guarantees it will work two years or longer, goods or money back, in case it doesn¡¯t hold up. I had some savings, so I tried it. Just getting rid of smoke and scouring for coals of high enough quality makes this handy little thing worth the two first realm gems I paid for it.¡±


    He looked down at the grill, smiling enviously. ¡°I don¡¯t know where he got the idea, but he¡¯s making a killing.¡±

 Chapter 118 - A Letter

    47th of Season of Air, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Half a season stormed by in a bustle of inconspicuous activity. Newt had devoted his days to improving his proficiency with spell formations, both theoretical and practical, as well as reading books at the library.


    A huge rock had fallen off his chest after he had cleared his looming debt, and since nobody mentioned anything about the damage he had caused the sect on the summer solstice, Newt played along and pretended the whole thing never happened. Finally, he could breathe freely.


    He had come a long way, both in education and in knowledge of spell formations. He was still a long way away from where he wanted to be and from turning his absurd ideas into reality, but Newt was happy with his progress, and even happier because there was a lot of room to grow.


    Besides, life at the Explorer¡¯s Gate was teeming with opportunities to grow and develop. His first session with the disciplinary venerable was due in less than a week, and considering he had to schedule it almost two moons in advance, he planned to make the most of it.


    He did not mind the wait, spell formations were a wonderful field to explore. Newt was certain he had a knack for it beyond his keen mind and third eye to ease his path. What he once considered drawings, lines, and runes had become much, much more. Every stroke mattered. The depth of a line, its width, how it changed with each bend, and how it symbolized deeper mystery fascinated him.


    He wondered about the origin of the runes, about why their shapes drew or manipulated spiritual energy in the way they did before he stumbled upon a truth. Possibly not the truth, but a very likely explanation. Runes matched the patterns stars formed in the heavens. Each star had a meaning, a path they represented, a shard of heavenly will, a fraction of infinity.


    Fascinated, he delved into the books with more enthusiasm than when he had first headed off into the Valley of the Lost and found two schools of thought. A portion of the most eccentric, egotistical spell formation scribes believed they were directing and changing the heavenly mandate, while the conservative majority believed they were shifting the course of the earth¡¯s energy to match that of the heavens to accomplish certain goals.


    Newt found himself in the conservative camp. To him, a mortal or a cultivator believing they could command the very heavens went beyond egomaniacal and into the realm of sheer madness and delusion. But the strangest part was that it was those delusional egoists who made the most exceptional and unique spell formations.


    Newt was perusing one such design and accompanying notes, when a knock came to his secluded chamber for scribes testing their work.


    ¡°Senior Apprentice Brother, I have a letter for you. Your master said it was urgent.¡±


    A letter? Newt was confused, startled from deep contemplation. He wasted a moment wondering who would write to him, then had a very clear name in his mind, Elder Frostgrave.


    Newt jumped to his feet, a smile closer to cleaving his head than any spirit beast had ever been. He opened his door with a snap, coming face to face with a confused young woman. She jerked back, but Newt had no eyes to spare her, instead staring at a furled scroll. The seal was red.


    It might have been a coincidence. Elder Frostgrave might have used red sealing wax, but the seal was that of a stylized salamander, and not whatever Everfrost Palace used.


    Newt snatched the scroll without uttering a word. He broke the seal and unfurled it, seeing letters written in familiar handwriting.


    Son,


    I hope this message finds you well. Your father and I are alive and well. We have overcome our tribulation and turned it into an opportunity for us. As of two seasons ago, I am a core disciple of the Lyre Pavilion, a music oriented sect.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Not the most powerful or influential of sects, but one with good standing. With my new status, I looked into the happenings in our clan, and I was extremely pleased to learn that you have overcome your own trial through talent and power.


    I wanted to keep track of you from afar, but you had already disappeared from the clan by the time my agent checked in on it. A senior from a well respected sect reached out and informed me you have joined the Explorer¡¯s Gate, another well respected faction, and that you were on a rising path.


    It was a strange feeling, learning that my own child¡¯s cultivation was a mere realm beneath mine. I¡¯m proud beyond words. Don¡¯t let fame and success get to your head. Study diligently and take care of yourself.


    Right, that no-good father of yours is a gladiator in an imperial city. The triceratops-headed hothead earned his freedom, but decided to stay in the arena. I implored him once already to join a respectable faction, but he refuses, saying his ancestors made their own techniques, that he knows them by heart all the way to the sixth realm, and that he will honor those teachings.


    I notified him of your circumstances, and he should write as soon as he gets his lazy butt out of the practice yard or cultivation room, or wherever it is he has planted it.


    I would love to meet you, to hold and hug you, if you are ever near the Spinespire mountains, do remember your mother. It is unlikely I will travel anywhere near the Explorer¡¯s Island, but if I do, I will be sure to visit.


    Take care of yourself, eat well, but don¡¯t go overboard with sweets. Make sure you rest enough, don¡¯t force yourself, and keep an eye out for any signs of cultivation deviations. I understand you have a master there, please convey my gratitude, and listen to them, all right?


    Don¡¯t do anything foolish. You¡¯re still too young to give me grandchildren, but if you find the right lady, remember that there is no time like the present.


    Love you dearly,


    Mom


    Newt was close to tears until he reached the end of the letter, when he choked and turned red like a strawberry.


    He immediately closed the scroll and looked up at the outer disciple who brought him the letter.


    She¡¯s not blushing. She didn¡¯t read it, I hope.


    ¡°It¡¯s from my mother,¡± he explained, and the woman nodded slowly.


    ¡°Must be nice to still have one,¡± she deadpanned and left.


    Newt followed her with his gaze, then went back into the chamber designed for testing spell formations under various circumstances and closed the door behind himself. He unfurled the scroll and reread the whole thing. Then he read it the third time before furling it and hugging it close to his heart.


    Mom is fine. She sounds angry with dad. I wonder what that¡¯s all about. It was a passing thought. Newt did not want to know the reason his parents were fighting, he had a feeling life would be better if he remained oblivious. He focused on what was important.


    If she¡¯s angry, that means father is doing at least as well as she is. Otherwise, she would¡¯ve pitied him instead.


    Another burden disappeared from Newt¡¯s shoulders, and for the first time in a long while, he felt well and truly free. He burst into laughter, then into sobs, as he finally realized how horrible he had been feeling, how far he had buried his pain, his longing for his parents, and the comfort of their kind voices and gentle touches.


    His uncle severed his childhood, crushed his will when he was supposed to thrive, and turned him into half an animal. And it was only when all the pressure disappeared that he saw things clearly.


    Why the hell did I ever pity that¡­ that¡­ that monster? He nearly ruined my life over his vanity, trading my happiness for his own pleasures.


    Yet a part of Newt knew where that regret had come from. Victor could have done much worse than throw Newt into the abandoned mine and feeding him scraps. His father had made a contract that Newt should stay alive and unharmed, but he could have spent the rest of his days chained up in a dark cell.


    What would I have become if I had been a prisoner, rescued by Father and Mother when I turned twenty-five or thirty or fifty?


    Newt shuddered and suppressed the thought. Instead, he placed his hands behind his head and laid down. For a moment, he looked at the chamber¡¯s white ceiling before closing his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m all right,¡± he said aloud. ¡°Mother and Father are all right. The clan is safe, and I should send them some resources. Fifty third realm spirit gems should be enough for the elders to cultivate, but not enough to cause trouble and draw others¡¯ greed.¡±


    He entered his realm and saw that the lava was flowing more vigorously. The heat was stronger and the whole volcano felt more solid. With the clearing of his lingering fears and regrets, he was free. Free to pursue his interests, the next realm, and the mysteries of the world.


    ¡°One day, I will surpass Magmin. I will be greater than the mythical Magma Dragon.¡±


    End of Book 2


    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 119 - Mandatory Mission

    13th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt and his teammates were checking available missions at the Chamber of Instruction. Outer disciples and laborers had a considerably more diverse spectrum of missions, ranging from ones as basic as cleaning to those requiring advanced skills assisting master artisans.


    Inner disciples had monotonous, militant jobs. Harvesting resources in dangerous areas controlled by the sect, helping their vassals or subordinate forces handle spirit beast infestations, and finally, the one that attracted Newt the most, harvesting resources from the Savage Wood.


    There were dozens of them, but a specific mission caught Newt¡¯s eye - gathering eldenroot at the Raptor Mountain. When he saw it, Newt grinned. Thanks to his now existing knowledge of geography, he knew that the airship heading for the Raptor Mountain would pass close to the Blazing Salamander clan¡¯s clanhold, and the mountain itself was relatively close. He could take the opportunity to visit his elders, and more importantly, he could visit Magmin¡¯s realm. While his cultivation had barely grown a layer, Newt¡¯s combat ability exploded to a whole new level.


    He had refined his techniques, gained some danger sense proficiency, learned enough about spell formations to feel confident about using them in life and death combat, and his physical prowess equaled that of fourth realm combatants. Third realm Magmin stood no chance.


    ¡°Why are you smiling? Did you see something interesting?¡± Roselilly asked. Over the course of the moons since the mission, the woman became like Newt¡¯s protective big sister. It was a strange feeling. From an only child, he had grown to have a lot of siblings.


    Newt¡¯s smile grew warmer at the thought.


    ¡°Yeah. The Raptor Mountain mission, the mission itself seems annoying, but I could visit my family if we go there.¡± Newt paused. ¡°You guys are welcome to visit. The place has nothing compared to Explorer¡¯s Gate, but it¡¯s home, and my clan will treat you right.¡±


    The other three exchanged glances before nodding.


    ¡°We can take that one.¡± Roselilly smiled, and Newt inclined his head in gratitude.


    ¡°It says the airship is departing the day after tomorrow, and it¡¯s scheduled to return a moon later. We will miss the New Year festival, but that¡¯s fine, it¡¯s mostly for the outer disciples and laborers anyway. How far is your clan from the Raptor Mountain?¡±


    Newt closed his eyes, calling to mind the regional map of Savage Wood near his home. ¡°Around two and a half days of running, three if we take it easy, two if we push ourselves.¡± Newt realized his request was rude, so he hurried to add, ¡°I¡¯ll buy stamina recovery and minor healing pills for everyone. That way, we won¡¯t even notice the run.¡±


    That was a lie. The run would still waste four to six days of everyone¡¯s time, time they could have spent hunting for spirit beasts in the somewhat deeper parts of the Savage Wood, but Newt would make it up to his team some other way.


    Obi and Roselilly nodded while Jasmine grunted in agreement, warming Newt¡¯s heart. He had to make sure nothing happened to them while they explored the Raptor Mountain. In mere moons they had spent together, the three of them had grown closer than anyone back home. It was funny how he considered them peers of the same generation as himself, when Jasmine and Obi were closer in age to his parents than him.


    Newt led the way to the main desk, where he gave his and his teammates names, as well as their chosen mission. The outer disciple manning the station checked a sheet of paper, before lifting her gaze back up to meet Newt¡¯s.


    ¡°You may take this mission. Your master has left a note that you must return from your mission at least three days before the core disciple trials, and your airship is scheduled to arrive ten whole days before the trials.¡±


    The news came as a surprise. Newt had no idea his master had planned to promote him to a core disciple so soon after arriving at the sect. He thanked the receptionist and turned around to face his friends.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°What are core disciple trials?¡±


    ¡°For you, they would be combat trials.¡± Roselilly said. ¡°The three strongest inner disciples get to challenge the three weakest core disciples in one-on-one matches. There are thirty combat oriented core disciples, and the rest reach the status through special skills like forging, healing, beast-taming, and such. You can also become a core disciple by reaching the fourth realm before turning fifty. In that case, the sect grooms you for an elder position, since you¡¯ve already reached the same realm as outer elders.¡±


    Roselilly continued explaining, and Newt listened. He rarely sparred with others anymore, mostly with Elder Alabaster¡¯s personal disciples, and his fights were with the fourth realmers. Ever since pummeling Goodair and pinning her to the ground, their master said he should avoid fighting third realmers, to avoid holding back and dulling his combat ability.


    Naturally, Newt often lost. His techniques were inferior, despite having a stronger body, his spiritual energy was firmly tied to his realm, and a large step behind his opponents. With his body matching his opponents¡¯, Newt¡¯s advantage was his danger sense, thanks to which he snatched victories whenever he shrank the distance enough to use his glaive.


    ***


    ¡°How is he doing?¡± the sect leader asked as soon as Alabaster caught sight of him. The man was sitting on the porch of his humble home, his eyes closed one moment, open the next without bothering to go through the motions, or possibly moving so fast that she failed to perceive it.


    ¡°Remarkably well, given that he has free rein of his education outside my and Flameax¡¯s lessons. He inquired about what it would take to find someone skilled to instruct him in the way of the spear and the glaive the other day. He also asked about the prices of different grades of teachers, which is funny. Apparently, he wants to use the Chamber of Instruction to issue a mission for our skilled weapon-users.¡±


    An amused smirk danced at the corners of the sect master¡¯s lips. Alabaster suppressed a similar reaction when Newt asked about weapon masters.


    ¡°It¡¯s good that he doesn¡¯t want to owe us more and that he doesn¡¯t take our or the sect¡¯s help for granted. Go through the appropriate channels, I¡¯m certain an outer elder or two are very skilled with the spear. Tell them their student is a shoo-in for the next core disciple selection.¡± Sect master paused. ¡°Never mind, by the time he receives his first lesson, he¡¯ll already be a core disciple, and instructors will throw themselves at him.¡±


    The statement confused Alabaster, but she waited patiently for an explanation, which the sect leader provided a few moments later.


    ¡°He just selected a mission in the Savage Wood, a moderately lengthy one, near his hometown.¡± The man frowned. ¡°Strange, he didn¡¯t seem like a sentimental type to me. Especially given his history.¡±


    ¡°He received a letter from his mother some time ago. It could be because of that?¡± Alabaster offered, simultaneously checking whether the sect master had respected her disciple¡¯s privacy.


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± He shrugged, revealing nothing before changing the subject. ¡°The region is extremely tame, but I would like Elder Flameax to accompany the mission along with the standard team of guardians. I might be imagining it, but Newstar certainly attracts trouble and tribulation, and Savage Forest is outside my direct sphere of influence.¡±


    Alabaster hesitated, but voiced her thoughts. ¡°Protecting and pampering disciples spoils them. You may save their lives, but they will kill themselves eventually, wasting more resources in the process.¡±


    Sect Master Greenthorn nodded, not showing a hint of impatience or reproach. ¡°I¡¯m not saying we keep him sheltered. What challenges come his way, he and his team will have to face without aid. Elder Flameax will stay far away, deeper into the Savage Wood, suppressing his aura, ready for the inevitable moment when a fifth or sixth realm spirit beast decides to leave the depths and take a stroll in the outer region just because Newstar is there and needs a new tribulation.¡±


    The man looked into the jungle, towards the Savage Wood, as if seeing it. For all Alabaster knew, he might have actually observed it.


    ¡°But that¡¯s less important right now. You need to prepare your disciple for the Sage¡¯s Realm tournament. We have three more years, well, two with the New Year upon us. I will open three ancestral secret realms to our core disciples as a means of testing their ability and as a reward for the ones working the hardest. The three third and fourth realm disciples who perform the best will go to the Sage¡¯s Realm tournament.


    ¡°The second realm disciples will need to follow a more standard testing method, since the secret realms I have in mind are too high realm for them.¡±


    Alabaster wondered which secret realms the sect leader had in mind. The Explorer¡¯s Gate controlled around two dozen, almost all of them too high level for second realm disciples.


    ¡°The Tower of Suffering, the Soul Waterfall, and the Wander¡¯s Forest,¡± the sect master answered, and Alabaster wondered, not for the first time, whether the man could in fact read her thoughts.

 Chapter 120 - Raptor Mountain

    16th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The captain of the airship had a stern face, cold, brown eyes, and kept her back straight. Her most striking feature, however, was a fierce burn, which painted the lower left half of her otherwise pristine face a furious red. Newt wondered whether the injury was like his malnutrition, something the spiritual energy found a part of the body and cemented into his appearance, or if it was a wound she had suffered after she began her cultivation.


    If it was the latter, the wound must have been beyond extreme for the scar to persist through spiritual energy healing. Unaware of his thoughts, the scary woman looked at no one in particular as she addressed the sixty-odd inner disciples.


    ¡°Raptor Mountain group,¡± she said to everyone, not caring who was going where. ¡°We¡¯re landing in half an hour. Your mission starts the moment you and your guardians depart my ship. Like in other locations, we¡¯re taking in the previous moon¡¯s group and leaving five minutes after touchdown. If you¡¯re late when we return in one moon, tough luck. You¡¯ll have to wait another one.¡±


    Newt nodded. Missing the airship was the most unfortunate thing that could happen to his team, potentially worse than suffering moderate, healable injuries. The airship did a round trip, sometimes dropping off disciples, sometimes picking them up, and sometimes both, leaving one group behind while taking another back home.


    ¡°Remember that rock formation.¡± The captain pointed out the window at a distant brown dot. ¡°It looks like a giant perched pterosaur. The ship lands right next to it, and the best place for you to wait for us is atop that rock. From up there, you can see the surrounding terrain and survey the sky, additionally, the three sheer sides make it easier to defend even against a tide of monsters, so perching up there should be the safest location around.¡±


    She scanned the disciples, her gaze lingering on Newt just a fraction of a second longer than the others, but the gesture could have been his imagination.


    ¡°Any questions?¡±


    They had none. The mission¡¯s details were simple and straightforward, she had repeated her instructions thrice already, and the first group at the Deadmen¡¯s Ridge had asked the only sensible question there was, ¡°Would you really leave without us?¡±


    The answer was a brutal, ¡°Yes. I have and I will leave disciples behind, even if they are just a blink late.¡±


    The remaining time until landing passed in silence. There was nothing to discuss, and when the airship slowed, Newt¡¯s teammates bade their acquaintances good bye. Outside, Newt saw two groups of four sitting atop the brown pterosaur-shaped rock¡¯s head. They appeared travel-worn, their clothes dirty, with one young-looking man¡¯s sleeve torn off, his arm sprouting fresh, pink flesh.


    Like every time the ship landed with a barely perceptible tremor, something mortals would have failed to sense had there been any aboard. Newt¡¯s group was the only one going out, followed by a fourth realm outer elder. The eight disciples gracefully hopped off the pterosaur-shaped rock, their own chaperone leaving a tree¡¯s shade, and the nine of them entered the ship, which, even with all passengers aboard, waited exactly five minutes before departing.


    ¡°Well, I guess it¡¯s just us.¡± Rose smiled and took a map out of her pouch. In the previous team, her boyfriend had been the navigator, but since she was the one usually staying far from combat, carrying maps and other trinkets had become her job in the new team.


    ¡°Raptor Mountain is that way.¡± She pointed left of the rock formation, and the group started, their guardian moving only when they lost sight of him.


    It took an hour to reach Raptor Mountain. Eldenroot was a fire-attributed plant, indigenous to Raptor Mountain. The herb was a catalyst ingredient for several niche third realm pills, which increased their potency by ten to twenty percent. A minor herb most large sects would never bother with, while small forces had no need for it. The lack of competition, the ease of harvesting, and relative availability made it a perfect target for the Explorer¡¯s Gate. A ten percent increase to fire resistance pills meant an easier time exploring fire aligned secret realms, and for a force focused on rapidly exploring and conquering secret realms, ten percent was a major improvement.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    The plant grew on the south side of the mountain, and given its distinctive appearance, it was easy enough to find, but Explorer¡¯s Gate disciples had strict instructions on the size of the plants they could harvest. Those too small had to stay in the ground and grow; those too big were mature plants, protected so they could sprout clusters of flowers and spread the seeds, ensuring future growth.


    As the group climbed the mountain, Newt found it beautiful. Fire energy saturated the air, so strong he was certain it would empower his techniques, while suppressing Rose¡¯s healing. The ambient spiritual energy gave birth to trees and shrubs whose leaves were kissed by red, the veins of their leaves were red, or with reddish-orange lines bordering their edges.


    The flowers all had wavy shapes painted yellow, orange, and red, resembling tiny flames. Despite winter never touching that part of the Savage Wood, the leaves and flowers painted the area frozen in perpetual fall. Amid the sea of colors, a shriveled up, blood-red bush stood out. Creases streaked and crisscrossed the crimson leaves, resembling wrinkled skin of an old man. The stem was lined with thick, bluish veins, which again reminded Newt of a sick, elderly person. The bush stood five feet tall, adorned with clusters of yellowish-white flowers, hanging like long, dirty beards.


    Newt had read the plant¡¯s description and saw the drawings, but seeing it in person was another matter entirely. He could feel old age radiating from the plant. It even had an old man¡¯s smell.


    ¡°That eldenplant is mature, and we are forbidden from disturbing it.¡± Rose said, uncomfortable in the flame domain. ¡°It¡¯s safe to assume that everything at the foot of the mountain is either too old or too young for us to harvest, we¡¯ll need to climb.¡±


    Newt glanced up the hill, discomfort stirring in his stomach. He closed his eyes and focused on the feeling, his danger sense was warning him of a distant threat in that direction.


    ¡°The books we read back at the sect mentioned that this is a zone firmly in control of a giant colony of velociraptors, none beyond the third realm, but we should be careful. A large enough pack of third realm velociraptors can pose a serious threat to us.¡±


    Back when he found that information, Newt understood where that pack of velociraptors he had encountered a year ago had come from. The wounded ankylosaurus had probably passed close enough to the Raptor Mountain, drawing the attention of a small pack.


    That meant that by killing the velociraptor, which was trying to devour the ankylosaurus, he had stopped its advancement. If it had evolved, the velociraptor would have returned, potentially gaining control over the Raptor Mountain, and killing Explorer¡¯s Gate¡¯s disciples.


    The notion fascinated Newt. The world was huge, spanning millions of miles, yet, he killed a pack of monsters close to his home, removing a threat for his distant, future sect. His actions could be considered coincidence, or guided by the hand of fate. Whatever the case, Newt found it amusing.


    That raptor might have in theory attacked his team, had he not eliminated it. As Newt mulled over that thought, his teammates nodded.


    ¡°We should keep our eyes peeled, both for eldenplants and for any signs of danger.¡±


    Even if Rose had not said it aloud, everyone took their situation seriously, more-so after Newt¡¯s thoughtful look towards the summit.


    The party of four climbed going wide left, before swinging back right, covering the distance hundreds of times the one they ascended. Eventually, two hours later, Jas pointed.


    ¡°Found one.¡±


    The eldenplant was two-and-a-half feet tall, its red leaves nowhere nearly as wrinkly as the other specimen¡¯s. It lacked the clumps of flowers, as well as the veins, which indicated maturity.


    Rose went over to it, dug up its roots, and claimed three out of five tubers she found.


    The plant had two possible fates. It would either wither and two new plants would grow from the tubers, or the eldenplant would recover and keep growing. Rose tied a black ribbon around the stem, marking the plant as harvested. Nobody should disturb it until another group with black ribbons came.


    Newt¡¯s party continued their climb reaching around two hundred feet above the base before the sun went down. In those hours they had collected twenty roots, and found dozens of plants marked with ribbons or too old for harvest.


    ¡°That was quite a fruitful first day.¡± Rose beamed a smile. ¡°I can¡¯t believe there were seven plants available for harvest this close to the base. If we keep this up, we¡¯ll be done in ten days. The only question is do we go higher, or do we return to the base and check in a different area.¡±


    ¡°I say we keep going up,¡± Obi said, and his sister nodded in agreement. Since Newt had no preference, the group agreed to continue their ascension the following day.

 Chapter 121 - Venting

    17th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt was at ease. On the first day, his team had collected a tenth of their quota. They could complete their mission in nine days, assuming their luck held up, then spend ten more hunting for spirit beasts and resources the sect had approved for collection. The forbidden ones were missions for other disciples, or plants significant in some other manner to keep the environmental spiritual energy harmonious.


    ¡°Another six eldenroots, and not a single raptor so far.¡± Obi had a tendency for saying the dumbest things.


    ¡°Bite your tongue, you kidney stone.¡± Right on cue, bushes rustled a hundred feet away, the cracking of branches rushing towards them.


    ¡°Obi!¡± Jasmine squeezed between her teeth, her glare promising her little brother pain and misery.


    The first raptor, a mere second realm fire-attributed spirit beast, jumped out of the bush, right into the path of Obsidian¡¯s stego mace. The dog-sized critter exploded, showering the bushes with gore, but three others jumped onto Obsidian. They bit and clawed at his rocky hide, failing to leave a scratch.


    Obsidian hugged one, squeezing it until it fell next to his feet, where it remained limp on the ground. Jasmine glanced at her brother, and instead of helping him with the minor nuisances, stepped in front and swatted another two velociraptors who were pouncing towards them.


    An arrow whistled, flying so fast, Newt caught the sound only as the arrow smashed into a jumping velociraptor. As suddenly as it started, the attack ended.


    ¡°What? Is this it?¡± Obsidian seemed offended.


    ¡°Obi! Come here, you little kidney stone. I¡¯ve got some things I need to explain to you.¡± Jasmine smashed her fists together, sending off a shower of sparks, as her defensive technique still covered her body. ¡°Hard way.¡±


    The siblings¡¯ games were entertaining, partly because Obi¡¯s comments really made Newt want to beat him up, partly because Jasmine genuinely wanted to beat up her little brother because of all his intentional jinxing.


    ¡°This could be a problem,¡± voice of reason, disguised as Roselilly said. ¡°Raptors are social creatures and have firm hierarchies. It¡¯s quite possible the leader of this pack retreated to cry to its parents, superiors, or someone else. We might face a more challenging attack in the near future.¡±


    She was right, and Newt knew it. The thing was, he could swat away third realm velociraptors just as easily as Obsidian and Jasmine swatted the second realmers, and the sect¡¯s administration claimed there were no known fourth realm spirit beasts inhabiting the mountain. Known was a bad word. Inhabit was another. The Explorer¡¯s Gate could not guarantee that a fourth or fifth realm spirit beast would not pass by, wreaking havoc and slaughtering the disciples and their guardian.


    The outer elder was a contingency measure to maximize disciple safety, but the Explorer¡¯s Gate lacked dozens of available fifth realm elders just to watch over the younger generation. And then, there was the unease in Newt¡¯s gut whenever he looked towards the top of the mountain. He could probably handle whatever came for them. As long as it was in the initial layers of the fourth realm. He hoped.


    ¡°You¡¯re frowning.¡± Rose naturally noticed Newt¡¯s grimace.


    ¡°Something up there is making me uneasy.¡± Newt decided to be honest. He would keep his danger sense a secret, but he had the right to say he had a bad feeling about an unseen threat. ¡°It would be best if we kept to the lower half of the mountain.¡±


    The others exchanged glances and reached a decision without uttering a single word.


    ¡°All right,¡± Rose said, and the other two nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll stick closer to the base of the mountain. Can you tell us anything else?¡±


    Newt shrugged. He wanted to tell the truth, but the disciplinary venerable claimed such knowledge might hurt the future path of those who heard the details before awakening the sense themselves. So, he twisted the truth.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Just a bad feeling.¡±


    Thankfully, the others chose not to pry, and instead they focused on gathering eldenroot.


    By the end of the third day, they had twenty-seven tubers in their bags. The night was falling, and Newt caught a faint, but familiar scent of eggs left to boil for way too long.


    ¡°Is there lava around here?¡± he asked.


    ¡°There could be.¡± Obi said. ¡°The whole mountain is an ancient volcano, this region is dotted with them.¡±


    Newt frowned. The information sounded important, like something he should know, but why it was important slipped through his metaphorical fingers.


    ¡°Can we go check it out?¡± His notion met no objections, and the group continued forward for five minutes until they reached a steaming pond.


    Newt observed the formation, utterly failing to understand it. Lava glowed without bubbling or flowing down the mountain, while a giant cauldron made of volcanic rock touched its surface, the water inside somehow stopping the rock from melting.


    ¡°How is this even possible?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite simple actually, a spring either existed here before the eruption or formed after it, cooling some lava into igneous rock. Then it washed a hole in the middle of it, or possibly the rock formed that way from the start until the whole system reached a point where lava won¡¯t melt the rock, and the water is evaporating fast enough that the pool of water can¡¯t expand further, essentially becoming one natural hot bath.¡±


    Newt stared at Obsidian, his mouth cracked open.


    ¡°What? Do I have something on my face?¡± Obi asked.


    ¡°How do you know that?¡± Newt asked, and Obsidian made a hurt face.


    ¡°I¡¯m not stupid. I¡¯m seventy years old, and I¡¯ve read my fair share of books. A lot of missions around this part of the Savage Forest are around volcanoes, so I naturally read about the subject, to gain an extra advantage when it comes to finding good spots rich in resources and spiritual energy.¡±


    Newt nodded. Slowly. His realm was a giant volcano, and he never considered reading a book or two about volcanoes. An incredibly dumb decision in hindsight. Especially considering he had read books about rocks and fire.


    ¡°And how is the lava still hot, volcanic scholar Deeproot?¡± Newt did not know the word, nor whether one existed for experts on volcanic subjects, but that did not stop him from making fun of Obsidian.


    ¡°The lava remains hot because this is a side vent, also known as a fissure vent. They aren¡¯t exactly common, but they aren¡¯t all that rare either. Every other volcano has some. Lava can also erupt from here, just like it does from the main, also known as central vent. Naturally, the flow here is much weaker than the main one.¡±


    Newt blinked, his head spinning from the implications of Obsidian¡¯s words. ¡°You mean to say volcanoes may have these, and they behave just like the real volcano? They spew lava and all that?¡±


    Obsidian cringed at Newt¡¯s questions. ¡°This whole thing is one volcano. There¡¯s no true or false parts of it.¡±


    Obsidian faltered, faced with Newt¡¯s unimpressed expression. ¡°But side vents erupt with lava just like the central one. The volume is different, but¡ª¡±


    Newt cut off his friend¡¯s words, not hearing them as he considered his realm, Dandelion¡¯s blueprint, and volcano side vents as a new avenue to pursue.


    Digging a hole to connect to the main source of my realm¡¯s lava will be a waste of time. It might take months just to get to the lava. I¡¯ll definitely have to buy a bunch of the best pills I can find that can help me cultivate my realm, just imagining spending months inside a hole makes me want to shudder.


    He then focused on the more positive aspects of the idea. At least it won¡¯t be like the ever-burning flames I first considered, sure they would tap into the main source of lava.


    Wait.


    Newt grinned, staring at the glowing pool of lava.


    Does it have to connect with the main line? You can, in theory, make the engine with which you draw ambient spiritual energy as large as you want. It can cover a single layer, half a realm, or two realms.


    Such realm layout is suboptimal, since you lose the space which you should have invested into your combat ability, but you can certainly make things huge if you want to and don¡¯t mind the drawback.


    Newt¡¯s mind raced. Suddenly, his aspirations shifted. From standing in the middle of the Savage Forest, looking forward to clearing the third realm Magmin had left behind, he wanted nothing more than to close himself into a cultivation chamber for two to three months to test his hypothesis.


    He knew his gains per side vent would be minor, but he could make a lot of side vents. Instead of forking his lava streams, he could make new flows, further aiding his realm¡¯s growth. Then he realized something else and slapped his forehead, making his friends jump.


    Heavens blast my dumb head! I could¡¯ve done this back in the second realm! I can¡¯t believe I wasted such opportunities. How much of my third realm will I have to redo to improve it?


    Newt almost groaned. He would have to redo his work. Again.


    Cultivation is so frustrating!

 Chapter 122 - Night Bathing

    19th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    How did it come to this? Newt sat in the hot-pond with Obi and the girls, staring at the stars above. Everyone was decent, in their underwear, but decent, and the water was near boiling point, hot enough to relax a low-realm cultivator¡¯s body.


    Newt hardly felt it. His physique was a realm higher than his friends, combined with his affinity for fire, made the water feel lukewarm. He never tried it, but given the state of his body, sticking his hand into natural, wood-fueled flames should only cause light sunburns, while even at the first realm Magmin Scales negated mundane flames in full.


    Still, it was a social event, and by staring up and away from Obsidian, he could delay the awkward conversation.


    ¡°So you thought I was stupid?¡± The hurt was unmistakable in the man¡¯s voice. Newt could only hope he was joking.


    ¡°You are stupid, you dull kidney stone.¡±


    ¡°Not now, Jas. I¡¯m serious.¡±


    He might not be joking.


    Seeing that his evasion strategy was no longer working, Newt focused on his friend.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you were stupid. I just never expected you to be so knowledgeable about volcanoes.¡± Newt took a deep breath, collected his thoughts, and continued. ¡°You mentioned how time was limited, how you had an overwhelming amount of things to do and learn, and you suddenly know everything there is to know about a completely irrelevant field.¡±


    Obi remained silent, but Jas jumped at the opportunity.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying he lacks focus. Learning about irrelevant things when he has cultivation to focus on?¡±


    You¡¯re not helping, Jas!


    Then again, Jasmine rarely helped in social interactions. At most she resorted to physical force in a loving way. Roselilly, on the other hand¡­


    ¡°Yeah, I think so too.¡± Rose¡¯s brows were furrowed, her expression stern. ¡°I mean, who has moons or years to waste on perfecting the art of grilling meat when time is inevitably moving forward, trampling us if we fail to keep up.¡±


    Rose!


    ¡°And what does your skinny young ass know about the march of time?¡± Obi laughed, hopefully shrugging off the insults. ¡°You¡¯re twenty-nine years old. You¡¯ve barely set foot on the path of cultivation, and what you think of moons, I think of years.¡±


    Rose cocked a brow. ¡°And that¡¯s precisely why our realm is the same, even if you are thrice my age.¡±


    Newt decided that sharp remark was the perfect time for him to dunk his head and escape the following barrage of whatever the two were firing at each other. The words sounded too sharp for a friendly banter, but there was no venom behind them.


    I hope they keep things civil.


    Newt would have stayed submerged had the water not turned turbulent a handful of minutes later.


    Attack! Angry that he got ambushed by mere spirit beasts while taking a soak in their territory, Newt was ready for a tough fight. His danger sense indicated nothing, but that was reasonable, third realm spirit beasts could hardly harm him.


    He jumped out of the water. Granite Crust and Magmin Scales crawled to cover his skin, but instead of a swarm of velociraptors jumping into the pool, he was met with two fully grown humans splashing scalding water at each other like little children.


    The water warriors ignored Newt, as did Jasmine, who moved away from the spraying kids. She settled in the furthest corner, closed her eyes, and let her body float on the surface of the pond.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Is this really what cultivators are like? Newt wondered before sinking back to the bottom of the pond. There, he closed his eyes and entered his realm.


    He vowed to himself he would refrain from cultivating and from making the side vents on the volcano of his realm, instead he would just check where and how he could add them. The whole thing was supposed to take a mere minute, maybe less, but then Newt searched for the locations where he forked the lava¡¯s flow in two, three, or five directions.


    ¡°I can restructure all of these. No, wait, can I use the rivulets of lava as giant runes? Even if I can¡¯t, I can transform them into amplifiers for existing spell formations¡­¡±


    With a new direction, Newt was full of ideas, and they kept flooding his mind.


    ¡°Wait, how long have I been at this?¡±


    He opened his eyes with a gasp, water rushing into his mouth before he closed it. He sprayed the water out, the rotten-egg taste matching the smell. Newt emerged from the pond, only to find his friends ashore, fully clothed, with Obsidian grilling raptor tails above the lava.


    The big man glanced at Newt and grinned, the reddish-orange glow making the face creepy.


    ¡°I was joking,¡± he said. ¡°I know you don¡¯t think I¡¯m dumb, and I didn¡¯t want to push you into taking a break from people on the bottom of a smelly volcanic pond.¡±


    Newt gave a nervous smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t. I just took a bit of time to think.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been thinking for two hours now,¡± Jasmine said. ¡°I thought you were dumb enough to start cultivating in the middle of the Savage Wood, but taking two hours to think about something isn¡¯t painting a much better picture.¡±


    ¡°At least his senses weren¡¯t sealed.¡± Rose said, and Newt kept his face straight. Fortunately, his teammates were mature enough not to tie him up, or do something else equally humiliating while his mind and senses were focused inward.


    He recalled Dandelion¡¯s warning, and he already knew not to cultivate except when he was assured of his safety.


    ¡°I think he was cultivating.¡± Obsidian pointed at Newt with the dagger he used for butchery and to flip meat. ¡°Look at how he¡¯s blushing.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t cultivating!¡± Newt composed himself after the outburst and continued in a more moderate tone. ¡°But I did spend time down there thinking about cultivation and the next steps I wish to take with my realm. What I¡¯m embarrassed about is spacing out like that. I told myself I won¡¯t take more than a minute, then got carried away by my train of thought.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you have those moments when you¡ª¡± Obsidian suddenly stopped talking, looking towards the mountain¡¯s summit.


    Newt snapped his head around, looking for danger when Obsidian continued talking.


    ¡°¡ªjust stare off into the distance and space out.¡± The big man grinned again. ¡°It sometimes even happens in the middle of your sentence. Then, there was that snake armband, and you spaced out in a cultivation chamber, nearly blowing yourself up.¡±


    Newt gulped at the mention of that incident.


    ¡°All in all, Newstar, you have trouble focusing.¡±


    Newt wanted to punch that smug mug, but he decided to return tit for tat. ¡°Are you calling me stupid, Obi?¡±


    Against Newt¡¯s expectations, the man remained unflustered. ¡°Now, I ain¡¯t saying that. But now that you mention it, I¡¯ve never heard of smart people doing stuff like that. Ever.¡±


    Rose burst into laughter, and even Jasmine failed to control herself, chortling as a tiny smirk twitching to life at the corner of her lips. A moment later, Newt realized his mouth was cracked open.


    ¡°All right. I deserved that. That¡¯s what you get when you try to outsmart old people.¡±


    Rose¡¯s laughter grew louder, but Jasmine¡¯s smirk vanished. She was just as old as her brother. Technically older.


    The banter continued, and the only warning they had was the too-loud rustle.


    ¡°Watch out!¡± By the time Newt shouted, he was already jumping into the air, black scales covering his flesh. His danger sense failed him, because he found the velociraptors harmless, but the beasts posed a real threat to the rest of his team.


    A second realm one, with a red crest jumped at Rose, who screamed and soared into the air, dodging the monster by a foot as it snapped its jaw where her neck stood an instant ago. A third realm pounced on Obsidian, whose defense sprouted just in time to take on the brunt of the savage, fiery rend.


    Obi stabbed at it with his dagger, but the spirit beast twisted away from the blow, its jaw poised to bite his neck.


    In the corner of his eye, Newt caught Jasmine cleaving another second realm velociraptor with her sword, and he shot towards Obi to help with the most dangerous dinosaur. The beast saw Newt too late, a granite fist smashing into the side of its head, killing it on the spot.


    Two more third realms followed, attacking Newt and Obi, but Newt dispatched them with ease, and the pack withdrew again.


    The skirmish lasted a handful of seconds, produced three third realm corpses, and seven second realm ones littered the ground near Jasmine¡¯s feet.


    ¡°We got better meat for dinner,¡± Obsidian said with a heavy voice, ¡°but I think we¡¯ve been a bit too lax about this trip. The velociraptors around here can hardly threaten us in a straight fight, but if we let them ambush us, we could suffer injuries, or worse.¡±


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Keep your weapons close at all times,¡± Rose said, ¡°and don¡¯t drop your vigilance. We can have fun and talk nonsense back at the sect, or once we reach Newt¡¯s clan.¡±

 Chapter 123 - Introductions

    29th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Harvesting eldenroot took slightly longer than Newt and his team had expected, but they still had plenty of time to spare for a visit to the Blazing Salamander clan.


    The group stuck to the lower portion of the mountain, never challenging the velociraptors nesting near the top. Their careful approach was rewarded with one slightly more serious attack before the dinosaurs cut their losses. And with the chore-like mission completed, Newt looked forward to his homecoming.


    ¡°Are you nervous?¡± Rose asked as they emerged from the jungle onto a cultivated field dotted with cabbages.


    ¡°A bit. But I think I¡¯m looking forward to returning home and seeing everyone.¡± What Newt looked forward to the most was Magmin¡¯s secret realm, the challenge it represented, the next portion of Magmin¡¯s evolutionary story, and the reward for clearing it.


    He wondered whether Magmin had regained its senses. Whether the serpent would talk to him, or attack on sight, and whether Magmin had finally overcome his fear of pterodactyluses. Whenever he thought about it, the fact that a mythical dragon had a phobia of common flying pests amused Newt beyond words. It was a testament to how ridiculous heart demons were, how a cultivator¡¯s perception of something mattered more than the object itself, and finally, that a chance existed that dragons would fear him more than he feared them.


    ¡°You¡¯re smiling.¡± Rose said.


    ¡°Just glad I¡¯m home. We should slow down around these cabbage fields. The guy owning it might have eight or nine children, you never know.¡±


    That comment earned Newt three weird looks, but he knew what he was talking about. The group crossed the field, making sure not to damage anything, then picked up speed again when they reached an earthen road.


    The third realmers¡¯ full speed sprint scared the life out of four gastonias grazing near the road, further cementing Newt¡¯s guess about who owned the large patch of cabbages. There were plenty of farmers growing cabbages, some probably owned gastonias, but Newt hoped his guess was right.


    He tried to recall the fortunate father¡¯s name, but he had forgotten it. An irrelevant side character in his life, one he would forever remember as the cabbage-baby guy.


    The clanhold came into view soon after. The walls, the roads, and the mountain range, everything was as he remembered it. Newt slowed to a respectful speed, which was still a breakneck pace for mortals. His friends did the same, before they all stopped before the closed gate. The two guards flanking it took a moment before going down on one knee.


    ¡°Patriarch,¡± they murmured in unison.


    Newt could feel Jasmine¡¯s gaze burn holes in the back of his head.


    ¡°Patriarch? Really?¡± the woman whispered, her brother snickering.


    ¡°Get up,¡± Newt commanded the guards. ¡°Are the elders home?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Lord Patriarch. Do you wish an escort?¡±


    Newt thanked Blackstone, the older of the two guards, for his offer and entered. The place was just as he had left it.


    No, not quite. He heard the sound of men and women training in the walled courtyard, which had been used for his uncle¡¯s exorbitantly expensive carriages the last time Newt saw it.


    It was mid-morning and the street was mostly empty, everyone doing what they were supposed to be doing. He jumped up a handful of yards, warm air propelling him to hover, and observed the training yard where Elder Marrow oversaw the younger generation train with the spear.


    Newt¡¯s lips stretched into an ugly smile close to tears. His clan was rebuilding. All his pain and suffering and indignity had led to the moment where Blazing Salamander stopped its plummet and started rising once more.


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    His father was at the fourth realm, a feat which nobody had achieved in several prior generations. His mother was also in that realm, and Newt planned to reach it too before moving on to greater heights. Unfortunately, Newt had no way to tell the talent of the others. The entire clan might have been heavenly geniuses, but without resources, without spiritual energy and cores, there was no cultivation. The infinite potential was wasted.


    Newt touched down on the black stones generations of his ancestors treaded upon and evaporated the tears of joy forming in the corners of his eyes. The clan had focused on the mine for too long. That obsession had destroyed whole generations, but that no longer mattered. They had a path forward. Success lay in fighting for one¡¯s fortune in the wider world and returning home, sharing what knowledge and bounty you had gathered.


    Newt recalled his mother¡¯s letter. His father would probably think his approach blasphemous, their ancestral techniques ultimate, but faced with reality, Newt knew better. Old knowledge needed to be built upon, not revered; traditions needed to be honored, not allowed to dictate the way of life and harm those upholding them.


    Nothing but decay and the inevitable decline followed blind obedience and rote learning. Newt had witnessed that truth first hand.


    He expected Jasmine to poke fun at him, but the snarky woman remained respectfully silent.


    ¡°Follow me.¡± Newt motioned with his hand. ¡°I want you to meet my teacher, and I have never introduced my friends to him, so I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡±


    Newt¡¯s smile was genuine, full of mixed emotions he did not yet understand, but his friends responded with silent encouragement, and he led the way. Instead of heading to the main audience hall, he took a turn, walking towards Elder Stronggrow¡¯s residence.


    He had no way of knowing whether his teacher would be home, but in Newt¡¯s imagination, Elder Stronggrow was not the type of person who sat in the throne all day just because he could.


    Newt knocked softly on the door, and a familiar voice beckoned.


    ¡°Yes, what is it? Did those fools send another letter threatening us with their new backers?¡±


    ¡°Which fools? Newt asked.


    ¡°Newstar?¡± The old man¡¯s exasperated voice grew higher, as if someone had pinched him. ¡°You¡¯re home, my boy?¡±


    The door immediately opened, revealing the barefooted Elder Stronggrow wearing a comfortable, fluffy robe.


    ¡°Is someone bullying the clan?¡± Newt had come in a great, albeit sentimental mood, yet suddenly he was smoldering.


    ¡°It¡¯s not important right now,¡± Elder Stronggrow started, but yielded under Newt¡¯s glare. ¡°Brave and the rest of the incompetent lot got involved with some shady people. Now those shady people claim the clan owes them money, and will come to collect it, and if we¡¯re unable to pay, they will take away our ancestral home as compensation.¡±


    Newt frowned. ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell the creditors that we have expelled Brave and the rest from the clan?¡±


    ¡°I have,¡± Elder Stronggrow said patiently, ¡°but they wouldn¡¯t listen. I¡¯m certain the whole debt thing is made up; just a pretext for them to snatch our holdings.¡±


    Newt nodded. ¡°Do you know how strong they are?¡±


    ¡°Five third realm wandering cultivators. They have taken residence in the town, taking advantage of your former fiance¡¯s family.¡±


    The moment Elder Stronggrow uttered those three final words, Newt felt the back of his head burning again. A part of him wished to turn around and see who was smirking at him, but another was too busy with the preposterous situation.


    ¡°And how much do they claim we owe them?¡±


    ¡°Three fourth realm spirit stones.¡±


    As soon as those words left Elder Stronggrow¡¯s lips, Obsidian rolled up his sleeves, turning around to find the rogues. ¡°You wait here, I¡¯ll go kill the greedy bastards myself.¡±


    ¡°Wait, Obi, it¡¯s my family¡¯s matter, and I¡¯ll handle it.¡±


    ¡°The bastards are crazy, fourth realm spirit stones? Have they lost their mind?¡±


    Elder Stronggrow¡¯s eyes widened with surprise when he saw Newt had brought company. ¡°Who are these ladies and gentleman, Newstar?¡±


    ¡°My friends and teammates from my sect.¡±


    Elder Stronggrow gave a polite half-bow. ¡°Thank you, friends of my patriarch, for taking care of him and ensuring he doesn¡¯t get sidetracked. I apologize for receiving you dressed like this. If you don¡¯t mind, give me ten minutes, and I¡¯ll entertain you properly.¡±


    Stronggrow then turned towards Newt, reproach clearly visible in his eyes.


    ¡°Patriarch Newstar.¡± Elder Stronggrow stressed the title so hard, it felt like an assault on Newt¡¯s ears. ¡°Please entertain your guests while I and the servants organize a modest feast to celebrate your safe return.¡±


    Newt opened his mouth to protest. He had no idea what he should do, nor how to entertain the guests he had brought to the clan.


    Suddenly, in a moment of brilliance, he had a great solution for the problem of finding entertainment in a destitute clan.


    ¡°How about we go and find those scammers? We can beat them up for practice.¡±


    Elder Stronggrow, standing at the door of his modest residence, wearing what could pass for a house gown or a bathrobe, stared at his patriarch in disbelief. The wise old man used every last ounce of his will to stop himself from slapping his forehead and rolling his eyes.

 Chapter 124 - Bloody Scammers

    29th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt and his team stood out in the streets. The yellow and green camouflage robes designed to blend into the jungle clashed with what regular mortals wore on a busy day. In part, it was because mortals wore browns and grays. The more important part, however, was that few wore matching sect uniforms when going to the market.


    Mortals cleared the way as Newt moved down the once familiar path. Memories of how he had walked the same streets when he went to play with his former fiance Jasmine were once dear to him. Unfortunately, Jasmine soiled them with her betrayal, and he no longer knew how to feel about them.


    That past was simpler. It was free of thought, of considerations for the future, of knowing how his very important, esteemed family was but a speck in a giant empire.


    ¡°So, fiance,¡± Obsidian started in a teasing tone. ¡°And a former one. You left her to pursue cultivation because mortals couldn¡¯t keep up with us?¡±


    ¡°I wish.¡± Newt was surprised just how much honesty was packed in those two words spoken as a sigh. He wished he was the bastard. That Jasmine had not sullied herself. That she was not the kind of person she was.


    He drew a breath and breathed out, washing away those useless emotions.


    ¡°She turned out to be a whore.¡± The word still stung, but Dandelion was right, you had to call the things as they were. Everything else was a delusion. ¡°She gave herself to a local sect¡¯s young master, hoping to leech cultivation resources off of him. An odd twist of fate happened, and that young master¡¯s father became a good friend of mine. He even let me beat up his son to cleanse myself of a heart demon.¡±


    Newt turned around, and the look of shock on his friends¡¯ faces was priceless.


    ¡°No?¡± Obi said, while Jasmine immediately went to the offense.


    ¡°You¡¯re pulling our legs! You¡ª¡±


    Newt spoke before she could continue. ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth, and the girl¡¯s name was Jasmine.¡±


    The woman took the statement like a slap. She opened her mouth to argue, but dared not. What if Newt was telling the truth and she kept poking at an old wound for no good reason?


    ¡°I swear it¡¯s true. Elder Stronggrow said that those cultivators have taken residence in her family¡¯s home, so it will be easy enough to confirm.¡±


    The party found themselves drowned in an extreme case of awkward silence, and Newt let his feet lead the way. He wondered what someone else¡¯s friends would have done with the information he had given Obi and the rest. Would they poke jokes? Would they never mention anything regarding marriage, partners, and relationships? Maybe they burned down the offender¡¯s house?


    Nah, definitely not that.


    In legends about cultivators Newt had read, similar things often occurred. The heroes sometimes pretended nothing had ever happened, sometimes they slaughtered entire clans, and sometimes they shamed the offenders and demanded reparations.


    Newt preferred the first option. Had Elder Stronggrow not mentioned that the cultivators who were antagonizing the Blazing Salamander clan had taken up residence in Jasmine¡¯s home, Newt never would have entered the town again.


    He was beyond the pettiness of his childhood, when he wanted for others to envy him, his heritage, and his wealth. In fact, the way he had acted as a child was the main reason Newt wanted to never enter the humble little town in his lifetime.


    He held back a sigh and turned left. An opulent mansion stood behind an eight-foot-tall, whitewashed wall. The massive red gate studded in brass was wide enough to fit a triceratops, flanked by two pairs of armed and armored guards and a pair of potted bushes sprouting red and white flowers.


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    Newt¡¯s eyes paused on the massive brass rings, recalling how he had tried and failed to lift one when he was eight years old. Nine years later, he could punch a hole through the three-feet-thick stone wall surrounding the estate.


    He stopped before the guards, his friends stopping three steps behind him, giving Newt enough space to do whatever he needed to do.


    ¡°Good day,¡± Newt addressed the guards with respect most cultivators would not spare for mortals barring their path. ¡°I¡¯m Newstar of the Blazing Salamander clan, and from what I understand you have some gentlemen here causing troubles for my family. Could you summon them?¡±


    ¡°Piss¡ª¡± Newt slapped the man so fast the other three were still smiling when he crumpled to the ground.


    Newt looked down with disdain. He had used no spiritual energy, reined in his strength, and yet the man¡¯s jaw was broken, blood seeping out of his swelling mouth, followed by a tooth.


    Newt shook his head and glanced at the knocked out guard¡¯s partner. ¡°Now.¡±


    The man ran inside like a tyrannosaurus was at his heels, and the two who remained stared at Newt, eyes wide with terror.


    ¡°Never would have guessed our refined, young teammate was so prone to violence.¡± Obsidian chuckled, and Newt rolled his eyes at his antics.


    Even in a serious, dramatic situation, the man was cracking jokes.


    Newt stood, still as a statue. In his mind¡¯s eye, he was patience made flesh, while the guards thought him a demon incarnate.


    ¡°Who dares attack our residence!¡± An enraged voice came from somewhere beyond the wall.


    Somehow, a mere handful of words made Newt¡¯s lip twist in disgust. At first he thought it was the casual manner in which the speaker had claimed the residence as his own, but when the men jumped across the wall to meet him, Newt found the sensation extended to all five of them.


    Something about them is revolting.


    Newt felt like the statement was not quite precise enough, and he realized the next moment when the speaker opened his mouth.


    They are unnatural.


    ¡°Your clan¡¯s elders owe us spirit gems, and now you have come here to attack us.¡± The man was fat, his face flushed. The red seemed like his natural skin tone, not the result of anger.


    Newt scanned them with his third eye, finding all five were in the later layers of the third realm, eights and nines, with the fat leader sitting firmly at the peak of the third realm. They were all water cultivators with hints of air, fire, and earth.


    Newt thought he saw it wrong, he had never seen such murky auras.


    ¡°I am not here to attack anyone,¡± Newt said with a bloodied man lying by his feet. ¡°I am here to make things clear. My clan only has two elders, and they haven¡¯t left the clanhold in moons. We have banished five others for treason, and they are no longer part of the clan, merely exiles. If they have borrowed gold or spirit gems from you, they are their own men, their debts are their own, and they should settle them.¡±


    ¡°Kid, fuck off! You¡¯re not scamming us with that nonsense! Do you want us to kill them?¡±


    Newt blinked. He was shocked because he really did not care if these bandits actually killed Brave and the rest. If that was what they deserved, if that¡¯s the scale of their debt, it was perfectly fine if the five unknown cultivators executed them.


    ¡°Well,¡± Newt hesitated about speaking his thoughts, but fortunately he found a way out. ¡°You could enslave them, take the spirit gems you get for them, and settle their debt.¡±


    ¡°Their useless asses ain¡¯t worth a hundredth of what they owe us!¡±


    Newt burst into laughter, nearly doubling over, stunning the five and his friends alike.


    ¡°Sorry, sorry.¡± He waved his hand at the fatty. ¡°I just can¡¯t believe there¡¯s someone dumb enough to give others resources over one hundred times the person¡¯s own worth. What did they do with so many spirit gems? Where did the five of you get that much wealth? If you had such wealth, why are all your weapons shabby gear fit for second realmers?¡±


    Newt looked up, his glare solid as steel.


    ¡°Who the hell do you think you¡¯re trying to scam? I want you gone from the region by sunset, or you¡¯ll regret the day you were born.¡±


    Newt could not believe the words coming out of his mouth, but he was angry, disgusted, and the ridiculous scam felt like a slap to his clan¡¯s honor.


    ¡°Kid, hand over the money or your clan¡¯s land before we kill your low realm ass.¡± The fatty shredded even the vaguest pretense and jumped straight to open threats. ¡°You think being in a sect will keep you safe? We outnumber you five to four, we have higher realms, and outclass you. And if you think your boss will protect you, you can¡¯t cry foul if you¡¯re dead.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Newt was dumbfounded. ¡°How many times have you done this? How many people have you killed?¡±


    He had a feeling the answer was a lot. The five before him were unorthodox cultivators, building their realm on a pile of corpses.


    Even if the clan paid them, they would¡¯ve attacked and robbed everything they could.


    Then Newt¡¯s thoughts turned to his uncle, living a good life by ruining others.


    ¡°How many lives have you ruined?¡±


    The fatty laughed, then his grimace vanished, turning into ice. ¡°Kill them.¡±

 Chapter 125 - Bloody Hell

    29th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The four lower-layer cultivators drew strange sabers. The weapons¡¯ flat sides were jagged, covered in barbs and hooks, striking or grabbing the usually safe sides with bare hands would cost Newt a chunk of flesh.


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle them.¡± Newt growled at his teammates to stand back, and they did, while the two guards trembled by the door, still petrified. Newt glanced at the poor mortals and retreated so as not to implicate them in the battle of cultivators.


    ¡°You handle us?¡±


    ¡°Tear him to pieces!¡±


    The men charged, slashing at Newt from all angles.


    Newt¡¯s skin rippled as Granite Crust¡¯s black scales manifested, Magmin Scales burning beneath them.


    Danger sense registered nothing, no attacks, no threats, and Newt decided to capture the men alive.


    And do what with them, exactly? Bring them over to the Explorer¡¯s Gate and then what?


    No. The men were hardened criminals, and death or crippling were the best way to handle them.


    Newt whipped the glaive off his back, blocking one strike, and sending a blast of fire at the attackers as his improved Firewall scorched them. At least, Newt thought the technique would burn his enemies, but all of them manifested shields of water, countering his flame.


    Two came at him from the flanks. Newt stabbed at one, who dodged the blow, then smashed the butt end of his glaive into the other. The third and fourth man came straight at him, using the opening their two comrades had made.


    Flames danced atop Newt¡¯s glaive, turning the weapon into a fiery serpent, and Newt spun. Fiery shaft struck the closer one. The man flew back with a grunt, but the other one slammed his saber against Newt. Granite Crust drew some more spiritual energy, balancing the extra fire energy Newt was flaring with, but that bit of extra wasted energy was the extent of the damage.


    The man had over-committed, though. Newt¡¯s left let go of the glaive, and his hand grabbed the cultivator¡¯s throat. The water barrier creaked, but held. Then, fire burst from Newt¡¯s palm. Water turned to steam, and the man¡¯s head was ablaze.


    He opened his mouth in a silent scream, but fire consumed the air. The cultivator¡¯s flesh turned black, and Newt¡¯s stomach flipped.


    Furious howls exploded all around, and the remaining three men grew frenzied. One charged Newt, but the other two charged the mortal guards, stunning Newt. Abandoned by his comrades, the cultivator stood no chance in a one against one. Newt swung his glaive at the attacker, most of his focus still on the two pouncing at the guards.


    The man attacking him unleashed a nauseating stench. His eyes turned red, and he swung his saber to meet Newt¡¯s weapon, but he was too weak. Newt¡¯s blazing glaive threw the saber to the ground. A shield of water painted crimson before the brilliant flame, sprang into existence, but failed to stop the glaive¡¯s descent, which bisected the cultivator in the stench of burning flesh.


    Newt barely acknowledged what had happened as the other two cultivators skewered the mortals. The sabers glowed with an unnatural red light. The blades siphoned the blood from the guards¡¯ terrified bodies, turning them into withered mummies, and Newt¡¯s head spun with the realization.


    The men before him were not unorthodox cultivators. They followed a demonic path.


    ¡°Well, now you¡¯ve done it.¡± The fatty said, drawing his own weapon, which was of a higher quality than those of his minions. He stabbed the blade into the guard Newt had slapped unconscious, shriveling him into a prune.


    ¡°We were planning to take your clan¡¯s riches and lands, but I guess now it¡¯s personal. I can¡¯t just let old two and three die without washing their lives with the lifeblood of everyone in your clan.¡± The fatty licked his lips, his runic weapon filling Newt with unease.


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    Newt glanced back; Obi and the rest had drawn their weapons.


    ¡°I can handle them, you keep yourselves safe.¡±


    He looked at the three enemies fanning out before him, opening up a bit of distance, drawing them away from his teammates. Then, the fatty stabbed his saber into the corpse of his nearly bisected friend.


    The blade shone with an even fiercer light, drinking blood while the other two once more moved to flank Newt, but after having their fill, the weapons suddenly turned dangerous to Newt¡¯s senses.


    ¡°Are you the Blood Cult?¡± Newt growled.


    Fatty¡¯s eyes turned wide, surprised for the first time. ¡°What does a kid like you know of the Blood Cult?¡±


    Dammit. Newt had spoken quietly enough so his friends could not overhear, but the fatty had no such qualms.


    ¡°What an ugly face,¡± the fatty continued. ¡°Did you try to join, but they rejected you? The cult doesn¡¯t hand out its sacred teachings to just anyone. Especially not dead kids.¡±


    He lunged forward, his two teammates once more attacking from the flanks, but Newt suddenly sensed no danger from the fatty. In the next moment, the fatty stabbed his saber into the other former comrade, and Newt¡¯s flanks were exposed.


    Both flared with phantom pain, and he jumped forward, gracefully rolling despite wielding a glaive. The fatty seemed just as surprised and abandoned the corpse while his allies¡¯ sabers clashed.


    Newt slashed horizontally, but the fatty dropped to the ground, his arm sinking into the corpse. Newt wanted to stop him, but phantom pain flared in his back. He spun, his glaive whirling like death, severing a cultist at the waist, forcing the other to jump.


    The man tried to follow his leader¡¯s example, his clawed hand stabbing into his friend¡¯s still living torso. The dying man squealed, but Newt would not let the cultist drain his ally. His glaive fell, beheading the cultist.


    Newt spun around, but he was too late. The fatty had already turned his former ally into a withered husk, disturbing red runes glowing on his arms, blood flowing up from his hand, towards his shoulders.


    He seemed to be in a trance, and Newt jumped at him. Glaive slashed down, but the fatty suddenly opened his eyes. They glowed crimson. The fatty sidestepped, saber sweeping upwards, meeting Newt¡¯s weapon. Fire and blood clashed, a rain of sparks falling atop the red-eyed man.


    ¡°I will drain you, boy. Your blood will flow through me and push me to the fourth realm. I will eat your parents and siblings.¡± The fatty licked his lips, looking behind Newt. ¡°I will eat your women.¡±


    ¡°Obi! Don¡¯t come anywhere near! I can handle him.¡±


    ¡°You stand no chance.¡± The blood flowed from a corpse not two yards behind Newt. It rose into the air, seeping through nothing towards the cultist¡¯s hand. ¡°You are strong, but this town is full of blood.¡±


    The cultist jumped back towards the mansion and tried to push Newt back. Newt¡¯s body was too strong, and instead of pushing him back, the fatty pushed himself forward. Newt reached out for the ground, rising the paved road. The bump, combined with the sudden surge of motion tripped the fatty.


    Newt swung down with his glaive to finish the job, but the stream of blood turned solid. The fatty blocked the glaive, intercepting the shaft. The blood made solid shattered, landing on the ground in a spray, but it had bought its master enough time. The cultist rolled away, Newt¡¯s glaive smashing the cobbles into molten pieces.


    Fire Burst propelled Newt to the side, and he swung his glaive again at the fleeing fatty when a sudden stab of phantom pain made him launch himself into the air. A javelin of blood shot out of the cultist¡¯s hand and below Newt¡¯s feet, the blood sigils disappearing from his skin and eyes.


    The fatty¡¯s nimble run faltered, his speed dropped, as did the glaive¡¯s head, which severed his arm.


    He screamed as his arm fell, but bizarrely, instead of spraying, the blood flowed out of the severed limb, back towards his body, while the stumped arm did not bleed at all.


    Newt knew there was another trick. Something the fatty could do with that blood, so he did not let him. He swept the glaive upwards diagonally while jumping ahead of the fatty, beheading him mid jump.


    Newt panted. His head snapped left and right as he scanned the empty street, the bodies, and the blood splattered all around. His guts churned, but instead of squatting and heaving, he summoned flames and burned the cultists¡¯ bodies to ash. He had no idea whether they could somehow reassemble themselves, heal, combine or whatever dead Blood Cult members did after dying.


    ¡°What¡­ Was that?¡± Jasmine spoke first, reminding Newt of yet another problem. What was he supposed to tell his friends? The Blood Cult was a taboo subject.


    ***


    What in the heaven¡¯s name are Blood Cult initiates doing here? Sect Master expected something bad to happen, but cultists appearing in broad daylight, revealing their powers? The imperials are going to crawl all over the region.


    Flameax calmed. He considered the situation rationally, what his duty was. Imperial law dictated that reporting the cultists was paramount. Newstar¡¯s safety was paramount. What if a senior cult member appeared in the few hours Flameax would need to deliver the news to the nearest authority outpost?


    In the end, he dared not risk Newstar¡¯s safety.


    I guess I¡¯m now paying for the days of boredom in the Savage Wood.

 Chapter 126 - Fallen Elders

    29th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    While deciding that Newstar¡¯s safety was paramount was well and good, Elder Flameax still had choices to make. Important choices. A nearby city had a library, and a library was an imperial outpost, technically. Each library had a senior librarian at fourth realm or higher to evaluate the worth of knowledge shared, and that senior librarian was also the representative of the empire. Kind of.


    If I fly over there and back, I¡¯ll return in fifteen minutes.


    Elder Flameax bit his lips. Fifteen minutes were a blink. Fifteen minutes were thousands of exchanged blows for cultivators at his realm.


    If a fight between sixth realmers breaks out, this whole town will disappear in the exchange, let alone Newstar. And that¡¯s not even considering whether I can win against a sixth realm blood cultist.


    Elder Flameax would have preferred to take Newstar with him, but that could be ruinous for his cultivation, knowing such a high realm figure was protecting him would remove all sense of danger from this and future missions.


    The boy started burning the bodies down on the ground.


    The longer I delay, the greater the odds the potential danger arrives here.


    Seconds trickled by, and Elder Flameax finally decided to rush off to whatever the local city was called.


    Black Fist Gate. Flameax recalled the name solely because a small-time sect dared use the word gate in its name.


    The spiritual energy ripple of their fight was so minor that any master within range of detecting it would have arrived already.


    With that thought, he was off. Farmland flashed beneath him, no spiritual energy signatures worth noting anywhere. Minutes later, Elder Flameax hovered above the library, flaring spiritual energy to get the librarian¡¯s attention.


    An elderly woman at the fifth realm flew to meet him, air attributed spiritual energy swirling around her.


    ¡°Honored librarian, pardon my rudeness.¡± Elder Flameax respectfully inclined his head, despite being at the higher realm. ¡°I¡¯m in a hurry, on a secret mission for my sect, but I must report something. My sect¡¯s junior members have slain a group of Blood Cult initiates in the town of Harthow, near the Dragon¡¯s Rest volcano. Please inform the authorities.¡±


    The woman¡¯s stern features switched from annoyance to shock.


    ¡°Thank you for notifying me, elder of the Explorer¡¯s Gate, I will pass the word. How many did your students encounter?¡±


    ¡°Five, one a step away from the fourth realm, the rest at high layers of the third.¡± Elder Flameax cupped his fists. ¡°I really need to go. Even this brief trip is a grave breach of my mission. Once more, pardon my rudeness.¡±


    Elder Flameax shot back towards the site of the carnage, dearly hoping nothing bad had happened, but ignoring his duty towards the empire could have had grave consequences for the Explorer¡¯s Gate.


    He could only hope Newstar and his team could survive without getting into trouble for a quarter of an hour. He sped up and hoped extra hard.


    ***


    Newt burned the cultists¡¯ bodies, hopefully stopping them from coming back to life, transforming into blood, possessing someone else¡¯s body, or whatever else they could do with their heretical powers. He had a feeling that he had to destroy every trace of blood to be safe from them.


    And once he was done, his teammates stared at him in horror. Paranoia died down. His regular train of thought continued, and most of it turned to controlling his stomach. He covered his mouth and nose with the inner side of his elbow.


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    What do I do? Why? How? How the hell did my clan get involved in this mess? Suddenly, his murderous glare turned towards the mansion. Those fucking morons! Borrow money from the Blood Cult? I¡¯m gonna kill them.


    ¡°Wait for me here, guys. I¡¯ll explain everything later.¡± Newt leaped over the gate without waiting for a response and landed into an ornate courtyard. It had not changed a bit in the five years since he had last seen it. The garden with an artificial pond was abandoned, the ornamental yellow and red fish swimming lazily the only sign of movement.


    Newt ignored the lack of people and stomped towards the mansion, leaving cracks and shallow dents in the stone-paved path with each step.


    ¡°Where are you hiding you degenerates? Was nearly ruining the clan not enough for you, but you needed to take one last piss at what your ancestors have built?¡± Newt roared with fury, disgust, and pain he felt.


    His mind failed to comprehend how or why someone would go to such lengths to destroy everything their seniors had built.


    ¡°I¡¯ll hunt you down if I have to,¡± he shouted, walls shaking as spiritual energy leaked into his voice. ¡°And if you force me to go searching for you, I promise you¡¯ll regret the day you were born.¡±


    Newt¡¯s threats yielded no effect. The courtyard was dead calm, even the colorful semionotus had fled to the bottom of the pond.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he growled. Granite Crust covered his skin, Magmin Scales lit up beneath it.


    Earth rumbled as he moved towards the main mansion, a haze dancing above his head as the air surrounding him grew scalding hot. Hotheads were notorious for their temper, extreme emotions fueling the element, and Newt was seething.


    He reached the door, and grabbed the knob, but it twisted like dough, then melted in his hand. Newt shook the molten brass off his hand like mud and smashed the door in.


    ¡°Disgrace of the Flaming Salamander clan, where are you hiding?¡± Newt stepped onto the lacquered floor tiles and they burst into flame.


    ¡°Lord cultivator, please calm your anger.¡± Newt¡¯s unfated father-in-law cowered, kowtowing on the ground. ¡°They are chained up in the basement.¡±


    Newt was neither shocked nor angered when he heard about how his elders were treated. In fact, he thought they had received just treatment.


    ¡°Take me to them.¡± He snuffed out the surrounding flames with a thought and dismissed his defensive techniques.


    Newt followed the balding merchant, who was in his late forties. The man trembled with each step and did not dare lift his gaze to meet Newt¡¯s glare.


    With a trembling hand, Newt¡¯s guide opened the door, and the reek of blood washed over them. The merchant gagged, but Newt walked on. Down the stairs, a flame fueled by spiritual energy glowing atop his finger like a candle.


    The chamber was vast. Based on the shelves lining the walls, Newt concluded it was a wine cellar or something similar. He pressed deeper into the darkness, beyond the countless bottles, and into the next room.


    Beyond the threshold, the atmosphere changed. The spiritual energy danced strangely in Newt¡¯s third eye, twisting and twirling as if struggling to escape a current it was caught in. Soon, runes glowed in Newt¡¯s third eye. At first, they were merely solitary smears on the wall and floor, at least to his regular eyes, but something unnatural lurked beyond the stains, and the glow of spiritual energy informed him they would soon grow into large patterns.


    Newt itched with the desire to burn the whole thing, but with the immediate threat gone, he was certain a heresy hunter would appreciate it if he left as much evidence as he could in one piece. So, despite his unease, Newt pressed on, into the thicker cluster of runes and towards the second door.


    The door had a thick sigil painted in blood, not a true spell formation, but something of similar nature. Newt examined it, considering the design and the layout, he was fairly certain it was a seal of some sorts, sealing whatever was behind the door.


    Newt reached a logical conclusion about what he would seal. Prisoners. He opened the door a crack, and ankle-high water flooded out of the chamber, pushing the door open further. The coppery stench was overpowering, so much so that Newt needed several moments to realize that the water soaking his feet was red and sticky, overflowing with spiritual energy.


    Under normal circumstances, he would have been terrified, but he hardly noticed what was beneath his feet when before him stood a pile of nude, disfigured bodies.


    ¡°Help,¡± a voice croaked, and Newt nearly screamed in terror.


    He tore his gaze away from the mound of mutilated things which were once human and looked towards the wall. The walls of the room were lined with people, still living people. One of those people was the former elder of the Blazing Salamander clan, Brave.


    The once haughty man was withered, a rune carved across his torso, slowly, unnaturally seeping blood towards the ceiling. Newt recognized only two other former elders, shackled to the wall with barbed chains biting into their flesh.


    All three seemed to be unconscious, the one whispering for Newt¡¯s help was a young woman, much younger than the elders. She barely clung to life as her blood left her and climbed towards the ceiling where a giant demonic diagram devoured light. Most runes and runic arrays gave off some level of light due to minor imperfections and wasted spiritual energy, but the thing above was different.


    It was voracious. Craving blood, spiritual energy, life itself. Newt¡¯s vision swam, and he tore his gaze away from the thing.


    He did not know what it was. He had no clue what it did. But he knew one thing.


    It¡¯s alive.

 Chapter 127 - Why?

    29th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°Help,¡± the girl whimpered, snapping Newt out of his daze. He looked up, to see her deathly pale skin and the aberrant glyph marring her bare torso.


    The girl was a mere mortal maid. Newt recalled her serving tea back when they were still children, when the young miss had retainers her own age, to groom and raise to serve her for life.


    The thing in the ceiling was watching, but seeing a dying girl, Newt clenched his teeth and ran into the chamber of horror. His boots splashed as he circled around the stacked bodies, heading for the chained up serving girl.


    He passed others, under normal circumstances, Newt would have known the exact count, but in the bloody room, under the watchful gaze of the thing which lurked beyond the ceiling, beyond the seal, he had no clue how many people were suspended between him and the dying girl.


    Dozens, hundreds, thousands. Numbers lost meaning, since seeing even one human treated like sacrificial blood was enough to scar the budding soul.


    Newt reached the girl and helplessly stared at the steel thorns protruding from her arms. His eyes were clouded, and he had no clue how to remove them without hurting her further, so he snapped the chains.


    He picked her up as gently as he could and turned to leave. The act made something deep inside him turn more solid, more real.


    ¡°Newstar.¡±


    He ignored the pained rasp and stopped himself from sprinting out. The speed at which he moved would have pushed the broken girl beyond her ability to handle, snapping her boy. Newt walked slowly, water sloshing beneath his feet.


    Yes, it was water. Nothing more, nothing less. Water.


    ¡°He gave them Mother,¡± the dying girl whispered, her voice a flickering flame caught in a storm. ¡°He gave them Threeflower.¡±


    Her lips were blue; her fingers cold. Newt was immune to mere mortal heat and chill, but those fingers grabbing his forearm were the coldest thing that ever touched his skin. No frostworm could ever compare.


    The basement stretched into eternity. Hours must have passed in which all he could do was sense labored breath, straining to keep going, weakening by a fraction each time the frail girl breathed out.


    Rose. Rose can help.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to die.¡± Glacial fingers which gripped Newt¡¯s arm went slack.


    Tears blurred his eyes, and he lost sight beyond smears of light and darkness. Newt moved following his third eye, which told him spiritual energy still flowed with the girl¡¯s blood. She was alive, barely, merely passed out.


    She¡¯s alive. Rose can help.


    Newt repeated his mantra, seeking salvation after visiting the abyss of blood.


    ¡°Newt!¡± Obsidian shouted all of a sudden, and Newt realized he was outside.


    ¡°Heal her,¡± he croaked, and Rose was already there, motes of blue light flowing into the girl he cradled in his arms.


    ¡°Are there others? Shouldn¡¯t we recuse them?¡±


    Yes, there were others. Countless humans were used as nodes of a spell formation, bound and broken and twisted. But if his friends went down there, it would ruin them. Newt knew their forward path would be shaken, if not outright destroyed.


    He gingerly moved the girl, handing her to Jasmine.


    ¡°You stay here.¡± He wiped the tears out of his eyes, clearing his sight. ¡°I¡¯ll bring the others.¡±


    Obsidian moved to follow.


    ¡°Obi.¡± Newt¡¯s voice was sharp, but he did not know what he wanted to say. ¡°You can¡¯t go down there. I¡¯ve already seen it, but you don¡¯t have to see something like that.¡±


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    Those were the wrong words to say, and Newt knew immediately.


    ¡°And you¡¯re saying I should let my friend go through whatever¡¯s down there alone?¡±


    Yes.


    ¡°...¡± No words could find their way past Newt¡¯s lips. He just let Obsidian follow. They sprinted to the basement, and surprisingly Obsidian¡¯s reaction was nowhere nearly as bad as Newt¡¯s.


    ¡°Heavens,¡± he gasped when he saw all the blood and the bodies, but muttered curses were the extent of his reaction.


    Obsidian did not notice the thing in the ceiling watching them like a predator. The runes carved into dead and dying humans were nothing more than cruel butchery, they held no threats or tempting promises Newt sensed from them.


    It¡¯s better this way.


    The countless bodies chained to the walls were, in fact, twenty-six. Many more were thrown onto the pile, and Newt suddenly understood why there were no servants anywhere. They were all there. Used by the cultist for whatever nefarious purpose the spell formation had.


    Without any prior arrangement, Newt went left and Obi went right, checking the state of those hanging off the chains.


    The first one was dead, as was the second, and the third. The fourth person was gasping for breath. Newt broke their chain and brought them up. His mind had entered an altered state; up, down, check whether the next body was still breathing, up and down again. The movement was done in a trance, Newt¡¯s mind disconnected from reality as his body did what needed to be done.


    Then, Newt faced Elder Brave. His mindless routine shattered, and he stared at the man he respected as a child, but loathed as an adult.


    ¡°Why?¡± His voice trembled as he glared at the chained man hanging limply from the chains, blood still oozing from his runic wound. ¡°Why did you get tangled up with the Blood Cult? How could you be so stupid?¡±


    The elder looked up, his eyes taking too long before focusing on Newt.


    ¡°We never approached anyone.¡± He licked his lips, struggling to form the words. ¡°We¡¯ve been staying with the Steelwheels ever since you kicked us out of the clan. Then, one day, Patriarch Steelwheel brought a group of higher realm cultivators who captured us and brought us down here. They have been torturing us for days, weeks. I don¡¯t know how long.¡±


    Newt stared blankly as Brave passed out. His lips moved, mouthing silent words, ¡°If they weren¡¯t the ones, and if it was Jasmine¡¯s dad¡ª¡±


    His head snapped back towards the exit. A sudden urge overwhelmed Newt, a desire to tear Jasmine¡¯s father to pieces. Him and his entire filthy family. Why did he do it? Why did Jasmine do what she had done to him?


    Newt almost ran to hunt him down. But he did not. He focused on the more important thing. On the human lives before him. On people needing his help.


    He broke Elder Brave¡¯s chains and carried him out, laying him on the courtyard¡¯s soft grass for Rose to heal when she got to it. Twelve people were already sleeping, covered with tablecloths Obsidian¡¯s sister had pilfered from the mansion.


    Two more were waiting for healing while Rose covered her latest patient, moving towards an unconscious, withered man, who seemed somewhat familiar to Newt.


    ¡°Two more to check,¡± Obsidian said, lowering another wounded on the grass.


    Newt nodded. They went back underground together and returned empty handed a minute later. Fifteen out of twenty-seven still lived, Elder Brave being the only surviving Blazing Salamander. Newt thought about the pile of bodies, at least fifty people were stacked atop each other there. His stomach no longer twisted. It boiled instead. He was seething with fury. He was angry at everything and everyone. The dumb elders, his dumb uncle, dumb Jasmine, her dumb father¡ª


    Her father!


    Newt turned around and looked at Obsidian.


    ¡°Obi, can you take care of things here? I have something else left to do.¡±


    Obsidian nodded without a word, his grim expression more than enough to show his determination.


    Newt ran into the mansion. Overturning everything as he searched for the one behind the disaster.


    Why? The question hammered at his sanity. He clenched his teeth, searching for the sick, sadistic bastard.


    That irrelevant, tiny, evil man brought the Blood Cult in their quiet little town. He sacrificed his servants. He sacrificed Newt¡¯s kin, and intended to push the rest of his clan off the cliff. Why? Why did he do that?


    Was the inconspicuous patriarch of a mortal family a hidden member of the Blood Cult? Was he their supporter? Newt did not know, but he planned to find out.


    He searched every nook of the vast manor, checked every corner, every secret chamber his eyes detected, and he found nothing out of the ordinary, and no sign of the target of his ire.


    He fled. Newt ran out of the complex, onto the street. Not a single person could be seen. Newt was momentarily terrified. He feared the Blood Cult might have sacrificed the entire town, but then he saw timid eyes hiding behind the window shutters. The wooden covers were opened just a crack, enough for those looking out to see what was happening in the street.


    ¡°Did anyone see where Old Steelwheel had run off to?¡± Newt¡¯s voice boomed in the street, but no response came.


    ***


    ¡°You will now tell me how and why you got involved with those men.¡± Elder Flameax told his prisoner, who hung off a tree, just out of sight of town walls. If any emergency happened, he could appear by Newstar¡¯s side in a blink, but until then, he had a suspect to interrogate.


    After all, no innocent man fled his own home if he was really held hostage by the cultists.

 Chapter 128 - Confession

    29th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°They¡¯ll kill me.¡± The flabby mortal squealed, hanging upside down.


    Elder Flameax had heard plenty of inane things in his long life, but despite that he had trouble believing his ears.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be that dumb, saying something like that to a man who has a choice between roasting you slowly, piece by piece, or handing you over to the heresy hunters. Now, I know you¡¯re a mortal and know next to nothing about the order of heresy hunters, but I¡¯ll enlighten you. Me roasting you is the preferable of the two options before you.¡±


    Elder Flameax waited, observing as realization dawned on the merchant¡¯s face.


    ¡°What?¡± he asked. ¡°You thought orthodox means we are nice? You are at least half a demonic cultist, an outlaw. Whatever I do to you is justified and up to my discretion. Now start talking.¡±


    A flame danced, making a thin band around the patriarch Steelwheel¡¯s toe. ¡°Or start melting.¡±


    ¡°Wait! They made me do it! All of it!¡±


    All of it? There was more?


    Elder Flameax remained silent, his scorching glare intensifying while the upside down demonic cultist, or cult collaborator, gulped.


    ¡°They approached me six years ago, offering great wealth and an opportunity to take over the Blazing Salamander clan¡¯s territory in exchange for my help. They wanted to destroy the family, to buy or enslave them, and I was to accommodate that plan.¡±


    The man¡¯s face grew flushed as blood slowly flowed down towards his head.


    ¡°I knew Victor was weak-willed. He often came to drink and talk with me. I have earned his trust and used his hatred for cultivation and his elder brother. With a handful of coin, fine wine, and fine women, I tempted him into rebelling against his brother. The task was simple enough. My mysterious patron provided me with shackles which could bind cultivators and suppress their cultivation, which I forwarded to him. In exchange, Victor was supposed to give us his brother and sister-in-law, but he somehow found a wandering slaver, who offered him more, so he paid me out with spirit gems.¡±


    The traitorous merchant had trouble breathing, and Elder Flameax flipped him over, smacking his butt against the thick branch. Steelwheel grunted, but kept talking, terrified of the Explorer¡¯s Gate elder.


    ¡°My supporters were furious, but forgave the loss of two hostages. Instead, they funneled wealth through me into the Blazing Salamander clan. They bought their spirit gems for lavish, high quality wines, women, and mundane wealth. Victor bought all of his wives through me, pushing himself into a crippling debt.¡±


    Patriarch Steelwheel paused, looking down.


    ¡°Then things fell apart. My good-for-nothing son-in-law suddenly became a cultivator, killed his uncle, and exiled the elders, somehow leaving enough wealth with his clan to pay off their debts to me. When my mysterious supporters learned of this, they told me they would come in person to handle the matter.¡±


    The flabby man choked, barely finding his breath.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know what they would do. The Blazing Salamander clan¡¯s elders were my guests, they suspected nothing, and neither did I. The madmen came three weeks ago. They captured the elders and forced them to sign fake receipts, creating a fictional debt. Then, Blazing Salamander clan¡¯s elders disappeared. I knew they had taken them to the basement. I¡ª¡± The Blood Cult collaborator stammered. ¡°I had no idea they were being sacrificed. Then they asked me for pretty girls, just to have fun with, but once I sent one she would never return. It happened again and again¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop lying,¡± Elder Flameax said flatly. ¡°Has nobody ever told you that those beyond the fifth realm can read lies? You knew exactly who your mysterious patrons were, what they were planning, and you fed them humans without mercy.¡±


    The man paled beneath the simmering Elder Flameax, holding his hands up to shield himself from the heat.


    ¡°You¡¯re a thrall, a fool hoping what? That they would share their techniques and make you a member of their cult? That they would make you immortal? Make your declining body young again?¡±


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    Flameax scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re a wretch. Even demonic cultists require some sort of talent, and had you possessed it, they would have recruited you straight away. As for everything else they could have offered, it was all a sham. Once you outlived your use, they would have bled you out to feed one of their spell formations.¡±


    Flameax¡¯s fury boiled, but he kept calm, the haze around him the only clue of his emotions.


    ¡°You know, the Blood Cult, and all other cults, are only possible because of scum like you. Mortals spreading their influence like cancer, searching for victims and potential members to warp into their insane teachings.¡±


    Flameax wanted to incinerate the petty, disgusting fool, but did not.


    ¡°I¡¯ll turn you in to the heresy hunters.¡±


    They will do far worse things to you than I ever could.


    ***


    ¡°Newt, what¡¯s going on?¡± Rose asked the long-awaited question.


    The moment Newt dreaded had finally come. Once more, he had to decide what to tell his friends. He would, no, could not lie to them. So he could either tell them they should not know yet, or he could tell them the truth.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t know about this kind of cultivators.¡± Newt uttered the words, then realized he should let his friends decide. ¡°So we could drop this matter and say you only know of the name Blood Cult, and that they are no good; nothing else, or I could give you the few details I know, but you will risk the wrath of our sect¡¯s elders.¡±


    As the saying goes, curiosity killed the velociraptor. The three took barely a moment, exchanging glances, before reaching a decision.


    ¡°We want to know,¡± they said in unison.


    ¡°All right, so you know of the basic division into orthodox, unorthodox, and demonic. Right?¡±


    They nodded.


    ¡°Well, if I understand things correctly, there are different types of demonic cultivators. One of the main branches is the Blood Cult. I¡¯m guessing their members are mostly water cultivators, but instead of water, their chosen element is blood. They use blood of others to cultivate, to fight, and to heal themselves.¡±


    Newt paused.


    ¡°I¡¯m also guessing that other demonic cults all have specific base elements, twisted into a demonic form. Maybe air for ghosts and earth for bones, but that¡¯s my speculation.¡± What would the fire deviants cultivate? Body heat?


    ¡°There are various orders hunting these cultists all over the empire, and you probably know of heresy hunters, which are an imperial organization created with the purpose of hunting demonic cultivators.¡± Newt considered what else he could tell his friends. ¡°At the sect, they told me that talking about demonic cults is forbidden, and that I would be informed of everything once I reached the fifth realm and somehow joined in on the demon hunting, I guess? I can tell you that the old librarian glared murder at me when I asked about her about books on the Blood Cult. She really seemed to be considering killing me outright.¡±


    Newt bit his lip, thinking about everything else he knew while gazing at the sleeping victims. The girl he saved was breathing evenly, her cheeks still pale. She was alive though. A life he snatched from the jaws of death. A life he protected.


    He realized he was silently staring at an unconscious woman and raised his head to meet his friend¡¯s gazes.


    What else?


    His dream or vision was a personal experience, one about which neither his master, nor the sect master, had interrogated him about beyond the most basic questions.


    In fact, it was his master¡¯s slip of the tongue that introduced him to the concept of the Blood Cult.


    ¡°And you know this, how?¡± Rose said, while Obi had a much more practical question.


    ¡°Why is the Blood Cult in your hometown?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why they are here. Based on what my clan¡¯s former elder said, they captured the ones I banished and used their blood, but I have no idea what their purpose was.¡±


    Newt had an inkling of an idea, though. Maybe they were looking for Magmin¡¯s realm? Maybe there was something special in the Blazing Salamander bloodline or in their territory?


    ¡°And how do you know about them?¡± Rose repeated her question.


    ¡°Master had a slip of the tongue after I ended up in the Chamber of Healing. Then I asked around until the librarian threatened to dismember me. The rest are my guesses and deductions.¡±


    Rose nodded, but Jasmine had more to say.


    ¡°What did you realize when you forgot to answer Rose¡¯s question?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Newt shrugged. ¡°I was thinking of potential reasons why the Blood Cult would be here. What I came up with was that something was special with my family¡¯s blood, or there might be some treasure or something similar they want to claim in our territory.¡±


    Newt smiled. It was an awkward, but honest smile.


    ¡°I really want to be frank with you, to confess everything, but on this subject, I just don¡¯t know all that much. I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t tell you more about the Valley of the Lost, the disciplinary venerable forbade me from talking about it with anyone, including my own master.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you told us already. It¡¯s fine, really. You said you¡¯d tell us when you get the permission, right?¡±


    Newt nodded, thinking Roselilly was probably the only one of his friends who was ever going to learn his secret, and he was uncertain even about her. She was the healing venerable¡¯s direct disciple, that probably meant she had the potential to rise really high, but how far she could go depended on her and her alone.


    ¡°What now?¡± Jasmine gestured towards the slumbering Blood Cult victims, derailing Newt¡¯s train of thought.


    ¡°We can take them back to the clan. Most of these people were Steelwheel family¡¯s slaves, and given the way they treated them, I think they would have much better lives serving my clan.¡±

 Chapter 129 - Say What?

    29th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    After conscripting the terrified locals to help carry the unconscious Blood Cult victims to his clanhold, Newt and his friends went back up the slopes of the Dragon¡¯s Rest volcano.


    So, could you guys not tell Elder Stronggrow about what happened? The thought passed through Newt¡¯s mind half a dozen times in less than five minutes it took to climb the mountain. He knew it was silly and unrealistic, and that the townsfolk would bring fifteen unconscious people, whose presence he would have to explain eventually. Not to mention that he and Obi were drenched in blood.


    ¡°I guess the feast is ready.¡± Newt said instead, faking a cheery voice. ¡°But maybe a bath is in order first? I¡¯m sorry that the visit to my clan turned out like this.¡±


    Blood stained Newt¡¯s and Obsidian¡¯s robes. Rose was better, a mere splatter or two on the hem of her sleeves, but as a good host, Newt should arrange for servants to wash their clothes and provide suitable replacements.


    When they reached the gate, Elder Stronggrow was already waiting.


    ¡°Honored guests,¡± he started in what must have been a practiced speech only for his calm tone to take on a higher pitch. ¡°Why are you bloody? What happened? Is anyone wounded?¡±


    The old man went through a rainbow of emotions, he started calm and polite, moving through shock and fear, and resting in the realm of confused worry. All four of his guests appeared fine, but Newt and Obi were covered in too much blood for men wearing undamaged robes.


    ¡°Teacher, we will discuss this later. The Steelwheels were hurting and abusing people. I have arranged for several of their victims to arrive in an hour or two. As for what happened, we should discuss it behind closed doors.¡±


    Newt glanced back.


    ¡°And could you have some servants draw baths for us, maybe find replacement robes while they wash ours?¡±


    An hour later, Newt was done soaking, his smooth, crimson robe caressing his skin. Even though it made no sense, the destitute clan¡¯s young master¡¯s robe proved much more comfortable than a large sect¡¯s disciple robe.


    The sect can¡¯t be too poor to afford nicer uniforms, there must be a reason behind it.


    Newt snapped his sleeves straight with well-measured tugs, fastened his sword to his waist, and strapped his spear to his back before heading out of his private bathroom to see how his friends were doing. As expected, Obi was done. The girls were not.


    ¡°When¡ª¡±


    ¡°About this time tomorrow.¡± Obi chuckled. ¡°You know how women are. I bet their robes will be dry before they are.¡±


    A slipper-smacked Obsidian in the back of the head. ¡°Who¡¯s gonna stay in the bath an entire day, you dumb kidney stone?¡±


    Jasmine was walking over, slapping her palm with the other shoe, which was ready to serve as a second improvised missile. Roselilly followed two steps behind, her lips hidden behind the back of her hand, but her snicker loud enough for Newt to hear.


    The red and orange robes suited the girls well. Obsidian was not as fortunate. He was too tall even for the biggest robe Elder Stronggrow managed to obtain in a hurry, and cultivator-style capri pants and a top with three-quarter length bracelet sleeves was ridiculous.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go enjoy that feast!¡± Newt hurried to say before Jasmine could make further fun of her slipper-smacked brother. ¡°We¡¯ve earned some rest.¡±


    ***


    Stronggrow Blazing Salamander tried to be a good host. He tried to be a proper role model, one his budding patriarch could look up to. Obviously, he did a poor job of it. Newstar came back home, unannounced. The young patriarch had brought three fellow sect-members of the third realm to their home, with no preparation, no thought of what they should do, and worse, he took them to drive away some villains trying to scam their clan out of their property.


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    Then it turned out those scammers were, in fact, demonic cultivators sacrificing people in their clan¡¯s territory and that the heresy hunters would pay the clan a visit to explore the extent of the corruption and possibly upturn the entire region.


    The only pieces of good news were that Newstar and his friends had suffered no harm, and that the Blazing Salamander clan had nothing to do with demonic cultivators.


    Both of those were important, but did not make the thought of heresy hunters swarming the area any less unpleasant.


    He¡¯s happy. That thought pushed away his worries.


    Instead of sitting in an elevated position, overseeing the feast, Newstar was sharing the table with his friends. They seemed like equals at first, but there were tiny signs. The three more senior cultivators walked half a step behind Stronggrow¡¯s student and young patriarch. They respected his opinion and listened to his words with interest.


    Yes, they respect him. They aren¡¯t subservient, nor are they seeking his good graces like sycophants, they genuinely care about him.


    Stronggrow smiled, the corners of his eyes growing moist. I need to thank them later.


    The old man raised his cup in a toast, happy and relieved that the troubled boy he taught was growing into a fine man.


    ***


    ¡°I¡¯m going to stroll around for a while,¡± Newt¡¯s face was hard and determined as he said the words. ¡°There are some places I¡¯d like to visit alone.¡±


    Rose and the others nodded solemnly. She guessed he was going to check on his parent¡¯s graves or something.


    Newt kept his family matters private. She never expected their roommate had an arranged marriage that fell through before he even turned twenty. And when he said he wanted to go back home, she guessed the young man had wished to see his parents, but upon reaching the clan, she learned Newt was a seventeen-year-old clan head, while his old teacher was the only person he seemed to have a close relationship with.


    The logical conclusion was that his parents were dead, and that he had inherited the clan and its burdens even before he turned seventeen. And as if all the boy¡¯s troubles were not enough, the Blood Cult suddenly appeared, spreading mayhem just as he returned to visit.


    ¡°Thank you for taking care of Newstar.¡± Newt¡¯s teacher approached their group as soon as Newt had departed. ¡°Ever since he was a child, he lacked friends. The only one he was close with was his former fiance, but that also turned into a disaster, and now with everything that has happened with her family¡­¡±


    The man stopped talking and looked into the distance. Rose followed his gaze. The view from the clanhold extended for hundreds of miles. She could see the Savage Wood, its green expanse, and equally green mountains framed by the setting sun¡¯s orange clouds.


    ¡°I hope our young patriarch hasn¡¯t caused too much trouble.¡± The elder¡¯s smile was carefree, his words a mere formality, yet uninvited thoughts flashed through Rose¡¯s mind.


    He exploded his internal organs, nearly killing himself. A concentrated ray of sunfire baked him, destroying the sect¡¯s defensive wards along with his body. He got lost in a danger zone, wandering into an area beyond his realm, but he somehow survived, and now he found one of the infamous demonic cults we¡¯re not even supposed to know about making a base in his hometown.


    If she framed things like that, Newt was a source of trouble, a major source, in fact.


    ¡°Not much trouble,¡± she said at the same time as the Deeproot twins. Too fast, too eager to reply.


    Elder Stronggrow¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°What did he do?¡±


    There was a moment of silence, then all three spoke at the same time.


    ¡°He got hurt.¡±


    ¡°He got burned.¡±


    ¡°He got lost.¡±


    They exchanged guilty glances, but the elder nervously smiled.


    ¡°Which one was it?¡±


    ¡°All three?¡± he continued awkwardly after nobody answered his question.


    ¡°Newt rarely talks about home,¡± Rose said, before the old man badgered them into snitching on Newt and what he had been doing at the Explorer¡¯s Gate. ¡°Did he go to visit his parents?¡±


    ¡°No, they are gone.¡± Stronggrow said, confirming Rose¡¯s fears before continuing. ¡°Madam sent us a letter some moons ago to tell us she was doing fine and that she has joined a sect.¡±


    Rose¡¯s eyes went wide, and she was not the only one.


    ¡°She did what?¡± Jasmine said, glaring at the confused elder.


    ¡°Madam sent us a letter to tell us she was doing fine and asked whether things were in order with the clan. She also told us the former patriarch, Newstar¡¯s father, was also doing fine, it¡¯s a little shameful to admit, but he is a renowned gladiator in some imperial city far away. She didn¡¯t mention which for some reason.¡±


    The man shrank back under Jasmine¡¯s gaze, and Rose was just as angry.


    What¡¯s wrong with this entire family? Newt lets us think his parents are dead, his father is off being a gladiator someplace, his mother is in a distant sect. What kind of parents are they? They abandoned him to be the patriarch while cultists gather at their doorstep.


    ¡°Then, where the hell did Newt go just now?¡± Jasmine demanded, while Obi struggled for breath, a step from rolling on the floor from laughter.


    ¡°I think he went to the abandoned mines,¡± the old man said hesitantly. ¡°Whenever Newstar wants to meditate in peace or think about something, he goes there. The shafts are so twisted it¡¯s next to impossible to find him until he leaves on his own.¡±

 Chapter 130 - Magmin The Third

    29th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    The dark, oppressive mine shaft was no longer dark, nor oppressive. It was a mere hole in the ground, the air thick with earth energy, tinged with extinguished fire of the ancient volcano. The wounds and humiliation attached to the place no longer stung Newt. In a handful of moons, he had grown beyond what he once was. Beyond what fate had in store for him.


    Deep underground, the double core thrummed with power. No light, no heat, no sound escaped it, but the pulses of the invisible twin hearts pulled on Newt, like the moon pulling on the ocean.


    He walked without hesitation, free of doubt and fear. He knew he would enter the realm, help Magmin, if the serpent was open to discussion, or crush it if it turned hostile. Newt reached out.


    He touched the phantasmal amalgamation of earth and fire, and the world shifted.


    Behind Newt¡¯s back inferno blazed, while the land before him stretched endlessly; deserted, without a spark of flame.


    Have you gone insane, Magmin? You haven¡¯t cultivated your realm at all! What were you doing?


    A screech echoed, and Newt snapped his head up. A titanic bird of flame soared through sky, burning the clouds, feasting on them.


    Vaguely, extremely vaguely, its shape reminded Newt of a pterosaur, of a drawing a child might scribble with a stick in the dirt when depicting an oversized pterodactylus with a wingspan of over one hundred feet.


    Just as he noticed it, the behemoth noticed Newt, who stood in a striking red robe in an otherwise black landscape. The monster shrieked again, and dove towards him.


    ¡°Preeeey!¡± it hissed.


    Magmin Scales and Granite Crust bloomed on Newt¡¯s skin. He drew his glaive, ready for Magmin¡¯s heart demon. The pterodactylus spewed fire, engulfing Newt in flames. Its talons shone white, poised to tear Newt into pieces. Glaive flashed, the heart demon shrieked, and two of its monstrous halves, cleaved by the glaive, crashed to either side of Newt. The young man ignored the fuss, and stepped forth, unharmed by the faltering flames.


    Magmin¡¯s heart demon was gone, just like that. The only thing left to do was locate Magmin and talk to it, or at least attempt to talk to it.


    Newt set out to explore the desolate realm, wondering where Magmin was hiding.


    Magmin obviously gave up on protecting itself with fire, since the heart demon must have evolved last time to contest its control over flames.


    Newt thought back to his uncle-inspired heart demon. It wanted to entrench itself in Newt¡¯s realm, to lurk and evolve. And based on how Magmin¡¯s heart demon had become a hard counter to anything Magmin could do in two mere realms, Newt¡¯s uncle would have become terrifying. Maybe even unbeatable.


    Newt walked for a handful of minutes, then started sprinting, searching for the giant serpent. An hour passed, and he saw no signs of life. Then, Newt almost fell into a hole. He leaped over it and stopped. The orifice was just over two feet in diameter, big enough for Newt to crawl down through. Too narrow to fight inside comfortably.


    What now? Newt knew Magmin was down there. Either that or a subterranean heart demon it had developed since entering the third realm.


    No, Magmin¡¯s down there. I can already see it, the clever little serpent was trying to bait the pterodactylus underground, where it couldn¡¯t fly, and crush it to death.


    Newt looked around. Magmin¡¯s plan had obviously failed, the little guy did not know that the more insidious heart demons were perfectly happy to entrench themselves where they were and evolve with their host.


    With an exasperated sigh, Newt drew his sword and started crawling, glaive in one hand, short-sword in the other. The tunnel went down at an angle until it reached the depth of twenty feet, then it bent, and after the bend Magmin had made it match the mountain¡¯s much softer incline.


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    The tunnel bent and forked, slowly becoming a complex maze of intersections and dead ends.


    ¡°Heavens!¡± Newt shouted suddenly and dropped his spear to cover his mouth.


    I could make layered networks of runes like this! Everyone uses only the surface of their realm to cultivate, but I could dig, doubling or tripling the space, depending on the depth at which the magma starts gushing out.


    Heavens!


    The significance of what he had discovered was world-toppling. Newt was tempted to dive into his realm straight away, to test his theory, when a scraping sound echoed in the tunnel.


    Magmin!


    Newt turned his head left and right, trying to catch the origin of the scraping sound, but it seemed to be coming both from behind and from ahead. Newt¡¯s heart started beating faster.


    He tried to shape the surrounding earth, to make a chamber large enough to fight in, but the element refused to obey him. Earth in Magmin¡¯s realm was firmly under Magmin¡¯s control.


    There was a dead end about two hundred yards ago.


    Newt shuffled around, trying to squeeze and turn around, but failed. The space was too narrow.


    Rush forward and hope for a dead end and gamble, or crawl in reverse for a minute, hoping for the best?


    Newt checked his danger sense; he was safe, no imminent threats.


    Back.


    Coated in Granite Crust and Magmin Scales, Newt crawled backwards as fast as he could without cutting himself and safely reached the fork with a dead end. The scraping was growing louder, Magmin was searching for him. Turning right, feet first, he was ready for an attack.


    The ground shook, and Newt wondered just how big Magmin had gotten. Suddenly, the cave wall to his left collapsed, and a pair of oar-sized limbs ending in wicked talons clawed at Newt.


    Firewall flashed, sending a torrent of flame into the hole, but the claws still dug into Newt¡¯s side. He smashed into the bedrock as the claw crushed Granite Crust¡¯s outer layer, but the middle one stopped the blow.


    Following the existing trace, Newt sprang another layer of Granite Crust just above his skin, and slashed at the claws with his sword.


    ¡°Magmin! I¡¯m here to help you handle the pterodactylus!¡±


    Is this a heart demon? When did Magmin sprout claws?


    ¡°What devilry are you?¡± The creature hissed. ¡°I defeated all my heart demons save for the blazing pterosaur. What are you?¡±


    ¡°Magmin! Listen to me! We met back when you were a mere magmin serpent. You probably don¡¯t recall, but I know you. You¡¯re a genius. You came up with the volcano and the trees which draw spiritual energy for you to help you evolve faster. You were mere twelve years old when you first evolved.¡±


    The claws stopped, then withdrew.


    ¡°All my heart demons would know that.¡± While the creature said that, it was uncertain.


    ¡°Back when you were young, you dreamed of flight, of hunting by diving at your prey from the skies.¡±


    The claws moved, parting the infinitely hard bedrock like water, widening the opening enough for the head to appear. A massive, head with huge jaws and dreadful teeth manifested itself before Newt¡¯s third eye.


    Below the head was a two-foot-long neck, below which a pair of massive, muscular arms free of shoulders grew. Each of the three-foot-long limbs had two elbows and ended in shovel-like, thumbless hands with three digits.


    ¡°What are you, and why do you know that? How are you inside my realm? Are you a hallucination?¡± Magmin glared at Newt, its saucer-sized eyes glowing in the dark, their vertical slits portals to hell.


    Magmin¡¯s gone mad. And he stayed that way until he got rid of that heart demon. But in my dream the dragon was majestic, calm, not the deranged creature standing before me.


    ¡°I know you better than you would believe. You were so proud of yourself, so full of hope when you were at the first realm.¡±


    ¡°I was a fool,¡± the spirit beast muttered. ¡°Naive, young.¡±


    It looked towards Newt¡¯s sword. ¡°Your rock claw is sharp, but you do not attack. What kind of heart demon are you?¡±


    Newt did not like the label, but he could live with it if Magmin chose to end things peacefully and allow him to leave his realm. Slaying the lindworm-creature would have taken little effort, but killing Magmin in his realm felt wrong, unjust. Newt¡¯s life and cultivation were thanks to Magmin.


    ¡°Let¡¯s say I¡¯m a heart demon.¡± Magmin raised its claws. ¡°Which I¡¯m not, but let¡¯s say you don¡¯t believe in my good intentions, and still consider me a heart demon. Would you let me live, if I tell you I have already slain the pterodactylus?¡±


    Magmin¡¯s pupils widened before narrowing back into slits.


    ¡°If you can or have slain the blazing pterosaur, I would let you live, even if you are a new heart demon, but how do we prove your claims?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s easy, we go back to the surface. You can find the truth there.¡± I just hope the heart demon stayed dead after I walked away from it, but even if it¡¯s still alive, I can slay it with hardly any effort at all.

 Chapter 131 - Peak

    30th of Season of Water, 57th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°You are trying to trick me!¡± Magmin hissed. ¡°If I climb to the surface, the blazing pterosaur will attack.¡±


    Newt stared at the creature. I did not think of that.


    ¡°What if I brought its corpse into the tunnel? Or its head?¡±


    Magmin hesitated. The lindworm looked like it was about to pounce Newt, but the question confused it.


    ¡°All right. Don¡¯t attempt to deceive me, I will be right behind you, and remember, you can¡¯t escape, little heart demon.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t, I just want to help.¡±


    Newt wanted to say more, but there was no point. What he faced was an echo of Magmin, a memory made as he advanced his realm and shattered the barrier barring his path.


    I wish I had met the real you.


    Newt honestly did, despite thinking that Magmin would have tried to devour him, like all the other spirit beasts. If Magmin was alive, his realm would have been beyond Newt¡¯s reach, and there would be nothing Newt could do to help him eliminate the pterodactylus which had terrified the serpent throughout the ages.


    So, he quietly crawled back towards the entrance, thankful for the inspiration the tunnels had offered. Even if he ignored the spiritual energy he would gain from resolving the realm, the revolutionary idea of having a layered realm was more than worth it.


    He reached the exit, then went up the gentle incline, towards where he had slain the giant, burning pterodactylus. The ground beneath his feet trembled. Magmin was digging tunnels below, following close behind Newt.


    Over an hour passed before Newt reached the corpse. The once burning pterosaur had turned into a pile of ash and embers. Inside, volcanic rocks shaped like bones still glowed with heat.


    The tremors beneath Newt¡¯s feet grew stronger, and Magmin erupted to the surface. The creature¡¯s grotesque maw twisted into a parody of a grin. It burst into cheers, tearing at the remains with its elongated claws.


    ¡°One hundred and fifty years!¡± it shrieked. ¡°You have tormented me for a century and a half, and now you¡¯re dead, you¡¯re finally dead!¡±


    Magmin jumped into the embers and wallowed in them, growling with joy. ¡°Free! Free! I am free!¡±


    Newt observed the outburst with mixed feelings. He understood just how fear and guilt could twist and torment a person, or a snake for that matter. His emotional dam bursting after a mere handful of years of suppression must have been nothing compared to what Magmin felt.


    What were you like when you finally defeated the pterodactylus? You were at the fourth realm, maybe fifth, did you shake the world? Did you roar at the heavens?


    Newt respectfully waited until Magmin calmed down. There was always a chance it would attack, but above ground, with enough room to maneuver, Newt could obliterate the giant lindworm in a move or two.


    ¡°Thank you, little heart demon,¡± Magmin said, still swimming in the ashes. ¡°You may remain in my realm for a while. I can feel my realm barrier shaking, I¡¯m about to break through, and I haven¡¯t felt better in ages. Thank you.¡±


    Before he could say anything, Newt was back in the old mine. The twin stars glowed in the dark, yet shed no light. They were brighter, promising Newt more, so much more. What did Magmin create in his fourth realm? Newt wondered, but stepped away from the pulsating stars as if they were his bane, not his blessing. But, unlike before, he did not fear defeat.


    If I advance my realm now, with hardly any cultivation, I¡¯m going to be the weakest fourth realmer ever.


    Ecstatic, alone in the deep mine, Newt sat down and entered his realm. Just as expected, his improvement was huge. He dashed to the edge of his cultivated realm, and willed a palm-wide, inch-deep fissure into existence, sending it straight towards his realm barrier.


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    He sprinted after the line as it formed and stopped where it ended.


    ¡°Ninth layer, quite close to the tenth.¡± Newt whistled. ¡°I¡¯ll be able to advance in half a year of diligent energy gathering.¡±


    Naturally, he would slack off on or even dampen his energy gathering and focus on cultivation. The next item on his agenda was digging down. With an exertion of his will, a six-foot-wide tunnel opened, heading straight down like a well.


    Five, ten, twenty, twenty-nine feet, and then Newt sensed the barrier, just like when he first dug the volcano. If he dug any deeper, he would reach the magma.


    ¡°Well, I guess that answers two of my burning questions.¡± Newt pursed his lips. ¡°Magma is close to the surface, so making the side vents won¡¯t be too much of a chore. Unfortunately, Magma is close to the surface, so I can¡¯t have many layers of tunnels. Worse, the work would require a delicate touch if I want to turn them into runes, meaning I can¡¯t do it from up here.¡±


    Newt sat down writing and drawing on the ground with his finger.


    ¡°The thinnest lines have to be two feet deep, maybe I could squeeze through a foot-and-a-half wide opening?¡± Newt tested it and found two feet were the minimal width to move without risking getting stuck.


    ¡°The thick lines are seven times as wide as the thin ones, so those tunnels will be fourteen feet in diameter¡­¡± Newt quickly reached the conclusion that he would either have a realm split into two perfect tiers, or one with three levels riddled with errors where the two underground tunnels conflicted.


    ¡°Yeah, imperfect spell formations aren¡¯t really an option. They would leak energy, have a risk of blowing up, and if an overlap happened with two errors, their results might be random, or nullify the effort of a much wider constellation of runes.¡±


    So, Newt reached his decision with little consideration, better do things safely and perfectly, than risk his realm imploding. The only way to add another tier was to halve the height of the tunnels, which was not an option, since he could not fit through the narrow ones, and they required a certain size to function.


    ¡°Now, how do I make the lava flow through them without disrupting the seals above ground?¡± The more Newt considered the logistics of his idea the more he realized, he would need years before he could enter the fourth realm. Years of careful consideration, of studying and drawing spell formations, of calibrated attempts and countless failures.


    ¡°Fifteen years,¡± he muttered. ¡°At least fifteen years, possibly twenty, if I don¡¯t shut myself off from the world and just read and draw. Pills might halve the cultivation itself, but he had missions and sect obligations, which might consume more time than the pills saved.¡±


    Not for the first time, Newt regretted Dandelion was not there. The man was a genius. Newt was certain Dandelion could finish the whole blueprint in a matter of weeks, maybe even less than a moon. And he would have done it too in exchange for Newt¡¯s latest discovery.


    ¡°Wait! Why wouldn¡¯t I reach out to him? He would cross the seas of fire and mountains of swords if it meant improving his cultivation.¡±


    Newt¡¯s lips stretched into a smile. He had a brilliant plan, and an excuse to meet up with his friend all at once. Giddy, Newt abandoned his current project, filled the holes, and then went to test out the volcanic side vent theory.


    ¡°There¡¯s one problem with this, though, side vents will accelerate my cultivation speed.¡± Newt looked at the twenty-nine-feet-deep hole, and considered whether he wanted to grow faster. The answer was one solid ¡®no¡¯. ¡°But the increase in speed I get from a single side vent is negligible, compared to the main vent.¡±


    Newt started working on the rune, when he realized there was another problem.


    ¡°The lava has to go somewhere.¡± The realization crashed against him with more weight than it had the right to have. ¡°I¡¯ve been in Magmin¡¯s realm for three-four hours, I¡¯ve been here at least two more, I still have to make the rune, dig a proper channel, and the guys are waiting for me. I¡¯m the host, and I need to be responsible, otherwise Elder Strongrow is going to nag at me. Worse, he¡¯ll clench his jaws in that pained way he always does and say nothing.¡±


    Newt always thought that stories about cultivators shutting themselves in caves and emerging a hundred years later were pure nonsense, but suddenly that sealed cave sounded like the best place in the world.


    Reluctantly, he left his realm and focused on the real world. Newt opened his eyes and slowly climbed out of the tunnels. Near the exit, dawn¡¯s orange-red glow greeted him, and Newt realized he may have spent a bit more time in the mines than he should have.


    Good thing I decided to quit early, otherwise I would¡¯ve been late.


    He hopped down the mountain, but instead of a series of jumps, he created a current of warm air on which he glided down all the way to the clanhold.


    The streets were full of life at the early hour, people going about their business, heading to work, train, or eat, and Newt¡¯s friends were waiting by the gate.


    Why are they there? They couldn¡¯t have guessed I¡¯m planning to issue an inner disciple mission for them to find Dandelion.


    ¡°Hey guys¡ª¡± He touched down, and Jasmine smacked him, fist meeting chin.


    She yelped and clutched her hand while he stumbled back a step, stunned.


    ¡°What was that for? I¡¯m not Obsidian!¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    ¡°You might as well be,¡± Jasmine snapped. ¡°Your head is as thick and as hard as a stone. From now on, you¡¯re kidney stone number two!¡±


    The woman marched back into the clanhold, leaving Newt dazed.

 Chapter 132 - Carried Away

    47th of Season of Water, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    Elder Flameax took a full day to come to terms with Newstar¡¯s sudden realm increase. He was disappointed. He had expected better from someone of Newstar¡¯s talent, there was no need to rush, to force things, and yet¡­


    I thought I had gotten over it. But it was difficult to accept the situation. Whatever the young man had done had certainly threatened his health and was almost certainly detrimental to his cultivation. The whole matter seemed impossible.


    When Newstar fought the Blood Cult, he was at the third layer, when Elder Flameax next saw him entering the airship, mere days later, the young man was firmly at the ninth layer, close to the peak of it, and a few steps away from completing the tenth layer.


    ¡®Flameax, come visit me.¡¯ The sect master snapped the elder from his brooding several moments after the airship had entered the range of his senses.


    Unfortunately, Elder Flameax was nowhere near powerful enough to respond across such a distance. He waited in his secret compartment and jumped out when the ship slowed.


    Elder Flameax flew to the border of the island¡¯s innermost region, then landed and walked the rest of the way. Unless in a state of emergency, elders made the gesture to honor the current and former sect leaders. Even at a normal walking pace, it took no time at all before he reached the humble abode.


    ¡°How was your trip?¡± The sect master opened his eyes, a light smile on his lips.


    ¡°The Savage Wood portion was uneventful, but the visit to the Dragon¡¯s Rest volcano was too exciting for my taste, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± The smile grew wider, happier.


    ¡°The Blood Cult, or at least some of its initiates, have set their sights on the Blazing Salamander clan¡­¡± Elder Flameax narrated the events at the Steelwheel estate, followed by what he gleaned from interrogating the cult supporter, and finally, the commendation he received from the heresy hunters for reporting the incident and capturing the collaborator.


    As his telling progressed, a thoughtful frown replaced the sect master¡¯s jovial smile.


    ¡°I see.¡± The sect master kept his fingers steepled, his thoughts a mystery to Elder Flameax. ¡°And the sudden surge of his realm?¡±


    ¡°It happened after the fight with the cultists. However, after I confirmed that everyone was fine and the cultist dealt with,¡± Elder Flameax stressed those words, ¡°I stopped paying attention to the disciples and focused on the possible external threats. The next time I saw him was when he entered the airship, and he was already at the ninth layer.¡±


    Elder Flameax expected the sect master to brood, or at least frown, but Newstar¡¯s rapid rise did not seem to bother him. In fact, the sect master smiled once more.


    ¡°Thank you, that is all. Warn Newstar that he shouldn¡¯t advance to the fourth realm in at least two years, but I think he¡¯ll stay where he is for at least ten or fifteen years to strengthen his foundations properly.¡± The sect master smiled, as if at a private joke. ¡°After all, he has all the time in the world to grow.¡±


    ***


    Finally! Newt entered the cultivation chamber and shut the door, leaning against it with his back. He had waited for half a moon to start cultivating. Worse, even after arriving at the sect, he had to handle the paperwork first before he could start sculpting his realm.


    So much to do! So much to test! He closed his eyes, about to enter his realm, when he recalled Obi¡¯s shouting, back when he learned his friends thought his parents were dead.


    ¡°You thought my parents were dead?¡±


    ¡°You went up a bloody mountain all frowns and serious, your parents aren¡¯t home, and your clan made you patriarch even though you¡¯re a kid. What the hell did you think we¡¯d think? What kind of irresponsible people leave their son alone to run everything while they are off, exploring the world?¡±


    His argument made sense, and while Newt assured them his parents were the victims, neither Obi nor Rose seemed to have believed him.


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    Irrelevant. Cultivate now.


    Newt closed his eyes and started working. The first order of business was to make the canals for the lava which would flow out from the side vents. Then he dug the trenches for the runes. He was enamored with his work. Even if it brought no immediate benefit, just imagining the day he pierced the final foot to reach the magma and his strength soared made him giggle.


    Newt about halfway through a rune when a chime spread through his realm.


    Newt frowned. ¡°It must be a mistake.¡±


    He kept working, but minutes later, the chime echoed again. Twice.


    Annoyed, Newt stopped mid-rune, and opened his eyes. His heart was beating strangely, his vision swam, his stomach growled, his tongue and throat parched. He stood, but had to lean on the wall for support.


    ¡°Senior Apprentice Brother Newstar, your master called for you. There¡¯s only one more day before the core disciple trials, and she said you needed to see her at the training yard.¡±


    Newt nodded, blue and green dots dancing in his vision.


    ¡°You stayed in there too long,¡± the woman said. ¡°Did you take fasting pills?¡±


    Newt shook his head. He knew about the pills which allowed lower realm cultivators to spend a month without food or water, but never considered he would need them. The outer disciple frowned.


    ¡°I thought you have. Be sure to eat and drink before performing any strenuous activity. In the future, please report to me or other administrators in the chamber of instruction. Fasting pills aren¡¯t expensive, and you will have to pay for the visit to the Chamber of Healing for any incidents caused by your own carelessness.¡±


    Newt walked out of the building like a living dead, he probably thanked the woman for her worry, but he did not remember saying the words.


    Wait, what!? You only pay for healing if you need it because of your own carelessness? That¡¯s wonderful!


    He just confirmed he owed the sect or elders nothing for saving him during the summer solstice incident.


    Well, that¡¯s not true. I don¡¯t owe them spirit gems, but I do owe them my life.


    ¡°Haha!¡± he laughed aloud, then fell over.


    ¡°Senior Apprentice Brother, are you all right?¡± an outer disciple Newt did not know asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine! No need to see the healers! I just need to eat something!¡± The overly energetic response drew a weird look, but the disciple left Newt alone.


    Newt stood, dusted his robes, then went to his room where he feasted on dry fruits and water.


    ¡°You¡¯re acting weirder than usual.¡± Jasmine walked out of her room, a copied book in hand. Her room no longer had a whiff of alcohol about it, just a respectable cultivator¡¯s bedroom, smelling of lavender.


    ¡°I got carried away cultivating my realm.¡± He threw a handful of dried blueberries into his mouth. ¡°I think I haven¡¯t eaten or drank water in over two weeks. Starved myself completely. Fell down twice while returning here.¡±


    Jasmine folded her arms. ¡°Sounds normal for you. How did you figure out it was time to stop?¡±


    ¡°Master summoned me¡ª¡± and then I came here to eat and drink instead of responding to my master¡¯s summons. ¡°I¡¯m so dead.¡±


    Newt jumped, poured half a jug of water into his mouth and filled his pocket with dried apricots and prunes. ¡°Gotta run.¡±


    He jumped out of the window, glided part of the way, then sprinted towards the northern training yard, stuffing his mouth with prunes. Newt ran until he caught sight of the field, then slowed down to a dignified walk, straightening his robes and burning off any remaining food from his palms and face.


    ¡°Took you long enough.¡±


    Newt took in the folded arms, the frown, the annoyance in his master¡¯s voice.


    Yeah, I¡¯m dead.


    ¡°Newstar, how old are you?¡±


    Newt was about to answer that he had freshly turned eighteen, but his master kept talking. ¡°Three? Five? Were my instructions that difficult to follow?¡±


    ¡°No, Master,¡± he lowered his gaze.


    ¡°And can you tell me what you will do differently next time?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll come here right away.¡±


    His danger sense flared, and he threw himself to the side, a thick pole made of compressed earth smashing into his shoulder. The stick burst into pieces, but still knocked him down.


    ¡°Wrong! Next time, you will make appropriate breaks while cultivating! That means, telling the desk administrator that they need to interrupt your cultivation once every five or six days, so your body can recover, or you could consume appropriate pills and tell them when to interrupt your session. That¡¯s their mission, to keep the sect members safe.¡±


    Elder Alabaster glared at him in silence. ¡°Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Master. I will take appropriate breaks and take care of my health.¡±


    The woman gave him a sharp nod. ¡°Good. Your task for today is to get back into shape. Tomorrow is the core disciple selection, and I expect you to dominate it. Do you have any questions?¡±


    Newt shook his head.


    ¡°Well, I do. Tell me, why didn¡¯t you even come see your master, and instead went straight into the cultivation chamber?¡±


    Newt opened his mouth, but did not know what to say. A moment later, he settled on the truth. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Master. I got too excited with some ideas I had while we were in the Savage Wood, and I just had to test them out. I know I was out of line¡ª¡±


    ¡°Newstar, are you developing and changing your own cultivation technique as you go along?¡±


    Newt nodded. He thought his master already knew that. The sudden realization that she did not know, made him feel uneasy. Would she force him into switching to something made by others? No matter how high-tiered the technique, he was certain what he was doing was better suited for him.


    Elder Alabaster seemed to hesitate before slowly nodding. ¡°That is admirable. If you encounter any difficulties, tell me immediately, and make sure not to advance your realm for at least two years.¡±

 Chapter 133 - Tryouts

    57th of Season of Water, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    The core disciple trial was taking place in an arena. Newt had no idea the Explorer¡¯s Gate had an arena. When viewed from the street, the Chamber of Instruction¡¯s main building completely obscures the giant structure.


    Beyond the initial investigation into sect rules and what various divisions did, Newt paid little attention to the workings of Explorer¡¯s Gate. So, the fact that the sect had an arena for life and death battles came as a surprise even as he entered it.


    The colosseum-like structure could seat tens of thousands, with separate sections based on the viewer status. Newt sat in the participants¡¯ section, which had sixteen hundred seats, listening to the venerable in charge of the Chamber of Instruction explaining the rules of the tournament. The vast majority of sixteen hundred seats were empty, with only twenty-nine inner disciples confident enough to take the trial.


    ¡°The arena below is divided into nine sections.¡± The elderly woman gestured towards the nine elevated circular rings on the arena floor. ¡°Each of you may claim an empty section for yourself, if the section is occupied, you may challenge the current owner for ownership. The owner may accept the duel or forfeit without fighting. In the former case, the winner may rest an hour before receiving another challenge. In case of surrender without fighting, others may immediately challenge the new owner.¡±


    The woman turned around to face the participants, her face the blank mask of indifference.


    ¡°I know most of you have entered the trial because you wish to gain experience, and this really is a rare opportunity to use this facility. Thus, I must commend your bravery. For those of you who don¡¯t know, the fights are to the death. The arena¡¯s spell formations will keep you safe, while inflicting pain as if you are suffering real wounds.¡±


    She paused.


    ¡°Pain of death can instill fear in your hearts. It may birth heart demons, ones difficult or impossible to resolve. Please consider carefully whether you truly need to participate in this event to corroborate your martial skills. Remember, there are simpler, safer methods of confirming your strength. If you have changed your mind, please leave.¡±


    She waited a minute, but nobody left. The unsurprised venerable sighed and continued.


    ¡°While the rules don¡¯t forbid torture, such cruelty between disciples has never happened in all the thousands of years since our sect¡¯s founding. If someone refuses to give up, grant them a swift end and be aware that in tournaments against our rivals, the victors might not be so kind and judges might be bought.


    ¡°Regardless of who wins or how, any given pair of disciples can only fight once. Each future challenge is automatically resolved with the same result. If a loop of three or more winners forms, they fight again in a free-for-all until all the vacancies are filled. Ganging up is allowed in this case. Remember, if you don¡¯t want to risk defeat, all you have to do is win.¡±


    The venerable scanned the twenty-nine faces before her. ¡°Any questions?¡±


    Nobody said a word or moved a muscle.


    ¡°Once we have nine contestants left standing, they will repeat the process with three spots remaining. Good luck and pace yourselves, this tournament may last up to two days, and stamina is just as important as strength.¡±


    With those motivational words, the venerable waved her hand and the gate leading down opened. Newt and several others headed for the nearest ring, but when they saw him, his fellow disciples changed direction, picking easier targets.


    After climbing five steps into the ring, Newt bade a good day to the fourth realm outer elder, who had taken on the role of a judge, and waited for a challenger. Goodair waved as she walked past his ring, but had no intention of challenging him.


    The rest followed her lead, ignoring him in favor of seven other rings in which duels were starting. Newt watched the matches, much more brutal than those taking place in the training field.


    Disciples went all out, stabbing, hacking, and slashing. People fell, gritting their teeth in agony as they experienced the pain of losing limbs or dying. A chubby youth wielding a massive hammer had the most terrified victim. He had smashed a young woman¡¯s torso, and based on all the writhing, he must have dealt massive damage.


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    The audience cheered their favorites, with several of the laborers and outer disciples exchanging pieces of paper. Bets, Newt guessed.


    The seventh match ended, the final judge called the match, and the disciples on the ground started shuffling, some congratulating the winners, others consoling the losers. With seven winners and seven losers, only fifteen disciples had not fought, and two of those stood on their platforms unchallenged.


    Newt glanced towards the familiar face. He had seen the young man on the training field almost every time he went there for lessons. Goodair gave Newt a name to go with the face, Twochains. A strong contender and a former core disciple, who had flunked out several years prior, failing to keep his spot during the tryouts.


    Their eyes met, and after hesitating a bit Newt waved. The six-foot-three blonde nodded, his face stoic. Suddenly, he frowned, then jumped off his platform uncontested and headed towards Newt.


    ¡°My master told me not to fight you in the training yard, but we¡¯re no longer in the training yard, and I¡¯d like to give it a shot.¡±


    ¡°Um, hi!¡± Newt¡¯s smile was awkward. Twochains could have at least started with a greeting. ¡°Yes, sure, I¡¯d love to spar with you. My senior sister told me you were the strongest third realm inner disciple.¡±


    Twochains smirked. ¡°What a coincidence, my master said the same thing about you.¡±


    Newt glanced at his weapon, a vicious kusarigama with a barbed weight and a crescent blade hand guard on the kama. Red aura flickered and caressed the blonde disciple¡¯s body, revealing fire as his element to Newt¡¯s third eye.


    ¡°Begin,¡± the judge said before Newt could further analyze his opponent. The barbed ball and the kama whirled through the air, Twochains rushing towards Newt, flaring with spiritual energy.


    Newt lowered his spear, Granite Crust and Magmin Scales covering his skin. Twochains dodged left, but Newt¡¯s spear followed. Then the more experienced cultivator shot a fireball right into Newt¡¯s face.


    The projectile struck true, but Magmin Scales burned the heat into nothing. While dealing no damage, the bolt of flame blinded Newt¡¯s three eyes. Newt¡¯s right flank flared with danger, and he jumped left, unleashing a surprise of his own. With a flicker of spiritual energy and a strand of will, he released a bright flash and a deafening blast.


    ¡°A known trick,¡± Twochains said, unfazed by the maneuver.


    Newt opened his eyes and dodged under the spiked ball aimed at his temple.


    I sensed no danger. It was a feint!


    Newt jumped away just as he sensed danger, and the kama smashed into the ground where he had stood an instant ago, unleashing a fiery explosion.


    He spun, slamming the butt of his spear at his opponent, but Twochains twisted and instead of catching him in the jaw, Newt¡¯s spear smacked him on the shoulder.


    While the blow was not good enough to incapacitate Twochains outright, the spell formation registered it as a dislocated or a broken shoulder, and the man¡¯s movement faltered. Newt went on the offense, but Twochains relied on superior experience to dodge and launch counterattacks.


    Propelled by a burst of flame, the spiked ball darted straight at Newt¡¯s nose. The sense of danger failed to detect the attack in time, and all Newt could do was tilt his head. The movement was minimal, the time impossibly insufficient for a proper dodge, and the spiked ball struck Newt on the temple.


    Two layers of Granite Crust shattered, but Magmin Scales thankfully extinguished the heat as Newt staggered back.


    Twochains pounced, trying to capitalize on his advantage, but Newt¡¯s dizzy spell ended, and his spear moved like a serpent. Twochains jumped, but the blade bit his leg, slashing against his calf. The spell formation registered yet another wound, and the older cultivator¡¯s speed radically dropped.


    Newt stabbed at him, but Twochains threw his body back with a fiery blast in front of his torso. Like Newt¡¯s Fireburst, the technique was jerky when used for sudden movements, much better utilized the way Elder Flameax had taught Newt.


    With another burst of flame, Twochains jerked to a halt, stopping himself before going over the ring¡¯s edge.


    ¡°Well fought, I surrender.¡±


    Huh? He surrendered?


    ¡°The winner is Newstar Blazing Salamander!¡± the referee proclaimed, while the crowd cheered and applauded at the flashiest and most exciting match so far.


    ¡°You¡¯re almost as fast as an airhead.¡± Twochains cupped his fist. ¡°You pack the punch like a proper hothead, and can take hits like a rockhead. I was certain the blow to the head would take you out.¡±


    Newt knew what Twochains was talking about. Had his body been weaker, the strike to the head would have certainly knocked him out.


    ¡°Great fight, you¡¯re much more skilled than I am,¡± Newt returned the compliment and the polite gesture. ¡°There¡¯s a whole lot I could learn from sparring with you.¡±


    Twochains nodded. ¡°Me too, but the only place for proper fights is this arena, the training yard isn¡¯t as forgiving and doesn¡¯t let you go all out.¡±


    The two exchanged a few more pleasantries before Twochains headed for his ring, leaving Newt to consider what had happened during the fight, and how far he can punch up with a superior weapon skill and more extensive combat training.

 Chapter 134 - Yet Another Tournament

    57th of Season of Water, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    Heroes have dramatic fights in tournaments, full of twists and turns, winning against impossible odds, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, and advancing realm to rise to the challenge. A beautiful lady or two or nineteen see him, and he sees them, and things happen. Newt had turned eighteen, so maybe he could consider some companionship.


    His gaze lingered on Elder Woodhopper. Her beautiful features, pale face, and rosy lips. She wore the standard Explorer¡¯s Gate yellow and green, but even the robe could not conceal the moderate curves Newt¡ª.


    She looked towards him. Their gazes met, a chance for magic, and Newt quickly averted his eyes, pretending he was scanning the crowd while stopping the surge of blood rushing towards his cheeks.


    The woman was probably centuries his senior. Maybe older. She must have viewed him as he would a toddler. Newt¡¯s heart fluttered as he recalled Dandelions¡¯s words on relationships between cultivators. They can¡¯t be considered equals unless they were within a realm of each other. He never mentioned age.


    Age doesn¡¯t matter, only cultivation. Only power.


    Newt assured himself, deciding he would reconsider the matter a century or two later, once he was at the sixth realm.


    Focus on the trial.


    Unfortunately, there was little to focus on. Everyone was waiting, from time to time, other disciples fought, and Newt was utterly bored.


    ¡°Excuse me, do you mind if I cultivate?¡± Newt asked the referee who shrugged.


    ¡°It has happened in the past. Just let the other participants know. It won¡¯t stop them from challenging you if they really want to, but the beating they would receive after being rude and ignoring the warning is usually brutal.¡±


    The man said it matter-of-factly, yet Newt never considered being especially brutal towards those interrupting his cultivation.


    Newt cleared his throat just after the last fight ended, and most of the participants turned their heads his way. ¡°Hi! If anyone wants to challenge me, now¡¯s your chance, otherwise I¡¯m going to cultivate. Please don¡¯t interrupt me, for both our sakes, all right?¡±


    The polite threat and nervous smile resulted in a number of awkward faces as people suppressed their laughs, but Newt thought he had done good. Nobody challenged him, they got the message, and he would really beat them bloody if they interrupted him after he had threatened them so nicely.


    With that out of the way, he sat at the center of his ring and entered meditation. He went to the rune he had abandoned and continued digging in accordance with Dandelion¡¯s design.


    Once he finished that one, he set aside the side vent rune project, and focused on the ones which would yield immediate results. He went to a section of fire runes on the main lava flow and split the current into three portions. Dandelion had arranged the runes properly, ready for spell formations, but Newt failed to understand that until he expanded his knowledge in the field.


    Two out of three portions of lava were smaller, meant to power the outer ring which framed the spell formation. The circle had tiny veins flowing inward. But instead of placing them above ground, like he usually did, Newt dug them out a foot beneath the surface to feed the runes. The central flow was the strongest, around sixty percent of the entire lava stream, and it powered the heart of the spell formation.


    Thanks to what he had learned from Magmin¡¯s realm, Newt decided to keep the main lava flow, as well as the one between the runes, underground, both for esthetic reasons and because the extra precision would increase his rune¡¯s potency.


    The one thing which pained Newt the most was that his second realm was stuck as an ugly amateur blunder full of unnecessary trenches and forks.


    ¡°Will I think the same about my third realm in twenty-thirty years when I¡¯m cultivating the fourth?¡± He had a feeling he would.


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    Newt would continue to improve, making his realm a breathtaking landscape; a colossal volcano covered in runes defining him, his power, and his personality.


    A chime echoed.


    ¡°Already?¡±


    He opened his eyes, face to face with the referee holding a metal triangle and a smooth wooden beater.


    ¡°The initial round is over.¡± The corners of the elder¡¯s lips tugged up in amusement.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen that before. I always thought it was just a spell formation, not an instrument.¡±


    The elder¡¯s smile widened.


    ¡°This is the portable version, we rarely use it. Cultivation chambers have a button to press and that¡¯s it. Now, if you would kindly leave the ring.¡±


    Newt saw the other eight rings were empty and hurried down to join the other finalists. A single glance told him Goodair had failed to pass the elimination round. He was about to stand to the side when Twochains motioned him to approach.


    ¡°We won¡¯t climb the rings until the others are done. Seven of them fighting in three rings will speed things up considerably. You can just sit beside the ring where you plan to fight and cultivate, I¡¯ll call you, as will the elder in charge of the matches of your chosen ring.¡±


    As Twochains spoke, the rings sank into the ground, then three larger ones rose.


    ¡°Congratulations on making it here,¡± the venerable said. ¡°The rules are the same as before. I wish you good luck.¡±


    Newt¡¯s first reflex was to sit and cultivate to minimize the waste of time, but on second thought, he wanted to see the six most talented inner disciples fight.


    He moved back, Twochains following him. Six of the seven remaining contenders headed for the rings.


    A pair of swordsmen climbed into the first one, earth versus water. An air-attributed, petite woman wielding a fan and a whip faced a burly, earth cultivator with a stego mace in the second, while the final ring pitted a water-attributed youth wielding a trident with a sword-wielding fire-attributed woman.


    ¡°Don¡¯t split your attention between multiple fights, you¡¯ll learn nothing. Focus on the one you¡¯re the most interested in and pay attention to details.¡±


    Newt mumbled a thanks, then considered the combatants. The swordsmen did not interest him at all, the air cultivator with a bronze fan and a whip was unusual and exotic, a combat style he had never seen before, and the burly earth cultivator formed a stark contrast, a strong maybe, while the final pair had someone fighting with a spear-like weapon; it was entirely possible to learn something from a person wielding a weapon similar to his, but with an opposite element.


    Like usual, curiosity won against practical value, and as three judges simultaneously shouted for matches to start, Newt observed the apprentice sister with the most unusual choice of weapons.


    The earth cultivator lunged towards her while she opened the fan with a flick of her wrist. Its edge gleamed in the sunlight, hinting at razor-sharp blades, and with another flick, which sent an unnaturally strong gust of wind towards the ground, the girl was jumping over the earth cultivator¡¯s stego mace.


    Newt expected she would jump high to escape her enemy¡¯s reach, but she instead kept so close to the mace, that it was grazing her clothes. She waved her fan-holding arm in a bronze blur, slashing at the earth cultivator¡¯s inner elbow, climbing up his bicep, and cutting at his neck.


    Sparks flew, and the bronze fan struck the earth cultivator¡¯s eyes. Again, sparks flew as bronze met the solid shield made of spiritual energy. She whirled past her enemy like a storm, dealing no damage. With the danger over, the earth cultivator opened his eyes, but then the whip snaked through the air like a living creature. Newt watched the air-attributed spiritual energy twist around the weapon, leading it to strike at an impossible angle. The barbed tip struck the earth cultivator¡¯s eye just as he opened it, and he roared in pain.


    He spun, smashing with the massive, spined mace, but the air cultivator dropped to the ground, doing a side split. She rolled to his blind side and floated, wind carrying her an inch above the ground before she twisted and jumped back to her feet behind his back.


    With one hand on his blind eye, the earth cultivator spun, swinging the mace in the other. His sweeps were powerful, but he never caught the sight of the air cultivator, who danced around him. It was impossible to see with regular sight, but Newt clearly saw the defenses on the earth cultivator¡¯s legs grow thinner, so that he could move faster.


    He did not know how the air cultivator knew, but the next time the earth cultivator spun, she dropped down, slithering between his legs, which flanked her like thick columns.


    Newt expected she would slash his groin, but she did not. Instead, her whip followed behind her and floated up, wrapping itself between the earth cultivator¡¯s legs. Like nearly half the crowd, Newt closed his eyes, groaning and grabbing his crotch in sympathetic pain as the earth cultivator¡¯s roar of pain turned to whimpers.


    ¡°Ruthless as ever,¡± Twochains said, and Newt opened his eyes.


    The burly earth cultivator was curled on the ground like a shrimp, his hands cupping his groin while the air cultivator hopped back onto her legs like nothing had happened.


    Two seconds passed, and the referee remained silent.


    ¡°Do I need to dig out his other eye? I¡¯ve had enough time to kill him five times over, regardless of his shell.¡±


    The referee nodded and cleared his throat.


    ¡°The winner is Gale Calmriver!¡±

 Chapter 135 - Family Drama

    59th of Season of Water, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    After realizing that there was nothing to learn from Gale Calmriver¡¯s victory, except to never lower his defenses under any circumstances, not even a fraction, especially between his legs, Newt took the advice Twochains had given him, and meditated.


    Even if he watched others fight, until his mastery of the spear and combat reached a sufficient level, he would only gain questionable benefit. Worse, he might even worsen his style by trying maneuvers which he found interesting or impressive, but were unsuited for the way he fought.


    Unfortunately, another chime of the triangle interrupted his cultivation almost immediately.


    Newt opened his eyes, and found Twochains and Gale had passed the round, the third ring waiting for him.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he nodded to the elder, and then sent another nod to the rest of the candidates before taking his place. No new challenges came, and the six disciples who failed to win the top three spots left.


    Newt expected that the young men and women would be downcast, but some of them even grinned, bragging about how far they got and how much they had improved since the last trial the year prior.


    Once the inner disciples left the arena, the three core others stepped in. A tall, broad-shouldered young woman, who looked like she could beat Obsidian in a contest of strength, a lanky young man with pale skin and dark hair, and finally, the third one was the spitting image of Twochains, the men looked so much alike Newt could swear they were brothers.


    ¡°You really are an ass,¡± Twochains muttered in the ring next to Newt¡¯s.


    ¡°I told you, unless you can beat me, you can forget about coming back to the core sect.¡± The lookalike had also heard the whisper.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you give it up, Fourchains? It¡¯s been five years.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll never forgive you!¡± Fourchains said while Newt processed his name and the implication.


    Could they really be brothers? If they are, are they Onechain, Twochains, Threechains or Twochains, Fourchains, Sixchains?


    Fourchains climbed the stairs to his brother¡¯s ring, but Twochains just hopped off.


    ¡°I surrender, I¡¯m not fighting my little brother.¡± The statement removed any lingering doubt Newt might have had, but dampened the mood in the arena.


    ¡°Well, with that bit of family drama behind us, I¡¯ll explain the rules, even though I know you already know them.¡± The venerable in charge of the Chamber of Instruction declared in flat monotone.


    ¡°There are three rings, and six challengers. Only three will leave this ring as core disciples, while the other three will leave as inner disciples. You may challenge any of the people in any of the rings, if you win, you take their place. If there is a fight, the victor gets an hour to rest. If they yield, like disciple Break, other disciples may challenge the victor immediately. Any loss is permanent, for instance, any future challenges between the Break brothers will be resolved in the victory of Fourchains. Should a loop form, the battle amongst those tied for the spot in the core sect becomes a free-for-all and lasts until the number of disciples standing matches the number of spots.¡±


    She glanced at the gathered disciples. ¡°Good luck, and fight to win, otherwise, you will stagnate like the elder Break brother here.¡±


    The venerable did not point at Twochains, but Newt could see the metaphorical finger of accusation.


    So, the strongest third realm inner disciple isn¡¯t a core disciple because he refuses to fight his younger brother.


    Newt stood in his ring watching the situation unfold. Nobody approached him, but the burly woman challenged Gale, who tried to fight her much the same way she fought the earth cultivator with a stego mace, and given that the challenger was also a rockhead, the tactic was sound.


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    The earth cultivator left her heavy hammer outside the ring and entered barehanded. She fought like a rock, standing there, letting Gale hit her, but unlike her junior apprentice brother, she made no mistakes. She waited with all the patience of the earth until the chance presented itself.


    The whip cracked towards her unguarded eye, passing too close to the burly woman¡¯s hand. She snatched the cord and pulled with all her might, yanking Gale towards herself. Gale let go of her whip, but the damage was done, she had originally danced dangerously close to her enemy, and the pull drew her into the earth cultivator¡¯s grasp.


    She grappled Gale and squeezed. There was no shouting or screams, Gale gritted her teeth, but Newt could imagine her bones breaking while the woman thrice her size crushed her torso. The judge rushed in.


    ¡°The winner is Jade Hardson!¡±


    Audience cheered louder than they should have because one ring remained free of challengers, while the other had two challenges take place with no action at all.


    While Gale and Jade fought, the lanky man ascended into the ring, and Fourchains hopped off. Twochains gnashed his teeth and jumped up like a raging triceratops, but the lanky man hopped off with a smile, leaving Twochains stranded in the ring.


    I see, they made a loop, and now the two of them will fight Twochains, gang up on him, and kick him out of the contest. Newt frowned. That sucks. They are exploiting the rules to bar a disciple from entering the core sect. Why isn¡¯t the sect doing anything?


    Is there anything I can do to help Twochains?


    Newt considered the matter, but he was basically outside of the game. While it appeared the tournament was six people grabbing three spots, in reality it was five of them struggling for two. Well, four fighting for two spots. Gale was outclassed. Meaning, all Newt could achieve by hopping off and challenging someone was exchanging rings with them.


    Gale sat in the arena, trying not to be sad. She had made it past the finals, but the core disciples all seemed too strong for her. As for Fourchains and his minion, whose name the referee had shouted while Newt was busy watching Jade and Gale, they were smiling, aware that they had already won.


    An hour¡¯s grace time passed, and Fourchains challenged Jade.


    ¡°Surrender, Jade. I don¡¯t want to hurt you. You can try your luck against my brother or the new kid.¡±


    Jade looked at Fourchains, then at Twochains, and finally at Newt.


    ¡°Apologies, Senior Apprentice Brother, but I won¡¯t surrender.¡±


    Fourchains glared at her, getting the meaning of her words. He was the weakest of the three.


    Jade hefted her hammer, while Fourchains drew a pair of blades somewhere between daggers and shortswords.


    The referee gave the sign and Fourchains sprinted, fire blasting beneath his feet. Jade swiped her hammer at him, but he dodged and got right next to her, stabbing the daggers into her ribs. Flames blasted the steely barrier, which had enveloped Jade, but dealt no damage.


    Jade slammed down with her elbow, but Fourchains had already moved on, stabbing his daggers between her shoulder blades.


    Much like Gale, Fourchains danced around Jade. He lacked the air cultivator¡¯s grace, but made up for it with infinitely greater attack power. Seven moves into the battle, Jade¡¯s defense faltered and she was done.


    The burly woman did not make a sound as she fell forward onto the ground, spell formation deeming her dead.


    The referee announced the winner while Gale stared at her three options. She just glanced at Newt and gave up, before focusing on Twochains. Seconds went by as she gazed at him before finally turning her attention to Fourchains.


    No, please, don¡¯t even consider it. If you somehow win, he¡¯s going to be in two loops, and you¡¯re basically going to have five people in an all-out brawl. Nobody wants that.


    Gale apparently wanted that. She was an air cultivator, and chaotic battles were her perceptive and mobile element¡¯s strong point.


    An hour passed and the petite woman challenged Fourchains. Newt would have watched the match, if not for Jade climbing the stairs of his ring.


    ¡°Hello,¡± she said, drawing a smile from Newt. For once, he faced a well-mannered opponent who said hello before fighting.


    ¡°Greetings!¡± He beamed, but then his bright smile died, a frown replacing it.


    What if I lose to her, then she and I will join the all-out brawl, where I can protect¡ªNo. I won¡¯t cheat. What Twochains does with his brother is their own matter.


    ¡°Sorry I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Fight,¡± the referee shouted, and Jade bounded towards Newt like a landslide.


    Others would have dodged, but Newt suddenly cared very little about winning. If he won, he won, if he lost, there was a chaotic melee to look forward to. So, Newt charged towards his opponent, unstoppable like lava flowing downhill.


    Jade was easily twice Newt¡¯s size and outweighed him by more than that. Yet when the heavy glaive and the massive hammer met, it was the massive woman who was blown back. Newt swiped at her again, the duel turning into a pure contest of strength, which was no contest at all. Newt¡¯s body had reached the equivalent of a sixth layer fourth realm cultivator, while Jade was merely at the peak of the third realm. No matter how impressive her physique, no matter how powerful her muscles, the gulf between them was insurmountable.


    The glaive struck her again and again until Newt launched her out of the ring.


    ¡°The winner is Newstar Blazing Salamander!¡±

 Chapter 136 - Respect

    59th of Season of Water, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    While Newt fought Jade, Fourchains pulverized Gale. Another hour passed, and nobody issued new challenges.


    ¡°Newstar Blazing Salamander has entered the core sect undefeated, welcome young man,¡± the venerable in charge of the trial said, for the first time showing any semblance of emotion other than terminal boredom. Her next statement, though, came out with no enthusiasm at all.


    ¡°As for the other two places, disciples Break, Break, and Willow will fight in a free-for-all, the first one out goes to the inner sect, while the other two will enter the core sect.¡± She shot an exasperated look at all three of them. ¡°I expect no mercy.¡±


    Newt followed his referee off the ring, as did the Break brothers. The rings sank into the ground, and a larger one, covering two thirds of the arena, rose. Newt went to the participants¡¯ section and took a place while the three contestants entered the ring.


    The venerable once more explained the rules, and Newt was starting to understand why the woman was bored. He wondered whether the protocol was a form of punishment, or had someone at some point disregarded the rules in some way, pretending they forgot them.


    The woman left the ring, and a referee signaled the match to start.


    Fourchains and Willow charged Twochains, who just stood there, air above his head shimmering from his fury. The man gnashed his teeth, and when his enemies were mere steps away, he turned to face his brother. He sent the spiked weight straight at the man¡¯s face. Fourchains blanked, so shocked he tripped and dodged the blow by accident. That must be what the man and most of the audience believed, but Newt saw Twochains flick his wrist and pull the weight upwards a fraction of an inch, enough to miss the certain hit.


    Willow struck, water spiritual energy flaring from his spear, but Twochains blocked with his kama. Fourchains rose from the ground, but his older brother unleashed a blast beneath his feet, flying straight at Willow. His kama was entangled with the spear, the weight out of position, but Twochains was absolutely confident, like he had already won the fight.


    As he flew beside Willow, he threw a loop of chin around the stunned man¡¯s neck, and kept flying away. Without the spell formation shielding the arena, the chain would have decapitated the lanky man, but as things were, he just fell to the ground, limp and staring at the sky above.


    ¡°Willow is out! The winners are Twochains Break and Fourchains Break.¡±


    The crowd erupted into cheers. While the battle lasted a handful of moments, it was obvious the other two had ganged up on Twochains, and despite the obvious handicap of not wanting to fight his brother, Twochains won. Newt also stood, applauding. While brief, the match showed just how excellent Twochains was with his chosen weapon.


    And I defeated him. He¡¯s incredibly skilled, at least twice my age, and I defeated him.


    The weight of the realization just sank in when Twochains turned towards Newt and gave him a nod of acknowledgement.


    He had met another man he respected and who returned the feeling. Newt smiled and gave Twochains a warrior¡¯s salute.


    ***


    Two moons passed. Newt split his time between cultivation and learning spell formations, with weekly sessions with his master and teacher. The life of a core disciple was much simpler than that of an inner disciple.


    They had no missions other than getting stronger and three arranged monthly spars to determine their rank and growth. The resources they got each month were ten times those of inner disciples, and Newt handily won all his matches, rising to the position of the seventeenth core disciple.


    Life was going just the way Newt believed it should when it got better.


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    The outer disciple managing the desk at the Chamber of Runes knocked on the door of his testing room.


    ¡°Senior Apprentice Brother Newstar, the inner disciples you sent on a mission have reported back. They are waiting for you at the Chamber of Instruction.¡±


    Newt took a moment to pull his mind from heat distillation spell formation he was analyzing, then grinned.


    ¡°Thank you, I¡¯ll be right out!¡±


    Newt gathered the practice materials he had borrowed, returned them to the desk, then went down the road to the Chamber of Instruction.


    ¡°Newt!¡± Obi waved as did Jas and Rose. The fourth member of the team, a woman called Spark, who had advanced to the rank of inner disciples, was much more formal.


    ¡°Senior Apprentice Brother.¡±


    ¡°Hey, guys, did you find him?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s a very interesting person.¡± Rose did not hide her awe while the other three nodded. Even Jasmine was impressed. ¡°He¡¯s waiting for you at the pier leading to the laborer¡¯s part of the island, since visitors need special permissions to visit other areas.¡±


    Newt wanted to ask what Dandelion had done to amaze his friends to such an extent, but he had better things to do. Like go see Dandelion.


    ¡°Did you get your reward?¡± His friends had barely started nodding when Newt rushed to see his first ever mentor.


    Well, technically second, since Magmin has taught me so much. Even if it didn¡¯t mean to.


    Newt ran for a few hundred yards, coming up with how to explain what he had been doing in the time since he and Dandelion last saw each other. That helped him remember that he was a core disciple of his prestigious sect and that one of his few duties was to uphold the Explorer¡¯s Gate¡¯s honor and dignity.


    So, he slowed to a dignified walk, all the while thinking how he was wasting time he could have used catching up with Dandelion or planning their ideal cultivation method.


    Even walking at a much slower pace, Newt took a mere handful of minutes to reach the pier shared by the laborers and outer disciples. There, standing larger than life, was a man in black robes with a massive staff strapped to his back.


    ¡°Dan! It¡¯s great to see you!¡± Newt shouted and barely contained himself from going over and hugging the man.


    ¡°Dan?¡± Dandelion raised an eyebrow. ¡°Really? All right; greetings, Star! Great to see you too.¡±


    ¡°Does the nickname bother you?¡± Newt did a double take.


    ¡°Not at all, how do you like yours, Living Star?¡± Dandelion smiled his trademark friendly smile, seemed perfectly relaxed, yet Newt could feel those two capital letters. They felt¡­ Weird.


    Like a harmless joke, and yet not at the same time. Newt brushed away the thought. He called Dandelion to exchange cultivation tips, not quips.


    ¡°So, Dandelion, I bet you¡¯re wondering why I called you.¡±


    ¡°You called me because you thought I had something valuable enough for you to haul me fifteen thousand miles and because you have something valuable enough for me to travel fifteen thousand miles to pay me with. I will be mighty angry if I have traveled thirty thousand miles over nothing.¡± Dandelion smiled. It was a smile fit for a tenth realm ancestor of the tyrannosauroidea family.


    ¡°It is nice to see you again, Newt. I can see life has been treating you well, or better to say, you are forging a fine life for yourself.¡± The change from lethal carnivore to amicable old friend happened so fast Newt had every right to doubt his eyes, especially because his danger sense had not trembled even the tiniest bit.


    ¡°Actually, I have a lot of things to discuss, but first I have to see where I can rent a soundproof room that offers total privacy.¡±


    Dandelion arched a brow. ¡°That important, huh?¡±


    He drew his staff, hopped onto the black sand and drew a perfect circle. The staff flowed like a brush, drawing runes for a static illusion, rustling, and fragility for some reason. Newt would have failed to recognize the last one, had he not spent so much time in the Chamber of Runes.


    He motioned Newt inside, then drew the runes for spiritual energy to power the spell formation and connected them to fragility. Newt jumped in, and the air shimmered, the world outside the spell formation freezing in the moment when the spell formation had drawn enough energy to operate.


    ¡°There, a primitive private chamber. What did you want to talk about?¡±


    Newt opened his mouth to ask whether the spell formation could block all eavesdropping, but the bubble burst.


    ¡°Excuse me, Senior,¡± Dandelion said to nobody in particular. ¡°We are trying to have a private conversation, I will in no way harm or interrogate your disciple about your sect¡¯s sensitive information.¡±


    Dandelion drew a breath to speak more, but the illusion popped back into place.


    ¡°I was about to ask whether this is safe.¡±


    ¡°My invention. Much safer than spell formations for isolating sound. We whisper, and the noise the sphere makes cancels our speech, replacing it with the empowered sound of the surroundings. The illusion is obvious, but whoever is out there already knows we are here, talking, so all it has to do is block line of sight, and finally, the spell formation is so fragile any wisp of spiritual energy that touches it will make it collapse for a handful of seconds before it restarts itself.¡±


    Dandelion grinned. ¡°Pretty neat, right?¡±

 Chapter 137 - Brothers

    27th of Season of Air, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°But isn¡¯t it useless? It doesn¡¯t stop people from listening in on us, they can just burst your bubble.¡±


    ¡°And then we stop talking, so they have nothing to listen to. At most, they will hear one word. Now what is it that you wanted to talk about?¡±


    Newt hesitated, staring at the half-sphere of fake scenery, with waves frozen in place and motionless birds hanging in the sky. Finally, Newt explained what was happening.


    ¡°I have made a new discovery you might find important, and in exchange I need you to make a new blueprint of my realm.¡± Newt paused, but Dandelion motioned him to continue with his chin. ¡°Both of us have unique cultivation methods, but they share common facets, and one of them is the general layout. What if we made another layer of it underground? I have already tested it, and it works. Also, earth-aligned runes can be scribed in different materials or metals.¡±


    Dandelion¡¯s eyes widened a fraction before they returned to normal, and Newt stopped talking.


    ¡°Well, this certainly is worth traveling thirty thousand miles.¡± Dandelion rubbed his eye. ¡°This revelation is worth more than me redoing your realm blueprint.¡±


    Suddenly, the man laughed. ¡°I cannot believe I did not discover this on my own. I have dug wells, volcanic side vents, and springs, but never considered adding runes underground. Do you have anything else you need? I can offer advanced lessons on weapons, spell formations, alchemy, blacksmithing, artificing, whatever. You name it, I got it.¡±


    Dandelion frowned. ¡°Why stop with only one layer¡ªoh, I see, the minimal rune size to assure a relevant flow of energy, combined with the maximal depth you can dig. You have put some thought into this. I have a question, if I may?¡±


    Newt mimicked Dandelion¡¯s chin gesture, and the older man¡¯s lip twitched into a smile.


    ¡°You are obviously growing powerful and competent. With your knowledge of runes and spell formations, you could have made this yourself and kept your secret. Why share this information with me?¡±


    ¡°Because it would save me ten years of experimenting and optimizing, and I know you can draw it in a matter of moons or even weeks. And I know you will put all your effort into making it so you don¡¯t owe me one.¡±


    Dandelion shot him a cock-browed look and nodded. ¡°And the real reason is?¡±


    That really was the reason. Newt was impatient. He wanted to advance as soon as possible, and even with Dandelion¡¯s help, pills, and every other possible aid, he would take five to seven years before he was ready to advance.


    That said, there was another part to it. He wanted to help Dandelion; to pay back a portion of what the man had done for him when he invited him to the frostworm hunt, which had changed Newt¡¯s fate. Most of all, he wanted Dandelion¡¯s approval and admiration. Newt was unaware of the final and most important reason, but that did not detract from the weight it added to his decision to share knowledge and power.


    Dandelion, on the other hand, read the beaming, cheerful boy like an open book. He patted his shoulder.


    ¡°Thank you. You have done an excellent job, Newstar. It is a great honor that a man as talented, intelligent, and virtuous considers me a friend.¡± He opened his mouth, but hesitated, and Newt stared at him expectantly.


    ¡°If you want, you can call me brother, and I would like to call you brother, if you would have me.¡±


    Newt swallowed, his throat tight. He did not know why, he could not explain it, but that offer was one of the things which had made him the happiest in his entire life.


    He nodded, suppressing a tear. ¡°Sure, big brother.¡±


    Dandelion smiled. ¡°Just brother is fine.¡±


    Unexpectedly, Newt shook his head. ¡°After living in a sect for a few moons I¡¯ve learned some things. You have seniority, more knowledge, and more experience. You are the big brother.¡±


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    Dandelion choked up.


    ¡°I am sorry I left you behind.¡± His emotional face turned mortified as the words escaped him, and he clenched his teeth, confusing Newt.


    The youth went through all the memories of moments he had shared with Dandelion, the man was always there, solid like a rock, always treating him fairly or better.


    ¡°When did you leave me behind?¡± he finally asked.


    ¡°When I reach the seventh realm while you are wallowing in the fifth.¡± Dandelion¡¯s smile was genuine, full of mirth, and for a moment, Newt believed his newfound big brother was pulling his leg. Except he wasn¡¯t. Newt knew that some part of Dandelion, a deep and profound part, truly believed he had abandoned him in some way.


    Was it when I went back to the clanhold? I never even asked him to come with me.


    It was obviously a sore point, and Newt decided not to press the man. Instead, shifting to other comprehensions.


    ¡°Do you know that cultivators can sense imminent danger?¡± He decided to take a roundabout way of talking. His master and teammates knew he had escaped the Valley of the Lost, and that might be the hint which ruined their futures, but when talking with Dandelion, he could try to point him in the right direction without endangering his cultivation.


    ¡°You mean danger sense?¡± Dandelion asked without faltering. ¡°Mortals can do that, too. Experienced warriors can sometimes tell when someone is about to strike them, you can even tell where, if you train hard enough and gain enough experience.¡±


    Newt¡¯s jaw went slack.


    ¡°Mortals know that?¡±


    ¡°Well, there are legends about mortals having that sense, yes.¡±


    ¡°And can you do that?¡± Newt could not help but ask.


    ¡°Naturally, but I cannot teach you. I would like to, but this skill is not something you can acquire so easily. Definitely not through someone just explaining things to you.¡±


    Newt could not believe his ears.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be telling the truth.¡±


    ¡°I am serious.¡± Dandelion defended himself. ¡°I believe it is impossible to teach someone how to do it without exposing them to extreme danger. There is another way, but getting danger sense that way is a gamble, it might happen, and it might not. I am telling you because you are you, but keep this a secret from others. All right?¡±


    Newt nodded. A part of him thought he was dreaming, another part wanted Dandelion to prove his claim.


    ¡°Prove it.¡± The words left Newt¡¯s lips all on their own.


    Dandelion stared at him. ¡°How do I prove it is impossible to teach you something? I can prove I can teach you¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, I mean, I want you to prove you have danger sense.¡±


    With a stoic expression, Dandelion drew a dagger, handed it to Newt, and turned around.


    ¡°Stab me. You have to really mean it.¡±


    Newt stood there, a dagger in hand, staring at Dandelion¡¯s back.


    ¡°Come on, you have to really mean it, you can even aim at the vitals. I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Newt poked at Dandelion¡¯s arm like an automaton, but the arm shifted just as he was about to hit. Newt could not tell what passed through his head as he stabbed. One thing was for certain, he did not believe Dandelion¡¯s claim. He aimed to inflict minimal damage, something easy to heal, but Dandelion moved out of the way.


    Newt stabbed again and again and again.


    ¡°You are getting awfully enthusiastic about stabbing me in the back.¡± Dandelion said the words through a chuckle, but Newt froze. He got caught up in proving Dandelion wrong so much that his blows were starting to become serious and too tricky to dodge for a friendly exchange.


    ¡°But the venerable said only those at the eighth realm¡ª¡±


    ¡°And you are one of those at the eighth realm, right?¡±


    Newt stared blankly as Dandelion turned around and retrieved his dagger.


    ¡°How do you know I also have danger sense?¡±


    ¡°You were getting too invested. More than one would expect from someone proving a point, almost like you were instead trying to prove that you are unique, and that others should not possess such an ability.¡±


    Dandelion¡¯s smile held a bit of pride as he continued. ¡°That said, you have achieved amazing things in mere eighteen short years. Whoever told you danger sense required the eighth realm lied to you brutally. That, or they lack understanding about the skill¡¯s true nature.


    ¡°You need to practice more, preferably in a relatively safe environment where someone you trust continuously attacks you from the back or while you are under the effect of a bewildering spell formation.¡±


    Newt listened and nodded, too stunned to ask about Dandelion¡¯s instructions as the man spoke.


    ¡°Regarding your request to make a blueprint of your realm, I will gladly make one, but I will need some form of shelter for three to four moons until I am done.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Newt shouted as if Dandelion was about to disperse into mist. ¡°There¡¯s one more change we, well, you, need to make.¡±


    Dandelion answered with a questioning look, and Newt explained about his decision to cultivate magma instead of dual cultivating fire and earth.


    For some reason Newt did not know, the man grinned when he heard the news.


    ¡°I¡¯ll replace those two spell formations with a one which decomposes magma-aligned spiritual energy into fire and earth. Have you considered specialized aspects of fire? Like radiance¡­¡±

 Chapter 138 - The Tower of Suffering

    45th of Season of Air, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    For the cheap price of five second realm spirit gems, Newt arranged a season-long accommodation for Dandelion amongst the workers of the Explorer¡¯s Gate. He had not seen his big brother since, both of them focusing on their work.


    Newt paused his cultivation until Dandelion finished the new and improved realm blueprint. The man had assured him he would reuse as much of the original design as possible, but Newt had a feeling he would have to discard most of his progress and redo his third realm. Such was the price of power: dedication and hard work.


    His days fused together, in a haze of reading and experimenting with spell formations, checkered by occasional lessons with his master, Elder Flameax, and Elder Twinflower.


    Twinflower had nothing in common with his name. He was a fourth realm outer elder, one of the best spearmen in the sect, according to Elder Alabaster. Scars riddled the lithe old man, marking him a veteran of countless battles, near the end of his lifespan. Newt liked him, but Elder Twinflower had too many burdens, too many regrets, and they had severed his path forward.


    I wonder who would win between him and Dandelion? Newt thought a moment before his jaw flashed with phantom pain. He leaned back, but the spear¡¯s butt end still struck him soundly on the cheek, making his head spin.


    ¡°Your mind is wandering again.¡± Twinflower sounded like the grating of metal plates. ¡°Focus.¡±


    Newt wanted to say, ¡°Yes, teacher,¡± but another sweep with the spear killed the words before they left his mouth.


    Twinflower was merciless. He held nothing back at all. Instead of sparing his student, he used the full power of his peak fourth realm physique to trounce Newt whenever the youth¡¯s attention wandered.


    Newt just beat off another furious assault, when the attacks stopped.


    ¡°You have a visitor.¡± Twinflower retreated, and Newt turned around, nearly jumping with excitement.


    An outer disciple waited patiently, and he rushed towards him, then he noticed two other outer disciples waiting for core disciples Moonray and Longfang. The latter was Elder Longfang¡¯s great-grandson and another member of the Chamber of Runes.


    ¡°Senior Apprentice Brother, the elders have ordered all core disciples to gather at the Chamber of Instruction as soon as possible.¡±


    Newt could hear similar words repeated, and the three core disciples went towards the Chamber of Instruction together, just as a horde of outer disciples walked past them.


    ¡°Any idea what¡¯s going on?¡± Moonray asked.


    Newt shrugged, but Longfang knew something. ¡°I caught a rumor that the ancestor has left for the heart of the jungle to work on some special spell formations. It could be related to that.¡±


    So, you don¡¯t know anything either.


    After a short walk, Newt and his fellow core disciples entered the main building of the Chamber of Instruction. An outer disciple usher led the way to an indoor lecture hall large enough to fit a hundred people. Forty-three already sat inside, and a handful of minutes later the last of the fifty-four core disciples arrived.


    ¡°Good day to you all,¡± the venerable in charge of the Chamber of Instruction said. ¡°The sect is organizing three events in the near future. All core disciples and inner disciples below the age of ninety-eight may join the first one, those who complete it may continue to the second, and those who complete the second one may advance to the third. Each of these events is a trial and an opportunity.¡±


    The air around Newt came close to crackling. Excitement seeped out of his fellow disciples, their emotions tugging at the surrounding spiritual energy and clashing with each other¡¯s. Lightning was building up, close to birthing a clap of thunder, and the venerable smiled.


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    Apparently, the atmosphere made her happy.


    ¡°The first event is the Tower of Suffering, a secret realm left behind by one of our past venerables. Venerable Severrain designed the realm with the intent of honing the disciples¡¯ strength, agility, and endurance through scaling an endlessly tall tower from the outside. To pass the trial, you simply have to finish the climb in the first half of all the participants, assuming half of you finish. Those who fail to reach the top will fail the trial. I must warn you that the climb itself is unfair and treacherous. Each disciple will have their own climbing surface. You cannot exchange them or stray into others¡¯ paths. What you get is yours and it will be awarded randomly.¡±


    The venerable paused, scanning the crowd.


    ¡°You might wonder why this is important. It¡¯s because all surfaces are different. Some are slippery and will risk falling, others are jagged and sharp enough to cut fifth realm cultivators.¡± She made an awkward face. ¡°And one of you might even get a simple flight of stairs leading all the way to the top. The trial is unfair, those who have climbing ropes, pitons nailed into their wall, or easy handholds will climb faster and effortlessly. Venerable Severrain, the creator of the realm, insisted luck was also an ability.¡±


    The venerable smiled, and Newt saw guilt in it.


    ¡°Fortunately, there are only a handful of such tracks, so the most important factor will be you.¡±


    She took a breath, and Newt knew the worst was coming and it was reserved for him and him alone.


    ¡°Just like some climbs will be extremely easy, a handful will be extremely difficult.¡±


    There it goes.


    ¡°You might face attacks, such as gusts of wind trying to knock you down, flames scorching you, and landslides and hailstorms pelting you. Again, the fortunate circumstance is that there are only a handful of these and the odds of drawing it are really, really tiny¡­¡±


    ***


    Tiny my butt.


    Newt looked at the endless wall stretching all the way into the clouds above and the mist below. Another rock was falling. He summoned the triple-layered Granite Crust and generated as much heat ahead of himself, hoping the scalding air might change the way the rock is falling, before he braced himself for impact.


    Hot air influenced the rock as much as anyone would expect. Thousands of pounds of stone smashed into Newt¡¯s back, flattening him against the tower, and pulling him down to scrape his chest against what must have been a diamond grater.


    Muttering curses, Newt looked down, then up, and after confirming no new rocks were coming to get him, he continued his ascend. He tried not to. He knew he should not, but he had to. Against his better judgment, Newt glanced left.


    He bit his lip for the fifth time. There, some lucky inner disciple Newt did not even know, had gotten to climb a ladder. A ladder. With stone steps and rails as handholds. By the time Newt climbed thirty feet, the inner disciple was long gone in the cloud.


    Newt had originally expected the climb would be simplicity itself for him, he would create hot air beneath his clothes to propel himself upwards. Combined with his enhanced body, reaching the top should have been child¡¯s play; regardless of how difficult his track was.


    Originally, he thought the difficulty was in the jagged, impossibly tough spikes jutting from the wall. Then the rocks fell.


    The first one came as a tingling of his danger sense, and Newt hugged the wall at the last possible moment. The rock dragged him down over a hundred feet, undoing all his previous effort.


    So, Newt continued slowly. Glancing up every handful of seconds, hugging the wall, and getting his Granite Crust shredded against it. Progress was slow, painful, and infuriating because the person next to him got a ladder, while the one to the right got a normal sheer cliff. He could not see much further to either side, not without risking his fall, but he had the feeling he had drawn the worst lot, like always in his life.


    Huh. This really is like life. You¡¯re going forward, facing adversity, with unknown threats looming over you, tossed by someone you don¡¯t see and probably never will. And regardless of how everything seems to be outside your control, you always have a choice. Climb, rest, or let go.


    Newt thought he was onto something deep. Then he clung to the wall and let the rock smash against his back and press him into the spikes.


    Or maybe someone was just a sadist; facing their imminent death, they decided to spread their misery all around. Maybe getting a final laugh out of it. I wonder whether the realm guardian is watching me?


    The rock seemed eager to prove Newt right and pressed him against the wall extra hard. A breath later, it was gone, and Newt kept climbing.


    An hour after the trial¡¯s start, Newt felt a bout of weakness. His limbs grew more clumsy, and the invisible ground infinitely down below seemed to pull at him with double the previous force.


    Newt stopped. A dizzy spell struck him, and he wondered whether he had reached some milestone height. He gingerly moved his hand to the next handhold, making sure not to cut himself, before moving his legs and pulling himself up.


    Newt had barely climbed a handful of yards, when in the track left to his, a familiar face appeared and climbed the ladder almost at a running pace. Newt gazed in confusion, shook his head, and continued the climb.

 Chapter 139 - Those Who Climb

    45th of Season of Air, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    How? Just how does he keep getting ahead of me?


    Pond Brook overtook Newt for the eighth time. The challenge had started seven hours ago, and for the eighth time, he saw Newt¡¯s back as he whirled past him. The going had been more and more difficult as hours went by, his arms grew heavy, and he was forced to breathe all the time just to get enough oxygen pumping through his aching muscles.


    He¡¯s cheating. Pond grumbled inwardly, his hands no longer moving in a blur as he grabbed the ladder steps and kept going. He¡¯s a core disciple, he must have some way of bypassing the trial. How could he keep getting ahead of me otherwise?


    Pond focused on what was ahead of him, the steps. His stroke of good luck. However, the steps, which at first seemed like a blessing turned into mockery. What was the point of having good luck in a rigged game? When he first saw Newt to his right, on an obstacle course of nightmares, Pond laughed with joy. The second time he was confused, thinking maybe there were more people in the track, but there was no mistaking that red hair. Then came the indignation of the third time, finally followed by anger at the discrimination he was facing.


    Pond was so absorbed in Newt and the unfair treatment he was suffering that he hardly glanced right to meet his other neighbor.


    ***


    Spark advanced up her track, neither trivial nor hellishly difficult. A common face of rock lined with occasional cracks and protruding rock, perfectly climbable. She had naturally glanced at what her neighbors faced, one facing a climb more difficult than hers, while the other had a ladder carved all the way to the top. Spark felt neither resentment nor glee about her situation. And the last thing on her mind was the thought that the trial had treated her unfairly.


    Instead, she climbed, her mind focused on one thing and one thing only. Her goal was the top. The next trial. Her next opportunity.


    ***


    Rose gripped the thorny vine. At first she tried to grab them gently, but the short thorns tore through her defenses regardless of how soft her touch was to bite her skin and taste her flesh. Since she was a healer, she tried healing herself as she climbed, but then the climb dragged on, and Rose gave up. Healing herself perfectly all the time wasted too much spiritual energy, so she focused on keeping her hands together and climbing.


    An hour later, the air grew heavier, and she spotted traces of blood on some vines. As hours dragged on, the atmosphere grew heavier, the bloodstains more frequent and more obvious.


    Rose decided it was an attempt to shake her psyche and pressed on. She never once looked left or right, her eyes out for nothing but the thorns laid out ahead of her.


    ***


    Obi had won the lottery of life. His track had the trial¡¯s one and only set of stairs. The stairs were strange, vertical, straight up, but with a pair of handholds which he gripped tightly as he climbed right towards the heavens, his body perfectly horizontal.


    An hour later, Obi¡¯s body grew heavier. He spotted a person ahead of him, barely moving up the wall. It was Fourchains, muttering curses, stabbing the perfectly flat rock with his daggers.


    Obsidian was confused. He climbed down a bit and saw a mere handful of handholds Fourchains had made. The man had barely climbed twenty yards during the hour that had passed.


    Obi kept going, and half a minute later saw Hail, a tall young woman from two-twenty-five. She was climbing at a decent rate, her track a normal tower wall made of massive stones with plenty of obvious purchases.


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    Obi slowed down, enjoyed the full view of her rear with a sparkly white grin before he caught up, put on a straight face and passed the struggling woman.


    Another hour passed and it happened again. Obsidian¡¯s body had grown heavier. He kept going, and sure thing, Fourchains kept working his way up, about thirty yards from where Obsidian first started his climb.


    Hail was also there, her butt no less interesting as it wiggled before Obi. Again and again, it happened, something brought Obi to the start, and he was forced to climb again and again, each time his body growing heavier.


    Hail¡¯s rear had lost its charm, Fourchains¡¯ curses coming and going, depending on how he felt, and finally the eighth time he saw the man, Obsidian paused his climb.


    He looked left and right, he looked up, trying to figure out what he was doing wrong. Obi tried to sculpt the rock of the rail, but the earth refused to obey his command. So, he bit himself and left a smear of blood on the handhold.


    Another hour passed, Obsidian¡¯s body once more grew heavier, and he looked at the railing. No blood. He went down, instead of up, walking down the stairs in reverse. Ten yards later, he saw it, the bloody mark. He looked right and saw Fourchains¡¯ handholds stretching down.


    I keep advancing ten yards by ten yards every hour. For a moment, he considered staying in place to check whether he would move ahead by ten yards if he did, but Obi had a feeling the trial would kick him out long before that.


    Some good luck! Obsidian muttered curses, then continued climbing. Soon enough, he passed Fourchains. Obi considered taunting the man, telling him he would have to climb over and over again, but then stopped himself. There was nothing to gain, save for enmity, so he kept going, once more enjoying the sight of Hail¡¯s wiggly butt.


    ¡°You can do it, Hail, I believe in you,¡± he said in passing.


    Maybe I should ask her out for dinner?


    ***


    Pond passed Newt for the tenth time. He was sick of it. His arms shook, he was sweating and panting like a common mortal. He could not even remember the last time he was so tired. Battles rarely lasted more than a handful of minutes. Even training sessions had a hard limit of two hours, and it¡¯s already been nine. More than nine.


    His heart throbbed, bile rising in his stomach, and pain stabbing at his side. A thought of giving up passed through his mind.


    No! I will endure.


    He passed Newt for the eleventh time, the cheating red-hair. Core disciple or not, Pond burned with the desire to curse him for cheating, for abusing his station. He did not. His lungs also burned, making breathing difficult, let alone throwing curses like a fishmonger¡¯s wife.


    Why am I even trying? It¡¯s clear they won¡¯t let me pass.


    With that thought, Pond let go. Wind whistled in his ears, then he landed on a soft tuft of grass. He was exhausted, hardly breathing, but the pressure vanished, the air once more filled his lungs without obstruction, and feeling blessed, Pond fell asleep.


    ***


    Obi had been at it for thirteen or fifteen hours, he lost track of time. He was dead tired as he passed Fourchains for heavens knew which time. His breath was shallow, his head swimming in the clouds with dizzy spells coming and going. Had he not been climbing for an eternity, he would have dropped a long time ago.


    Thankfully, his body knew what to do even when his mind gave out.


    The wiggly butt appeared ahead of him again. Hail¡¯s hair was a mess, her robes soaking wet, which Obi appreciated to an extent. Suddenly, the woman slipped and started falling.


    Obi watched her plummet towards the fog, and his body moved on its own. She was about to fall past him, when he jumped to catch her.


    ¡°Hail!¡±


    The woman looked at him, her face dripping with sweat, her blue eyes snapping from exhaustion to shock.


    ¡°Obsidian?¡± she said in confusion just as Obi smashed into the invisible barrier separating their climbing areas.


    Obi bounced off, then struck the other side of the barrier with his back, hitting it again and again, until he landed on the cool, soft grass. He grasped for Hail, instead grabbing Pond¡¯s hand, who snored and shifted in his sleep, drool running down his cheek.


    Obsidian sensed the same rush of fresh air and strength, and his body shut down to rest.


    ***


    ¡°Five hundred and eleven, twelve,¡± Glade, the outer elder observing the proceedings muttered as a muscular youth and a blonde girl fell out of the secret realm almost immediately.


    ¡°The disciples are doing great, considering they let all inner disciples join,¡± Hollow, another outer elder, said while noting Obsidian¡¯s and Hail¡¯s names. ¡°They are already past the test threshold, and now we¡¯re in the elimination round.¡±


    ¡°No core disciples yet,¡± Glade said, and Hollow held back an eye-roll.


    Even the weakest of core disciples, the healing and beast-taming disciples, had extraordinary willpower. Much greater than his or Glade¡¯s. The odds of any one of them dropping out before the end were a hundred to one.


    Hollow had checked the odds, and knew Glade bet a single third realm spirit gem, hoping to strike a gem mine.


    Yeah, not a chance in hell. He shook his head when another disciple landed softly onto the grass. This one had red hair, her clothes worn out by the climb.


    Hollow approached her, checked her face, and entered the name into his ledger.


    Less than an hour now, I hope.

 Chapter 140 - Blanket

    47th of Season of Air, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt had no clue how long he had been climbing. Hours certainly, days possibly, even weeks weren¡¯t out of the question. The rocks falling from the infinite height kept getting heavier, smashing his body against the sharp spikes he was climbing, but he kept climbing.


    Nobody was forcing him. He wanted to reach the top. Both his neighbors had fallen a small eternity ago, but that meant nothing. For all Newt knew, they were the weakest of the inner disciples. He only had one person to best. Himself.


    If he could climb when his body told him he could not, if he could make just an extra step, pull himself an extra inch, that was his victory. Deep down, Newt knew the trial was almost certainly over. He was being stubborn, advancing for the sake of advancing, but that was the essence of cultivation. Being stubborn in face of adversity. Refusing to obey the heavens. Refusing to surrender.


    But he was tired. Drained. His arms and legs hurt. His back and front hurt. Clouds drifted not just above and below, but through his mind as well.


    One more, he told himself, grabbed for the next handhold, squeezed it, and pulled himself up.


    One more. The rock struck his back, crushing him against the diamond tips, which pressed his defense to the point of bursting. Granite Crust cracked, Newt¡¯s robe tore, blood flowed.


    One more. He grabbed up and pulled, but his body remained in place.


    One more, he ordered as if wanting it would make it happen. Newt¡¯s arm trembled, his scrawny biceps shaking with effort.


    One more, he lifted his body, raised his leg onto the next outcrop, and fainted.


    He won.


    ***


    ¡°One thousand forty-nine,¡± Glade said, observing the new star disciple shaking on the ground, his chest bloodied.


    ¡°He¡¯s just eighteen years old.¡± Hollow entered Newt¡¯s name into the register. ¡°Peak third realm, and if rumors are to be believed, he can probably take either of us on in a fight.¡±


    The meadow was mostly empty. Forty-nine core disciples slept on the soft grass, along with twenty most persistent inner disciples. The majority of the inner disciples had awoken yesterday, while the tougher ones did so hours ago. They all humbly asked about their results before leaving. The competition has long since ended, but there were five more core disciples clinging to the tower¡¯s wall.


    ¡°When do you think they¡¯ll give up?¡± Glade asked. ¡°Given their insight, they must know the trial is long over.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s why you and I are outer elders.¡± Hollow grumbled, but did not blame his fellow elder. He too would have surrendered once the success was assured. ¡°Those five are driven, fighting for the prestige of their masters just as much as they are fighting for their own sake.¡±


    All five remaining core disciples were all in the fourth realm.


    ¡°Heavens only know when they will give up.¡± Hollow shook his head. ¡°Emeraldstreak in particular is as stubborn as a triceratops. She might even die before she admits defeat.¡±


    ***


    Newt slept without dreams. He did not know how much time he spent in the darkness, but when he awoke, he was sprawled on the grass, a thick cotton blanket covering him. It was night, an orchestra of crickets played in the background, the wind blew, carrying the scent of lavender. There was another sweet note to it, and Newt huddled in the blanket, realizing it was the source of the delightful fragrance.


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    Lavender. Newt smiled, then remembered where he was.


    ¡°I fell,¡± he mumbled.


    ¡°You placed sixth, core disciple Newstar,¡± a balding outer elder said. ¡°There are only three more fighting for the title of the most durable disciple, and while prestigious, the title itself carries no special advantage.¡±


    Newt nodded. He was having trouble following what the man was talking about, but he considered what he said. He had finished sixth, meaning he outlasted some fourth realm core disciples.


    Did that matter?


    No. Newt tried his best, outdid himself, and when he examined his feelings, he had no regrets. He was satisfied.


    ¡°Thank you for the blanket.¡±


    ¡°Elder Woodhopper brought it for you.¡± The second elder¡¯s voice was carefully neutral, and Newt froze in the middle of getting up, nearly tripping on his own feet.


    The outer elder either missed Newt¡¯s fumble, or more likely chose to exercise discretion.


    ¡°Elder Woodhopper said you should return it to her when you get the chance.¡±


    Newt gulped, his heart thumping against his ribs.


    Newt bowed towards the two before realizing the sect¡¯s etiquette did not demand it, then he turned around and followed the beaten path towards the main sect compound. His mind was a stormy sea, churning with giant waves crashing against each other. The most important question was what did the blanket signify?


    Was it an invitation? Was the elder simply worried about him?


    What could Elder Woodhopper possibly worry about? Me catching a cold?


    No, there might be a million reasons behind her action, but she certainly was not worried about Newt¡¯s wellbeing. Did he appear pathetic and she wanted to cover him? That seemed likelier. Newt glanced at his torn robe and dried blood. The minor wounds have long since healed, but he did look kind of wretched.


    Should I bathe and dress up first? What kind of message am I sending if I appear like this? What kind of message am I sending if I take an hour or two to clean up and make myself presentable?


    Newt wondered, but had no idea.


    I should ask Dandelion. He almost slapped himself at the thought. Newt acted like an idiot when his big brother was around to do the thinking for him. He needed to make his own choice, use his own judgment, especially when it came to personal matters like scented blankets. In fact, he decided he would have to keep quiet about the blanket. It would be his and Elder Woodhopper¡¯s secret.


    And the two outer elders. And anyone else who saw it happen.


    It was a flimsy secret, but still a secret shared between the two of them. It felt romantic.


    Tangled and tripping on his own thoughts and deductions, Newt reached the Chamber of Beasts.


    ¡°Good evening, is Elder Woodhopper around?¡± Newt almost revealed the flimsy secret and said he was there to return her blanket. The scent of lavender was heavenly.


    ¡°The elder is out for the night, you can wait until tomorrow or try at her home.¡±


    Newt nodded, his soul leaving him. He might have gulped, he might have stammered something, but he did leave the building. Another choice stood before him. Visit the female elder at night, in the privacy of her home, or go back to his own cozy little house, take a bath, and bring the blanket over tomorrow. To her workplace. Where everyone could see them and hear what they were talking about.


    It can¡¯t be a coincidence.


    Newt went back into the administrative building and as calmly as possible got the directions to Elder Hopper¡¯s home. Then he followed them, wondering whether he was a creep, whether he was giving more significance to the situation than it deserved. It could have all been a string of coincidences.


    A beautiful elder covered him with a scented blanket, then despite not having to sleep, she left her workplace, at night, waiting for him. Newt stopped breathing for a while. He did it mostly out of reflex, but after half a mile, he realized he really needed a breath or two, lest he fainted once more.


    Soon he reached a mansion made of massive logs. It had two stories and smelled of pine. Newt barely climbed onto the front porch when Elder Woodhopper opened the door.


    ¡°Please come in, Newstar.¡±


    Not a coincidence.


    Stars flashed before his eyes. He tried to respond but settled on a nod and followed Elder Woodhopper inside, wondering whether his breath stank. The first chamber was a small, simple antechamber with a welcome mat made of the tough-scaled hide of some dinosaur. There was no mud, nor even the possibility of it ever reaching the room, but Newt still wiped his shoes and followed his host.


    She was breathtaking as ever. Elder Woodhopper wore a loose, fluffy house robe, which obscured her figure completely. The robe was dark-blue, bordering indigo. The unassuming clothes did not suit her very well, somehow it made the beautiful Elder Woodhopper look plain, but for some reason she remained a beauty in Newt¡¯s eyes.


    She opened the door revealing a long corridor and led the way to the second door on the left. Newt observed the paintings and house plants in passing, but he could not recall what they were or what they depicted, all his attention drawn to the woman before him and the blanket in his hands.


    The only things to exist in the world were Elder Woodhopper and the scent of lavender, which was growing stronger.

 Chapter 141 - Family Matters

    47th of Season of Air, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt and Elder Woodhopper entered a large room styled to emulate a hunter¡¯s cottage. A large, stone fireplace stood at the far end, flames licking three logs inside. Dagger-long fangs decorated a wall, some blazing with residual spiritual energy in Newt¡¯s third eye, while a modest-sized, hairy hide of some unknown creature decorated the floor in front of the fireplace.


    A feasting table large enough to seat twenty dominated the room, but Newt barely noticed it, his eyes on the woman before him.


    ¡°Have a seat.¡± Elder Woodhopper gestured towards a much smaller round table in the corner of the room, just barely big enough for two. ¡°I¡¯ll bring tea.¡±


    Newt sat, blanket on his lap, his hands on the blanket, lavender fragrance conquering the room. With Elder Woodhopper gone and him sitting in a clean, empty room, he suddenly realized what he looked like.


    I should¡¯ve changed my clothes!


    Elder Woodhopper left him to steep together with the tea. The three minutes felt longer than his entire climb as he sat on pinpricks, wondering what he was doing, why he was in Elder Woodhopper¡¯s home at night, and whether he reeked of sweat and dirt.


    He was certain of the latter.


    The woman entered the room. She carried a wooden tray in one hand, topped with two white and green porcelain cups. For an earth-attributed cultivator, Elder Woodhopper moved with grace, especially compared to Newt¡¯s master, who always looked like she was on a warpath. Her back was straight, a light, friendly smile on her lips, genuine benevolence in her eyes.


    She set a cup before Newt, then took a seat opposite to him and enjoyed a sip of tea. Newt mirrored the move. The tea may have been bitter, it may have been sweet. Probably somewhere in between, but as his mind spun an ever elaborate web of reasons and motives and possible futures, his tongue and sense of taste received little attention.


    ¡°So, Newstar, do you know why I invited you here?¡± The cup clicked softly against the smooth, polished wood.


    Newt nodded, then shook his head. He had a bunch of theories, but he did not know which one was correct. They ranged from Elder Woodhopper giving free blankets to all core disciples to her proposing.


    Her lips stretched, revealing perfect, white teeth framed in pinkish red, and Newt¡¯s mind blanked.


    In that instant, all sound disappeared. Newt¡¯s heart galloped, and he was certain Elder Woodhopper could hear its thunder.


    ¡°I am twelve hundred and thirty-seven years old,¡± she said with a straight face. ¡°I reached the second realm when I was seventeen, the third when I was twenty-two, the fourth when I was sixty-three. Most of my twelve centuries I have spent inside my realm, cultivating and gathering spiritual energy. I thought about it a lot because of this conversation. I have spent close to a thousand years alone in my realm, and I am merely in the middle layers of the sixth realm.¡±


    She looked Newt in the eye, her smile brilliant.


    ¡°Do you know why I am saying this?¡±


    Newt shook his head. He hoped he did not.


    ¡°I am over fifty times your age. You have just dipped your toes into the world of cultivation and into adulthood.¡± She stated the fact calmly, the smile still lingering on her lips. ¡°You¡¯re maybe wondering why I¡¯m saying all this.¡±


    Newt knew exactly why Elder Woodhopper said what she was saying.


    ¡°I¡¯m saying this because your feelings for me are too strong.¡± Newt¡¯s heart sank. ¡°I personally believe that admiring a higher realm cultivator of the opposite sex is natural and wouldn¡¯t have said anything. We are a thing of beauty, each of us, in our own different way, we resonate with the world and with each other.¡±


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    Elder Woodhopper took another sip of tea.


    ¡°Your master disagrees. She believes your fascination with me is detrimental to your development and asked me to talk to you. Under normal circumstances, following a more reasonable demand, I would have kept her request secret. Even if I disagreed with it.¡±


    Newt gazed at the woman, his heart plummeting.


    ¡°However, telling a teenager I know about his crush and that it is misguided seems like asking too much.¡±


    Newt¡¯s face burned, becoming redder than his hair. He wanted to say his feelings were genuine, but his mouth was full of rocks. Elder Woodhopper still looked at him kindly. She was worried about his injury when he left the Chamber of Healing. He knew she cared. But there was no way she would see him as anything other than a kid.


    ¡°I think you should look for a woman closer to your age, if you really need a woman, which I think you don¡¯t. Cultivation makes such things difficult, especially if you¡¯re a top talent such as yourself. Even a single realm¡¯s difference changes physical compatibility, you need to be gentle towards those weaker than yourself, treating them like porcelain figurines, and no matter how much you try a part of you will fear bodily contact with those who can crush you by accident.¡±


    Newt really did not want to listen to that lesson, but Elder Woodhopper kept going.


    ¡°Then there¡¯s a matter of life expectancy. Imagine falling in love and truly loving someone at the third realm. They will live no more than eight hundred years. That might sound like a lot to you now, but one day, when you¡¯re at the sixth realm, you will enter seclusion, and they will be free of wrinkles, but when you leave it, there will be creases in their faces, hints of decades you spent sealed and alone. And what is that person supposed to do while you spend those decades away? Wait for you?¡±


    Elder Woodhopper shook her head and took a sip of tea.


    ¡°That is why people have transient relationships with those of similar realm. You spend similar amounts of time in isolation, you can share missions and personal moments. And if you drift apart, it was what it was. Transient.¡±


    She looked Newt in the eye, smile disappearing and her face becoming more serious.


    ¡°I will use the two of us as an obvious example. My next seclusion will be for twenty-five years. That¡¯s longer than you have been alive. I will reach the seventh realm. No matter how much time and resources it takes. Same goes for my little Bronze. I will help her evolve to the seventh realm. That will take centuries of dedication, months of labor without pause just to help her refine a pill or herb I feed her. What do you think my significant other is supposed to do during all that time?¡±


    ¡°Cultivate,¡± Newt blurted, and Elder Woodhopper smiled.


    ¡°You can¡¯t cultivate all the time. Some have tried, naturally, some were compatible enough to succeed. But waiting for another to match the periods of cultivation suitable for both parties limits a person in what is already a race against time.¡±


    She shook her head.


    ¡°No. People settle down, they form families and clans only once they hit the plateau. For a cultivator, something mortals would consider real life starts once you hit your peak. Any distractions along the way will be just that, distractions. Masters don¡¯t involve themselves in such matters of their disciples, believing strict and rigorous training regimens are enough to sap the will for such mundane pleasures, but that is not always the case.¡±


    Newt considered Rose, and Elder Woodhopper kept talking.


    ¡°Your former teammate, Roselilly is a perfect example of this. She got involved with someone, her lover died, and she regrets it. She mourns his death, as she should if she is human, but a part of her regrets the time wasted, only now realizing all it had cost her. She is young, she can recover, but imagine if her lover had lived. If he had sapped her time for decades instead of a handful of years. Imagine if he had wasted centuries of her precious cultivation time.¡±


    Newt¡¯s heart stopped.


    Did the sect murder Rose¡¯s boyfriend?


    ¡°But even those who reach the peak and start families face difficult times. Most of their children, and cultivators do have a lot of children when they have enough time on their hands, are subpar. If someone spends half their life reaching their peak, and most gravitate around that period of time, that means they will probably bury all their children and grandchildren, and even the generations after.¡±


    Elder Woodhopper took another sip of tea, but her hand trembled as she placed it on the table.


    ¡°My mother was a fifth realm elder of the Chamber of Beasts. She was twenty-five hundred years old when she had me. I have had over a dozen brothers and sisters who have died of old age before I was born. I have had over a score of nieces and nephews before I was born. By the time I was five years old, most of my relatives were gravestones.¡±


    She looked him in the eye, her gaze icy.


    ¡°That is the reality of cultivator relationships and families. That is why most sect elders are virgins thousands of years old, disinterested in the opposite sex. You are young, you are not ready for this, for what it implies. When our sect master goes to cultivate, he misses generations being born and dying.¡±


    Newt gulped.


    ¡°That is your future. And even if it sounds scary now, it will be glorious, and you will love it.¡±

 Chapter 142 - Wine

    47th of Season of Air, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    ¡°That was so depressing,¡± Elder Woodhopper said after closing the door and making sure Newstar had left the range of her perception.


    ¡°It needed to be done.¡± Elder Alabaster entered the corridor from a side room adjacent to the one in which Elder Woodhopper had the sensitive conversation with Newstar.


    ¡°You owe me a big favor.¡±


    ¡°Did you really have to tell him you were having a sex talk with him at my behest?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Elder Woodhopper grumbled, heading back to the parlor, with Elder Alabaster following behind her. ¡°He¡¯s a good kid, but there¡¯s no way I would have done this on my own. Sex talk is depressing. I sometimes envy those who get tangled up in their youth, but then I realize they aren¡¯t around precisely because they wasted time in a race against time.¡±


    Elder Alabaster produced a bottle of wine and poured each of them a cup as they sat down.


    ¡°We are fortunate you become the object of his desire. Imagine if he had gotten involved with another disciple. One unscrupulous enough to ignore the age difference.¡±


    Elder Woodhopper nodded. ¡°He¡¯s barely a baby.¡±


    Elder Alabaster burst into laughter. ¡°You do know that when he reaches his peak at the ninth or the tenth realm, he will start a family with someone you and I are currently thinking of as a living fossil.¡±


    Elder Woodhopper downed her wine. ¡°A damn shame he didn¡¯t express his interest in around two thousand years. I don¡¯t think I can reach the eighth realm.¡±


    Elder Alabaster gawked.


    ¡°You can¡¯t really mean that. He¡¯s a child!¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t be in two thousand years. Age blurs beyond a certain point.¡±


    ¡°You like him?¡±


    ¡°Heavens no. He¡¯s just a baby. He has no idea about life or the world in general. But that day on the field when the sun destroyed the training field¡­ well you saw it.¡±


    Alabaster nodded. If Newstar survived and reached a high enough realm, he would become that blaze. And that furnace of energy was powerful enough to scorch their sect master and a team of high realm fire cultivators.


    ¡°He needs to live long enough to reach that level. And he needs to reach it as quickly as possible with his foundations remaining solid.¡±


    Elder Woodhopper looked at Elder Alabaster. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Sect Master believes the incident will repeat, annually, biannually, once every decade. The venerable of Chamber of Commerce has already reached out to other sects in search for ingredients needed to forge a ninth realm sunspear, but there¡¯s only so many times we can make the attempt before others become suspicious.¡±


    Elder Woodhopper considered the ruse. They could use that excuse for a decade or two. Explorer¡¯s Gate would face ridicule and loss of face because of the failures, but that was a negligible price for raising a ninth realm elder who can fight like a tenth realm one, or more shockingly a tenth realm one with a body beyond human limits.


    ¡°How much does the sect intend to invest in your disciple?¡±


    ¡°I think the sect master will go all in. Newstar will have our top cultivation chamber reserved half the time, as well as the best realm-appropriate pills we can find. He should reach the fourth realm before he turns twenty-five, the fifth before he¡¯s fifty.¡±


    Elder Woodhopper gulped. ¡°Won¡¯t that drive him mad? Body needs to adapt to the spirit, mind needs to adapt to the body.¡±


    Elder Alabaster shared her peer¡¯s worries but spoke with confidence. ¡°Sect master said he would personally monitor his progress, and he has already agreed with the venerable of the Chamber of Punishment that she would take him as a disciple once he reached the sixth realm. He would be her legacy disciple.¡±


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    That was a shocking revelation. As masters advanced in their age, they became pickier and pickier about their disciples. Venerable Alorex was mere centuries away from dying of old age, her previous disciple was the current sect master. Everyone believed he was her legacy disciple; for her to accept another spoke volumes about Newstar and the sect¡¯s expectations of him.


    In comparison, the two elders discussing his future were insignificant in the long run. A tenth realm master would live to see at least a hundred millennia blur past them before they reached the end of their longevity. Often twice that long.


    The only exception to that rule were the imperials, who lived but a fraction of that time. The heavens were fair, the imperials blazed brighter than their peers, even Newstar was but an ant compared to them, but that blaze burned them from the inside, the tide of time drowning them without mercy.


    ¡°Do you think he will be invited to marry an imperial?¡± Elder Woodhopper asked, stunning Elder Alabaster, who wondered what led the other woman¡¯s train of thought in that particular direction.


    She considered the question, and if Newt reached the ninth realm before the age of one thousand, the absurd notion seemed a strong possibility. He might even sire the next emperor.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe. Assuming he becomes strong enough, at least one of the emperor¡¯s daughters will seek to gamble on having his children. Who knows, maybe even the emperor herself might give it a try, but I think she¡¯s around three thousand years old now, so she might depart before he matures enough.¡±


    Elder Alabaster chuckled.


    ¡°I really need to send an appropriate gift to Frostgrave, to thank her for the treasure she sent us. Had she known the extent of his talent and ability, she might have kept him for herself.¡±


    ¡°And he would have died on the summer solstice. He would have perished without fire cultivators strong enough to lessen his burden.¡±


    The women sat in silence, emptying Elder Alabaster¡¯s bottle of wine.


    ¡°Thank you for your time.¡± Elder Alabaster stood and left after Elder Woodhopper gave her a nod.


    She stared into the distance wondering whether she should have dropped hints to Newstar that she was not against the idea when he grew powerful enough. Pursuing him after what had happened earlier that night would be demeaning. Yet missing the chance¡­


    ***


    Newt left Elder Woodhopper¡¯s home, his head a mess of murky, half-completed thoughts, their threads a yarn-like mess. He needed someone to talk to, and Obi seemed like just the right person. Naturally, Dandelion was Newt¡¯s first pick, but the man had a serious job to do, and interrupting him to discuss personal matters was inappropriate.


    So, Newt headed for the inner disciple dormitory and climbed the stairs. He reached his old apartment door and was about to knock when he heard a woman moaning.


    Newt¡¯s face went crimson, he turned around and escaped the building, walking at a brisk walk, almost running. Rose and Jasmine did not have boyfriends. Maybe it was the new girl, but Newt was certain Jasmine would have complained about Spark, besides it did not sound like her. That left only one person.


    I didn¡¯t know Obi was seeing someone.


    Newt had too much on his mind. He could not settle down, so he paced and walked around the island, slowly processing everything Elder Woodhopper had told him. He kind of knew everything she mentioned. His parents had reached the third realm, and believing that was the peak they would achieve, had him. He was vaguely aware they discussed having another child, but that never happened for some reason.


    Was I such a horrible child they didn¡¯t want anything to do with children anymore?


    Newt doubted it, but the egotistical thought still cropped up from somewhere. They were past one hundred when they had him, fairly young, but they had no hope of reaching the fourth realm, so it probably seemed like the right time.


    What about me? When would I have children? If I am aiming for the top, I will be at least a thousand years old, maybe two or three.


    He shuddered, recalling Elder Woodhopper saying that most of her siblings were gravestones when she was a girl. How terrifying was that?


    But that is the truth of cultivation. Heavens knew how many descendants the founder of his clan had buried before he joined them. If Newt had children, would it really be like that? Would he really watch them grow, age, and die, helpless, since nobody could climb the heavens for them?


    Would he teach them his cultivation methods? He wondered. Spiritual energy gathering was a major factor in cultivation, but not a deciding one. If he were wealthy enough, that passive energy gathering would have meant little. Pills could accomplish more in less time. Also, his descendants would have access to Magmin¡¯s realm, but the serpent-dragon would pose a large threat, and it was possible Newt was the only one who could enter it.


    He sighed.


    I¡¯m worrying about things I can¡¯t influence, and even if I could, they are in a future so distant my choices now won¡¯t make any difference.


    Rationally, he should have gone to the Chamber of Runes and continued his work, but he was in no mood for that, so he walked until he reached the shore. He stood on black sand, watching waves, letting all thought leave him until his mind was empty, save for the push and pull.

 Chapter 143 - Manic

    87th of Season of Air, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt sat in his practice room in the Chamber of Runes. He could not tell when he started enjoying examining spell formations, due to his unique realm layout the activity felt nearly identical to cultivation, and as his understanding grew, so did his potential.


    Even with Dandelion designing the exact blueprint, understanding what he had done and why was also an important part of Newt¡¯s cultivation. He was slowly making his way through spell formations fit for fourth realm cultivators, but like all things in cultivation, the higher the realm, the wider the field became.


    The spell formation he was studying would have been a great treasure a year ago. It explained how to change the ambient spiritual energy¡¯s attribute from earth to fire. While he no longer planned to have anything similar within his realm, the mysteries behind the energy conversion were fascinating in their own right.


    A sudden knock pulled Newt¡¯s mind back towards the material world.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Senior Apprentice Brother Newstar, your guest requests a meeting with you.¡±


    Finally. Newt stood and left the chamber.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Despite his impatience, Newt did not expect Dandelion would finish his task so quickly. Just drawing the blueprint must have taken days, and yet he managed to finish the entire job in less than two moons.


    Compared to him, Newt was much slower. It had taken him two days just to push Elder Woodhopper out of his mind and focus on work.


    A week later, when he went to visit his friends again and confirmed that Obi indeed had a new girlfriend, he thought it was unfair. A rational part of him knew that Obi courting a woman his own realm and approximate age was different from his crush, but it still made him feel bitter.


    Then he learned Obi and her had both failed their trial, and it reinforced what Elder Woodhopper had said ¡ª you can have one or the other. Never both.


    He also learned that Emeraldstreak had placed second, by climbing the tower for six days. That news cemented Newt¡¯s belief that the woman was crazy, or driven, as elders would probably call her condition.


    Then again, Newt could also be called crazy, spending weeks studying, pausing only to eat from time to time. And he looked forward to Dandelion¡¯s blueprint almost as much as he looked forward to a letter from his parents. Possibly more.


    Newt¡¯s steps faltered when he realized he cared about the blueprint more than about a word from his parents.


    When did I become like this? Why did I become like this?


    Newt continued towards Dandelion¡¯s lodgings considering those questions, but found no answers.


    When he reached the humble building made of planks, Dandelion was already waiting.


    ¡°Come in, Newt.¡±


    Newt entered the building, and Dandelion¡¯s ridiculous defensive spell formation sprang to life as soon as the door closed and completed the frail circuit.


    ¡°Members of your sect have spied on me seven times.¡± Newt almost jumped, but Dandelion placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. ¡°I was developing the blueprint inside my realm, so other than me sitting still, they had little to see. They gave up after two weeks of seeing me meditate constantly¡ª¡±


    The barrier burst.


    ¡°Thank you for your concern, Senior, we are fine, there is no reason for worry,¡± Dandelion said without hesitation, and the spell formation sprang back to life.


    ¡°I think they are trying to crack the spell formation, but that¡¯s exactly the problem. Cracking it causes it to collapse. Anyway, I have completed what I promised I would do.¡± Dandelion showed the pile of papers on the table stunning Newt. He had expected ten sheets at most, since his previous realm blueprint was four pages of intricately drawn spell formations. A hundred and twenty lay on the table, at the very least.


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    ¡°Please refrain from having a stroke.¡± Dandelion chuckled. ¡°I have disguised the blueprint. Only the top part of the paper is important, the rest is random rambling on spell formations. That is not to say my rambling is useless, you should read it, it should help you advance your knowledge on spell formations, but the real message is hidden.¡±


    Dandelion gathered the papers and handed them to Newt.


    ¡°The pages are numbered, but I did not bind them into a book, for ease of use. I must warn you though, that this is probably not the most optimal realm blueprint. The highest grade of spell formations I can master at our realm is the sixth. If you want to wait for some three hundred years, I can deliver a much better piece. At least twenty percent more efficient.¡±


    Newt gawked, and Dandelion burst into laughter.


    ¡°I knew you would react that way. I agree with you wholeheartedly, wasting three centuries and your potential is not worth the improvement you may or may not be able to put into practice. Why the long face? You cannot seriously tell me you are disappointed.¡±


    Newt shook his head.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. I¡¯m seriously considering waiting for three centuries for those improvements. It might be worth it.¡±


    ¡°Newstar, look at me.¡± Dandelion squeezed Newt¡¯s shoulder, and the youth raised his gaze to meet his big brother¡¯s. ¡°Time waits for no man. Your sect might get destroyed tomorrow, others might learn of your secrets and start hounding you. Spiritual energy itself may fail. Every bit of strength you can have you seize. Now.¡±


    He slapped the stack of papers.


    ¡°This here will already make you one of the strongest third realmers. On par with the royals probably. There is a theoretical draft for the fourth realm blueprint you can make yourself. Should something happen, and I am unavailable or unable to make a better blueprint than what I have, use it, improve on it. I know you can do it. Trust me. You are a star.¡±


    For some reason, Newt did not like Dandelion¡¯s forced smile. There was sorrow in the man¡¯s eyes he did not understand.


    Suddenly Dandelion clipped him on the back of the head.


    ¡°No need to look at me like that. I intend to lead a long and happy life, trying to reach immortality. But I may not always be within reach. If I hear your sect is in danger or something, I will help as much as I can. And I promise to write from time to time.¡±


    The promise did not seem to help Newt, but Dandelion waited in silence, armed with patience.


    ¡°Big brother,¡± Newt hesitated, and Dandelion remained silent, letting his friend sculpt his thoughts into words. ¡°What¡¯s the point?¡±


    Dandelion¡¯s lip twitched into an ugly half-smile.


    ¡°What is the point of what?¡±


    ¡°Cultivation.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that one is easy. The point of cultivation is to challenge the heavens, to fight against fate and mortality and to become master of oneself by creating an inner realm which houses our essence and reflects our being.¡±


    Newt blinked.


    ¡°That would be the compilation of all the decent definitions I have read on the subject. If you are asking what I personally believe, I would say cultivation is a tool. A tool often misused.¡±


    Newt furrowed his brows, trying to keep up.


    ¡°A tool? What sort of tool?¡±


    ¡°Well, you could call it a tool of the soul, but that is of lesser importance. The more important question is what is the tool meant for.¡±


    ¡°And what is it meant for?¡± Newt¡¯s eyes burned with his yearning to get the answer.


    ¡°To realize ourselves. To help us become more real. I even think it was originally a tool meant to achieve happiness and unity with the world, but we have gone astray, made it foul, or maybe humanity never walked that path to begin with. I cannot say for certain, you can never trust history.¡±


    Newt did not understand, and Dandelion only smirked.


    ¡°What is the cause of your doubt? You certainly have found your path, follow it. All doubt should disperse as long as you stay true to yourself.¡±


    ¡°But what about love, friendship, family?¡±


    Dandelion shrugged. ¡°You and I are friends. Should you die tomorrow and there is nothing I can do about it, you will be my dear friend who passed away tragically. I know you would feel the same sentiment about me should I die, and I hope you try to help me if I am facing a lethal threat, assuming you are not throwing your life away by getting involved.¡±


    Newt once more gawked, wondering whether Dandelion had gone mad to broach such inauspicious subjects like common topics.


    ¡°Family and love are the same. I am a poor advisor on such matters, but someone very dear to me, someone I loved more than life itself, told me you should learn to let go. To accept loss and move on. I could not, would not.¡± A self-deprecating laugh escaped Dandelion, his eyes focused on some distant place. ¡°I do not believe I will ever reach the point where I can move on. To not give my all, when I know I can do better.¡±


    He shook his head, and sanity returned to him.


    ¡°I must apologize. I will only give you poor advice on this subject. Maybe you should talk with one of your elders, someone you can trust. My advice remains the same as what I told you back at the Black Fist Gate. You are young, you lack life experience, if it does not affect your cultivation, drink, eat, fornicate, drown yourself in sin from time to time, for without sin you will only see one facet of life.¡±


    Dandelion roared a laugh. ¡°My advice is horrible. Your elders will probably tell you to shut yourself in a cave and cultivate, as you should.¡±


    Something was strange about Dandelion, but Newt could not figure out what. The elder man noticed the questioning gaze and grew serious.


    ¡°I apologize, I have spent too much time locked up in here, perfecting the manuscript. I best get going.¡±

 Chapter 144 - The Second Solstice

    45th of Season of Fire, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    Elder Longfang observed the field he had arranged. It housed a glorious spell formation, one which helped him recover his confidence after failing to break the privacy spell formation the sect¡¯s guest had used some moons ago.


    Losing to a third realm grandmaster scribe hurt, but it was an important lesson as well. Ingeniously used lower realm tools could thwart even considerably higher realm efforts. He had known that. It was the basic premise of spell formations and the art of scribing, but it had been a long time since he was on the receiving end of his beloved art¡¯s adage.


    The spell formation which lay before him was nominally of a seventh realm, the highest he could set up perfectly. But the nodes of the formation housed cultivators at the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth realms, with a tenth realm grandmaster at the center.


    Elder Longfang did a final pass, checking whether everything was in order. Noon was still hours away, and he had enough time to make the final tweaks. None were needed, of course. He made sure of that yesterday evening, and the week before, and the week before that.


    You can never be too sure. He smirked, especially satisfied with the runic formation he had made to divert a portion of the sun¡¯s flame. Alchemists, smiths, and artificers could find a dozen uses for the stored energy.


    Even Elder Longfang himself could use such a precious flame as a heart of a spell formation.


    The man looked at the sun, rising towards its peak, then at the gathered elders, arrayed to trap the sunflame into vessels rather than just unleash it as mere fire.


    The key figure was also there, seated and cultivating, ready for what heavens had in store for him.


    Elder Longfang did not know how to feel about that, but it was all for the good of the sect.


    ***


    Newt was uneasy. His heart quivered with terror ever since the first day of the season of fire. He knew it in his bones, the sun would smite him again.


    Then, one moon before the summer solstice, his master summoned him for a talk and a great weight fell off his chest. The sect had a plan. Just in case, they would handle everything as if sunfire would strike, and if it failed to meet their expectations, no harm done.


    Newt knew the flare was imminent, and he was grateful for the support, focusing on cultivation. When the day of the solstice came, everything was ready. He looked at the spell formation. It was too complex for him to follow, but the bits and pieces he understood filled him with confidence.


    He entered the heart and sat. He wanted to cultivate, but his focus wandered, and his state of mind was poor for most activities. Someone to talk to would have been nice, but with the sect master sitting like a statue next to him, there was no chance of a casual chat.


    So, he closed his eyes, focused on his breathing, and cleared his thoughts.


    Then the heat came. It was unpleasant for a dozen moments, then he was in an endless domain of ice-capped mountains and frozen forests.


    Before him floated an avian. It was normal sized, to his eye, but what was left of his mind told him the creature was titanic.


    ¡°Let¡¯s settle this once and for all, Frozen Nuts.¡±


    The pterosaurs screeched, which Newt interpreted as a snort. ¡°Where does your confidence come from, Fake Snake?¡±


    In the distance, the pterosaur¡¯s minions observed, spiritual energy flaring around them. Fools. They believed their flimsy shields could protect them from the fallout, should the two masters move their battle towards them.


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    The scene was strange. Newt could feel something wrong. The pterosaur was his enemy and his friend at the same time, a rival he had known for countless ages.


    Newt looked at the majestic manifestation of frost and air before him, his exact opposite.


    ¡°I¡¯m confident because,¡± he smirked, his lips moving to follow the memory, ¡°you have cold feet.¡±


    With another screech, the avian tore towards him, and Newt roared in laughter. Fire clashed with ice, melting and destroying, but dying to do so. Hellish winds impossibly fast and nearly solid struck rock, countless centuries of eolian erosion occurring in a heartbeat. Air devoured the earth, but disappeared in turn as claws and tails and fang clashed.


    Terrain changed, mountains disappeared and lakes replaced them, Newt knew he was not going all out, but neither was the pterosaur. The blows did, however, grow stronger with time. Blast-waves of heat and cold spread in every direction, heavens wept, then rained snow on the land, but the snow turned to steam only to become sleet full of rock-sized chunks of ice.


    Ten days later, the battle reached a crescendo. Blood burned the world, while another pool of it froze everything it touched so solid, it turned to powder. Then, as suddenly as it began, the battle ended.


    Newt glared at the avian. He wanted to tear out its cores, to feast on them, and yet, the dumb pterosaur was a valuable ally. The two of them were not the only masters of the world.


    The probing was done, their alliance sealed for another thirty thousand years.


    ¡°I look forward to your visit, Frozen Nuts. Without the favorable terrain, I¡¯ll devour your cores.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what you said sixty thousand years ago, and sixty thousand years before that!¡±


    The two exchanged shouts and curses, and Newt opened his eyes.


    He was in the Chamber of Healing again. The room was pitch black with a gentle, warm breeze coming in from the window. Newt glanced outside, a storm raged, but the water and the cold remained outside his temporary abode.


    Finally, he focused on the black outline sitting in the room full of spiritual energy. He stood, surprised he could, and bowed to the man.


    ¡°Disciple Newstar greets honorable sect master.¡± Newt had learned about proper customs and behavior, but the sect master lacked interest in such trite matters.


    With a thought, the air turned solid around Newt and stopped his bow.


    ¡°How are you feeling? Did you see something interesting?¡±


    ¡°Answering sect master¡ª¡±


    ¡°Cut it out, we can speak normally when there¡¯s just the two of us. Now¡­¡± The sect master left the word hanging, and Newt hurried to answer the questions.


    ¡°I am feeling healthy and rested.¡± Newt hesitated, but he already owed the sect master his life twice over. ¡°I had another vision, I fought a giant pterosaur of ice and air almost the entire length of the vision. We also exchanged words, but our battle ended in a draw.¡±


    Newt frowned, but the dream slipped from his grip the harder he tried to grasp it.


    ¡°I can¡¯t recall what we discussed while fighting.¡±


    The sect master nodded. ¡°Anything you would care to say about your friend who you brought over here to write and compile a book for you on the spot?¡±


    Newt¡¯s mind blanked at the tough question. Dandelion¡¯s book was brilliant, something that he could sell to the sect to include in their library, and it would remain an often used manual for the Explorer¡¯s Gate¡¯s spell formation scribes for centuries and millennia to come.


    ¡°I plan to donate his book to the Chamber of Runes once I reach the fourth realm.¡± Newt tried to hide his thoughts, but he knew he had failed.


    ¡°Neither I, nor the rest of the sect, will dig into your secrets. That said, your friend managed to outperform our chief spell formation scribe, so I need your word that he isn¡¯t a threat or a spy.¡±


    ¡°Dandelion is a friend, and he said he would come to my or my sect¡¯s aid should we face a disaster he can help with.¡± A spurt of inspiration struck Newt. ¡°I also believe he might be willing to help improve our spell formations or anything else for that matter, as long as we can provide adequate payment.¡±


    Newt felt stupid even as the words left his mouth. What could possibly a third realm cultivator offer to a tenth realm one? Dandelion was an innovator and a genius in Newt¡¯s eyes, but someone as old and experienced as the sect master must have seen everything there was to see under the heavens.


    The man did not ridicule him, though.


    ¡°May I read it?¡±


    Newt¡¯s first instinct was to say no. Someone as experienced as a tenth realm cultivator should see right through Dandelion¡¯s ruse, but he had no choice but to agree.


    ¡°You are free to refuse.¡± The sect master saw through Newt like he was made of glass, but the young man shook his head.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t studied it deeply enough myself. That will take years, but you may naturally read it the next time I enter seclusion.¡± Newt scanned his body again. ¡°Which should be tomorrow I guess, or even right now if there is an available chamber.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll read it, if you don¡¯t mind. I dabble in spell formations. In case you¡¯re curious, your body is now at the peak of the fourth realm, when you ascend to the fourth, your body will reach the fifth realm. You are free to do anything you wish, just don¡¯t miss the next trial in two moons¡¯ time.¡±


    With that, the sect master disappeared, leaving Newt alone in the healing chamber.

 Chapter 145 - The Soul Waterfall

    15th of Season of Earth, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt, along with his fellow core disciples and four hundred and seventy-odd inner disciples, entered the secluded realm. The fine vapor misted, blocking his vision. while the thundering noise assaulted his ears. There was no danger, however, and as instructed by the venerable, he followed the waterfall¡¯s roar.


    Soon the droplets filling the air grew from motes of fog into real drops, spraying Newt¡¯s face. The noise grew even louder, reverberating in his bones, and a vertical river slamming onto a massive slab of white rock appeared before Newt.


    The first test was to sit beneath the waterfall. Dead at the center. Reaching the destination demanded strength and fortitude. Granite crust would have brought Newt straight to his goal, but the use of abilities other than physical bodies was prohibited. Worse, the challenge¡¯s difficulty increased with the power of the body, not the testee¡¯s realm.


    For most people, that made little difference. For Newt, it meant he would have to pass a trial for the fourth realmers while still at the third realm. He expected some sort of special exemption, but the venerable in charge of the Chamber of Instruction singled him out, stated he would get a more difficult trial, and that he would lose his next opportunity, should he fail to pass in the top ten percent.


    He clenched his fists and stepped onto the soft, white slope. The frigid water bit his flesh, waves more solid than ice struck Newt¡¯s body, so cold he clenched his teeth to kill a high-pitched scream.


    At first the water was only as hard as ice, then the pressure increased, and Newt felt like he did when he climbed the tower, rocks falling on his head, but there was no respite. The rockfall oppressed him, pushed him back down the slope, but Newt took another step, then another.


    The gentle incline he climbed peaked, and became a miniature plateau fit for one. Newt sat, fighting not to sprawl on the ground as the water kept beating him without mercy.


    The second part of the trial was for the disciples to enter their realms under the assault. Newt failed to understand why that would be a challenge when the venerable explained the terms, but remained weary. He closed his eyes, and as expected, he was inside his realm, facing no difficulty while submerging his consciousness into his realm, but then paused.


    He stared at the realm. The heat and the red clouds were gone. Lightning danced in the dark skies while thunder echoed the torrential waterfall. Newt turned around and looked uphill, wondering whether his mind had strayed, but the volcano was there, as was the forest of Magmin Pines towards the peak. The familiar streams of lava flowed down the mountainside, shining bright in the sudden gloom, while the runic arrays flickered, the phenomenon conflicting with their usual steady light.


    Newt¡¯s entire realm held its breath. Then the sky broke. A merciless wind blew from beyond the heavens, whistling, and stoking the fires of Newt¡¯s realm, feeding and strengthening them. The completed spell formations blazed, fueled by the sudden surge of energy while rock cracked from the wind and the heat.


    Newt focused on defensive fire-attributed spell formations scattered about, trying to cover his realm. They burned and dissipated the heat, making it manageable and allowing Newt to shift to earthen barriers. Such spell formations were much more numerous, and nebulas of black, yellow, and brown rose to intercept the cutting gale.


    Newt had spent an entire season and then some cultivating his realm inside the best cultivation chambers the sect had to offer. Dandelion had been true to his word, hardly changing any of the existing spell formations, so Newt had made fewer corrections than he had expected, but even with all the advantages, his realm was less than five percent complete.


    The wind of desolation struck and cut, ravaging Newt¡¯s volcano. Faced with the grim reality of it, Newt abandoned the uncultivated patch, and focused on the small area he had spent moons sculpting.


    Rock shattered beyond the safety of the consolidated defenses. The world was breaking, and Newt did not dare imagine what sort of damage his realm was taking.


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    ¡°This is madness,¡± he shouted, focusing all his attention on commanding the spell formations. ¡°My realm will shatter!¡±


    He wanted to keep shouting, there was nothing else he could do, as even venting became a distraction. Newt focused, resisted, and the wind grew hot. The earthen defense melted, and Newt realized the element smiting him was no longer air. He focused on the flaming shields, which boosted his defense against heat and cold, letting the solid cloud of earth fall to the ground.


    Just like whenever he suffered fiery attacks in reality, the heat assailing Newt burned, harmlessly dissipated, but it kept growing in intensity. Sweat ran down Newt¡¯s avatar, wetting the surrounding rock before evaporating. Newt was stuck inside an inferno, the conflagration consuming his whole realm, burning everything in its wake.


    The ground sizzled, and Newt thought the test of fire would never end, when a fiery meteor slammed against his volcano. A crater bloomed at the periphery, and ground shook beneath Newt¡¯s feet. He frantically re-summoned the clouds of earth, a sliver of his consciousness noticing that they were stronger and thicker, fed and refined by fire and ash. He would have been overjoyed if not for the meteors hammering at his defense.


    The world heaved, gigantic rocks jumping and bouncing like balls, and Newt realized he was down on the ground, dazed by the mental impacts of countless tons of stone showering his realm. The fire had disappeared at some point, Newt knew not when, so he dismissed that portion of his defenses once more, but the rocks kept hammering without mercy.


    The falling earth became lighter, dealing less damage, but killing fire more effectively. The heavens rained mud on Newt¡¯s world, it might have lasted a minute or an eternity, but then the mud became rain, which became a pressurized torrent, just like the waterfall Newt had climbed to enter the hell he was in.


    The catastrophic deluge disintegrated rock, surges of water galloped down the volcano, slamming into the rivers of lava, turning to steam and extinguishing them, but the torrent caught the steam and returned it back for another assault on Newt.


    Water turned to boulders of ice, then sleet as wind picked up and rain let up. Newt was already delirious, frantically fighting to preserve the runic arrays he had made. He had already abandoned weeks of work as water drowned the least important of the fire-attributed spell formations.


    He was panting, then the water evaporated completely, probably carried by the wind into some other unfortunate¡¯s domain. Wind picked up, blowing life into the dying embers of fire, and Newt¡¯s fiery seals lit up once more, blazing with light, but the mountain¡¯s abused, black granite was shattering into fine sand.


    Then fire came, its heat melting the world. The cycle repeated and repeated and repeated. Newt¡¯s mind was stretched to the point of collapse, when the final fiery storm grew gentler. No meteors appeared to beat his realm, and as the conflagration died, Newt passed out.


    He did not know how long he had been sleeping, but when he opened his eyes Newt found himself sprawled on the grass, near a bubbling brook. There was no lavender-scented blanket, there was no sun, only stars in the sky and a huge, brilliant half-moon.


    Newt breathed in the scents of a jungle at night and enjoyed the sight above him. The elders overseeing the trial certainly knew he was awake, but left him alone as he stared at the heavens.


    The calm moment soothed his mind, but then unease crept in. What had happened to his realm?


    Newt closed his eyes and appeared at the base of his realm-volcano. He expected signs of devastation, of a cataclysm survived, but his realm seemed normal. Seemed was the key word.


    The ground no longer had the faintly wavy texture of cooling lava, it was straight and smooth as glass. Newt tapped it with his finger, and the touch told him it was just as tough as it was before, if not tougher.


    ¡°Definitely tougher.¡± He took a slow, cautious step forward, ready to brace himself in case he fell, but the smooth surface was not slippery. Not for his avatar.


    Newt headed up, towards the sigils, but dared not sprint just yet. He was looking around, twisting and observing for any trace of damage, but he found none.


    The imperfections appeared when he reached the first spell formation. Whatever had happened during the trial has straightened some of the curves, made the surface more even, but that was not what Newt wanted. Failure to follow the most perfect runic forms resulted in waste and drop in spell formation¡¯s performance.


    Newt fixed the distortion he had found, noting that he would have to check every single spell formation he had scribed inside his realm and continued his ascent. Magmin Pines still stood in the distance as Newt entered his second realm.


    He sighed in relief. The second realm remained unchanged. The ground kept the pattern and texture of igneous rock, rather than volcanic glass. Cultivators could not retroactively change their past realms, and he was glad the tempering he had suffered could not either. Had it damaged his realm, Newt would have had no way to set things right.

 Chapter 146 - Master Chef

    16th of Season of Earth, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt returned to his residence, still shocked, unable to believe what had happened. When he left his realm after a handful of minutes he dedicated to checking its state, he was the only disciple in the field. He was terrified he had finished last, and in a sense he did.


    Emeraldstreak rushed him from her house, leaving the door open. She stopped before Newt, her stoic face sporting a smile.


    ¡°Congratulations. Great job.¡±


    Her words were no louder than normal speech, but given the surrounding listeners, they might as well have been shouts. One by one, the majority of core disciples left their homes and approached to offer congratulations. Greenbow and Stegorock, Elder Alabaster¡¯s more senior disciples, beamed with pride, while others showed fewer emotions.


    Twochains offered a short, choppy nod of acknowledgement before leaving the residential area. Most others uttered a kind word or two before heading off to handle their own matters, and Newt realized all those busy people had waited for him, giving him several hours of their precious time as a show of respect.


    ¡°Thank you, thank you.¡± Newt returned the gestures of goodwill, memorizing the faces of his fellow disciples.


    Soon enough, there were only the four of them, Elder Alabaster¡¯s personal disciples.


    ¡°Do you want to grab a bite?¡± Greenbow said, and Newt wanted to say no.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Great! Master said she would prepare a celebratory meal.¡±


    Newt almost laughed. Giving in before peer pressure turned out a good thing, and taking an hour or two to rest and recover was not a complete waste. Besides, he would have had to eat something eventually.


    They took the road through the jungle, Stegorock chattering for all four of them, since his sisters and brother stayed silent. He did not mention a word about the trial, focusing on other things.


    ¡°I heard your primary mission is to cultivate?¡± He asked, and Newt nodded.


    ¡°Master and the Chamber of Instructions said the same. My focus for the time being is to make my realm as robust as possible. I am free to cultivate at my discretion, but the prices of all cultivation chambers are significantly reduced.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard the same about a number of other disciples.¡± Stegorock shot Emeraldstreak a meaningful look, and the stoic woman just nodded. ¡°There¡¯s an important tournament coming up. Sage¡¯s Realm.¡±


    Newt was all ears, hoping his elder brother would not send him off to the library. Checking things, searching the library¡¯s registry, and figuring out under which topics to find that which interested him no longer bothered him, but it was a needless distraction.


    Emeraldstreak was also interested, and Stegorock smiled before offering an explanation.


    ¡°Sage¡¯s realm is a major tournament for cultivators beneath the fifth realm, hosted once every one hundred and ninety-nine years.¡± Stegorock shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know why they didn¡¯t make it once every two centuries, but the number is odd and there¡¯s probably some reason behind it. All sects are invited to join, but since the tournament is meant to promote talent growth, the number of places is limited and depends on your sect¡¯s previous results, with the caveat that disciples may only compete once. Even minor sects and wandering cultivators may join, but they have to fight through an elimination tournament, which starts about half the year before the main event. That one¡¯s a pure martial contest, but given the minimal resources and the overwhelming number of hopeful participants, it¡¯s the best the organizers can do.¡±


    The company left the jungle, the first inner elder housings coming into view.


    ¡°The main tournament is a whole different dino. My search in the library turned up several dozen different challenges all mixed up into one large trial with four events. There¡¯s a bunch of recorded options, hunting dinos, wandering a jungle, battles to the death with other disciples while the realm prevents mortal blows and heals your wounds afterwards¡­¡±


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    Stegorock spoke at length about what he had learned. Explorer¡¯s Gate had fifteen slots. Their best disciples¡¯ average score allowed the sect to reach the top thirty the last time the realm was active.


    ¡°We placed twenty-second, but the rewards are counted separately for the top ten, then eleven through fifteen, sixteen through twenty, twenty-one through thirty, and so on.¡±


    It was obvious the man wanted to say more, but the disciples had reached their master¡¯s white mansion and the outer elder attendant opened the door. The servant powerful enough to usurp Newt¡¯s clan mere years ago greeted them with familiar politeness and led the way to the dining room.


    ¡°Your disciples have arrived, Elder.¡± The outer elder said as he opened the door.


    The words were a mere formality, Newt¡¯s master naturally knew who had entered her domain even before her disciples reached the antechamber.


    The group walked into a spacious feasting hall. Much like Elder Woodhopper¡¯s, the massive, wooden table had space enough to host twenty and uncomfortably fit twenty-six. A white cloth covered it, with only six plates at the far end. Before Newt could further examine the room, his master¡¯s voice came from beyond a white door.


    ¡°Thank you, Freshshine. Do you mind serving the food? And please mind the roasted stego tail, it¡¯s just about done.¡± Elder Alabaster and Newt¡¯s playful sister, Goodair, entered the room, bearing platters of steaming pastries.


    The aroma of freshly baked bread, mixed with herbs, meats, and vegetables spread like magic, conquering the chamber. Green, orange, and red strips of vegetables decorated the space between the tarts and the rolls.


    ¡°Since you are our sect¡¯s new star, we decorated them with stars.¡± Goodair cast a meaningful glance at the angular ornaments topping the delicacies.


    ¡°These are the appetizers, third realm triceratops flesh.¡± Elder Alabaster smiled. ¡°I would have offered fifth realm spirit meats, but you need to watch your realms before the tournament, and we can¡¯t have any accidents.¡±


    The woman looked Newt in the eye.


    ¡°Few get to taste the food I¡¯ve prepared, and you should also thank your elder sister, she¡¯s been working with me ever since we realized you were the last one still inside the Soul Waterfall.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Master, senior sister.¡± Newt bowed lightly, and the women acknowledged with nods before setting the food on the table.


    ¡°You will sit to my right, Newstar.¡± Elder Alabaster took her seat at the head of the table, followed by her disciples. Greenbow and Emeraldstreak sat to her left, Newt and Stegorock to the right. Goodair filled their cups with wine, opening another two bottles and setting them at the center of the table, before joining Newt¡¯s and Stegorock¡¯s side.


    Newt looked at the pastries. The tarts¡¯ crusts were perfect, filled with vegetables and finely diced meat. The rolls were more of a mystery, but they appeared crunchy.


    ¡°I would like to tell you all to try to be more like Newstar,¡± Elder Alabaster started her speech. ¡°But please don¡¯t. Other than the amount of stress he has been causing me, there¡¯s also the matter of collateral damage the sect has suffered, not to mention the heresy hunters knocking on our door to talk about affairs our sect really shouldn¡¯t be involved in. Be yourself, advance at your own pace because that is what will propel you as high as you can climb. You are all excellent disciples, and I am proud to be your master.¡±


    Elder Alabaster raised her cup.


    ¡°May you find enlightenment in whatever form benefits you the most, and may all of you rise higher than I will.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Master.¡±


    Tears of joy touched Newt¡¯s eye, but he stopped them as the six of them shared a drink.


    ¡°Enjoy your meal.¡± Elder Alabaster grabbed a roll and bit into it with a crunch.


    The sound of crunching and satisfied ums filled the room as disciples and their master enjoyed their canapes. Meats Newt ate when traversing the Valley of the Lost were of higher quality, more nourishing, but the taste could not compare. The meat was only a small portion of the meal, and most of the aroma came from herbs and spices while the pastries crunched so satisfyingly inside his mouth.


    ¡°Earth is the least suited element for cooking,¡± Elder Alabaster said, noticing Newt¡¯s bliss. ¡°Hotheads sport the most superior reputation in the field, with both air and water cultivators having certain advantages of their own. But with enough experience, I believe anyone can become a passable cook and baker.¡±


    Newt did not know how to react to the statement, so he nodded. Luckily, Stegorock picked up the conversation, saving him the trouble.


    Elder Freshshine served a spicy shellfish stew, followed by the main course of stegosaurus tail roasted with potatoes, carrots, and apples. Everyone got two small bowls of sweet and sour dips and dug into the food.


    Newt thought he could not eat a bite more, but then appeared a plate with mouth-watering nut-and-fruit sweets covered in honeyed, beaten egg whites. While stuffed, everyone found some room for dessert, and soon enough the final plate lay defeated, void even of crumbs.


    The group sat, sipping wine, Stegorock and Goodair chattering while others enjoyed the moment.

 Chapter 147 - Royal Invitation

    16th of Season of Earth, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    After the feast, Newt took a fasting pill and returned to cultivation. Hours passed as he made minor corrections to the vast majority of his spell formations. None required a major overhaul, but a scant few remained in perfect condition, requiring no modifications.


    Two days later, he finished his inspections and corrections, sinking his teeth into the creation of new spell formations. From the first stroke, Newt confirmed what he had already guessed from the corrections he had been making to his existing spell formations.


    ¡°It¡¯s tougher than before.¡± The obsidian ground offered greater resistance, slowing down his pace by ten to twenty percent. Newt drew a breath and exhaled his frustration. ¡°Cultivation is not a race. This improvement is good, it makes my foundations more solid and the maximum realm I can climb to higher and easier to achieve.¡±


    He exerted his will over his domain, and lines formed, splitting the solid, volcanic rock. Using his research into various fuels and volcanic activity, Newt optimized the materials involved in the spell formations while following the runic blueprint Dandelion had given him.


    Each glyph took between two hours and a better part of a day to inscribe, examine for faults, and test the energy flow through it. Thanks to his knowledge of spell formations, Newt knew that scribing the formation was just one of the multiple steps in laying it. Fortunately, there were no unaccounted foreign influences in his realm to reduce the efficiency, otherwise such complex work would have taken several times as long.


    Newt had lost track of time, but the chime caught him by surprise. He had done half the work he intended for his session. Dejected, Newt sighed. Even with the best cultivation chambers he could reasonably get, and the expensive pills he was consuming, his speed was miserable.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Newt frowned. ¡°The speed at which I work hasn¡¯t declined yet, that means I have at least two to three days before I have to leave the chamber.¡±


    Newt waited and no second chime came. He was about to continue his cultivation, when a chill traveled through his whole body. He was in danger.


    Newt abandoned the work on his realm, opened his eyes, and found himself inside his sealed cultivation chamber. There was no dizziness, he had not overtaxed himself, and no imminent danger revealed itself.


    Another chime sounded, and Newt left the room to see the outer disciple clerk running and hitting the runes, which sounded the chimes for those inside the chambers.


    ¡°What¡ª¡± Newt said just as the door to his right swung open.


    ¡°We¡¯re under attack!¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s attacking?¡± Emeraldstreak asked, emerging from her own cultivation chamber.


    The clerk looked at the three core disciples in confusion. She was at the second realm, much older than Newt, her biggest prospect in life was becoming an outer elder. She had no idea what was happening, and all three core disciples realized it at the same time as two more doors opened.


    ¡°We¡¯re under attack, let¡¯s go!¡± Blaze, the third core disciple, said, rushing towards the Chamber of Instruction¡¯s main hall.


    Chaos ruled outside. Screams and clashing of steel and elements came from the distant outer disciple living area towards the periphery of the island. High in the sky, higher realm cultivators battled. Flashes of fire, giant rocks, whirling tornados, and watery whips smashed against red waves, but made no sound.


    Newt caught the scent before his mind processed what his eyes told him. Blood. Blood was everywhere. A blade of blood slashed a brontosaurus-sized boulder, and the rock fell towards Newt and the others, but before it could land to crush them, it smashed against a shimmering dome, stone dispersing into dust which disintegrated into spiritual energy.


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    Crimson rain fell on the shield, turning to pink mist as it evaporated like drops of water landing on a searing pan.


    ¡°The beach!¡± Blaze shouted, running towards the sound of the battle.


    Newt once more glanced up, looking at the chaos and elemental havoc taking place beyond the safety of the sect¡¯s defenses. He nearly sighed with relief that the defensive formation was fixed after his first tribulation the previous year. Otherwise, the battle would have spelled disaster.


    Emeraldstreak dashed after Blaze, ironically a water cultivator, clipping Newt on the shoulder and snapping him out of his daze. He ran. The notion of rushing towards a battle of unknown proportions, with his sect¡¯s status a mystery, seemed rash, bordering foolhardy, but then he recalled his obligations towards the sect.


    Explorer¡¯s Gate would raise him, and he would protect it to the best of his ability. With that thought, and with how much the sect had invested in him, how the elders had saved his life twice during his solar tribulations, Newt sent a surge of spiritual energy towards his legs and sprinted forth as fire burst beneath his feet.


    He overtook his senior sister, then Blaze. Newt raced, trees blurring beside him as blood and elements exploded in the bright, blue sky. A mountain of ice crashed above his head. Newt caught a glance of a broken body, wearing a red robe, smeared against the shield and gulped.


    Why attack during the day? Newt managed to wonder before running into the open field and madness. A wall of yellow and green fought against a tide of red-robed madmen. Massive battles between mortals could make one¡¯s heart quiver, the battles of the same scale between lower realm cultivators inspired pure terror.


    Men and women jumped or soared, brandishing weapons glowing with the elements, protecting each other in the pandemonium of cries and screams, giving their all to battle against scarlet blades which drank any blood they shed. Rocks, ice, and body parts flew, accompanied by sprays of blood.


    Newt reached behind his back, grasping for his glaive, ready to charge, yet grabbed nothing but air. Save for spars and missions, he kept his weapon at his residence. Suddenly, he did not know what to do. Rush to his residence? Fight barehanded?


    Blaze, just as unarmed, rushed past him and threw himself into the melee. The man solved Newt¡¯s problem, and he charged into the thick of it with a furious roar. Granite Crust covered Newt¡¯s body, his hands transforming into flaming mauls, and he propelled himself with a fiery blast, smashing a cultist¡¯s head into a pulp.


    The body landed on rubble. A scant handful of buildings and solitary walls remained of the outer disciples¡¯ improvised settlement, even those disappearing as fighting spread and engulfed them. Emeraldstreak rushed over to Newt, trampling another cultist, her body encased in a translucent green shell.


    A cultist stabbed the fresh corpse Newt had just made, the sword glowing ominous scarlet, and Newt rushed him. He threw a punch, but the man dodged only for Emeraldrstreak to pulverize him.


    Thirdrealmers. The vast majority of the land-bound attackers were at the third realm. Newt ducked under a glowing blade, wondering in the back of his mind whether the fourth and fifth realmers had a separate battlefield.


    How did they get here anyway?


    An excellent question, but Newt lacked time to think. His throat stung with phantom pain, and he jumped back. The blade flashed before his face, but he grabbed the cultist by the wrist and squeezed it into mush, the bloody barrier cracking and shattering under the pressure of Newt¡¯s enhanced body.


    He almost took the sword, but the mere thought of wielding that blade called forth a storm of nausea. Newt let it fall, pulled the man forth, and realized she was a woman. His hesitation lasted the barest of moments before he ended her with a flaming fist to the head.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the sect master?¡± A shout came from the chaos, but nobody had a response.


    ***


    Sect master Greenthorn placed the fine crystalline cup back on its delicate crystalline saucer. He had been waiting for the audience at the imperial capital for two weeks. The invitation had come sealed by the highest ranking imperial minister¡¯s stamp, inviting him to discuss a matter too sensitive to commit to paper.


    Greenthorn rarely visited the capital. There was really little reason to frequent the distant, obscenely overpriced city. Even when looking for extremely rare and valuable resources, it was much cheaper to seek them out through a network of contacts and friendly sects than to enter the royal capital and fall victim to a merchant¡¯s skinning knife.


    As expected, the imperial family had received the sect master well. The invitation entitled him to a cultivation environment not at all inferior to what he had at home. Given the way the imperials received their guests and how long they let them wait to show their might, the supreme quality cultivation chambers came as a compensation for others to endure their whims.


    But that was fine. Greenthorn had time, and the tea and the highest quality delicacies he received allowed him a minimal indulgence warranted by his high realm and status.


    I¡¯ll be back home in a month or two.


    He had no reason to worry. The cultivation world was a blue sky without a cloud in sight.

 Chapter 148 - Consequences

    37th of Season of Earth, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    Newt fought with a dead man¡¯s spear. At some point, someone had ordered the outer disciples below the third realm to retreat. Their efforts and sacrifices served nothing save to empower their enemies with their blood.


    The battlefield grew less cluttered, but the damage was already done. The madmen moved in whirlwinds of blood, striking down even the majority of third-realmers with their demonic power. Pockets of resistance remained. Core disciples in groups of three to five annihilated whatever came at them, but they were forced to defend, the Blood Cult outnumbering them ten to one.


    ¡°Found him!¡± A cultist roared pointing his blazing scarlet saber at Newt. ¡°He¡¯s here!¡±


    The battlefield quivered as the information spread. Newt fought together with Emeraldstreak and Blaze, forming a triangle, slaughtering their attackers as they came. Two fourth realm combatants and a peak third realm one endured when pitted against the waves of empowered third-realmers, equivalent to early fourth-realmers. But as the tide turned, the enemies changed.


    The ones surging towards Newt were at the fourth realm. Newt¡¯s breath caught. Where did they come from? Were they hiding behind their allies, draining the blood of the dead and the dying to empower themselves to decide the battle in one catastrophic attack?


    ¡°It¡¯s him!¡± a fourth-realmer shouted. ¡°His head is mine!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s mine!¡±


    ¡°Mine!¡±


    A frenzy of demons surged towards Newt¡¯s trio. A red haze surrounded the first one to reach him. The man swept his disgusting saber, which throbbed with blood and power, and Newt knew he could not block. The weapon would shatter his spear like a twig.


    A blast of fire exploded in the sky blinding Newt and his enemy. The man faltered, but relying on his third eye, Newt saw him, despite the momentary damage to his eyes. His spear bit into the demon¡¯s neck, and a surge of flame ended his life.


    Newt used the blindness spell to annihilate three more fourth-realmers and retreated into the formation as his eyesight recovered into a blurry image. Others also took the chance. Some demons continued their slaughter, finding their enemies without error, while Explorer¡¯s Gate disciples struck with clever tricks of their own.


    ¡°Take his head or the cult leader will have our blood!¡± Someone shouted, leading a fresh charge towards Newt¡¯s trio.


    Fellow core disciples noticed them and made their way towards Newt¡¯s position, cutting their way through the enemies, but there was no stopping the tide. With no opportunity to stop them, each death, each drop of blood shed fed the demons¡¯ champions.


    Newt batted away an enemy¡¯s attack, but the saber cleaved through his borrowed spear. The effort bought him a split second and a spike of earth formed, piercing the cultist¡¯s leg. The man stumbled and a sharp, burning stick found his eye. To Newt¡¯s left, Blaze groaned and fell, Emerald moving, her back against Newt¡¯s.


    Newt frantically scanned the ground for a weapon. Save for demonic blades, he found none. A fourth-realmer cultist raced towards him, swinging his saber when a burning chain whipped itself around his neck. Twochains pulled, but a realm weaker than the opponent, his effort amounted to a mere distraction.


    Distraction was all Newt needed. As the demon glanced to the side, Newt pounced inside his reach. He immolated himself, and the cultist¡¯s blood armor hissed and sizzled. Newt¡¯s back ached with sudden phantom pain. He rolled over, and a serrated, hooked saber sank into the cultist¡¯s chest.


    Newt grasped the upper portion of his sundered spear and stabbed it into the surprised woman¡¯s neck. Another lifted their demonic weapon at him, but Emeraldstreak smashed her fist into her head. The demon stumbled, and Newt finished her off with his improvised weapon.


    Suddenly, someone grabbed Newt¡¯s shoulder. He spun and almost stabbed a woman wearing their sect¡¯s colors. It was the airship captain, her burned face impossible to forget.


    ¡°Retreat to the airships,¡± the fourth realm outer elder said, rushing the incoming demon with a rapier and a short-sword.


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    Newt looked around, and saw outer elders surging to join the battle, forcing the surviving disciples back. He saw his instructor, Twinflower, whose spear weaved and danced, bringing death.


    The outer elder, whose name Newt did not know, died to the left of the spearmaster. Twinflower turned, parrying the followup attack from the left, keeping his other enemy at bay with the butt end of his spear.


    ¡°Watch out!¡± Newt screamed, but the screams and sounds of battle drowned his shout.


    A saber struck his instructor¡¯s back. The old man shifted, reducing the damage, but another saber landed on him, and three madmen hacked at him.


    ¡°Run!¡± the captain screamed, and Emeraldstreak dragged him away.


    He turned around to call her, but a wicked saber struck her chest just as her rapier found the cultist¡¯s throat. They fell, killing each other, and Newt ran, holding Emeraldstreak¡¯s hand.


    The cultists hollered and raced after them, with outer elders forming a wall to stop the wave. Newt looked back once more, watching familiar faces fall, their blood trailing through the air to feed demons and their weapons.


    A score of core disciples ran after Newt.


    ¡°The disciplinary venerable fell,¡± Stegorock muttered, running beside Greenbow. ¡°That was the giant explosion of fire.¡±


    Newt¡¯s vision swam. He could see the ancient granny¡¯s tired face and droopy eyes.


    He¡¯s wrong. His heart skipped a beat, his throat clenched. She was a monster. There¡¯s no way they got her.


    Newt glanced back again and saw the cultists break through. Fifty demonic cultivators abandoned the battle and pursued. The airship was docked close to the inner elders¡¯ residential district. Newt looked up and saw a massive triceratops charge through the air, a familiar figure riding atop it.


    The group passed the inner disciple residences, and Newt thought to run to his home to arm himself, but the demons were gaining on them. There was no time.


    Could they even make it to the airship?


    Newt glanced back, a hundred yards¡¯ advantage and shrinking. If he stopped, all fifty of them would be upon him in a second. Most of his fellow disciples were just as unarmed as he was, while others wielded inferior weapons.


    They were equipped well enough to deal with the third realm cultists, but not with the madmen chasing them. Worse, five of the twenty were bodily carrying third realmer core disciples too slow to make it.


    Twelve against fifty, and they were unarmed. But they would have to stop once they reached the ship.


    Even if I had my glaive, I could stop two or three at most. Wait!


    Newt slowed a fraction, falling behind his brothers and disciples in three strides. Emeraldstreak looked back, and Newt muttered a silent curse, sending a surge of spiritual energy into his palm.


    An explosion of sound and light blinded and deafened the cultists. They tripped and fell, only five of them continuing their run, following some unnatural sense to keep their balance, but even their speed dropped significantly.


    Emeraldstreak also fell, but Newt ran for her and scooped her off the ground before continuing his run.


    ¡°I bought us about five seconds,¡± he shouted, but nobody acknowledged him.


    The group dashed through the jungle, and turned right, following a path towards the airship dock. Explorer¡¯s Gate had four airships.


    Will we split or stay together? Newt had no idea what they should do. Run together or split in four directions, ensuring that at least some of them would survive and spread the news of what had happened. The Blood Cult attacked in broad daylight, an unprecedented event as far as Newt was aware.


    They reached the meadow with only three airships docked. One was missing.


    Maybe someone already got away?


    The doors to the airships were open, spell formations keeping the insects and elements out.


    ¡°First eight left, second seven right, the slowest ones take the central airship,¡± Rexheart, the number one core disciple ordered, leading his group left.


    Newt ran into the central one, still carrying Emeraldstreak like a princess. He knew nothing about airships, but there should be some spare weapons aboard. Even if they failed to fly away, they could at least arm themselves with decent weapons.


    His worry was unfounded, Stegorock rushed towards the commands and slammed the largest rune with a wide-open palm. The ship shuddered and stormed straight ahead without rising into the air. It smashed into the jungle, sending the cultivators tumbling. Stegorock hung to the captain¡¯s chair, muttering curses and looking at the complex network of runic patterns.


    Newt rose to his feet and rushed to help his senior brother. The sudden jolt threw them off balance, but everyone present had reached at least the third realm.


    Newt reached the command tablet and examined it. Dozens of glowing golden runes, all of which were familiar, were inscribed onto the black rock. Up, down, left, right, forward, backward, sun, rain, shield¡­


    Newt first hit the shield rune to turn on the shield, but the ship shuddered more violently and Newt pressed the rune again. The shields were already on.


    Why doesn¡¯t it say that anywhere?


    Newt pressed the ¡®up¡¯ rune, and the airship climbed, escaping the jungle.

 Chapter 149 - The Search

    37th of Season of Earth, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    The problem with going up became immediately apparent. The airship left the sect¡¯s defenses. An explosion to the left rocked them, scattering the seven cultivators like straw. Blossom, a third realm water cultivator and beast tamer, hurtled towards the open door.


    ¡°No!¡±


    Following a single scream, she was gone. Newt¡¯s heart stopped. A third-realmer could survive that fall, maybe even a second-realmer, but nobody knew what awaited in the jungle. Assuming the Blood Cult conquered the island, Blossom was doomed.


    Newt had an instant to consider her fate before his took priority. A madman wearing red, bulging with muscles, thrust his hand towards their fleeing craft, and a tidal wave of blood surged towards them.


    A fiery spiral struck the wave, deflecting it to the ground, and Elder Flameax shot at the brawny cultist. His diminutive frame danced around the giant before Elder Flameax smashed a fiery fist into his opponent¡¯s right kidney.


    The ship was past them in that split second, and all Newt saw of the encounter was a blur. The vessel shuddered as a blast-wave struck it, but all six cultivators clung to immovable furniture. Everything else had either flown outside or shattered to pieces. Two seconds passed and Newt released a relieved breath.


    They escaped the battlefield.


    His heart racing, Newt rushed to the window and looked back. It seemed like the Explorer¡¯s Gate would win the aerial battle, which was the important one.


    ¡°Is anyone injured?¡± Greenbow, the most senior disciple present, asked.


    A few exchanged glances later, the group confirmed nobody had suffered a scratch in the battle. Those who suffered scratches bled, feeding their opponents and losing their lives in a matter of moments.


    ¡°We have no healers in this group. Does anyone have any pills?¡±


    ¡°I have four fasting pills, but that¡¯s it,¡± Newt said, producing a bottle from his pocket.


    ¡°None,¡± Sharpcut, another fire cultivator, said.


    Stegorock, Emeraldstreak, and Aura shook their heads.


    Greenbow¡¯s shoulders sagged. ¡°I guess we have four fasting pills. We should snoop around the ship and try to find some weapons, something we can hopefully use. Fourth realm equipment would be ideal, but I don¡¯t have my hopes up, it would be great if we managed to find a couple pieces fit for third-realmers.¡±


    The group agreed and dispersed. Their airship soared over the sea and would continue to fly unobstructed for at least another hour or two. It was paramount to find something with which to defend themselves should the cultists follow.


    The ship was spacious enough to fit several hundred people, and it had private chambers, captain¡¯s quarters, and a small armory where the crew placed their belongings. Newt lay on the floor, checking under the bunk beds, when he sensed a jolt. He ran to the window and checked behind, nobody pursued them.


    Please tell me we did not hit a flying cultivator because nobody¡¯s steering.


    Newt rushed to the control room, to see whether he could find an explanation other than hitting an innocent person flying by, when his gaze landed on the command board.


    The board was heavily scratched, the runic patterns ruined beyond recognition.


    What? Newt stared, trying and failing to process the sight before him. An ax lay on the ground, its head dusty with black rock-dust scraped from the command board.


    Newt stood frozen in the doorway, then jumped as a hand landed on his shoulder.


    ¡°You all right, Newt?¡± Stegorock asked, but words failed Newt.


    He pointed at the sight before him and watched Stegorock¡¯s eyes grow wide with realization.


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    ¡°Watch out! There might be a hidden cultist aboard!¡± His bellow echoed through the airship¡¯s corridors, and the remaining four sprinted towards them from their separate chambers, turning heads left and right in search of danger.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Greenbow asked, fists on her hips and a deep frown on her brow.


    ¡°Someone destroyed the command board,¡± Newt said after regaining his composure. He looked back at his fellow disciples, refusing to believe the most obvious answer. ¡°We need to search the airship together and find the cultist.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we should just abandon ship?¡± Aura said.


    ¡°No.¡± Greenbow shook her head. ¡°We¡¯re an hour away from the island and an hour away from the shore. If we jump into the sea, it would take us days of swimming to cross it, and that¡¯s not to mention the spirit beasts lurking in the deep. They would sense us, and attack.¡±


    She looked at Newt and nodded. ¡°I think Newt¡¯s idea is good. We need to find whoever¡¯s infiltrated our airship and eliminate them. We can always jump once we reach the shore.¡±


    Aura was tense, air cultivators performed poorly in confined spaces, especially once combat got involved. Stegorock, Emeraldstreak, and Newt nodded their agreement. Sharpcut considered the situation, then decided to follow the majority vote.


    Uneasy, the group of six went from room to room, moving everything that was not nailed to the wall. They had covered half the ship before Aura mumbled again.


    ¡°This is ridiculous. We have already searched most of the ship when we acted on our own. If there was someone, we would¡¯ve found them already.¡±


    Newt agreed, but still searched, hoping they had missed something. A stowaway. He could only hope it was a stowaway. As the group moved from room to room, the nasty reality of the situation was growing clearer. The airship carried six passengers, and six alone. Explorer¡¯s Gate disciples checked every nook of the cargo area at the bottommost level of the ship.


    Stegorock and Greenbow still tried to find any hidden compartments while the other four stopped their search and instead regarded their companions.


    Traitor.


    Newt recognized the silent consideration in Aura¡¯s gaze even as he knew the same idea must be clear in his own eyes as he evaluated her. What did he know about her?


    He examined the tall brunette, her long, slender legs and arms, delicate fingers with two rings. The rings were massive, inset with rubies. She was a core disciple of an air-attribute. She was not combat oriented, not in the thirty-three core disciples which conformed to the ranking system based on their prowess.


    That meant she was an expert in some area, but which? Was it something that could reveal her affiliation with the Blood Cult? What if it seemed incriminating, but she was innocent? What if the cultists somehow controlled her against her will? Were the red gems adorning her rings an unfortunate coincidence or incriminating evidence?


    Ugly thoughts. Their gazes met, and they looked away at the same time. Newt was ashamed of what was passing through his head. He wondered whether she felt the same? Or was she acting? The suspicion in her eyes seemed genuine.


    What about Sharpcut? The man was well built, average height, lean muscles, and explosive strength. He was a third-realmer, a combat core disciple. Newt believed his rank was low, bottom ten, probably. How did he survive the battle? Despite his poor results, he outperformed at least half the combat disciples. But that meant nothing.


    On one hand, the cultists could have deliberately left him alive. On the other, he could have shone brightly in real battle, letting loose like he could not during the sparring matches. Maybe others froze. How did Aura survive?


    Newt closed his eyes.


    This is madness.


    And it was. The teeming mass of paranoid doubt which had flooded Newt¡¯s mind in those handful of minutes outweighed everything he had experienced in his life up to that point piled together.


    He glanced at Emeraldstreak. Newt nearly shuddered from shame. He started considering his senior sister, and the odds of her being the traitor. She had prodigious talent, she had no need to join and accept help from demonic cultivators, and yet Newt could not drive away the thought. What if?


    He looked at his eldest sister and brother. He wished he could join them. Their futile, ongoing search proved their point and revealed their state of mind. They either believed in their fellow disciples so much that they refused to accept reality, or perhaps, one of them was pretending? Following the other¡¯s lead to appear less conspicuous.


    Newt wanted to shout and cry, but those would not help.


    What can I do? Assuming there is a traitor among us.


    ¡°What if the stowaway jumped the airship after sabotaging it?¡± Newt grasped for the last straw, and five sets of eyes focused on him.


    It was a wonderful proposition. That would mean there were no saboteurs, no traitors, and while everyone would be paranoid, they would all work for the common goal and power through their feelings.


    ¡°That would be clever,¡± Stegorock said, others apparently unwilling to speak their mind. ¡°Not only have they wasted our time, they also planted a seed of doubt. Does anyone here even know how to fly this ship?¡±


    ¡°I know runes, so I could read the commands,¡± Newt said. ¡°But now that the command board is ruined I don¡¯t think I can do anything.¡±


    Greenbow nodded. ¡°Anyone else?¡±


    The rest shook their heads.


    ¡°I¡¯m an artificer. Decent enough to become a core disciple,¡± Aura volunteered, ¡°but fixing an airship is beyond my ability.¡±


    Another silent spell.


    ¡°We should reach land soon.¡± Greenbow broke the silence. ¡°Let¡¯s go up to the passenger area and prepare to jump.¡±


    She looked at the third-realmers. ¡°Can you guys make it?¡±


    They nodded. Fortunately, both air and fire cultivators had a way to slow their falls.

 Chapter 150 - The Flight

    37th of Season of Earth, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    The blue skies¡ªwere not. Instead of a deep blue, blackness welcomed Newt and his five fellow disciples as they climbed out of the cargo hold. They gasped at the sight. There was light. They could see everything just fine, but the sky had taken on the color of the night.


    ¡°Did we stumble upon a secret realm,¡± Aura asked.


    Newt did not know. It was certainly possible for a secret realm¡¯s sky to be black or green or pink. But could a giant airship enter a secret realm? How big did it have to be for the ship to maintain its breakneck speed and not hit a realm barrier?


    ¡°Look down.¡± Sharpcut pointed towards the ground after approaching the window.


    The five cultivators crowded around the windows, down below stretched a vast expanse of green smeared with yellow and red, checkered with blue blots. Fire suddenly started dancing around the airship, and with increasing terror, the cultivators realized there was no spiritual energy in the air.


    They watched the outside in stunned silence, their stomachs rising and falling and flipping. A faint breeze startled them, and everyone spun to stare at Aura.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± she asked, but nobody offered a response. They just kept staring at her with suspicion. ¡°I just tried to summon a gust of wind, but the technique failed.¡±


    Newt summoned his lighter. The tiny blowtorch worked just fine, a sharp flame dancing atop his finger with no visible difficulty.


    ¡°My technique seems to work without issues.¡± While Newt spoke, Aura and Sharpcut grabbed their chests, gasping like fish on dry land.


    ¡°Can¡¯t breathe.¡± Aura collapsed first, and Sharpcut followed.


    The only ones standing were Elder Alabaster¡¯s four disciples, who exchanged confused looks.


    Shrugging, Newt exhaled and inhaled.


    ¡°The air is too thin,¡± he said. What breath he had in him should keep him alive for at least an hour, but then he would pass out. ¡°Don¡¯t talk, I guess that¡¯s how they lost the air and why they collapsed so quickly.¡±


    Newt looked at his prone sect members with surprising calm. He had already wasted his breath, and it was too late for changes.


    Somewhere in the back of his head panic stewed, but after surviving the battle and watching his fellow disciples and elders fall under the bloody blades, the prospect suddenly seemed a lot less terrifying.


    ¡°Do you think one of them is a traitor?¡±


    Greenbow shook her head, but the other two shrugged.


    ¡°Anything we can do right now?¡±


    Three shrugs, and Newt nodded. They were helpless, flying in an airship, which seemed out of spiritual energy, or perhaps they flew through an entire area void of spiritual energy.


    ¡°How long do you think you can keep your defensive techniques active with no fresh spiritual energy entering your bodies?¡±


    Two shrugs and Emeraldstreak raised seven fingers. She guessed a week. For some reason, her knowing something as absurd did not seem odd to Newt.


    ¡°Does anyone have any ideas?¡±


    Greenbow went to the command room and started searching it, then the other three followed. They had no idea what they might find, but it was better than sitting around doing nothing. At some point, Newt¡¯s mind blurred, then everything turned black.


    Uncomfortable heat spread across Newt¡¯s back and awoke him. The sky had turned lighter. He stood. A glance out the window told him that the green below had grown larger. He could breathe again, and spiritual energy was present once more.


    ¡°Around twenty hours,¡± Greenbow answered the unformed question.


    How long was I out?


    Oh.


    The ship was hot, its glorious outside melted and scraped. Newt recalled dropping the shield for a moment, and, thanks to the circumstances, felt less guilty about it. The heat had done the poor thing countless times greater damage than his botched attempt at activating the already active shields.


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    ¡°Thank you, Greenbow. I knew you would endure.¡±


    ¡°Actually, I passed out for half an hour about two hours ago. Emeraldstreak was the one watching over us.¡±


    Newt nodded. He could guess several things from that. Assuming there was a traitor aboard, Emeraldstreak was not the person. She could have killed them all in their sleep. Or she is the traitor and has some other purpose for them, which may be revealed later.


    These thoughts are getting me nowhere. He focused on another, more frustrating thought. I could have stayed conscious had I not wasted my breath on talking.


    ¡°Did you reach any conclusions while I was sleeping? Found the stowaway or any evidence¡ª¡±


    Greenbow shook her head, and Newt¡¯s words died.


    ¡°We concluded we were really high up, and now we¡¯re falling down. The shields burned away or got damaged in some other manner. It was really hot at one point, and we had to use a bit of spiritual energy to protect Aura and Sharpcut.¡±


    Greenbow glanced towards the sleeping duo, and Newt followed her gaze. His sisters and brother wrapped them in blankets, and Newt could not help but notice he did not receive a similar treatment.


    ¡°We discussed what had happened at the sect. Somehow, those madmen had bypassed the barrier while it was still active. They obviously had agents inside the sect, and their elders or leaders had intentionally chosen to fight away from the ground. If their purpose was to exterminate us, it makes more sense for a handful of elders to attack all out, wipe us out, and retreat.


    ¡°Then there¡¯s the problem with the airship. If they really wanted to prevent our escape, the saboteurs could have just destroyed the command board during the battle.¡±


    Newt nodded and considered the question that has been bothering him from the start.


    ¡°Why did they attack during the day?¡±


    ¡°Most sect warfare is conducted during the day,¡± Stegorock said. ¡°We, cultivators I mean, care little about the light, we¡¯re awake day or night, so there¡¯s no surprising the sleeping enemy. But at night, explosions and bright flashes are visible from a greater distance. Allies or opportunists would have an easier time realizing something was amiss. And even if they can¡¯t help, they can ambush or cut off the attacker¡¯s retreat.¡±


    Newt nodded.


    ¡°Do you know who they were?¡±


    Stegorock and Greenbow shook their heads.


    ¡°The Blood Cult,¡± Emeraldstreak spat the name, then spat for real. ¡°Those scum destroyed my clan when I was a little girl. I survived by dumb luck. They couldn¡¯t locate a mortal child hidden in a closet.¡±


    She looked at Newt. ¡°When that madman pointed a finger towards our group, I thought they were after me. But then he said, ¡®him,¡¯ and I knew they were after you. Why would their leader want your head?¡±


    With all the adrenaline, death, and chaos, Newt had completely forgotten about that. Yes, the Blood Cult had come after him. The sect may have fallen, all those elders and disciples had died¡­ All because of him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Newt¡¯s hands trembled. He was a star of misfortune. Everything around him fell apart. His family, his clan, his sect. For the first time in ages, sweat marred his brow.


    Wherever I go, destruction follows. Dandelion and Everlast nearly died with me in that cave.


    He escaped the self-accusations and focused.


    ¡°The Blood Cult had attacked my clan the last time I visited. I killed the cultists. That¡¯s all.¡± Newt recalled fighting the Blood Cult in his vision during the summer solstice, but the cultists had no way of knowing that.


    ¡°Maybe you killed someone important?¡±


    Newt wanted to shake his head, but considered Emeraldstreak¡¯s question. He recalled the scene. There were certain oddities about the encounter.


    The cultists seemed all too ready to die for the fatty leading them. That nightmare-fuel basement was incredibly abnormal. At the time, Newt thought that maybe all blood cult members could make something like that, but the majority of those who attacked Explorer¡¯s Gate were raving madmen. He doubted they could scribe letters, let alone runecraft.


    ¡°Maybe they had someone important with them. Something like a master or grandmaster scribe. What they had set up near my clanhold was definitely an aberrant¡ª¡±


    Newt wanted to say spell formation, but those maddening smears of blood and whatever lurked beyond them were no spell formation. He did not know what they were, but they were not spell formations. His art was incapable of such travesty.


    ¡°¡ªthing,¡± he finished weakly.


    Emeraldstreak nodded, her face like stone. The senior brother and sister, on the other hand, paled at the implication.


    ¡°They were after you?¡± Stegorock said, failing to conceal the accusation in his voice.


    ¡°Shush,¡± Greenbow rebuked. ¡°Aura is stirring.¡±


    Silence filled the vacuum, and minutes flowed as the four brothers and sisters waited for the two outsiders to awaken.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Aura stood and regarded them.


    ¡°We¡¯re falling or flying downward to be more exact, but we¡¯re still really high up, and our speed is ridiculous.¡± Greenbow explained the situation in one line.


    It was a difficult sentence to process, and Aura opened and closed her mouth a crack as she digested the information. She paled, and Newt figured that meant she understood how bad things were.


    ¡°What are we going to do?¡±


    Greenbow shrugged. ¡°We¡¯re above the Savage Wood. We can gather everything useful from the ship and jump, but we will be scattered all over the most dangerous territory known to man, or we could risk it, stay with the ship, hopefully survive the crash and handle things together. You¡¯re the only one who can really glide amongst us, so if you think you can¡¯t survive the fall, you should get out as soon as possible, but even if you do, you will land in the jungle, or a wandering pterosaur might snatch you from the air.¡±


    Aura bit her lip, staring out the window, but Newt had a feeling she wanted to curl up and hug her knees in the corner.

 Chapter 151 - The Fall

    38th of Season of Earth, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    Blue skies above, jungle below, and mountains in the distance. The ruined Explorer¡¯s Gate airship still screamed through the air at breakneck speed, but the disciples aboard no longer noticed it.


    Newt estimated their ship had descended to around half a mile above the treetops. Another five minutes, and Aura and Sharpcut would abandon ship while Newt and his sisters and brother would remain aboard, trusting their defenses.


    A sudden shriek froze his heart. The six Explorer¡¯s Gate disciples stared out the window, silently cursing the heavens and whatever new trial they had in store for them. A giant pterosaur, larger than their airship flew straight towards them, screeching a challenge.


    The frontal collision was imminent in less than five seconds.


    Everyone summoned their defenses as a house-sized boulder of ice manifested and flew at their ship. Newt could not see the spirit beast¡¯s realm, but the iceberg¡¯s size meant it was at least at the fifth, possibly sixth.


    The world became a white hunk of ice, and the six screamed. The impact scattering them across the command room like dice in a cup. The ship smashed through the iceberg, then slammed into the towering quetzalcoatlus with a wingspan of over three hundred feet.


    Covered in Granite Crust, Newt felt like he was floating. Around him, the hull deformed, groaned, and shattered in slow motion, the ship tearing like a paper kite. Time sped up, Newt smashed into the blades of twisted metal, bending and sundering them. Someone smashed into his back, the impact followed by another, and then another.


    Suddenly, he was free of the ship, falling. The ground spun before him. Newt felt pressure around his waist, somebody was hugging him, and he twisted his legs, wrapping them around whoever was falling with him.


    He looked up to see who it was, but instead caught sight of the ship falling all around him in pieces. The quetzalcoatlus was also falling. Luckily, the dazed giant tumbled away from them as it continued its original trajectory.


    Peak fifth realm.


    Free of all obstacles, Newt saw the monster¡¯s realm and shuddered. Heavens had smiled upon them. Had the pterosaur been at the sixth realm, it would have plowed through the ship and disciples alike. Even as things stood, the ship fell apart, but at least they survived.


    Newt glanced down his waist. His legs were wrapped around his eldest sister¡¯s massive, rocky-gray torso. She had one arm wrapped around him, another around Emeraldstreak¡¯s chest, who clung to her with both arms. With her legs, Emeraldstreak hugged Aura, her body limp and bloody.


    Newt looked around, but the insane tangle of limbs hindered his mobility, and he failed to spot Stegorock and Sharpcut.


    Newt looked down. The spinning trees were upon them. He doubled over, grabbed for Aura, but could not reach her. Emeraldstreak understood his intention. She bent, pushing Aura in the center of the group, and the three earth cultivators stretched their defenses.


    They obliterated a tree and another, shaking and spinning. Cracks formed where three different skills attempted to merge, and the shell burst as they smashed against the jungle¡¯s soft floor. The crash punched the air out of Newt¡¯s lungs, his muscular sister¡¯s grip helping not one bit as his ribs squeaked under the strain. Still they held, tumbling across the soft humus.


    With a grunt, Greenbow smashed back first into a tree, and the other three piled atop her. Several moments passed before Newt¡¯s mind cleared. He drew a breath, his lungs and ribs sore. Greenbow¡¯s grip was slack, and he got up, checking his eldest sister¡¯s condition first.


    She was alive, but bloodied. They all were. Most of the blood seemed to belong to Aura, who was a mess. Out cold, a realm weaker, and an element known for its fragile physique, it was a wonder she was alive.


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    ¡°My head,¡± grumbled Greenbow and stood, Emeraldstreak conscious, but still prone, continued hugging Aura.


    ¡°How is everyone?¡± Greenbow asked, a plum-sized lump growing on her head.


    ¡°Bruised, but alive.¡± Newt laid a hand on his tender side. ¡°Your grip is firmer than a titanoboa¡¯s, Greenbow.¡±


    The woman winced while feeling the bump on the back of her head, but still flashed Newt a strained smile. ¡°Sorry. Had to be clingy. If it¡¯s any consolation, Em was crushing my hips the entire time to avenge you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m alive, and nobody was crushing me, thanks for asking.¡± Emeraldstreak shifted on the ground, moving so as not to disturb the unconscious Aura. She carefully laid the woman to the forest floor and checked her pulse.


    ¡°She¡¯s alive.¡±


    Aura¡¯s face was swelling, blue and purple invading the pink flesh. Blood flowed from her broken nose and a number of lacerations on her body. Emeraldstreak started stripping her, and Newt spun on his heel.


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep watch.¡±


    The jungle was dead silent, holding its breath following the sudden spell of violence. Under normal circumstances, smaller pterosaurs would have scattered into the sky, fleeing the scene. But with the fifth realm apex predator around, they remained where they were, making themselves invisible.


    The rainforest floor was cluttered with ferns, rotting logs, and two boulders. Thick ropes of vines hung from the trees, obstructing everything outside three dozen yards. Brightly colored bloom formed a stark contrast with the dim, ominous atmosphere, the flowers¡¯ scents mixing with the musk of the earth and rot of the logs.


    The silence pressed down on the four survivors, broken only by the cloth rustling behind Newt and the sharp whine of the mosquitoes.


    ¡°Three broken ribs,¡± Emeraldstreak said. ¡°She¡¯s bleeding from a wound on her head, probably a concussion. Her spine is fine, but she broke a leg.¡±


    Newt listened to the other minor details about their fragile fellow disciple¡¯s state.


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to take care of her for a while.¡± Greenbow remained as chivalrous as ever, despite their miserable situation. ¡°But we¡¯re alive, and that¡¯s all that matters right now.¡±


    Newt agreed to an extent. Plenty of other things mattered, especially in their situation.


    ¡°Any suggestions on what we should do? How deep in the jungle are we?¡± The questions they had decided to ignore until they survived the crash reared their ugly heads. Survival, return trip, Newt¡¯s deadline, for he was certain the next summer solstice would send another pillar of divine flame, and if he had nobody to protect him, he would die.


    The questions which loomed over everyone¡¯s hearts were those nobody would voice. What of the sect? Did the Explorer¡¯s Gate survive the invasion, or is the sect finished? How many had died, and how many managed to leave unscathed? What of Obi and Jas and Rose? Elder Alabaster, Elder Flameax, Woodhopper?


    Those and countless other questions assailed Newt, threatening to overwhelm him. His stomach was churning, doubts and fears clawing at his heart.


    ¡°First, we need to check the nearby wreckage for weapons or anything else we might find useful. It would be best if we could find the parcels we prepared.¡±


    While waiting for the inevitable crash, the group had gathered and safely wrapped all weapons and provisions they found in a bunch of smaller packages, and kept them locked away in the captain¡¯s quarter. Having loose weapons flying around with people in the room seemed a recipe for disaster, which Stegorock had pointed out, so the weapons had their separate chamber. They had each carried a small package of food and trinkets, but nobody knew what happened to them after the collision with the titanic quetzalcoatlus.


    Newt agreed with Greenbow, finding some supplies would improve their situation by a wide margin, but a clear problem stood in their way. The collision and their airship¡¯s explosion scattered the dozen packages over hundreds of square miles of jungle. Let alone small parcels, even finding larger pieces of the airship would prove difficult, if not impossible.


    Newt turned around. Emeraldstreak had covered Aura and bandaged her head.


    ¡°I¡¯m not certain we can find the wreckage.¡± Newt said, since Emerald chose not to speak. ¡°What do we have in our pockets?¡±


    Newt checked his, and withdrew a handful of mush. ¡°I have a mashed up apple, mixed with three strips of jerky, a crushed bottle, and the fasting pills are gone, broken.¡±


    He shook his hand, shaking off the mush mixed with jerky and porcelain.


    ¡°String and rope I stuffed in my other pocket are fine, but now that we¡¯re here, I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m supposed to do with them. It seemed like a good idea to take them, but it feels stupid now.¡±


    Others did the same inventory check as Newt. Only he was foolish enough to keep a bottle together with his food, and while others also only had mush, theirs remained edible. Greenbow pulled out a carefully wrapped, hand-sized package from her other pocket. The sound of broken glass rubbing and scraping against each other told them about the fate of the most important item they had salvaged.


    Greenbow unwrapped it, revealing a shattered compass. The group checked Aura¡¯s pockets, but all they had to show between the four of them were three handfuls of edible mush, and several handfuls of once useful items, countless times more fragile than cultivators¡¯ bodies.

 Chapter 152 - Due North

    38th of Season of Earth, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    Alabaster sat alone, away from prying eyes. She stared at the ruins of her once mighty sect and wept. A day had passed since the attack, and only after the twenty-odd hours did she have time to sit and gather her thoughts.


    Treason. A pair of outer elders disabled defenses and alarms on the eastern side of the island, allowing the invaders to sneak in under the guise of three large ships. The demons outnumbered the elders two to one, and still lost the fight, their abominable element weaker when the battlefield lacked the dead and dying to draw their power from. That the Explorer¡¯s Gate fought off a force twice their size, inflicting gruesome damage failed to lift her morale.


    Two venerables dead. Despite the imperial bounty, the fact that the venerables had slain five ninth realm cultists meant little to the survivors.


    ¡°Newstar escaped.¡± Flameax sat beside her, an arm short.


    ¡°They massacred our disciples.¡±


    ¡°The battlefield was in their favor. They had a huge numbers advantage and surprise on their side, not to mention they attacked the weakest first, culling them for blood.¡± Flameax hesitated, but then spoke his mind. ¡°The weak died, the strong and the cunning survived. We have suffered a setback, but we can raise a new generation of disciples in less than a hundred years.¡±


    Alabaster¡¯s mouth twisted. Setback. Was that what you call a slaughter of several thousand youths? ¡°More than half our outer elders died, some of them very strong and skilled for their realm.¡±


    Flameax nodded.


    ¡°The old decided their opponents¡¯ deaths were worth the few remaining years they had. Venerable Alorex could have escaped with her life, if she had been so inclined. Instead, she chose to warn us and give us an extra opening.¡±


    Alabaster disagreed. True, the disciplinary venerable could have retreated in her fight one against three, but that meant leaving three ninth realm cultists unchecked. They would have slain another venerable, freeing up more of their ilk, until they slaughtered everyone. Venerable Alorex really had a choice. Choice between her life and the sect¡¯s continued survival, and she had made her choice, assuming anyone dared call it that.


    No, venerable Alorex had as much of a choice as a falling stone. She was doomed, and with her life she bought the lives and deaths of others. Her self detonation was the turning point. The cultists crumbled and retreated a handful of minutes later, but their carnage remained.


    The majority of elders gave chase, but other than sinking the Blood Cult¡¯s stolen vessels, they did little damage. Faced with the pursuit, the demons had already slaughtered their weaker disciples, and using the strength of their blood, they saved the stronger ones.


    Cruel and pragmatic. Such was the world of cultivation, and demons especially followed such law. Which begged a question.


    ¡°Why did they attack us?¡±


    Flameax shrugged.


    ¡°What I want to know is where¡¯s the sect master, and how did they know he was away?¡±


    ¡°Sect Master is away on imperial summons.¡± Venerable Monsoon appeared beside them. ¡°I don¡¯t know how they knew. Now, let me regrow your arm Flameax.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Our only chance is to head north.¡± Emeraldstreak stated the obvious, but did not mention the other, equally obvious truths.


    The ship had crashed deep in the Savage Wood; they were unarmed, stranded in the domain of a peak fifth realm spirit beast, meaning they were surrounded by its third and fourth realm prey. Hopefully that was the case and not the alternative - the quetzalcoatlus was the prey of the jungle¡¯s sixth or seventh realm overlord.


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    Navigating their way around third and fourth realm spirit beasts was dangerous, but not impossible. Doing the same with fifth realm spirit beasts meant certain death on their first encounter.


    Newt closed his eyes and tried to explore the world with his danger sense, but outside the Valley of the Lost the uncanny perception proved too faint to locate prey and danger. Heading north was the best they could do.


    The one thing their course guaranteed was that the odds of encountering any remains of their escape vessel were close to zero.


    Just as they started moving, a mighty roar shook the jungle. Newt, Greenbow, and Emeraldstreak scrambled for cover while looking up towards its source, seeing nothing but the canopy. Magmin sprang to Newt¡¯s mind. The first ghost¡¯s fascination with the aerial predators became apparent to Newt in all its terrifying glory.


    Less than ten minutes ago, maybe even less than five, the quetzalcoatlus had smashed head-first into a mound of enchanted reinforced wood and metal, yet it already flew, scanning the area for signs of trespassers.


    Hopefully, that means it¡¯s the apex predator here.


    Another shriek shook the jungle. Closer. Despite themselves and the futility of the action, the three cultivators pressed against the massive tree trunk, staring up. Their shelter¡¯s crown shook in the sudden gale, then stilled as the frustrated shriek grew distant.


    Greenbow gestured for them to move, and the group moved. While they needed the weapons and provisions, it suddenly became obvious their top priority was to open distance between themselves and the crash site.


    Newt and the rest did not know whether the trees hampered the towering avian¡¯s landing or merely obstructed its line of sight, but walking out into the open, where the airship¡¯s fragments had mowed down the trees was tantamount to suicide.


    A quarter of an hour later, Newt¡¯s racing heart calmed, his heartbeat slowed, and the blood stopped drumming through his jugular. He remained tense, spiritual energy circulating through his body, and Granite Crust a split second away from materializing.


    The others also seemed tense, scanning the jungle as life and sounds gradually returned to it. First the cicadas and other noisy insects joined the ever-persistent mosquitoes, then came the frogs and the chatter of low realm pterodactyluses high above. In the depths of the Savage Wood, low realm spirit beasts evolved to reduce their size, to better hide and avoid the top predators.


    Newt¡¯s third eye picked up a denser pocket of spiritual energy hanging off a tree fifteen yards away. The second realm silhouette was shaped like a palm-sized pterodactylus hugging a melon-sized mango, but Newt failed to spot the dinosaur with his eyes, despite knowing its exact location.


    He pointed towards the mango, and his sisters followed the direction indicated by the finger. They furrowed their brows and strained their eyes, but like Newt, they failed to spot the critter latching onto its melon.


    ¡°A tiny second realm pterosaur,¡± Newt whispered, and the two gave him slow nods and weird looks, which made him recall pointing out shiny bugs to his parents when he was a small boy.


    He gulped. Death stalked them in the sky, they traveled the depths of the Savage Wood, and he was fascinated by neat, harmless avians and their camouflage ability.


    Newt kept his eyes peeled and his mouth closed. The jungle abounded with beauty. If not for the omnipresent weight of danger pressing a dagger against his back, Newt would have enjoyed the trek. Majestic trees surrounded them, but what Newt noticed about them were the horizontal claw-marks, warning intruders they had entered a predator¡¯s territory. The scratches stood eight feet above ground, three deep gashes, each a foot in length, and they appeared fresh.


    ¡°Allosaurus,¡± Greenbow pointed at the marks, then at a footprint at the tree¡¯s base. The trail was easy to follow, and fortunately did not head north, but north-west.


    ¡°Any idea about its realm?¡± Newt asked, but his eldest sister shook her head.


    ¡°No clue. I can¡¯t guess its element either, but its prints are heavy, so I doubt its air. Like most predators, allosauridae gravitate towards fire, but that¡¯s like a sixty percent statistic; usually correct, often deceptive, lethal if you rely on it.¡±


    The way Greenbow said it, Newt knew she expected a response from him, but had no clue what to say. So he nodded sagely and left it at that.


    ¡°We need to find water,¡± she continued as the party entered the allosaurus¡¯s domain. ¡°Aura has lost some blood, and her body is more fragile. She will need a drink or two tomorrow.¡±


    Greenbow set a faster pace than Newt would have liked. He wanted to skulk and sneak, but they moved at a relaxed walk for their realm, which translated to faster than mortals could sprint. Even so, the return trip would take moons.


    While considering their escape back to the civilization, Newt realized something with a start.


    ¡°What of Stegorock and Sharpcut?¡± Newt was so absorbed in his thoughts, the danger, and the surreal circumstances, that the two men had slipped his mind.


    ¡°We can only hope they are healthy and press on. They could be a hundred yards away, or they might be half a dozen miles away. There¡¯s no way to find them, but if they are alive, they will also head north, that¡¯s the only option, and sooner or later we will catch up to them, or they will catch up to us. Stegorock isn¡¯t any worse than me at reading tracks, and if he runs across ours, he should find us in short order.¡±


    Newt nodded, wondering whether his eldest sister would have left him behind using that same logic had he been the one who got separated.

 Chapter 153 - Trek

    38th of Season of Earth, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    The sun was setting, the jungle growing dimmer, and Newt was the first to spot the snout as it appeared from behind the trees. Head-sized nostrils flared as Newt grabbed Emeraldstreak¡¯s forearm. The woman opened her mouth with a frown, but Newt placed a finger to his lips and pointed towards the giant¡¯s head as it emerged from the foliage.


    Greenbow carried Aura behind them and immediately stopped at the disturbance. The trio ducked behind a tree, vanishing into ferns as the fifteen-foot-tall predator stalked the jungle. Newt shifted a bit to catch a better look, grateful Explorer¡¯s Gate robes blended well with the jungle. Had they worn red or blue, the beast might have spotted them.


    The allosaurus was on the smaller end as far as Newt was aware, but even if it were a fully developed, twenty-foot-tall specimen, the trio would not have feared it because of its might. No, the noise it might cause during battle posed the true danger.


    Reddish-orange aura shimmered about the creature, blazing with the spiritual energy of a middling fourth realm spirit beast, confirming the dinosaur¡¯s fiery nature.


    The allosaurus turned, its eyes locked on Newt, then it continued scanning the jungle without halting its stride. By design or random twist of fate, the creature turned, heading straight towards the cultivators. Its pace was even as it kept scanning its domain. Suddenly, it stopped less than ten feet from Newt and his companions. The monster swept its claws, showering the ferns below with bark as it marked yet another tree as a part of its territory.


    Satisfied with its work, the allosaurus continued its patrol.


    The spirit beast disappeared from view, and Newt let out a relieved breath.


    ¡°It¡¯s gone,¡± he whispered as the oppressive silence seeped away from the air, replaced by the sounds of the rainforest.


    Newt had failed to notice it while the allosaurus stalked towards them, but silence had drowned the jungle even before the giant carnivore appeared.


    It¡¯s vital that I pay more attention to the environment and things like jungle noises. Given the circumstances, even better trackers might have missed the signs, and Newt knew it, but viewed the thought as an excuse.


    He had no time for excuses because they needed to hurry. Time worked against them. Even if their path remained an unobstructed straight line, they would need four or five moons just to leave the jungle. And Newt found such good fortune unlikely. But even if they got lucky, and survived, and left unhindered, that left him with another four moons to find someone to shield him from the solar tribulation.


    The sect master could help him, but Newt had to find him.


    Newt¡¯s heart sank as he realized he was fighting against luck and time, with heavens out to get him. Surviving Savage Wood suddenly seemed like a trivial task compared to the scope of what he needed to achieve.


    ¡°Do we have a plan?¡± he asked, trying and failing to keep despair from his voice.


    ¡°Our main objective is to navigate the jungle and get back home,¡± Greenbow maintained a brave front. ¡°We won¡¯t need weapons once we enter the zone without fourth realm dinos, but while we are here, we should either avoid fights or find something to fight with. And our weapons need to be high quality, at least third realm equivalent. Tying a rock to a stick won¡¯t do.¡±


    Newt already knew that. Even if he used an expertly crafted mortal spear, it would shatter on impact, assuming it did not disintegrate when he sent a surge of fiery spiritual energy through it.


    ¡°We will need to consider food and water. Aura needs to eat once a week, while we need to take a sip of water about as often, so we need to find or make a jug or bottle to carry water with us.¡± She glanced around the trees, but the night was already falling. ¡°There should be plenty of fruit. Those might solve the problem of food and water at the same time. Meeting up with Stego and Sharpcut should also be our goals, but there¡¯s nothing we can do to force the meeting. They could be walking in parallel with us a hundred yards to the right or left, and there¡¯s no way for us to know they are there.¡±


    Newt could not help glancing to the side, then continued leading the way forward.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°I have a third eye, so I can see in the dark. How do you guys do it?¡± Newt tried to make small talk and sate his curiosity. Perhaps there was something he could learn from his elder sisters.


    ¡°I also have a third eye,¡± Emeraldstreak said without emotion while Greenbow grumbled.


    ¡°You damn kids. If I was as lucky, I would¡¯ve been a fifth-realmer already. I don¡¯t have a third eye. I am old and have trained to move and fight in pitch black. I only have average talent, so I worked hard to get here.¡± A note of melancholy seeped into her voice. ¡°That caught Master¡¯s eye. She never said it, but I think she was like me, pushing forward against all odds, never giving up, and that¡¯s what she liked about me.¡±


    Newt could certainly imagine Elder Alabaster stubbornly pressing on despite adversity while cultivating, or while fighting spirit beasts, or while eating for that matter. Elder Alabaster radiated an aura of a stubborn, persistent woman.


    ¡°Do you think Master¡¯s alive?¡± The question escaped his lips, laden with fear and sorrow.


    Newt¡¯s cheeks burned with shame when he realized he had voiced his grim thoughts.


    ¡°If there¡¯s one person alive in the sect, that¡¯s Master,¡± Emeraldstreak rebuked him.


    ¡°Shh!¡± Greenbow put a finger to her lips. ¡°No shouting.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t shouting, eldest sister,¡± Emeraldstreak whispered. ¡°I was just chastising our little brother for his lack of faith in Master.¡±


    The night went on as the group exchanged hushed words. At first, they snapped to attention at occasional screeches from high in the canopy, but they got used to them as they grew more frequent. At some point, shimmering lights appeared all around as fireflies started blinking in search of mates.


    Tiny pterosaurs dove from the branches above, snatching the glowing insects, and the three cultivators went silent, observing the dancing feast. Newt watched the scene with fascination.


    ¡°I bet that¡¯s what the quetzalcoatlus we hit would look from a distance while devouring second or third realm cultivators.¡±


    Newt and Greenbow turned around to gape at their sister.


    ¡°What? You were staring at them like it¡¯s a beautiful demonstration of skill and agility, when in reality it¡¯s a scene of carnage.¡±


    Newt could not find fault with the logic, then grinned.


    ¡°Em,¡± he said in a voice reserved for delusional children, ¡°the quetzalcoatlus hit us, not the other way round.¡±


    Her confused face illuminated by fireflies was priceless. Greenbow chortled.


    ¡°He got you.¡±


    Newt¡¯s joke bled out some tension, and Emeraldstreak also smiled.


    ¡°Fine, I admit it was the dino that hit us.¡±


    The three of them continued their careful trek through the jungle, enjoying the luminous slaughter. But the depression slowly crept back on them, suffocating the trio.


    Newt rolled his eyes, trying to cheer himself up. I¡¯ll never see fireflies in the same light. While Em is right, viewing their flight like a fight for survival instead of magical dancing lights, steals all the magic from the sight.


    Night went on and the lights slowly disappeared from view. Shortly before dawn, Aura groaned.


    ¡°What¡ª?¡±


    ¡°Try to relax,¡± Greenbow said. ¡°The crash was horrible, we tried to protect you the best we could. You survived, but suffered quite a bit of damage. Your leg is broken, you suffered a concussion, and you lost a lot of blood. We¡¯re deep in the Savage Wood, heading north, and there are fourth and fifth realm spirit beasts around.¡±


    Greenbow continued with a short introduction into the group¡¯s status, completely demoralizing the air cultivator.


    As light grew brighter, Newt wondered whether Aura was pale because of the blood loss or because of all the good news his eldest sister had shared with her.


    ¡°Do you have any ideas or suggestions?¡± Aura shook her head. ¡°Are you dizzy? Hungry¡­¡±


    Aura was shocked and in pain, with no immediate needs.


    ¡°How good are you at scouting?¡± Greenbow asked.


    ¡°Horrible. I¡¯m an artificer, a skilled apprentice whose missions were all inside the workshop.¡±


    Newt wondered how she had survived the battle if that was the case. His suspicion once more reared its ugly head. He almost voiced his doubt, but kept quiet. He would discuss the matter with his sisters once Aura was out of earshot.


    ¡°Newt, pick that yellow fruit over there.¡± Greenbow pointed with her chin, and Newt grabbed one of the melon-sized mangos.


    ¡°Crack it in half and give a piece to Aura, we can split the rest.¡±


    Newt did, breaking the other half in three equal parts to the best of his ability. The sweet yellowish juice dripped from his hands as he gingerly tasted the unknown fruit. Sweetness flooded his mouth, tinged with a sour note which enhanced the flavor.


    ¡°It¡¯s good,¡± he admitted despite his dark mood.


    Greenbow nodded, the gesture too sharp for casual conversation. ¡°Honeypom is sweet and refreshing. It doesn¡¯t offer much in terms of energy, but even mortals can survive on them if they eat enough. Pick one or two whenever you see them.¡±


    Newt nodded, wondering whether he was running chores because he was the youngest or because he was the most mobile one in the group.


    Does it matter?


    On his own initiative, he climbed a tree and checked their direction.


    ¡°We¡¯ve drifted westward,¡± he mumbled the rising sun shining behind him.

 Chapter 154 - Old Ghost

    64th of Season of Earth, 58th year of the 32nd cycle


    Nearly an entire moon had passed since the crash. Newt¡¯s party carefully avoided any spirit beasts they came across, even though their realms had dropped marginally. Upper and middle fourth realm spirit beasts made up the common predators in the domain of the quetzalcoatlus. But hundreds of miles northward, the average predator realm receded to the middle and low layers of the fourth realm.


    Aura¡¯s injuries took a while to heal, but the woman was once more up on her feet, trotting along while the others walked. Cultivators healed fast. Even a broken leg and broken ribs regenerated in ten days.


    And yet, despite their survival, despite no longer suffering any injuries, a gloomy mood stifled Explorer¡¯s Gate¡¯s surviving disciples.


    They found no other pieces of their ship¡¯s wreckage, no hint of their remaining two companions, and no substitute weapons. Worse, they still roamed the domain of a fifth realm spirit beast. The fourth realm ones were too numerous, too tightly packed for them to be lords of the area. No, they were merely wandering spirit beasts, risking their lives to grow in a zone of denser spiritual energy.


    Newt brooded, considering their situation and slow progress at the base of a tree, when Aura hopped down.


    ¡°We were heading north-north-west instead of north. We need to correct our course.¡± She pointed in a direction slightly to the right of the one they had intended to follow. ¡°There.¡±


    The group set off again, walking at Aura¡¯s pace, much slower than Newt would have liked. Add in the drift in direction as they avoided trees, hiding from predators several times per day, and checking for direction every couple of hours, and the group moved at the fraction of the speed he would have wanted.


    I¡¯m dead if we continue like this. He drew a breath to calm himself. At this rate, we¡¯ll take more than a year just to leave the Savage Wood. And what about the search for the sect master? We would take weeks to reach the sect, maybe even moons, assuming the Blood Cult isn¡¯t still searching for us.


    The first few days, Newt forced himself to stay positive, cheerful, but his mood grew darker as time passed.


    Greenbow tried to lift his spirits at first, but the woman grew gloomy when Newt told her they should split ways come season of fire. The group should be in a much easier area, one in which they would not need Newt. The woman understood and left Newt to his fatalist thoughts.


    When the sun set, the cultivators stopped. They had no way of telling direction at night, and more than once they had found themselves wandering a random direction come morning, so they had agreed that nights would be for resting, rather than advancing through the predator-infested, unfamiliar darkness.


    They spent the dark hours in the trees, Newt often meditating and cultivating. The women had neither the desire nor focus to cultivate. Newt guessed the shapes and objects they were sculpting were too complex, and pausing their work was counterproductive, splitting it in segments impossible.


    Newt once more entered his realm, resuming work on the spell formation he had started the previous evening.


    ¡°At least I will die with a properly cultivated realm,¡± he muttered and got to work.


    Cultivation remained his only solace. Newt knew it was a form of escape, focusing on work rather than on his troubles, but still he welcomed the distraction.


    In the early days, Newt resolved himself to protect his companions, even at the cost of his life. He would die in a handful of moons, so giving his life to save theirs seemed like a good trade. He expected his path would resonate with the choice, but it did not. Acceptance of impending death and rationalizing that others were worth more than his remaining days was not the heart of protection. What Newt found was depression.


    He was helpless. Worse, the choices which sealed his fate were the ones guaranteeing the survival of his fellow disciples.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Moons passed. Season of earth gave birth to season of water and torrential rains which flooded the Savage Wood. The squishy ground became sticky mud, and the last of the fruit disappeared from the trees, ripped off by the deluge.


    The one good point was that the fourth realm spirit beasts had grown scarcer, hopefully meaning the group had left the domain of the fifth realm spirit beasts.


    Weeks passed, and with the fruit gone, Aura dug for tubers and lived on edible herbs.


    If I¡¯m depressed, what about her?


    Aura did seem miserable, digging in the mud with a flat piece of wood she had shaped into an improvised shovel using the broken metal pieces of their survival trinkets. Yet, she did not share Newt¡¯s depression. The miserable woman seemed full of hope, they had survived the worst, they weathered the stormiest part of their journey, and in theory sailed in safer waters.


    It¡¯s so ironic. I¡¯m doing fine, but I¡¯m waiting to die, she¡¯s miserable and looking forward to life.


    As days stretched and Newt kept thinking about death and futility of life, he realized several things he knew already. Everyone died. Even without the solar tribulation in half a year, he would die at some point. He knew that. Everyone knew it. But knowing something and being aware of it, feeling it with the entirety of one¡¯s being were two different things.


    Everything he did, every bit of his realm he cultivated, every rune he scribed was in vain. From the world¡¯s perspective, it changed nothing, yet to him his effort mattered. What he did with what little time he had mattered. His choices while seemingly nonexistent were in fact infinite.


    He could go and fight spirit beasts until he inevitably fell. He could kill his fellow disciples, he could kill himself and leave the world on his own terms.


    If I have the choice of how I die. He drew a deep breath and exhaled, the black mist which had drowned him for moons parting. I want to die to the solar tribulation after I have safely delivered my friends from Savage Wood.


    With that decision made, Newt felt strengthened. He once more firmly stood on the path he had slipped from.


    ***


    The season¡¯s rain had lasted for seven weeks, when it suddenly stopped. The surrounding jungle disappeared, turning into an expanse of dry rock. All four Explorer¡¯s Gate¡¯s disciples spun, searching for a hint of trees, but the rainforest was gone without a trace, replaced by giant forges and oddly shaped rock formations.


    ¡°What the¡ª¡± Aura started, and Newt answered the question before she fully voiced it.


    ¡°We have entered a secret realm.¡±


    His answer was mechanical, then he realized something.


    There¡¯s no sun in here.


    Newt¡¯s mind raced. What would happen if he was inside a sunless secret realm when the summer solstice arrived? Would he not survive?


    ¡°Welcome, young ones.¡± A handsome black-haired man materialized before them. ¡°I am Coldsteel of the Claw clan, a blacksmith and metallurgist of great renown across the entirety of our empire.¡±


    Newt stared at the ghost. He had never heard of the man.


    ¡°You are stunned speechless!¡± The tall man wearing strange, green clothes beamed a proud smile. ¡°I see my prestigious reputation precedes me, but I assure you the rumors are false. I¡¯m neither haughty, nor difficult to work with.¡±


    The remnant stood with his nose held high, looking down on the Explorer¡¯s Gate group. His stance alone spoke louder than his words.


    ¡°It is a pleasure to meet such an outstanding figure,¡± Aura found her voice first, firing off a volley of compliments. ¡°Your grand name and even greater artistry speaks louder than any words ever could.¡±


    Coldsteel nodded, everything developing according to his expectations.


    ¡°No need to kowtow, I am humble. Tell me, how fares my clan? I have perished a week ago, and while I have expected clan members to come in search of me, the Savage Wood is vast, and hiring mercenaries is natural.¡±


    Isn¡¯t it then normal for us to know who you are? If you think we¡¯re here searching for you? Are you fishing for compliments?


    ¡°Your clan is as mighty as ever, oh, great blacksmith,¡± Aura said, not a hint of mockery in her voice. The ghost before them needed to be at least in the sixth realm to leave a secret realm, and the chance of someone at the sixth realm establishing a secret realm upon death were negligible.


    Eighth realm was the likeliest, meaning Coldsteel¡¯s ghost could exterminate them with a sneeze. Assuming he did not form his realm in layers like Magmin.


    ¡°Why are you here in the jungle, oh great Coldsteel?¡± Aura asked, accenting the title.


    ¡°I was in search for evolvium.¡± Coldsteel said as if stating a fact known to all of mankind. ¡°The emerald ore fascinated me ever since I first discovered it, and after working that nugget into a weapon, I just had to find more to fashion a proper sword for myself.¡±


    Newt listened to the conversation with half an ear, only one thought on his mind.


    If I can convince this ghost to let me stay here for half a year, there¡¯s a chance.

 Chapter 155 - An Outdated Quest

    59th of Season of Water, 59th year of the 32nd cycle


    Realm spirits, old ghosts, honorable ancestors, there were many names for what was left of Coldsteel. Like Magmin, such entities lacked a sense of outside time, stuck in the loops of their own thoughts and actions for an eternity until an outsider changed the routine.


    ¡°¡­ and so, while I did find the secret deposit I was searching for, it was guarded by an eighth realm ether scorpion. The blasted assassin struck me while I was mining the ore. While I fought it, the poison spread through my body, and even though I killed the blasted critter and raced towards the civilized lands in search of an antidote, I succumbed to the poison in the end. So here I am, a blasted ghost.¡±


    ¡°Great Coldsteel,¡± Aura continued her talk, certain she was a better communicator than the three combat-focused rockheads. ¡°When did this happen?¡±


    ¡°It was on the twenty-third of the season of fire.¡±


    Aura nodded. ¡°It is the fifty-ninth of season of water. Did you fall last year or the year before? The mighty Claw clan has waited for a while before sending out a search party. Nobody could have imagined such a fate has befallen you, oh great lord.¡±


    Aren¡¯t you sucking up to him too much? Newt wondered, but the realm spirit swelling with pride proved him wrong.


    ¡°I perished in the twenty-third year of the twenty-third cycle. I must admit, even the date seems like it was the heaven¡¯s will to make sure I am remembered for all of eternity.¡±


    Twenty-third cycle?! He¡¯s been dead for thousands of years.


    Aura did not seem fazed one bit.


    ¡°And what can we do for you, Great Coldsteel? Your clan sent us out to search for you, but this is not the expected outcome. We were ordered to bring you back home, or to retrieve your remains for a grand funeral in the unlikely case that you have perished, but I don¡¯t believe anyone expected¡ª¡± Aura hesitated. ¡°¡ªthis unfortunate development.¡±


    Why is him forming a realm more unfortunate than him just being dead?


    Coldsteel disagreed with Newt, or failed to notice the mistake, instead lamenting his fate.


    ¡°Yes, curse that scorpion and curse my carelessness! I got so absorbed in my work, I allowed myself to get ambushed. As for what you should do, I would be grateful if you could deliver my remains, and my belongings, including the ores I have mined, to my clan.¡±


    No, no, wait! He¡¯ll dissipate the realm as soon as he¡¯s done talking.


    ¡°Honorable Coldsteel,¡± Newt blurted, ¡°I¡¯ve always been fascinated by blacksmithing and wanted to learn the trade from a master, is there any chance you would offer instructions?¡±


    The cheerful ghost abruptly frowned, his brilliant, almost joyous gaze turning into a deathly glare.


    ¡°A complete novice, someone merely fascinated with blacksmithing, dares seek instruction from me? Pray tell, what is it you want? For me to teach you how to hold a hammer? Grandmaster blacksmiths came to me begging to teach them and help them perfect their techniques, and now a complete ignoramus thinks to do the same.¡±


    He turned towards Aura, his lips once more smiling, but the smile failed to reach his eyes.


    ¡°Listen, you need to find more competent henchmen. Some master at the ninth realm might get offended and blast you all to ashes with a slap. By the time he realizes he has killed innocents along with the offender, it will be too late for regrets.¡±


    Aura stared at Coldsteel¡¯s mirthless eyes and gave a serious nod while Newt clenched his mouth shut. The crazy ghost might kill him before the sun does.


    ¡°I will keep that in mind.¡± She shot Newt a harsh look, and he wondered whether she was feigning anger or whether she really was as furious as she seemed.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Probably the latter.


    Newt stopped paying attention to the exchange. Aura manipulated the ghost well enough, ensuring their safe passage out of its realm, while Newt considered his next steps.


    He had mostly given up on life. Even if he set off alone and rushed, he would have a moon to spare after leaving the Savage Wood. Nowhere nearly enough time to reach the sect and find the sect master. But, with the new idea, he stood a chance.


    He could run to his clan, arm himself with a subpar weapon, and charge into Magmin¡¯s realm on the day of the solstice. He would be safe from the solar tribulation, and while the amount of spiritual energy he would gain from slaying Magmin¡¯s heart demon would push him into the fourth realm with less than a tenth of his third realm cultivated, sacrificing some strength and future potential was better than having no future at all.


    ¡°I thank you for your service.¡± The ghost¡¯s voice drew Newt¡¯s attention. ¡°While I am certain my clan is offering a premium to whoever finds my remains, you may take a single nugget of evolvium from my spatial pouch to compensate for your pain.¡±


    Pain?


    ¡°Pain? What do you mean, Great Coldsteel?¡± Aura¡¯s straight back bent, her shoulders shrinking.


    The ghost¡¯s hand hung by his side in a relaxed stance at one moment, then at the next the hand gripped Aura¡¯s forehead, seemingly without going through the movements between.


    Aura screamed and collapsed, a seven-pointed star branded on her forehead. The ghost appeared before Emeraldstreak next. She tried to resist him, but the ghost ignored her defense and grabbed her forehead.


    The stoic disciple collapsed, screaming, and the ghost moved on to Greenbow, dispatching her in a second before facing Newt.


    ¡°This brand should be a mark of honor for someone who admires my work. Bear it with pride.¡± Newt sensed the danger and dodged, but the hand gripped him as if he had not moved at all.


    Spiritual energy sizzled through the flesh of his forehead, burning and tearing. The moment lasted an hour before the ghost released him and Newt fell to his knees, shuddering with agony unlike anything he had felt before.


    ¡°There is no way to remove the brand, my clansman will know you have found me the moment they lay their eyes on you. Don¡¯t try to lie to them, I have burned the information about our meeting into the brands, all they need to do is examine one of you, and they will know the entire story.¡±


    Newt gazed up through a veil of tears. The ghost appeared a lot more sinister than it did a minute ago, even scarier than it was when it threatened Newt.


    ¡°I have also left the explanation on why I am giving you the evolvium, it should be more than enough to cover the suffering of four low realm mercenaries.¡±


    The ghost¡¯s cruel eyes slashed at the four as they struggled to stand up.


    ¡°Thank you for your kindness, Great Coldsteel.¡± Aura¡¯s voice shook, much like the rest of her, and the Great Coldsteel nodded.


    ¡°My remains and everything I had on me when I passed away is at the center of the secret realm. I will collapse it now, and I expect you will deliver everything to my clan. Don¡¯t be fooled, it¡¯s impossible to escape with those seals, and should you attempt it, my clansmen will hunt you down and kill you. Better take the riches freely offered.¡±


    Without a sound, the stony desert disappeared. Rain struck Newt¡¯s burning forehead like a splash from a bucket, but the cool water failed to help with the vicious burning.


    ¡°What did that bastard do?¡± Emeraldstreak hissed.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s the same technique for burning information into spirit jades,¡± Aura slumped back down to her butt, her arms stretched behind her. Otherwise, she would have collapsed straight into the puddle.


    ¡°Look at this!¡± Greenbow pointed at a skeleton.


    The bones appeared mundane, but the glaive laying beside it burned with more spiritual energy than anything Newt had ever seen.


    Visually, the spear looked like an amateur¡¯s botched attempt. A short-sword¡¯s blade made of emerald or green glass tied to a thick wooden shaft, the glaive seemed as fragile as its head, but it thrummed with enough spiritual energy to destroy the world.


    Newt naturally knew his third eye was deceiving him. The spear was probably an eighth realm artifact, it could not pierce the sect master¡¯s skin, let alone destroy the world, but it was Newt¡¯s first time seeing such concentration of power, and it was terrifying and awe-inspiring.


    ¡°His robes have decayed.¡± Greenbow¡¯s words made Newt tear his gaze away from the fearsome weapon.


    The skeleton had several metal ornaments, which burned with spiritual energy, but all of it was subdued compared to the glaive. Just as Greenbow had said, there were traces of clothes rotten to nothingness, but a leather pouch lay on the ground beside Coldsteel¡¯s remains where the belt had rotten away.


    Newt moved for the storage device, but it was already in Greenbow¡¯s hands.


    ¡°A bunch of rocks, a pickax, nothing of interest.¡± She looked up towards the rest of the team. ¡°We should submit this to the sect, tell them about Coldsteel¡¯s request, and let the elders handle the rest. Agreed?¡±


    Newt and the others nodded, and Greenbow stored the bones into the pouch before looking at Newt.


    ¡°Glaive is your weapon of choice, right?¡±


    Newt bit his lip. ¡°I think we need to part ways¡­¡±