Essence Artists were beings that condensed a spirit source and reached a sufficient stage in essence manipulation. Since the beginning of time, humans and beasts have been competitive. Eventually, some understood how to use essence better than others, and distinctions were slowly being made. Then, finally, Essence Users became divided into ranks.
Rank 1 to 9.
In fact, it was only Ranked 1 to 3 Essence Users, who were generally referred to as Essence Artists.
Ranks 4 to 6 were known as Essence Masters.
Then, Rank 7 to 9 were known as Essence Lords.
It was unclear whether Rank 10 existed, but since immemorial, when the first men and beasts alike could use essence, no one could be said to have reached that level.
The difference between each Essence rank was vast and grew as one ascended higher. For example, the difference in strength between a Rank 1 Essence Artist and a Rank 2 Essence Artist could not compare to the difference that existed between a Rank 3 and a Rank 2 Essence Artist.
Even more distinctive were the breakthrough ranks: an Artist, a Master, and a lord. The difference between them was incalculable.
Strength was the core of the World of the Essence users; the largest fist has the greatest say.
Fairness and Equality were non-existent. If a stronger person bullied you, then it was only right; if he went further and killed you, you could only blame your bad luck for being weak.
No Essence artist ever challenged someone who was of a higher rank than they were; it was akin to suicide.
Within an Essence Rank, there were three substages. Mastering Essence was profound and incredibly difficult. Even just reading, Ju felt dread at the task ahead.
Each rank had Early, Middle, and late stages. After the late stages of one rank, you would break through to the next rank if you were lucky or skilled enough.
Even though the last stage of mastering the Essence Arts lay in the lord ranks, there was still one more distinction.
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Rank 9 was said to be the apex, but within that rank existed a title, a rare feat achieved by only the most talented of Essence Users—a Lord amongst the lords.
"An Exalt…"
Ju trembled a bit as he read the final part of the book.
This was the very apex of the World. Exalts were the most powerful beings known in history, worshipped like literal gods.
Throughout the ages, there had been only 9 Exalts.
The Origin Exalt, The Flame Exalt, The Blood Exalt, The Ice Exalt, The Moon Exalt, The Exalt of the Sword, Battle Spirit Exalt, The Purple Rose Exalt, and The Soul Exalt.
Each Exalt had completed his principle and achieved greatness.
At some point, every region produced an Exalt, some more than others.
The Exalted Rank was known to be the final point of an Essence Artist's Journey.
There may have been a tenth rank; no one knew for sure.
But the first person to ever reach the level of an Exalt, An Muren, once made a simple quote that transverse throughout the ages.
"The path of an Essence Artist is Endless."
The teenager slowly closed the book, feeling emotional.
"The Path is endless."
Ju pondered on these words for some time.
Soon after, the teenager regained his calmness. Although Ju felt inspired by the book, he was realistic. Ju doubted that there was no Rank 2 Essence Artist in the Wastelands. If there had been, he would have heard about them.
So, out of about less than fifty Essence Artists in the Wastelands, the fact that no single Rank 2 Essence Artist emerged showed how difficult it was even to move up a single rank.
Even the book mentioned how difficult it was to advance. Most people barely pass the Rank 1 stage as Essence Artists without exceptional talent, backing, and access to resources.
Things that could not be found in the Wastelands.
"Moonflower…"
not able to go as far as an Essence Artist, maybe he can take her to prosperous places like Wulan City, and they could have a better life together.
The teenager clenched his fists.
"Strength. Above all, I need Strength."
Ju finally opened the last book.
Common beasts in the Wastelands.
The book was the smallest of the four. It superficially described the spiritual beasts normally found in the wastelands and the species that found it easier to form a core than others. Ju read the book fairly quickly, and by the time he was done, he already had a mental image of various beasts and their characteristics.
After a few moments, Ju's three hours were up. He quickly put away the books and left the library.
"I am slightly behind the time for the meeting."