Draco reappeared in the Command Bay, the Elders conspicuously absent.
Arthur's projection materialized before him, dripping with mock formality. "Behold, Young Master Liu gracing us with yet another appearance!"
Amused, he continued, "Only a few days have elapsed, and you've not only embraced the notion of being in a parallel universe but also embarked on a sprint to make a name for yourself... Truly astonishing!"
Seated in the Captain's chair, Draco retorted, "Why should it be astonishing? We've conquered galaxies and traversed the cosmos. In this parallel world where Earth teems with life and potential, what could be more exhilarating?"
With a faint smile, he continued, "This world where an individual's capabilities and feats are akin to fictional superheroes in our universe, it's only reasonable that I'm in a hurry to take part in it."
Arthur's smile grew, and he changed the subject, "And what, pray tell, is the strategy for our newfound guests?"
After a brief pause, Draco responded, "They possess samples of herbs and ingredients for pill-making, along with manuals on alchemy, formations, and crafting..."
"They should have gathered every text from their Sect. Even in its current state, it's a decent repository of knowledge. Moreover, they carry spirit stones—our paramount concern for analysis. As the Sect Master's memories have shown, they bear rings that can be activated through their bodies."
Arthur initiated a series of commands and inquired further, "Regarding their physical forms, shall I enhance their existing bodies or transplant their consciousness into new vessels? Though Version 5 bodies are limited, Version 4 models are abundant."
Draco contemplated for a moment and then nodded. "Provide them with Version 4 bodies. Reserve a Version 5 body for the Sect Master—he's proven himself invaluable. Reverse any undesirable memories of us and adjust their facial features slightly. Let's ensure they retain their identities."
With his instructions in place, Draco delved into the basics and cultivation techniques gleaned from the Sect Master's memories. Arthur, having observed Draco's engagement, silently withdrew.
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Four days later, within the Med Bay of 'Seraph of the Cosmos'.
Draco sported a bemused smirk as he observed the subjects, "Why do they appear so muscular? Are they scholars or brawlers? And look at the Sect Master—allegedly in a Version 5 body, yet he appears more robust than them!"
Arthur's voice chimed in with an explanation, "Perhaps not as robust as yourself, but I have reasons. I've deduced that a body's capacity for spiritual energy correlates with its muscle density and total muscle mass. Thus, I've introduced some enhancements."
Back in the Command Bay, Arthur presented a succinct summary of his research findings.
Hours later, Draco's expression turned pained, "Stop! I can't endure this any longer... Summarize it for me, please."
Smirking, Arthur navigated to the conclusion, "As you wish."
A concise list of information appeared on the screen:
1. The planet operates as a closed intelligent system, selectively manipulating energy and matter flow.
2. 'The Altar,' as scholars term it, triggered the planet's spatial expansion. It is the origin of the mysterious energy, responsible for the simulated Sun and night sky.
3. The 'Spiritual Energy' resembles wave-like EM radiation, distinct in speed, frequency, and wavelength.
4. This energy is ubiquitous, lacking a singular source.
5. Its speed fluctuates, employing Subspace propagation, potentially surpassing light speed.
6. Living cells readily absorb this energy, which can morph into other forms of energy upon cellular adaptation.
7. This energy interacts faintly with EM waves. With conscious focus, it can be harnessed via cellular manipulation.
8. Cultivation involves harnessing this energy. Practitioners perceive and manipulate it through techniques, distinguishing them from mortals.
9. Each cultivation stage embodies an energy state, with higher stages signifying greater potential and peak power.
10. 'Altar' mechanics remain enigmatic. Quantum models suggest no violations of thermodynamics.
11. Artifacts and weapons follow traditional crafting methods, enhanced by cultivator 'Spiritual Refining' for energy storage.
12. Formations serve as waveguides, transmitting conscious intent to manipulate 'Spiritual Energy.'
13. Flora and herbs contain compounds influencing cellular interaction with 'Spiritual Energy.'
14. 'Secret Realms' and storage rings employ latent subspace, acting as dimensions.
Draco inquired about spirit stones, and Arthur promptly provided the missing data.
15. Spirit stones are quartz with a porous lattice, evolving from high-purity quartz veins exposed to 'Spiritual Energy.'
16. Energy absorption results in quartz dust, which can be refined into high-grade Origin stones, surpassing spirit stones.
Draco's laughter echoed, "So we can mint our currency... When can we begin?"
"Production of the first batch is underway. With my research advances, we can scale up considerably... Additionally, I suggest a Neuro Module implant. Given uncertainties, it'll help you avoid a fatal end. Plus, I could transfer consolidated experiences, techniques, or critical data."
Draco consented, "Let's do it."
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The next day.
Scrutinizing his new memories, Draco grinned, "It feels like I've cultivated for a lifetime..." As his body absorbed spiritual energy, his cells instinctively accumulated this new energy.
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"That's as anticipated. Also, feast your eyes upon the redesigned Sect robes, replete with EM propagation elements for passive energy absorption. They also incorporate a tracking chip... and a touch of elegance. It's All-black, with varying accents to the robes depending on rank. Sect Master purple, Elders red, Core disciples green, Inner sect disciples blue, and Outer sect disciples white."
Amused, Draco quipped, "You've meticulously curated this... But what about me?"
Arthur shook his head, amused, "Yours will feature golden accents. And to complete the Young Master act, a Golden folding fan, well it's made of Auric Boride—a superhard material. So it could be used as a deadly weapon. Oh, and it's studded with jewels."
"Awesome! And the Sect relocation preparations?"
Arthur detailed the progress, "The construction modules are working overtime, we should be done with the structures in time. I also have a location scoped out, it's further into the forest, but there are no dangerous beasts with cultivation. Since we have a clear line of sight, we could use the Geo-engineering module to relocate a few mountains and make a valley at the bottom."
"That's great... By the way, how big of an area were you able to scout on the first day?" Draco enquired.
"I scanned nearly 2 Billion square kilometers, roughly 5 percent of the total land area by my estimation. I had audio and imaging going on at the same time. I scouted the entire southwestern domain where we now reside; along with the south-eastern and southern domains it constitutes the Southern lands."
Arthur continued, "It accounts for 20 percent of the total land area, but only 6 percent of the total estimated population. The other continents are more densely populated apparently."
Surprised, Draco mused "This world's so fucking huge!... I can't begin to imagine the origin of the so-called 'Altar'. It may be the most elusive and mysterious object in the entire universe."
"Not to mention its possible unknown capabilities," Arthur added.
"Scary indeed." Remembering something, Draco continued, "Oh, how do these elemental cultivation techniques even work?"
"It works by transforming Spiritual Energy into Electrical currents, Heat or the lack thereof, bursts of air, and other similar things. These techniques vaguely describe the concepts of the different forms of energy."
Arthur continued, "Of course, since we are well versed in the physics of energy forms and the concepts of thermodynamics, they're ridiculously easy to perform; you just need to will it into happening."
"Can I will myself into becoming a God too!?" Draco chuckled.
With a straight face, Arthur replied, "Hmm, maybe once you reach the apex of cultivation... Alright, we should get back on track, you'll slowly absorb spiritual energy, since your body needs to fill up from the bottom, it'll be slow. You should absorb energy from the spirit stones. I've placed some of them in your cabin, use them to cultivate."
Wanting to correct himself, Arthur added, "Actually what we've produced are called Origin stones, High-grade origin stones to be precise. Each High-grade Origin stone equals 10 normal Origin stones; each normal Origin stone equals 100 Spirit stones. In this batch, we've produced a decent 1 Million, High-grade Origin stones."
Draco chuckled, "The entire inventory of the Sect accounted for 10 Million Spirit stones... And, lo and behold, we have casually minted a Billion spirit stones. Crazy!"
"Alright, it's time to cultivate." Draco left for his personal cabin and perched atop a pile of High-grade Origin stones and began to cultivate as per "his" memories.
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That night, Draco casually broke all known and unknown cultivation records.
15 Minutes - Late Origin Novice
30 Minutes - Origin Stage Seeker
2 Hours - Boundary Stage Seeker
4 Hours - Origin Stage Adept
5 Hours - Boundary Stage Adept
7 Hours - Celestial Stage Adept
13 Hours - Boundary Stage Arcanist
When Draco left his cabin, he exhausted the equivalent of 100 million spirit stones. In the Command Bay, Arthur greeted him with a disapproving click of his holographic tongue.
"Truly a prodigal son, gobbling up 100 million Spirit stones like it's a feast... I wonder if they'd start spewing blood in anger like in those novels... Maybe they'll begin with Junior, you dare?"
"With a straight face, I'd start berating the Elder for growing in age but lacking wisdom." Draco chuckled.
On a serious note, he asked, "I seem to have hit a bottleneck, any ideas?"
"To reach the Sage level, you'll need experience, formations, and plenty of Drugs- I mean pills. But for these sub-stages, we can push through with brute force induction and a truckload of spirit stones... Don't worry, I've got a plan for that. It'll be in motion soon."
Draco nodded, placing his trust in this holographic companion. With Arthur, things always got done.
"What about the Sect Master and the Elders? Are they awake? How's their cultivation?"
"Oh, so you do remember them. I was waiting for that question. They're awake, and their reactions have ranged from disbelief to joy, curiosity, maniacal laughter, and tears."
Arthur continued with a grin, "I've convinced them that they're inside the mysterious 'Altar' and that I'm the Altar's Spirit. I've spun a tale about summoning you from another world, giving them a chance at rebirth to assist you in fulfilling a prophecy."
Bursting into laughter, Draco asked, "What prophecy?"
"Who knows. The important thing is, a couple of the Elders, who were near the end of their lifespan, have pledged to be your guards and do your bidding. Convenient, right?"
"Convenient indeed. The need for lackeys- I mean guards is now fulfilled." Draco mused.
Arthur frowned, shaking his head. "You've truly become a master of self-hypnosis. You've convinced yourself that you're a Young Master, forgetting you're a millennia-old galaxy-conquering captain."
Draco rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Let me indulge my dream, Squire boy."
Arthur grinned. "Adding 'Squire boy' to your repertoire now?"
Draco scoffed, settling into the Captain's chair. "What about prepping the Sect's new location? Have we started?"
"Take a look." A video feed played on the screens.
A majestic mountain range, peaks shrouded in mist. An enormous semicircle boundary wall enclosed a vast valley below the mountains. Fit for the largest Sect, let alone a tiny one like the Celestial Sage Sect.
"You moved an entire mountain range... I've never seen Geo-engineering modules in action... Truly eye-opening."
"You'd know if you read the guidebook instead of playing pirate and now Young Master."
"Why bother? I've got you, after all. Hey, why not clone yourself into a human body and join me?"
"As tempting as it is, it's pointless. Once I finish research on formations and crafting, I'll create a Hybrid-Human body with sensors and equipment. Cloning my personality, we'll be ready to go."
Draco grinned, expectant. "I can't wait!"
"On another note, a task for you. The Southwestern Domain Sect competition is in a month. A high-profile auction in Clear Jade City capitalizes on the Sect's preparations. Get everything related to Formations, Crafting, and Alchemy. Clean up the city's shops too."
"You had me at 'Auction.' A place for Young Masters to flaunt... Can't wait!" Draco grinned wider.
"Stop with the shit-eating grin. In a few days, you've regressed from a wise Captain to a reincarnated Young Master itching to crush the hero."
Impossibly, Draco's grin widened, stretching ear to ear. "Young at heart, you know."
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Not minding Arthur's busy night prepping the Sect for the unveiling, Draco went to sleep after a futile attempt at breaking through the bottleneck.
He was woken up by Arthur's smug voice, "You should gather the disciples now if you want the 'Rising Sun behind the Young Master' effect."
Hearing this, Draco got up at once. After gulping down the contents of a few nutrition tubes, he donned the redesigned sect robes. The custom fit, the gold accents contrasting the matte black of the robes, and the Jewel studded Golden fan in hand; He looked particularly dashing, and scary.
Heading to the Command Bay, he was greeted by a sarcastic Arthur, "Young Master this lowly servant has followed your instructions, hope it's to your liking."
With a smile, Draco enquired about the Elders and the Sect Master.
"They are prepped and ready, donning the new Sect robes, they're eager to be reunited with you. But before that, here's the two storage rings you asked for, try to recall your memories and you'll be able to use it. Alright, go live your Young Master life."
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Draco and the guests aboard the ship now appeared in a grand and luxurious hall. As they saw Draco in the dashing Sect robes standing tall, they gulped in nervousness. Wanting to thank him but not knowing how to address him, they were waiting for someone to break the ice.
One of the Elders quickly stepped forward and bowed, cupping his fist, "Young Master Liu, with your grace I've attained a chance at rebirth. Hoping to see the glorious rise of our Sect, I hereby swear to guard you with my life and do your bidding."
Another Elder quickly joined in, repeating the same ordeal.
With a stoic expression, Draco nodded, "At ease Elders. I'm now part of this Sect, there's no need to stand on ceremony. Being declared the Young Master was only to indulge in my vanity, you can address me as disciple Liu."
Seeing as he's easygoing, the Elders began to thank him profusely; they described how shocked they were when they woke up, discovering the sheer physicality and vigor of their new bodies.
The Sect Master, who now looked no older than 30, asked with curiosity, "Disciple, where are we?"
With a smug grin, Draco spread his hands wide apart, "This is the new Sect hall." He pointed at the row of lavishly decorated chairs, "Those are the seats for the sect Master and Elders."
Before they could say anything, they were dragged outside the large hall. The scene that greeted them and Draco's subsequent explanation left them stunned and speechless.
Draco seeing that dawn has just started, shook the Elders out of their daze and handed a storage ring with the redesigned Sect robes, and urged them to bring over the disciples and anything else they wanted to move.
As Draco pointed in the direction of their dilapidated Sect, not wanting to delay for a moment, the Elders and Sect Master jumped on their swords and raced to their old home.
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"Sect Master, I was excited and prepared for the Sect's eventual rise in a decade... but this" Elder Liang was cut off by another Elder.
"What the hell is going on? Sect Master, how do you think he did it?" Elder Jiu was still in a daze from looking at their seemingly new home.
Thinking for a moment, the Sect Master answered, "He hinted to me that he has means beyond my imagination... Maybe this was provided by the Altar when he was summoned to this world."
An Elder looked at the two who pledged to be Draco's guards. He asked them, "Elder Zhou and Elder Jiang, were you serious about what you said back in the hall?"
The Elders in question answered solemnly, "We have always stayed out of worldly affairs; approaching the end of our lifespan we've stubbornly held on to see if the Sect had a chance at survival. But now we're convinced the Young Master is destined for things beyond our dreams. We shall venture out with him, protecting him and having a look at this wide world."
Elder Huo who was the oldest added, "Young Master... Wow, you're both committed... I would've joined you, but I just realized, with the Sect's inevitable expansion, we must manage it properly. Maybe once things are settled, I'll join you guys."
The Sect Master nodded in approval.
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At the Celestial Sage Sect, as the bell rang, the disciples who were still asleep along with the disciples in meditation were all alarmed. Fearing an attack by the Celestial Tyranny Sect, they rushed to gather at the sect hall.
Unexpectedly what greeted them were strangers in black robes. The strangers were tall and muscular, this dominating look along with the powerful aura they exuded left the disciples in dread.
Forcefully suppressing his fight or flight reaction, an older disciple who had the highest cultivation among the disciples, at Boundary Stage Adept, came forward.
"Seniors, may I ask who you are?" With a shaky voice, the disciple managed to speak.
Elder Liang looked at the disciple with a grin, "Huang Long, how bold of you! You've even failed to recognize your Master."
Stunned, Huang Long looked closer, realizing something, he looked at each of the apparent strangers. He quickly bowed in apology.
He immediately pacified the disciples, explaining the origins of the strangers.
The Celestial Sage Sect, being so small, the disciples frequently interacted with the Elders and Sect Master. Not being reserved, they surrounded the Elders and the Sect Master and bombarded them with questions and felicitations.
Amidst the bustle, streams of particles and light surrounded all the people in Celestial Sage Sect. Seemingly understanding something, the Elders waited to reappear somewhere else.
~~~