----STATUS SHEET---
[Name: Felix]
[Cultivation: Essence condensing 1 - Blood Boiling 2]
[Constitution: None]
[Bloodline: None]
[Roots: None]
[Notes]
[Sect: Thousand Seasons (Outer Disciple)]
[Soul Abomination: An abomination of patched together souls.]
[Fate] Tenuous: Your karmic spark is very vulnerable. Its stability capped due to being a soul abomination]
[Techniques (In Use)]
[Heavenly Earth (Earth 1)]
Power: Weak
Comprehension: (100/100)
Stage: Essence Gathering - Essence Condensing
---
[Elemental Soul Cradle (Mortal 58)]
Power: Average
Comprehension: (500/500)
Stage: Essence Gathering
---
[Ragnarök (Mortal 1)]
Power: Extremely Weak
Comprehension: Beginner (10/10)
Stage: Qi Gathering
---
[Sword of The Titan (Mortal 21)]
Power: Average
Comprehension: Master (10/10)
Stage: Qi Gathering
----
[Shifting Sands (Mortal 45)]
Power: Below Average
Comprehension: (50/50)
Stage: Qi Gathering
---
[Dew of the Last Gasp (Mortal 98)]
Power: Somewhat weak
Comprehension: (5/5)
Stage: Pre-Nascent Soul
---
[Pillar of the Earth (Earth 2)]
Power: Barely Below Average
Comprehension: (50/50)
Stage: Qi Gathering
---
[Heaven’s Fulcrum (Mortal 10)]
Power: Somewhat Weak
Comprehension: (50/50)
Stage: Qi Gathering
---
[Rooted Step (Mortal 10)]
Power: Somewhat Weak
Comprehension: (50/50)
Stage: Qi Gathering
---
[Crushing Fruit (Mortal 5)]
Power: Weak
Comprehension: (50/50)
Stage: Qi Gathering
---
[Seismic Step (Mortal 5)]
Power: Weak
Comprehension: (50/50)
Stage: Qi Gathering
[Techniques (Not in use)]
[Four Seasons Frame the World.]
Power: Very Strong
Comprehension: (99/100)
Stage: Nascent Soul
---
[Misc]
[Missions]
[Quest: Upgrade Sect Manual]
[Ongoing]
---
[Quest: Rebellious Element]
[COMPLETE]
---
[Remaining KE points: 50]
----------------------------------------
Felix pushed aside the boulder at the cultivation cave’s entrance, his muscles showing only the slightest strain.
Easy does. Easy does it!
With a small rumble, the large rock slid into the waiting groove to the side.
Can’t let it go bounding down the hill again. Next time it might land on someone with a low cultivation. Putting another death on my hands… just like that girl in the woods. Haven’t thought of her in a while.
Felix stood in the cave entrance and watched the land sprawl out far before him. Some of the further landmarks are slightly more visible than they were before.
Such a high vantage point but I can’t even see the woods from here. Makes sense I suppose. This world is round, I think. So big yet so beautiful. So full of wonder yet so full of horrors...
A few flakes of burnt impurities fell from his hair. A wry smile touched his lips as he caught one of the flakes between his thumb and index finger. He stared at it for a moment before grinding it to dust.
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust… God, I’m going full emo.
He flicked his fingers clean and stepped from the cave.
Looks like I wasn’t thorough enough when I washed my hair. Thankful the ash from the fire portion of [Elemental Soul Cradle] results in this odorless byproduct.
We should get something like deodorant for after sessions like this. Maybe learn one of the cleaning techniques. We certainly haven’t been taking advantage of the utility manuals enough. Imagine the heights we can take them to! [Orange Voice]
…What the fuck?
Come on, the practical applications much less their implication on life, make them worth studying. [Orange Voice]
Holy shit! Is the manual already helping?
…
Hello?
…
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
Oh, Come on!
He closed his eyes and dug into his memories. Slowly he zeroed in on those that seemed most heavily associated with [Orange Voice].
The memories are a bit more stable. I can only tell the difference in this batch of memories.
A fragment of an attempt to lower the bribe to get into a city flashed through his mind. Then a scene of cajoling a young women to try a new dish. That in turn suddenly transformed into a scene of fleeing through the dark-
He pushed himself back from the memories. Their spotty nature had left him disoriented.
It stopped talking but the memories are a bit more stable… Though it is the only this collection. Still, this is a quicker confirmation of success than I expected. I’ll need to keep cultivating my body and then alter my dantian methods. But I’ve already run out of medicine and some of the ingredients were so specific. I’ll have to wait for them to replenish their stocks.
A smile spread across as he spotted a short figure walking along one of the paths below. A basket of herbs under one arm.
Or I could also just go to the source! Wait, why is she going so fast? It’ll take forever to find her if she gets away.
Felix bounded down the hill. Leaving the path, he ran in the general direction she was headed. His feet churned as he held nothing back, his movement technique pushed to the maximum he could support. His off the trail path was thick with bamboo, and Felix found himself bending his body at tight angles as it grew denser.
This is totally ninja.
His movement technique, [Shifting Sands] allowed him to change directions with ease even as every turn would reveal new trees blocking his path. What had changed wasn’t the technique but his body’s ability to support the qi movement. A more fluid grace as his body changed direction. An extra explosive force from his muscles. His feet landed just a little lighter with each step.
Curious. The multi-elemental nature doesn’t make it singularly stronger but widens the strengths it has.
One more inhuman twist and he was through. Having gone airborne to dodge a particularly nasty bit of rock jutting between the only break in the bamboo, he had to continuing tumbling into a flip before his feet met the pathway.
He was greeted by a very startled Everglade.
“Everglade,” said Felix, taking in a great breath of air and steadying himself. “What are the odds of me running into you here?”
“Greetings junior brother Felix,” said Everglade, glancing from the thicket to Felix while protectively holding her basket. “I am fairly sure you are supposed to use the pathways less you go somewhere you aren’t supposed to. Was that perhaps a test after cultivating a new technique?”
“No. Just taking a bit of a shortcut,” said Felix. “Never liked following the paths. They are too confusing.”
“Yes, Xue has mentioned your poor navigation skills.” Said Everglade.
“Oh… I suppose she would have noticed. That’s a bit embarrassing.” said Felix. “I’ve actually got a favor to ask.”
“Which is?” said Everglade. “I am in the middle of an errand, but I am happy to help my little junior.”
“Well, you remember when you helped me pick out those herbs for my body cultivation a few days ago.” Said Felix. “The one with herbs for all those different elements.”
“Yes, how could I forget? All those resources for a single essence saturation cultivator. I’m still surprised the elders approved your use of all of them.” Said Xue.
“Haha yeah… I remember you making that point to me. Repeatedly.” Said Felix. “I also remember you mentioning that those herbs and pastes mostly came from your farm.”
“That is correct,” said Everglade slowly. “Why?”
“Could you give me more?” Said Felix.
Her green eyes stared into brown as she held his gaze. Then she walked right by him.
“Hey… Wait!” said Felix.
“No Felix,” said Everglade, without even turning her head back as she walked. “You aren’t going to raid my supplies. I don’t know what nonsense you pulled over the elders, but it won’t work on me.”
“But-“
“No means no Felix.” Said Everglade.
Felix watched her go. His eyes flicked down her back.
Just seduce her and get two things for one! [Orange Voice]
That sounds kind of fun… Ah, what is wrong with this orange voice? Don’t distract me.
Shaking his head, Felix moved, appearing in front of Everglade. She didn’t stop walking and he had to walk backward to keep from being run over.
“Come on Everglade. I need more herbs!” said Felix. “I told you back then, when you helped me pick out that first batch that I would likely need more.”
“Bullshit!” said Everglade, swatting at him. “I have responsibilities to the sect in exchange for the privileges I receive. Even though you are my friend, you could only get all those herbs the first time because of the Elders' specific permission. I can’t give them away without putting my neck on the line. So instead of pestering me, go bamboozle the elders. Better yet, try to convince them to buy from other sects so you won’t deplete my reserves. I need those herbs for testing.”
“Everglade, come one,” said Felix. “I just need a bit more.”
“A bit more? I don’t know what cultivation method you have decided to follow after being stuck in that blasted tower for weeks but whatever it is, it shouldn’t need so many different herbs! Some of those are nearly exclusively used for specific elemental practices. I doubt you even know how much those herbs cost. A lot, assuming they are available at all. How are you even able to use them all?"
“My ‘issue’ I mentioned requires a lot to treat… I’m sorry.” said Felix, slowing his pace. “I should not be putting this burden on you. It isn’t right to do that to a friend.”
I suppose I didn’t take into account how much the resources part of my efforts would bring. Is it as bad as she is making it out? Does this mean I am going to be a burden to her and the sect just like I have been to Xue?
“Will you stop that!” said Everglade, taking another swipe at him.
He let out a yelp and jumped backward.
“Ow.” Said Felix, rubbing his left nipple. “What the hell was that for?”
“Stop walking in front of me while facing backward! It is weird and I can’t see where we’re going.” Said Everglade. “And then you slowed down while getting lost in thought!”
“Oh, sorry,” said Felix and stepped to the side. Probably shouldn’t make a short joke here. “My bad.”
He took up pace alongside her. They continued until they were at the Medicine Hall. Felix continued to give her guilty looks as Everglade stared doggedly at the road. A protective hand still over her herb basket.
The number of people on the road started to become denser as they entered the more heavily traveled route. Finally Everglade spoke first
“I didn’t mean to get angry at you Felix. Maybe I can help you. I do have some surplus and if you leverage your points with the alliance we can figure something out. Though that may mean we will have to supplement quality with quantity. I simply don’t have access to large quantities of those herbs. Maybe I can start redirecting some of my farming efforts to aid you. Though you will need to have the elders backing for that.”
“Thanks, Everglade,” said Felix.
“Don’t give me that look. Besides, after what you did for my manual. I’ve- well it has meant a lot to me, Felix.” Said Everglade.
“It wasn’t much. Really. After all the manuals taking so long to work on my own thing, it was great to help out a friend.”
“No really.” Said Everglade and she looked away from him. “It may seem trivial to you but to me, it was everything. It was a second chance.”
“Wow… well it won’t stop there.” Said Felix. “Besides, I’ve recently been able to broaden my horizons with the manuals I’ve read and they include a number for wood users. You would be amazed at what secrets they hold. There is hope your manual may get even better.”
“It was you!”
They stopped at the entrance to the medicine pavilion and turned to the source of the shout. An old man in dragon spear robes stood not far away, glowering at them.
“Excuse me?” said Felix. How did I offend the Dragon Spear sect again? “Can I help you?”
The man’s face turned red as his pointed finger shook in epileptic rage. His mouth opened and closed yet no words came out.
Is he off his meds? Do cultivators get Alzheimer’s?
“Felix, we should go,” said Everglade and Felix felt her grab his arm.
“I think not,” said the elder, seeming to finally get control of himself. “You will instead stay here and explain yourself, young man. Right, this, instant.”
“I’m sorry, explain what?” said Felix.
“About access to ‘more’ manuals,” said the elder, slowly walking closer.
“Elder Long Shi,” said Everglade and took a step forward of her own. “Perhaps we can discuss this elsewhere? I am sure one of my elders would be more than happy to address any concerns you may have.”
What is she so concerned about? It was just a few books Elder Harold had brought back a bit ago. Felix glanced around at a growing number of onlookers. Why are they giving me weird looks?
“Ha. Hahaha.” Said Elder LongShi. “Then answer me this. Are any of those manuals ones the alliance entrusted as rewards?”
Ah fuck… I forgot that was a concern. Getting accused when talking about a different thing… Is the Dragon Spear Sect just bad luck for me?
Felix flicked his eyes to the side as a few gasps sounded out. A familiar trio caught his eye among the crowd.
Focus. Empathize and deny. Muddy the waters. Disengage. Words are needed now. [Orange Voice]
“I am not sure how you came to that conclusion. As is well known, Elder Harold has a penchant for gathering new manuals. He simply dropped some more off when I was in the Hall of Knowledge. Now if you will excuse me honorable elder.” said Felix, and bowed before he turned to leave. “Come on Everglade, let’s go find the Elders.”
“You dare turn your back on me!?” said the elder. A spear was suddenly in his hands. “Wait… aren’t you the one you stepped on disciple Hei Hue? It looks like I can clean my sect's honor twice this day.”
Felix searched the surrounding crowd and found no help there. Even his recent poker buddies were giving him doubtful looks.
I can’t let this get out of hand. Damnit, where are the elders?
The man’s legs bent gracefully like a bowstring and yet as they reached their full curve, the rock cracked beneath his feet. They turned back to face him and Everglade pulled out her whip.
“Elder, please wait,” said Jetchi, stepping from the crowd.
The man appeared feet from Everglade, spear now raised at her.
“The Bloody Buddha Monastery should stay out of this,” said elder Longhi.
“There is a peaceful explanation, surely,” said Felix. “You may not believe it, but I earned my access to all the manuals I’ve ever read. I don’t see how that could include one of yours.”
“You’re lying,” said the Elder. “How could an essence condenser do anything worthy of a single manual.”
“Luck. As we all know fortune is the most crucial factor of a cultivator,” said Felix as his patient expression cracked. “And I still don’t know what I said for you to accuse me like this.”
“I will give you one chance to elaborate,” said Elder LongShi. “My in-law may have spared you but one of the manuals shared was one my ancestor personally made for the sect. We were promised by your elders that the more importance a sect’s places on a manual the more it will cost. There is no way you could already have afforded it. Yet I can see it in the way your body moves! I will NOT allow my family's honor to be besmirched!”
Oh, so that’s how he guessed… Which one of the three additions was it? More importantly, how can I shift the blame?
“I-“said Felix.
The ground shook. Bells jingled.
“Ho ho ho,” laughed a cheery voice. “The boy saved your sect, and this is how you repay him. Though I suppose your sect that always attacks things head on and doesn’t think, isn’t worth much, now is it?”
Felix turned to see the large figure of Elder Harold slowly walking through the crowd. A bemused smile shining through his bushy white beard.
“And how did he accomplish that?” spat elder LongShi “A core cultivator shouldn’t have earned it yet, and I heard him say manuals.”
“By discovering and upsetting the invasion of the Empire through the endless wilderness. An invasion that would have put the empire at your sect’s doorstep before the alliance could’ve reacted otherwise,” said Elder Harold.
“But you said it was a core disciple-“said the elder and then glanced at Felix. “Wait, you’ve made an essence condensing disciple a core cultivator?”
“No, it was to confuse the inevitable spies,” said Elder Harold. “A farce that shall now be known by half the region by the end of the month, if rumors still spread like normal.”
“…It seems like my sect has made a fool of themselves for the second time.” Said Elder LongShi, giving Felix a complicated look.
“Wonderful!” said Elder Harold, striding past Elder LongShi who stiffened. “Now Felix, I actually came back with a few people who are most interested and seeing you. Ah, here they are now. Looks like they didn’t wait for me to return.”
Felix followed Elder Harold’s gaze.
She’s back.
She’s back. [Orange Voice]
Hey! Back off orange voice! Just. Ugh, this is weird.
Repressing an eye twitch, Felix smiled up at the slowly descending immaculate cloud. It turned to a frown as it reached the ground, revealing a very non-immaculate occupant.
Daiyu’s arm was back in a sling and her form was slumped. Yang Mei was covered in bruises, but she smiled brightly down at Felix. Cixi just seemed tired. Elder Zhenzhen seemed as bubbly as always.
Hey… is Zhenzhen’s cloud bigger now? She totally could have fit Edward on! I knew she was trying to sexually harass me… We need a sect HR.
The tallest and final person, Xue, alighted from the cloud, and Felix felt his smile fall back into place.
Somehow, she is even more beautiful.
“Senor Siste Xue,” said Felix.
Then he felt a shove and nearly fell as Everglade barreled past. A surprised Xue received a cultivator-powered hug. She stared down at the smaller woman before a smile broke through her icy expression.
“It’s good to see you too, sister Everglade.” Said Xue, finally returning the hug. “Though we are here for Felix.”
“What!?” said Everglade.
Ha!
“Well, we wanted him to be present during the debrief.” Said Xue. She glanced at the surrounding crowd. “Though Elder Zhenzhen said she was going to pick him up quietly.”
“The nature of your mission is already leaked,” said Harold, frowning at Elder LongShi. “Still, it is best we do the rest of this in private.”
Elder LongShi snorted but Elder Harold had already moved on. The dragon Spear Elder gave Felix what almost could be called an apologetic look before he glanced at the cloud's occupants in contempt. Then his eyes stopped on Cixi and he froze.