173. Revealing True Talents
“My name is Mur Brung. I hail from the Lower World. I have been dumped by my girlfriend and I believe the only way to correct my mistakes is undo time. It’s foolish and childish of me have such ambitions and I have come consult this senior about his understanding of Primordial Energies and their relation to Time.”
Ixfel lifted his head and look into Mur Brung’s eyes.
“I commend your honesty Mur Brung but first there is something I must tell you.”
“Let me guess. Our universe is in peril because of a Being from another universe is trying to invade us that even cultivators from the Immortal World is powerless against her. I have no interest in such stories and but if it is to do with your understanding of Primordial Energies and their relation to Time, then I’m all ears.”
Ixfel continued to stare at Mur Brung then after a few seconds, he spoke again.
“It is not that they are powerless and in fact, they can even easily kill the invader when they cooperate. However, when this Being dies, its atomic composition will be released and influence the Laws of our universe primarily the fabric that governs the cycle of rebirth. I have seen the future and the first defensive move the Immortals of our universe alone will cause a third of the souls currently in Samsara completely destroying their existence and denying them of reincarnation. And that is just the start.”
“For a person to have had seen the future, instead of being a hero, you chose a path of being a prisoner so you could tell stories?”
“Our role as prophets is to deliver a message to our saviors. Similar to the first prophet, he was able to convince the Exalted Immortal of Naya Temple to seal this Being.
As I am unable to ascend to the Immortal World, I’ve let myself captured on purpose. They must gather all the remaining Primea Stones of Immortal level and create a safe portal to expel this Being and….”
*Argggghhh!!
*Argggghhh!!
Unlike the slow transformation Mur Brung saw earlier, the black lines within Ixfel’s body immediately turned Ixfel into a black cocoon.
He let a long sigh as he already knew staying here is fruitless. He had at least hoped that Ixfel would give him clue as to how Nosfera was able to touch the 24TH Subspace Dimension yet Ixfel is not called crazy for no reason.
He waited until Ixfel turns normal again and will ask I more question.
“At long last, you have finally arrived oh chosen one.”
“My name is Mur Brung. I’m a lowly scientist from the Lower World. While it’s foolish to dream about undoing Time, I would still like to see where the Math goes. The Spiritual Veins back at AU Planet that can produce Primea Stones, couple that with the Topaz Matter your organization can produce, isn’t that enough to drill a portal outside our universe?”
“I am impressed Mur Brung from the Lower World. Sadly, it is not sufficient however it is more than enough to become the backbone of the portal we will our saviors will be creating. Should that Spiritual Vein a Divine Qi level… “
*Argggghhh!!
*Argggghhh!!
Mur Brung was surprised Ixfel shows signs of transformation immediately after. However, those black lines are not forming a cocoon and instead is creating a protective suit. On top of that, he could see the mysterious white stone reacting.
Mur may have chosen a path of being a scientist but he still is a descendant of an ancient cultivator and his ability to sense danger runs in his blood.
He took at step back and pulled the token given to him however as soon as he poured his Qi into the token, the black lines from Ixfel’s body had already materialized into a sharp spear which rapidly approached him.
Mur Brung took a sidestep to avoid the incoming attack but his left hand was still caught by the incoming attack.
Zzzzzk!
Mur Brung’s left had fell to the ground and at the same time, the token activated transporting his body outside the Prison.
Meanwhile, the dark holographic projections crumbled when the recording stopped however Clay is still immersed on the scenes he just witnessed. Thousands of thoughts ran through his mind he felt like is head is about to blow up.
From what he had seen, it looks like there is indeed a Consciousness of the Universe but the recording seem to suggest it is not him that needed to be expelled. It is as if the Consciousness of the Universe is trying to convey that he must hand over the Divine level Psuedo Spiritual Veins he created as rewards from participating with Vidri’s experiment.
As to who and how, analyzing everything that happened since he reincarnated to this world up to how he got to the Upper World, he can only conclude that he must travel to Ukacha ruins himself, that is assuming that everything that has transpired was influenced by the Will of the Universe.
There are multiple things that still do not make sense. If he is indeed an accessory to this grand plan to expel this invader, why wait one hundred thousand years? Why did Mur Brung has to die and could not relay him the message directly? Just why is the plan so elaborate he almost died countless of times?
*Mrgggghhh
Ezrik loudly cleared his throat to disrupt Clay’s thoughts.
“I’m surprised you are still alive carrying such recording. I will not question your identity and will still help as promised. But after this, I hope you will not implicate this little guild of ours.”
Clay took at deep breath then smiled.
“The ongoing Alchemy competition on the other side of this planet, is there any Rank VIII Divinity Experts among them?”
“What?” Ezrik was puzzled.
“Is there any Rank VIII Divinity Expert currently present in this planet?”
Ezrik’s eyebrows furrowed. “It is an inter-star competition. Naturally, there are. Don’t tell me you’re…”
Ezrik was in the middle of his sentence when he felt a suffocating level of Dao slowly emanating from Clay. There is no malice but it is terrifying he had to take a step back.
“You said you wanted to test my Alchemy skills before. Bring out all the ingredients you have for Divinity Breakthrough Pills. I need Hellfire Stones as well.”
Ezrik was could not speak. The person he was speaking with moments ago was meek and helpless yet he felt like standing in the presence of a god.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“Will you bring them out?” Seeing that Ezrik was silent, Clay asked again.
“I have Tophet Stones. I hope this will suffice.” Ezrik materialized at least forty wooden boxes and ten brown crystals the size of a head.
Meanwhile, Clay spread his Qi and to check the ingredients. Back at the planet where he was initially dropped off, he had read hundreds of books regarding higher level of pills. Although he has yet to try them, he is confident he can refine them with no challenge..
And this confidence is not coming from sheer arrogance but from his understanding that the Consciousness of the Universe will ensure that he can concoct them.
“I have high regards of your Dao but are you really planning on concocting pills here?”
“Exactly what I have in mind.” Having checked all the ingredients, he took out all the Divine Qi Crystals from his spatial ring and scattered them around.
“May I remind you it is not easy procuring those ingredients?”
“Make sure nobody interrupts.” Clay used his Qi to open up all the boxes of ingredients.
At the same time, Ezrik was conflicted but he still stepped back and summoned Formation Pillars. Whatever Clay is up to, he just hopes it is not too much trouble.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the planet, the inter-star Alchemy competition has reached the finals. Prominent figures from multiple sects and other organizations have gathered to witness an event help once every thousand years.
For normal cultivators and sects, it is an opportunity where they can lavishly spend all their money or treasures to buy pills in bulk as they all are discounted. But for Divinity experts above 7TH Rank, it is an opportunity for them to spot promising Alchemist whom they can soon entrust the rarest of herbs.
However unlike Martial Arts tournaments, there are no fierce or life and death battles, only Alchemists or groups of Alchemist sitting in front of cauldrons on a wide open stadium.
At the same time, at least a kilometer away from the open stadium, a towering skyscraper was erected to accommodate one group of distinguished guests. They all have horns and their skins have tannish reddish hue which is a mark of superior Kelum race.
There are currently nine of them positioned on the rooftop and two are Rank 8 Divinity experts engaged in a board game while having tea. The rest are either Rank VI or VII and are all standing motionless facing the direction of the open station.
While these Kelum cultivators look alike, if Clay were present, he would recognize one of them as he was his savior. His name is Izmhal.
That time when he met Clay, he felt he had met a genius and was willing to surrender all his treasures to nurture him but when he found out that Clay did not even have an ounce of talent, he almost went berserk. If not because the High Council of Science in need of subject, he would have had kidnapped Clay and torture him until his anger dissipates.
Today, he had been tasked to accompany two of their leaders. While it is unlikely they will be able to encounter someone truly talented they can recruit, they must still attend.
Izmhal observed each participants the made it through the finals. Six of which are 1ST Phase Dao Practitioners and two should be approaching the 2ND Phase.
As he watched their process of pill refinement, his body suddenly moved around when he felt a familiar trace of aura. It was incomprehensively faint he had to look around attracting the attentions of his comrades.
“Is something wr…”
Just when someone was about to ask a question, another wave of almost untraceable aura passed through the area.
“Did you feel that?”
It is normal that waves of energies would be released especially given occasion however what they felt just now is distinctly unique only cultivators of their level would be able to feel it.
“It should be coming from the other side of this planet.” Izmhal commented
*Swish!
As soon as Izmhal finished his sentence, their two leaders already activated their wings and flew towards the horizon to which they all followed.
A few seconds later, the ripples of energy were felt again and this time, all the experts from the competition emptied their seats and flew towards the same direction the Kelum cultivators went.
Back at Lukuwa First Trading City, earlier today, the streets were bustling despite the ongoing inter-star Alchemy competition on the other side of the planet. However, almost an hour ago, the city has been plunge into chaos forcing everyone to escape. The entire area looks like a locus of a catastrophic hurricane.
Cultivators can venture to the darkest and forbidding parts of the universe and would never be afraid of a mere hurricane but what they are cautious of is the monstrous and oppressive aura which is incapacitates normal cultivators and low level Dao practitioners including Ezrik.
At least thirty kilometers from the city, Ezrik is currently floating midair. Worry and anxiousness is painted all over his face.
When Clay said he would refine pills without a cauldron and in the open, Ezrik thought it was a joke. He wanted to stop Clay as those ingredients come in exorbitant prices but out of respect on the new powers Clay displayed, he will allow at least one set of ingredients to be wasted then convince him to stop.
But who would have thought that all the 4 sets of pill ingredients were unsealed simultaneously.
It pains him to see such precious herbs being wasted but what transpired next scared him to the bones.
At first, he saw Clay took out more than ten thousand High Quality Divine Qi Crystals and scattered them around. Then Clay let blood flow out from his wrist and created multiple floating goblets of them.
As a Rank V Divinity expert, he was easily able to set up a Defensive Formation around the perimeters of their guild and he wanted to stay and watch Clay’s methods but the amount of Dao created each time Clay move is frightening and treating his Formation like joke.
In a matter of minutes, he was forced to retreat and send a distress signal advising everyone to vacate the city.
Many cultivators refused to heed the warning but when the frightening waves of energy rippled across the city, they can only swallow their prides and run.
Cultivation was not born yesterday and armaments and crafted items that can shield them against dangerous fluctuations of energy has reached levels of perfection however today, even Ezrik who is a 1ST Phase Dao Divinity cultivator felt like his body will be torn apart standing far away from the center.
Ezrik observed Clay from a distance. He had seen Alchemists refine pills without the aid of cauldrons but not Clay and he may not know Clay’s technique but he can tell it is a forbidden blood arts. It is not forbidden in terms of viciousness but because it is a method that guarantees the entire refinement process a failure.
Ezrik does not know if Clay can successfully refine the pills but what he is worried about are cultivators who will covet the pills later. Had he known that Clay will display his true abilities, he would not mind finding a suitable planet. While he was thinking if he should stop Clay, he felt the multiple incoming auras and in a matter of seconds, nine powerful Kelum cultivators appeared before him.
“I greet the Masters. I am called Ezrik, one of the protectors of the city and the planet. I’m at fault for not being able to foresee this event.” Ezrik respectfully kowtowed with his fist.
“Send a message to your fellow protectors to hand over the jurisdiction of this planet over to us and kill anyone who has questions.”
“I will ensure everyone listens. Please excuse this junior.” Ezrik moved in haste and left the area.
A few seconds after Ezrik left, one of the leaders of the Kelum cultivators gave another order.
“Go back to your respective ships and seal this planet. Make sure to call for back up.”
“Understood.” Everyone responded in unison including Izmhal. There is hesitation in his eyes when he saw who is responsible for this deadly lightning tribulation. He can only blame himself for his impatience. Had he known Clay’s real abilities, he could have been ensured a higher rank or even better.
From what he can tell now, once Clay successfully concocts those pills, he won’t even get benefit. Pills imbued with Dao are the true treasures of the cultivation world.
*Sigh
Izmhal stopped midair and looked back. He may not be able obtain benefits but at least he can have a glimpse how a treasure a born.
At the same time, Clay levitated a few meters above the ground. The 12 Divinity Breakthrough Pills had just formed and are circling around him. When he finally figured out how to concoct a Core Formation Breakthrough Pill using his Dao, it did not attract Lightning Tribulation but higher Tiers of Pills have properties to inherit the Alchemist’s portion of Dao and from what he read, it will attract Tribulations.
It is still a mystery why they crumble if it does not undergo tribulation but he had already anticipated everything.
Clay remembered the only time he had ever showed his ability was back at AU planet when he had to regrow his limbs. Since then, to avoid troubles, he kept everything a secret and stayed unnoticed even when humiliated.
But today, he decided to show off again. If there really is a Consciousness of the Universe, then someone generous will give him a ship he wanted to acquire in the first place.
If he were to guess, the Consciousness of the Universe probably had wanted him to join the competition. And maybe there were other times the Consciousness of the Universe had given him clues and he may have not noticed them but today, he will do what he destined to accomplish and see the end of it.
*Sigh
Clay already knew that two Rank VIII Divinity Cultivators are within the vicinity so he said, ”Help me protect the pills.”
“You humans really are foolish.” Clay heard a voice and after which, the two leaders of the Kelum cultivators revealed themselves.
Clay forced a smile look towards the sky. Twelve lightning tribulations are about to descend as the pills entered the final stage of the pill refinement.
“It is not me and it is thy will. And thy will be done.”
A second later, twelve lightning tribulation simultaneously descended.
Zzzzk!
BOOM!