29. Thin Line Between Instinct and Paranoia
It is the middle of the night and the trading post of the city is still bustling with people.
Meanwhile, Clay is walking slowly as he followed his new master.
Who would have thought Ulvar would pass him over to someone too early. From his estimate, it should have taken at least a year but it is not even a month and his entire plan is ruined. Had he known, he would have at least purchased even a Tier II Lightning Obelisks as his weapons.
At first, he thought his new master is an honest person based on appearances but ever since they left his residence, his gut is telling him he should flee especially that this man had been acting suspiciously.
Like a few minutes ago when they went into the restaurant, his master seemed deliberately letting everyone knew that he had finally found a good seedling to be his disciple and would like to travel back to a town near Paco City to settle in.
Clay could clearly remember that not even a soul would purchase him when he was being sold like a wild beast in a cage unless of course Sar Aran shared the news of his abilities which he believes is unlikely as he tested his master’s reaction.
He wanted to convince himself it is just an unsound wariness however when he acted like a child and asked they buy materials for basic Lightning Talismans, his master bought it for him without question. As Alchemists specializing in pills, his master should be reminding him to focus on their craft as if he wanted him to be distracted.
Clay was not satisfied so he made up a story that the materials will be a gift to his sister who had been recently discovered to have a potential to become an Inscriptions but his master rode along with his story. Clay has an idea how influential Tier III Alchemists are and if this man is truly interested in nurturing a disciple, he should have had at least asked something about his made-up sister.
Clay has no clue where they are headed to but if he needed to show off to avoid tragedies, then he will reveal to the world what he is capable of.
After walking for half an hour, the two arrived at the terminal and Clay could see flying carriages being lifted by huge magical beasts. He has not stayed long in this city and he has certainly seen these flying objects from afar, but he could not believe such humongous beasts existed.
Clay ignored the scenery as his mind is occupied thinking about the future and when he thought he convince himself not to over think, he saw his master bought seats for Laa Garja Town instead of Paco City. Clay clenched his teeth and contained the erupting bud of distrust in his heart.
Later, they both boarded the flying carriage.
Unlike noisy airplanes, the flying beast flapped its wings without creating piercing sounds.
Clay was seated by the window and he could see the city getting smaller as they move farther. For a moment, he has forgotten all his worries. He just hopes that he would be able to live properly on their destination.
After an hour, the flying carriage landed and their journey continued as they rode another carriage but this time, pulled by horses.
Later, his master, Dal In decided to hit a tavern and after a few minutes, they were referred to a nearby inn. His master apparently did not like being disturbed so they reserve an entire floor.
"Listen, the reason we have come here today is to buy you an Earth Class Flame. After you integrate with a better Essence Flame, we will start your lessons so you have to be patient."
Clay pretended to look meek and innocent but upon hearing Dal In’s word, his mind was thrown into confusion.
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"I need to leave but I will be back in the evening so you have to stay put, ok? For now, go to sleep and later, someone will bring you breakfast, alright?”
Clay nodded in response and when his master was about to leave, Clay spoke.
“Master, could you impart me with an offensive technique? I just realized I am lacking in this aspect.”
“Of course. Anything for my disciple.” Dal In retrieved a thin book from his spatial ring then handed it to Clay. “This is called Qi Projection Technique. It allows you to solidify your aura outside your body and shape it however you like. It’s basic but don’t underestimate its usefulness. Once you master it, I’ll give you another one.” After a brief pause Dal In patted Clay’s head then continued, “Now go to sleep and you can study it later.”
Clay nodded again and pretended to climb his bed until his master left the house.
Clay took a deep breath and cleared his mind. So many things happened in a day and he was not even given the time to properly bid farewell to Aunt Mabna'y. Good thing he was at least able to reward her.
*Exhale
Since he was unable to buy artifacts to defend himself, Clay needed to rethink his plans.
The first option is to flee but having seen the monsters that pulled their carriage, he got reminded this world works differently. If he escapes, setting aside his master’s ability to track him down, what he is worried more are dangers of wondering aimlessly. Who knows what kind of beasts or poisonous insects is waiting for him outside. He could technically hire someone to protect him but now that he does not have the Elven Crest, there is no telling how sinister people becomes given his age and weak appearance.
Clay took out the materials for basic Lightning Talisman. Talismans are Formations carved on a specialized parchment however it is a one-time use. What he got now are ingredients for lightning attack use to fend off against the lowest level magical beasts.
Weighing his options, he might as well study the Qi Projection Technique his master gave him.
Opening the first page, it explained the interaction of Major and Sub-Qi Nodes involved and the best Nodes to use were located on the palm like many other techniques. As he read through each sentence, he can’t help but notice striking similarity again to Formations. The stronger the output, the more complicated the pattern is.
The book is straight forward and after five minutes, Clay memorized the pattern and raised his palm. Since all his Qi Nodes had been opened up, it was easy guiding his energy and the moment Nodes connected, a huge claw surrounded his hand like a glove.
Clay thought it would be difficult but it felt no different from extending a strand of his Qi. Only this time, his aura can be used to destroy.
Clay retracted his aura and at the same time, he used the Qi Nodes along his sternum and after second, he materialized a hand behind him.
“Cool!” Had he had this technique yesterday, he could have had killed the snails or even the horned rabbit who made him piss his pants.
Clay felt he had been practicing for hours but upon seeing the time, he cursed as only twenty minutes passed since his master left.
Clay is tempted to go out and look for a shop that sells artifacts but upon realizing he only has gold coins and Tier I and II Pills, he knew it can’t be used to purchase what he needed. He can technically attempt refining the Core Formation Breakthrough pill but the inn is currently not protected with any Isolation Formations. Who knows who will show up this time if he was careless.
As Clay checked his spatial ring, he noticed he still have a few remaining materials left after creating his own ring. At that moment he remembered list last moments of earth.
From his fragmented memory, he detonated himself at the center of a massive Formation while surrounded by a sea of apocalyptic zombies. To this day, he could not make a connection between each memory as some proves he was a regular man but some memories suggest he was a scientist.
Regardless of his past identity, Clay is confident he can create a miniature version of the Formation from these memories. Maybe emulating it would cause him to remember more.
Clay conditioned himself and after a few minutes, he started working. Unlike Alchemy where ripples of energy would burst forth from the pill, inscribing Formations barely emit anything except for his strength.
Unbeknownst to Clay, a Mid Core Formation Expert from Violet Sword Sect is staying at a nearby inn.
For most cultivators, Clay’s actions would go unnoticed but people with experience are sensitive towards certain fluctuations of energy. At first, he thought his senses are getting dull but when the ripples of energy continued to be released, he is certain someone is refining spatial materials.
Towards any sect, only the best Formation Masters are eligible to touch spatial materials so he believes that there is an expert near him but what he does not understand is why would such person not use Isolation Flags to prevent anyone from prying on his actions?
The man was confused and to avoid offending this master, he did not dare release his divine sense and probe the area but instead, he took out simple Isolation Flags and carefully set them up without being noticed.