We talked a bit more about how far Chao’s group was located, which is actually quite far. At least by walking and running metrics which is all we can do…anyway, the from the Outpost to where Sean found Chao, is already a couple hours away, like three-ish or so. Obviously if I ran full speed the whole time that time would be cut down by quite a lot, but it’s not really good to judge time like that. At least not when other people are involved.
So, the time is just kind of based on a cautious walk through the forest. Moving on, Chao said he had been traveling for about half a day before they ran into trouble, and he almost died to the wounds he got before Sean found him.
Basically, it would be quite a journey to have their entire group make it all the way here safely. Especially with the added danger around here apparently. But I think there is more danger around Outposts period, not just with the upgrade. The battles and problems they faced didn’t seem so bad in comparison to the things we dealt with before the upgrade. Even just one of the random raids we experienced was way worse than anything they’ve dealt with.
He mentioned they have only seen one Hobgoblin this entire time. Just one. Of course he didn’t know what it was called, but upon describing what it was he said one showed by itself, and it took all of their fighters to bring it down.
I guess being in an Outpost is a blessing and a curse huh. Though the curse part is negligible if you can handle the danger.
Eventually we all exited the room to let Chao rest, but I told him we’d be travelling back to his group after our defense was completed tomorrow. After that we all just went about the rest of our day. Which for me, was just going to be talking to the Outpost Leader. I decided not to tag along as the group went out for Dungeon runs, not that I was needed anymore. Of course, the Goblin Outpost would be a lot easier if I was there to dodge arrows and break the gate from the run while they ran in, but they can manage by themselves.
Richard was still the only one at 3rd Cycle, but a lot of people were 2nd Cycle by this point, so they could manage just fine. Especially with all of the training everyone has been doing recently. Even Irene reached 2nd Cycle, and although we haven’t a chance to do anymore Dungeon runs with just us two, we have been training together when we got the chance.
Today wouldn’t be one of those chances though. Eventually I was in the office of the Outpost Leader.
“I’m ready to try advancing to the 6th Cycle.”
He looked at me calmly for a moment before responding.
“Not in here.”
Was all he said before getting up and walking out of his office. I just followed. It wasn’t a long walk though, we stayed in his house and just moved to another room. Though one was empty.
At least until he waved his hand, and then an all-black rug appeared on the ground. A pretty large one at that. I stared at it for a second, but didn’t bother to say anything. He didn’t either. Though I guess he didn’t want me getting blood in his office and the rug likely came from some type of storage treasure like the ring I still haven’t been able to use…or the dagger…or the necklace…it almost makes me want to skip these extra Body Tempering Cycles and go for the Qi Refinement realm immediately, but I can wait.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
At some point I walked to the rug and sat down. I didn’t need any more instructions at this point. The Outpost Leader was mostly there to watch in case something went wrong.
I closed my eyes and began the process of cultivating. After some time, I felt something like a barrier stopping me from progressing, but it wasn’t like the barrier to reach the 5th Cycle. This was weak. Far too weak. This was supposed to be harder than the 5th, but that breakthrough likely changed my body far too much for something like this to be dangerous for me like it was for others.
Of course that didn’t mean I was going to rush the process.
I took my time gathering the Qi and slowly willing it into my body. What surprised me was that it actually took some effort to keep the process slow. Manipulating the Qi seemed far too easy, and it almost appeared desperate to enter my body for some reason. Weird.
Anyway, the process went pretty normally for the most part and at some point, a resounding pop sounded and just like that I was now a 6th Cycle Body Tempering Realm Cultivator.
That felt far too easy.
Eventually I opened my eyes, and the Outpost Leader was looking at me with widened eyes. Though only for a second or two. Then it was followed by silence for a few minutes.
“I came very close to dying when I broke through to the 6th Cycle. Very close. So close that I did not attempt the 7th.
“But you…you truly might be able to go all the way to the 9th Cycle. I will not tell you what to do, but I will give you some advice. At the moment the challenges you face are not so hard that they will cause you specifically trouble. But they soon will be, and that is just within the Tutorial. Whether you decide to continue climbing through the Body Tempering Realm or attempt breaking through to Qi Refinement, it would be best not to tally. That is all.”
After saying such ominous words, he left like he typically does. Vanishing. Though I have a feeling he only vanished to his office…across the hall. Not that I would check.
I looked down at myself, and my wounds were already healing themselves. Heh.
Anyway, I got up and looked towards the bloodied rug for a moment before leaving. I’m sure if he wanted me to wash it, he would’ve said something. Right? Right.
As I made my way home, a few people passed me by, but no one paid me much attention even with all the blood on my clothes.
After all the training I did with the Outpost Leader, me walking around with bloody clothes was kind of normal at this point. Eventually I made my way home and washed up before heading to the shop. I needed to restock on food pills and clothes.
After making it to the shop and making the purchases I came for. Greja surprised me with a request.
“Is it possible to ask around to see if anyone would like to be a merchant after the Tutorial is over? I’ve been waiting to find one by checking the people who enter the shop, but only the same few people ever come here. You, Richard, and a couple of others who always make large purchases for your group.”
“Ah sure I can ask around but a merchant? What would be the benefit of that?”
“Hmm I think I know why you’re asking but please elaborate.”
“Well, if someone wants to open a shop, they can do that, but why do they need to be trained in being a merchant? I understand it’s a skill in of itself to be good at negotiating and things like that, but…I don’t think I’m doing good job at explaining it sorry.”
She smiled warmly as she responded.
“No worries, I understand. Though all I’ll say is this. The System will be playing a much bigger part in your lives after the Tutorial. I can’t say anymore than that at the moment, but you’ll see eventually.”
I thanked her for the advice and left. I’ll see if anyone’s interested. Hmm, I wonder about the blacksmith, no one has taken up the opportunity to try and learn.
…Maybe I should try after all?
Hmmm...
Nah.