Administrator Zhao breathed in deeply, engrossing himself in the passing scenery.
His immense speed sparked the furious resistance of howling winds, only to be rebuffed by an immaterial barrier. Spiritual energy hummed throughout his being, directing the tides of heaven and earth as he stood atop his trusty sword.
Moments like these are what he lived for. Fought for. Sacrificed for. Moments when the lines between him and the world blurred. When his will reigned supreme.
Shifting rightward, his immersion couldn't help but falter.
There is clearly something wrong with this child!
Administrator Zhao's day began in its usual pattern, tending to his administrative duties about the sect. Yet, everything seemed to have flipped on its tail the moment he'd discovered this strange disciple loitering around his backyard. To top it off, the boy constantly sported an expression of utter confusion.
Isn't it me who should be confused? You're the one who was half-naked in someone else's backyard! Why does he keep staring at me!? Is it something on my robe?
Administrator Zhao felt genuinely perplexed and even a slight hint of heartache.
Typically, he would directly question the disciple, who would be obligated to answer out of respect for his authority. However, he knew such an effort would be pointless, given that his first attempt was met with a stupid look coupled with mute silence.
Ask again? What, only to be looked at like an utter buffoon? That would only bring some truth to the matter!
So he stewed in silence, inwardly cursing the infuriating disciple, then himself for being so easily infuriated, and then the world for allowing such an infuriating situation.
Forget whether his current state is due to some innate stupidity or head injury; isn't he just too weird?
Most disciples would have pissed themselves had they landed in a similar situation, yet even his expression didn't change!
Also, from his robes, I can tell he is an intermediary disciple, yet he is so bold as to skip Elder Li's afternoon lecture? Even with 100 times the guts at his age, I wouldn't dare do such a thing …
Administrator Zhao, noticing their imminent arrival, expertly steered their descent.
Releasing the disciple and stowing his flying sword, he strode toward the lecture grounds.
However, after a few steps, Administrator Zhao turned to the scene of the disciple standing dazedly in his original position.
His anger ignited.
Storming back, he yanked Karma by the shoulders, swinging him around like a ragdoll.
"Hello? Hello!?"
**
Karma's eyes snapped open, blurred wooden beams filling his view. Immense disorientation assaulted his brain as it attempted to reconcile two distinct recollections of the same event.
One moment, Karma was looking confusedly into the raging eyes of Administrator Zhao; then, the image would invert, and he'd be staring angrily at his own befuddled face.
Again and again, the conflicting sensations clashed, both vying to occupy the same point in memory.
Panting in agony, Karma stumbled out of bed and madly rifled through his pocket. Groping about their contents, his barely conscious mind faintly registered a small spherical shape.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Ripping his hand out from his robes, Karma slammed the medicinal pill in his mouth, furiously guiding its resultant green energy directly to his brain.
A gentle warmth emerged within the turbulent storm wracking his mind. Unwilling to squander the brief moment of clarity, Karma immediately circulated his spiritual energy, further complementing the pill's effect.
Several minutes passed, the rotating energies' combined efforts gradually goading the dueling memories into stillness—until, finally, they restored order to his psyche.
Breathing a deep sigh in relief, Karma collapsed onto the nearest wall.
"Can't I get a break?" he murmured, "even my dreams aren't spared."
Well, it's not all bad. I've ascertained that Elder Li's lectures occur in the afternoon, likely saving me some odd looks.
Also, after experiencing Administrator Zhao's control over spiritual energy, it seems my abilities have risen in that regard ...
Although, had he been pondering the principles of cultivation or the intricacies of a profound technique instead of spending the entire time cursing me, I might have come out with a lot more—not that I'm in any position to complain.
Sighing lightly in regret, Karma then sunk back into contemplation.
Now for the questionable bits. What exactly are those golden threads? What relationship do they share with that mysterious ability to plunder memories? Are there any other mysterious abilities I've yet to discover..?
Karma shook his head in vexation.
Rather than ask more unanswerable questions, I might as well compile what I've learned:
1. From Administrator Zhao's memories, I can confirm that other cultivators (at least of his level) are not aware of the golden threads, nor are they informed about individuals possessing the ability to do so.
2. The golden threads are not limited to living beings, as seen by their presence on medicinal pills, talismans, and various charms. My current hypothesis is that their function is to connect entities containing spiritual energy.
3. I'd venture that the golden threads and spiritual energy are symbiotic in nature since it was only when my spiritual energy excited the self-devouring snake that I could receive Administrator Zhao's memories.
4. There are instances in which the golden threads become unconnected, which leads to the phenomena I experienced when Senior Brother Lione gave me the second medicinal pill.
5. Untethered golden threads can then be devoured, strengthening some component of my soul. As to what changes that brings, I am currently unaware.
6. The golden threads can vary in physical characteristics such as width, color, intensity, length, and quantity.
I don't have much to go off of regarding their respective implications, so I'll tentatively act under the assumption that 'bigger is better.'
Rubbing his temples, Karma felt that further ponderance would yield little to no results. Shifting his attention to his pockets, he realized there was a far more pressing matter to attend to.
"I'm poor."
**
Karma once again ambled along the streets of the sect's commercial district. The familiar cacophony of merchants hawking their wares filled the air, backed by the swinging of doors as businesses welcomed their morning's first patrons.
While surveying the various offerings, Karma mulled over his most pertinent and suitable earning strategy.
Karma was distinctly aware his most valuable asset lay in his unique grasp over the golden threads, but that could easily evolve into a curse should he fail to exercise sufficient caution.
Hunting down overlooked treasures is a no-go; even a single occurrence would draw undue attention.
Certain types of luck-based gambling could work, but only to establish some starting capital. After all, the house never loses...
I need something sustainable, presents an acceptable level of risk, and efficiently utilizes my strengths.
As Karma was deep in thought, he registered a modest establishment from the corner of his vision, its architecture starkly contrasting from its flamboyant neighbors. Above its entrance hung a sign lacking grandiose embellishments, simply reading: "Divination Hut."
Karma's eyebrows twitched upward. From his understanding of the golden threads, their fundamental nature facilitated the connections between all things. Could he bring about fantastic results if he utilized that property in conjunction with the arts of divination?
Karma's curiosity bordered on yearning; steering his approach to the entrance, he peered through the open door to witness an old man seated behind a counter. Behind him, a menu of sorts listed various divinatory services and their respective pricing.
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Divination Hut
All values listed refer to spiritual stone fragments
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General Divinations ~ 25
Treasure Divinations ~ 50
Investigative Divinations ~ 100
Love Divinations ~ 150
Heavenly Secrets ~ 300
Note: the above prices are deposits. If your divination target has hidden its heavenly secrets, has an extraordinary cultivation base, or resides in a high-level domain, we reserve the right to include additional charges in your bill. All divinations are non-refundable.
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