The Shambala Archipelago could be said to be another world of its own due to the several rules put forth by Old Xia. Although the language bore a resemblance to that of the Continent, it had evolved over time, developing unique nuances and expressions.
The names of its ten islands provided a striking example of this linguistic divergence. Names such as Jialin Pinjia Zhi Yin and Guanyaon Dao were merely translations, pale imitations of the original dialect in which they were known as Kinnara’i Gyi Sangsum and Chenrezig Ling, respectively. This caused many tourists or individuals who came from The Continent to fumble as their language was difficult to speak for those who for their entire lives were accustomed to a single language.
“But that ain’t me,” Ling Xuan thought inwardly as he held a book while eating breakfast in one of the bustling restaurants on the island. The aroma of exotic spices filled the air, mingling with the sounds of animated conversations and the clinking of utensils. The restaurant, a quaint establishment with wooden beams and paper lanterns, was a favourite among locals and a few savvy travellers.
Due to possessing both Urizen and The Library, each an unthinkably vast reservoir of information, Ling Xuan had an edge that few could match. Urizen allowed him to create specialised programs, one of which instinctively translated languages both ways. All Ling Xuan had to do was read the dictionary, and with Urizen’s help, he could understand and speak the local tongue fluently.
It turned out the locals of the islands greatly appreciated when a foreigner could speak their language fluently, and they treated such individuals far better than those who couldn't. This cultural nuance had proven advantageous for Ling Xuan, allowing him to acquire several items, including the book he was reading, at a fraction of their usual cost.
“The 32 Kings of Shambhala, eh?” Ling Xuan perked up his eyes as he read on, intrigued by the title.
The Shambhala Archipelago not only possessed its own language and culture but also its own unique leadership structure. These leaders were subsidiary to the Empire, but they wielded significant power within the archipelago. The 32 Kings of Shambhala were established in response to numerous revolts and protests that had once rocked the archipelago.
The Empire, with its primitive ships, found it impractical to send troops across the vast distances to quell these revolts. Such an endeavour would have been an enormous waste of resources. However, ignoring the protests was also not an option, as the archipelago possessed incredibly rare and valuable resources that the Empire could not afford to lose.
To manage this delicate situation, the Empire granted a degree of autonomy to the archipelago, allowing the 32 Kings to govern. These kings were chosen from the families who had deep connections to The Empire, thus reducing the chances of future problems.
From then on, the 32 Kings ruled, with each island having at least four kings, and more depending on the size of the island and its distance from the mainland. The further an island was from the mainland, the fewer kings it had. Jialin Pinjia Zhi Yin island boasted the most with a staggering seven kings, whereas the furthest island, Guanyaon Dao, had only a single king due to its population always remaining relatively constant.
Ling Xuan took a moment to savour his surroundings as he sat in the restaurant, enjoying the lively atmosphere. The restaurant was a charming blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, and paper lanterns cast a warm, inviting glow. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes from local folklore, and the air was filled with the mouth-watering aromas of various dishes being prepared.
MUNCH!
A crisp sound was produced as Ling Xuan took a bite of the fried potato with his chopsticks. The golden brown exterior gave way to a soft, flavorful interior. The fried potato was quite tasty. Ling Xuan had heard that before frying, the potato was first coated in a mix of secret herbs and spices, creating a unique and delectable flavour profile.
The waiter, a cheerful young man with a keen eye for spotting new patrons, had recommended the goat gravy as well. He assured Ling Xuan that it was an excellent complement to the fried potatoes. Ling Xuan, being the individual who had created techniques that replicated literal myths with ease, knew that the waiter was just trying to get him to spend more money. Nevertheless, he decided to indulge.
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“The combo is truly something,” Ling Xuan murmured to himself as he slowly dipped a piece of fried potato into the rich, aromatic gravy. The gravy was thick and flavorful, with tender chunks of goat meat that had been simmered to perfection. As he took a bite, the combination of the crispy potato and the savoury gravy created an explosion of flavours in his mouth. He couldn't help but smile in appreciation.
As Ling Xuan turned the page, he was greeted by a striking illustration of the Shambhala Archipelago. The drawing depicted the archipelago in vivid detail: the islands, each with its unique terrain, were rendered in vibrant colours, showcasing lush forests, rugged mountains, and sparkling coastlines. Yet, despite the beauty of the illustration, something felt off to Ling Xuan. He couldn’t quite place what it was, but it gnawed at him.
“Urizen, do you find something off about this drawing?” Ling Xuan inquired, glancing over the image again. The intricate details of the illustration seemed almost too perfect, as though it had been meticulously crafted to convey an idealised version of reality.
However, no reply came from Urizen. Ling Xuan sighed, his frustration evident. Although Urizen was always by his side, it was notorious for withholding crucial information unless absolutely necessary. If he pressed it for a reason, the response would likely be something cryptic, like:
“If I had told you, you wouldn’t have done that.”
Such a response from Urizen only confirmed part of Ling Xuan’s suspicion that something was indeed amiss. It was a subtle hint that there was more to the illustration than met the eye as for what it was?That was something Ling Xuan would find out on his own.
Ling Xuan shook his head, dismissing the thought for the moment. For now, he decided to focus on enjoying his breakfast and savouring the local cuisine.
He took a sip of the tea, which was served in a delicate porcelain cup adorned with intricate floral patterns. The tea was aromatic, with a hint of jasmine that lingered on his palate
Ling Xuan turned the page once again,this time instead of an illustration, there was a single title.
Dzul 'Dul 'Brel Ba'i Sku Dmogs [ Political Forces of Shambala]
As Ling Xuan read, he couldn’t help but crack a smile.
Shambala had in total three major forces. They were The 32 Kings who were the proxy of The Empire,The Temple of Chung Gzug Mar Med and The Guild of The Markseekers which was just a mercenaries guild.
What intrigued Ling Xuan the most was definitely The Guild of The Markseekers. According to the book, the guild had origins steeped in mystery and legend. They were said to have started as a group of tribesmen from the Shambhala Archipelago, renowned for their exceptional skills as hunters.
These tribesmen were deeply intertwined with the land, their lives marked by a profound understanding of the archipelago’s rugged terrain and its many dangers. They navigated dense forests, treacherous mountains, and hidden swamps with ease, becoming formidable protectors of their land. Their hunting prowess was not only a matter of survival but also a cultural cornerstone, reflecting their deep connection to the archipelago.
When The Empire discovered the Shambhala Archipelago and launched a series of expeditions to explore and exploit its resources, they were met with fierce resistance. The expeditions, which aimed to survey the islands and establish control, were consistently thwarted by these indigenous hunters. The tribesmen’s intimate knowledge of the land allowed them to ambush and eliminate the imperial explorers with ruthless efficiency. Almost every expedition was met with disaster, the hunters ensuring that no one escaped to report back.
This relentless opposition posed a serious problem for the Empire, which found itself unable to assert control over the archipelago despite its strategic and resource-rich significance. The situation became increasingly untenable, leading the Empire to seek a decisive resolution to this ongoing conflict.
The turning point came with the intervention of Old Xia who personally travelled to the archipelago. His arrival marked the beginning of a ruthless campaign against the tribesmen. With his formidable might Old Xia decimated the tribes. The once proud and formidable hunters were overwhelmed, and the survivors, now faced with the sheer force of Old Xia’s wrath, were left begging for their lives.
Fortunately, the surviving tribesmen were granted a chance to continue their existence under one strict condition: they had to pledge an oath of loyalty to The Empire, promising never to betray it. This agreement marked a significant turning point for both the Empire and the tribesmen.
After the confrontation, Old Xia's demeanour seemed to undergo a dramatic transformation. Once a relentless force of retribution, Old Xia now took on the role of a benefactor. He began providing the survivors with an unprecedented flow of resources—supplies, weaponry, and technology—enabling them to rebuild and thrive. This support was instrumental in their evolution from isolated hunters into a formidable mercenary organisation. Thus, The Guild of The Markseekers was born, equipped with the tools and resources that would elevate their status within the archipelago and beyond.
“This looks like the perfect destination for my next venture,” Ling Xuan thought, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He closed the book, savouring the last sip of his tea. As he finished his breakfast, he paid the bill and made his way out of the restaurant.