Stepping into the Continent of Warriors – 004
I woke to the rogue sunrays which infiltrated the gaps between the wooden planks of the hut. I have not been in such a good mood in a long, long time. Back on Earth my days were counted, the future looked bleak and the planet seemed to be crumbling apart. In my new life I have a limitless future ahead of me, the new prospects of cultivation have appeared before me and adventure is at my doorstep. As someone who had taken his childhood for granted in my previous life I can’t help but feel excited for the days ahead.
Getting out of bed I notice that a new water basin has been placed in the room with clean water for my convenience. A fresh change of clothes has also been provided, most likely so I don’t have to use the clothes I already packed for the journey. This old man really is taking care of me.
I go outside the hut and sit on a chair facing the coast. The sights here really are something to behold. New Penia may be off in the South-Eastern edge of the plane but it was not barren. The sky was the brightest of blues, much brighter than I had ever seen on Earth. The waters around the island are fierce but manageable, fruit grows aplenty and beautiful birds litter the skies. Closing my eyes, I feel the light warm breeze caress my face and my sleeves flutter gently in the wind. This is a peace many had hoped for back on Earth but had no hopes of ever attaining.
Lost in the sensations of this pseudo-paradise I can’t help but thinking about staying here on the island and becoming the old man’s helper, one day taking his place and living my days out in peace.
I shake that thought out of my head, the Plane of Diohel has too much to offer for me to seclude myself off in this island. It is said that our biggest regrets are not the things we did wrong, but the things we never had the courage to attempt. Old Penia will allow me to experience what a relatively large city of the Eastern Continent has to offer.
The old man leisurely returns from his preparations and he takes a seat in a chair next to mine, he also looks out into the sea.
“Everything is ready kid, we have to leave as soon as possible, we definitely do not want to waste daylight. The waters from New Penia to Old Penia are not treacherous but the sea must never be disrespected. Even the most docile of waters can turn into a huge headache if you are not adequately prepared”
“Yes senior, I have not changed my mind. I wish to accompany you into Old Penia and try my hand at what the city has to offer. I will be under your care for the near future.”
The old man nods slightly and stands up.
“Follow me.”
As I follow the old man we pass many other wooden structures, some huts, some trading shacks and storage shelters. All were crafted from simple materials with simple assembly techniques. Perhaps it was due to the low number of visitors to the island or because of the excellent weather but it did not seem like the inhabitants of New Penia had any need for extravagant construction.
We walked for another 15 to 20 minutes, during which pleasant sights set the scenery for a wonderful walk, before a sight shocked me to my core.
We reached the docks of New Pinea and the construction was nothing extravagant either. The docks were mostly wooden structures with some metal accents for support.
The stunning sight was in the water. A huge ship. In shape it was built very similar to a classic 18th century ship, sails and all – but in size, it could not be compared. This sail-propelled ship was easily as large was a cruise liner back on Earth. My mouth was agape.
“We do not use many resources here on the island but the traders which pass through have large requirements for stocking up when they pass by. We only restock every three months so we hire the services of a Warrior sect’s ship so that we don’t have to maintain a fleet.”
The old man was tactful and explained why this completely out-of-place sight was in front of my eyes.
The Old Angler led me to the entrance of the ship, an unexpectedly simple ramp up to the lower levels of the ship. From the inside of the ship we made our way up internally until we reached the decks.
Where the helm would be on an 18th century ship there was a hexagonal table, richly decorated with symbols and patterns which I did not understand. In the middle of the table there was a bead about the size of a tennis ball. The bead closely resembled a pearl, except it was a deep crimson, almost blood-like. The patterns traced inwards towards the bead and seemed to be feeding it. Further patterns then traced the table down to the floor and then continued up the masts and sails of the ship.
“That is a magical beast core. Beast cores are similar to cultivators’ inner cores but have a few key differences. Beast cores possess the innate ability to draw in Deity’s Essence so unlike cultivators, beasts do not need to expend great effort to control Deity’s Essence. On the other hand, beasts cannot wield the power inside their cores as proficiently as cultivators can. Furthermore, beast cores remain behind after a beast perishes, unlike a cultivator core. Beast cores are very valuable as when utilised by Masters they can be used to produce powerful pills and elixirs, enhance swords and armour and produce Sage staves and accessories. They can also be used to power inscriptions like this one you see here, where the beast core propels the ship forward by converting Deity’s Essence into wind which blows onto the sails.”
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The old man provided an adequate explanation.
With the old man’s explanation, I can formulate a theory for myself. If I were to treat Deity’s Essence as electricity, then a beast core can be used as a battery. When beasts die, they leave behind a fully charged battery.
Masters can use the electricity inside the battery to produce all sorts of single use concoctions such as elixirs or pills.
Alternatively, the battery can be used along with a generator (an inscription which helps to gather Deity’s Essence) so as to produce an engine which produces power. A transmission (a secondary inscription) then transforms the power of the engine into movement. In this way inscriptions could be used to enhance weapons and armour or even used as the main component of Sage accessories.
In this case, the beast core is being used to drive the ship.
The Plane of Diohel never fails to make me excited. The exploration of the novelties of Diohel is made much easier by the science of Earth. I expect that when the time comes for me to start my own path of cultivation, the academic knowledge from my previous life will propel me to great strength.
Seeing my pensive look the old man allows me a few moments to gather my thoughts.
“Esteemed benefactors, I thank you for your services once more!”
The old man said to two 30-year old looking men and one younger woman who looked to be in her early 20’s.
“Old Angler, your island of New Penia have been reliable costumers of our sect for a long time. On top of that, the journey you request is not dangerous or long, your business is always welcome.” The younger woman spoke politely.
“This young man is accompanying us this time, he is looking to expand is horizons in the city of Old Penia, he is stepping onto the Eastern Continent of Warriors for the first time and I plan to leave him with an old acquaintance.” The old man explained.
The woman spared me a polite smile and briefly rested her gaze on me before returning to the Old Angler.
“Old Angler, you have been conducting business with our Tempered Steel Sect for many years and it would be a small matter to take your protégée in. We make no claims to be the strongest sect in Old Penia but we are certainly no pushovers. If the young man so wishes he can come to our selection day in a week’s time. I can at the very least secure him the position of an Outer Disciple even if he ends up having mediocre talent.”
I consider the situation, and although I am not overly familiar with the etiquette in the Eastern Continent I am sure that being straightforward at a time like this is the most appropriate.
I step forward.
“Miss, I have not had the pleasure to make your acquaintance prior to this occasion, therefore, I can only thank you for the opportunity you are making available to young me. It would be an honour to attend your selection day, however, I plan to progress with my own strength, so if I do not meet the qualifications to pass your sect’s test please do not provide any further help behind the scenes. Relying on backing this early on in my path of cultivation will not bring me any benefits in the future.”
The woman’s smile widened slightly hearing my words. Although I spoke with sincerity, my words were also calculated. I am sowing a good impression for myself as an independent, passionate youth.
Although I do not know what kind of tests I will face in order to enter a sect, I do expect to be able to make it through, relying on my excellent sense for Deity’s Essence and my knowledge inherited from Li Bai and Earth.
The other two men nod slightly hearing my words.
“It’s time.” One of the men says.
The two men and the woman make their way to the hexagonal table. Each of them set each of their hands on a vertex of the table. A low, deep hum can be heard. It slowly builds into a rumble. The inscriptions begin to glow with a feint hue and the beast core begins to shine with a red, ethereal halo.
I can feel the Deity’s Essence in the atmosphere being sucked towards the table and into the beast core. The phenomenon escalated for no more than a dozen seconds before all three Warriors released their grasp on the table and each formed a different shape with their hands. The suction momentarily halted and the core surged with power, driving the ship forwards through the secondary inscriptions.
The suction power of the table then returned after a few moments but much gentler and definitely much more stable than before.
The ship began to move towards the blue sea and in my heart I knew that a new chapter was about to begin.
End of Chapter 4