Chapter 16
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Chapter 16
Energy flowed satisfyingly smoothly through Antons meridians. His dantian was now occupied by five rotating stars, each representing changes to his body. The first star was the initial refinement to his entire person. Second had been his meridians, followed by the organs in his torso, the organs in his head, and finally his muscles. Some of it was just making up for abilities his body no longer had, but with the addition of energy to support him he found himself quite a bit more capable. If only he werent imprisoned.
Antons mind slowly returned to its focus outside of himself after his breakthrough. Surprisingly, there were two people standing outside his cell, watching him. He got to his feet, ignoring how some of his joints ached as he did. It was still much less than hed experienced a few months prior. Elder Daniela, he inclined his head politely. He turned his head so the light settled properly on the other person. Vincent! I mean Elder Vincent.
Everyone just calls me Vincent. No need to change your form of address, Anton. Vincents eyes scanned over Anton. You look about twenty years younger.
Anton grinned slightly, I feel it too. Unfortunately Im sure you know Ive run into a bit of trouble.
What have you been doing since we last met?
I assure you I was behaving quite excellently until just recently.
I dont care about this, right now. Vincent waved his hand. You just formed the fifth star. How did that happen?
Anton shook his head. I cultivated? Im not sure quite what you mean. Forming the first star took me a month and a half. I nearly died, I think. During that time I did little else but cultivate and bury the villagers of Dungannon. Vincent nodded in acknowledgement and gestured for him to continue. I found cultivating to be quite difficult, my meridians strained so I chose to refine those next. Next I refined my torso, to keep all these old organs going. That was somewhere around three months. Anton nodded to himself, recalling the events. You had mentioned joining the sect at the third star, so I began the journey. On the road I began to refine the organs in my head, since my eyesight was still quite awful. It was a slow process, and I only broke through to the fourth star just outside the sect, taking advantage of the abundant natural energy that spread out to the surrounding areas. Then I spent some months here in the sect cultivating my muscles and the fifth star.
Thats it? Vincent asked. You just cultivated? Didnt stumble across any potent herbs?
Around Dungannon or along the road? Anton grinned, Not at all.
I understand. So, what about the trouble that landed you in here? Vincent asked.
Anton shrugged, What can I say that I have not already told? I realize I was excessive in my actions, but I stand by the principle. I dont believe sect members should attempt to take from each other. If you wish, I can make a formal apology to Hayden for attempting to kill him.
You cant, actually, Elder Daniela interjected. Hes no longer a part of the sect. Youre right about his actions being inappropriate. However, even when the cause is right its best not to do things that cant be taken back. Especially if there might be some misunderstanding. Elder Daniela looked to Vincent and gestured behind her hand. In turn, Vincent nodded and waved his hand towards the door. Since your actions were justified and Haydens death was prevented, it has been deemed that you have spent sufficient time here as punishment. As long as you swear to be more thoughtful in your future actions, you can return to your residence immediately.
She pulled out a key and began unlocking the cell immediately. Anton found himself watching the way the energy gathered around the key and twisted in the lock, finding a sense of oppression from the bars disappearing. Then he remembered what had been said. Of course. I swear to be more careful if future conflict arises with fellow disciples.
Anton smiled, I was just occupied for a time.
I heard the general idea. I knew a reliable person like you was always going to be out and about soon enough. Now then, might as well get started.
With a powerful swing, Anton began to hoe a new field. Even with his body being stronger and the use of natural energy, he found it was still less effective than using an animal to till the soil. However, it wasnt as if the sect didnt know what it was doing. Anton just wondered if the other disciples understood. As he moved, he gathered energy from the world around him, breathing it in, circulating it from his dantian through his meridians and into his bones. Not too deep at first. In fact, refining the marrow was another star in itself. However, he directed the energy to support his body. It wasnt going to be a short process, but he had to start at some point.
-----
When he returned to the compound which his home was a part of, Anton sensed a new person where Hayden had lived. He thought it would be good to introduce himself. He knocked on the gate, since the new disciple was outside in his courtyard, and not in a critical point of cultivation. Hello? a young man opened the gate to the outside and looked at Anton. He seemed familiar.
Good evening, Anton inclined his head. I am Anton Krantz. I have not been around recently, but I live in the opposite corner there.
Anton? The young man inclined his head in return. Im Timothy. Catarina mentioned you. He looked over his shoulder towards Catarinas courtyard then leaned in. She probably wont mention it, but she really appreciated your help. She was worried about what happened to you. Timothy looked Anton up and down. Fifth star. That would explain it.
Well, Anton bowed and took a step back. I was merely here to introduce myself. Dont hesitate to drop by if you wish to consult on anything, though Im not sure if I can help much in matters of cultivation.
Good to meet you, Senior Krantz, Timothy inclined his head. The form of address was unfamiliar, though certainly apt since Anton was both older and of a higher cultivation.
Anton moved around to Catarinas courtyard, knocking as well. It didnt take her long to open the gate. ...Hello.
Good evening, miss Riley. I just wished to say I have returned.
She nodded her head. Okay. I- she started to speak, but didnt continue. After a handful of seconds, Anton supposed she would probably not continue.
I am glad to see you are well. Your cultivation is progressing nicely towards the next star. I hope the incident didnt result in further trouble for you, Anton smiled.
No, it I am fine. Catarina nodded, I am welcome back. With that, she ungracefully shut the gate. Anton smiled. Kids could be so shy. Well, with a few decades of experience anyone might get better at conversation. Though he wasnt sure if anyone at the Order of Ninety-Nine Stars would actually get much practice in conversation. It didnt seem to be a favored pastime of cultivators.
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Chapter 16
Energy flowed satisfyingly smoothly through Antons meridians. His dantian was now occupied by five rotating stars, each representing changes to his body. The first star was the initial refinement to his entire person. Second had been his meridians, followed by the organs in his torso, the organs in his head, and finally his muscles. Some of it was just making up for abilities his body no longer had, but with the addition of energy to support him he found himself quite a bit more capable. If only he werent imprisoned.
Antons mind slowly returned to its focus outside of himself after his breakthrough. Surprisingly, there were two people standing outside his cell, watching him. He got to his feet, ignoring how some of his joints ached as he did. It was still much less than hed experienced a few months prior. Elder Daniela, he inclined his head politely. He turned his head so the light settled properly on the other person. Vincent! I mean Elder Vincent.
Everyone just calls me Vincent. No need to change your form of address, Anton. Vincents eyes scanned over Anton. You look about twenty years younger.
Anton grinned slightly, I feel it too. Unfortunately Im sure you know Ive run into a bit of trouble.
What have you been doing since we last met?
I assure you I was behaving quite excellently until just recently.
I dont care about this, right now. Vincent waved his hand. You just formed the fifth star. How did that happen?
Anton shook his head. I cultivated? Im not sure quite what you mean. Forming the first star took me a month and a half. I nearly died, I think. During that time I did little else but cultivate and bury the villagers of Dungannon. Vincent nodded in acknowledgement and gestured for him to continue. I found cultivating to be quite difficult, my meridians strained so I chose to refine those next. Next I refined my torso, to keep all these old organs going. That was somewhere around three months. Anton nodded to himself, recalling the events. You had mentioned joining the sect at the third star, so I began the journey. On the road I began to refine the organs in my head, since my eyesight was still quite awful. It was a slow process, and I only broke through to the fourth star just outside the sect, taking advantage of the abundant natural energy that spread out to the surrounding areas. Then I spent some months here in the sect cultivating my muscles and the fifth star.
Thats it? Vincent asked. You just cultivated? Didnt stumble across any potent herbs?
Around Dungannon or along the road? Anton grinned, Not at all.
I understand. So, what about the trouble that landed you in here? Vincent asked.
Anton shrugged, What can I say that I have not already told? I realize I was excessive in my actions, but I stand by the principle. I dont believe sect members should attempt to take from each other. If you wish, I can make a formal apology to Hayden for attempting to kill him.
You cant, actually, Elder Daniela interjected. Hes no longer a part of the sect. Youre right about his actions being inappropriate. However, even when the cause is right its best not to do things that cant be taken back. Especially if there might be some misunderstanding. Elder Daniela looked to Vincent and gestured behind her hand. In turn, Vincent nodded and waved his hand towards the door. Since your actions were justified and Haydens death was prevented, it has been deemed that you have spent sufficient time here as punishment. As long as you swear to be more thoughtful in your future actions, you can return to your residence immediately.
She pulled out a key and began unlocking the cell immediately. Anton found himself watching the way the energy gathered around the key and twisted in the lock, finding a sense of oppression from the bars disappearing. Then he remembered what had been said. Of course. I swear to be more careful if future conflict arises with fellow disciples.
Anton smiled, I was just occupied for a time.
I heard the general idea. I knew a reliable person like you was always going to be out and about soon enough. Now then, might as well get started.
With a powerful swing, Anton began to hoe a new field. Even with his body being stronger and the use of natural energy, he found it was still less effective than using an animal to till the soil. However, it wasnt as if the sect didnt know what it was doing. Anton just wondered if the other disciples understood. As he moved, he gathered energy from the world around him, breathing it in, circulating it from his dantian through his meridians and into his bones. Not too deep at first. In fact, refining the marrow was another star in itself. However, he directed the energy to support his body. It wasnt going to be a short process, but he had to start at some point.
-----
When he returned to the compound which his home was a part of, Anton sensed a new person where Hayden had lived. He thought it would be good to introduce himself. He knocked on the gate, since the new disciple was outside in his courtyard, and not in a critical point of cultivation. Hello? a young man opened the gate to the outside and looked at Anton. He seemed familiar.
Good evening, Anton inclined his head. I am Anton Krantz. I have not been around recently, but I live in the opposite corner there.
Anton? The young man inclined his head in return. Im Timothy. Catarina mentioned you. He looked over his shoulder towards Catarinas courtyard then leaned in. She probably wont mention it, but she really appreciated your help. She was worried about what happened to you. Timothy looked Anton up and down. Fifth star. That would explain it.
Well, Anton bowed and took a step back. I was merely here to introduce myself. Dont hesitate to drop by if you wish to consult on anything, though Im not sure if I can help much in matters of cultivation.
Good to meet you, Senior Krantz, Timothy inclined his head. The form of address was unfamiliar, though certainly apt since Anton was both older and of a higher cultivation.
Anton moved around to Catarinas courtyard, knocking as well. It didnt take her long to open the gate. ...Hello.
Good evening, miss Riley. I just wished to say I have returned.
She nodded her head. Okay. I- she started to speak, but didnt continue. After a handful of seconds, Anton supposed she would probably not continue.
I am glad to see you are well. Your cultivation is progressing nicely towards the next star. I hope the incident didnt result in further trouble for you, Anton smiled.
No, it I am fine. Catarina nodded, I am welcome back. With that, she ungracefully shut the gate. Anton smiled. Kids could be so shy. Well, with a few decades of experience anyone might get better at conversation. Though he wasnt sure if anyone at the Order of Ninety-Nine Stars would actually get much practice in conversation. It didnt seem to be a favored pastime of cultivators.
Chapter 16Energy flowed satisfyingly smoothly through Antons meridians. His dantian was now occupied by five rotating stars, each representing changes to his body. The first star was the initial refinement to his entire person. Second had been his meridians, followed by the organs in his torso, the organs in his head, and finally his muscles. Some of it was just making up for abilities his body no longer had, but with the addition of energy to support him he found himself quite a bit more capable. If only he werent imprisoned.Antons mind slowly returned to its focus outside of himself after his breakthrough. Surprisingly, there were two people standing outside his cell, watching him. He got to his feet, ignoring how some of his joints ached as he did. It was still much less than hed experienced a few months prior. Elder Daniela, he inclined his head politely. He turned his head so the light settled properly on the other person. Vincent! I mean Elder Vincent.Everyone just calls me Vincent. No need to change your form of address, Anton. Vincents eyes scanned over Anton. You look about twenty years younger.Anton grinned slightly, I feel it too. Unfortunately Im sure you know Ive run into a bit of trouble.What have you been doing since we last met?I assure you I was behaving quite excellently until just recently.I dont care about this, right now. Vincent waved his hand. You just formed the fifth star. How did that happen?Anton shook his head. I cultivated? Im not sure quite what you mean. Forming the first star took me a month and a half. I nearly died, I think. During that time I did little else but cultivate and bury the villagers of Dungannon. Vincent nodded in acknowledgement and gestured for him to continue. I found cultivating to be quite difficult, my meridians strained so I chose to refine those next. Next I refined my torso, to keep all these old organs going. That was somewhere around three months. Anton nodded to himself, recalling the events. You had mentioned joining the sect at the third star, so I began the journey. On the road I began to refine the organs in my head, since my eyesight was still quite awful. It was a slow process, and I only broke through to the fourth star just outside the sect, taking advantage of the abundant natural energy that spread out to the surrounding areas. Then I spent some months here in the sect cultivating my muscles and the fifth star.Thats it? Vincent asked. You just cultivated? Didnt stumble across any potent herbs?Around Dungannon or along the road? Anton grinned, Not at all.I understand. So, what about the trouble that landed you in here? Vincent asked.Anton shrugged, What can I say that I have not already told? I realize I was excessive in my actions, but I stand by the principle. I dont believe sect members should attempt to take from each other. If you wish, I can make a formal apology to Hayden for attempting to kill him.You cant, actually, Elder Daniela interjected. Hes no longer a part of the sect. Youre right about his actions being inappropriate. However, even when the cause is right its best not to do things that cant be taken back. Especially if there might be some misunderstanding. Elder Daniela looked to Vincent and gestured behind her hand. In turn, Vincent nodded and waved his hand towards the door. Since your actions were justified and Haydens death was prevented, it has been deemed that you have spent sufficient time here as punishment. As long as you swear to be more thoughtful in your future actions, you can return to your residence immediately. She pulled out a key and began unlocking the cell immediately. Anton found himself watching the way the energy gathered around the key and twisted in the lock, finding a sense of oppression from the bars disappearing. Then he remembered what had been said. Of course. I swear to be more careful if future conflict arises with fellow disciples.Anton smiled, I was just occupied for a time.I heard the general idea. I knew a reliable person like you was always going to be out and about soon enough. Now then, might as well get started.With a powerful swing, Anton began to hoe a new field. Even with his body being stronger and the use of natural energy, he found it was still less effective than using an animal to till the soil. However, it wasnt as if the sect didnt know what it was doing. Anton just wondered if the other disciples understood. As he moved, he gathered energy from the world around him, breathing it in, circulating it from his dantian through his meridians and into his bones. Not too deep at first. In fact, refining the marrow was another star in itself. However, he directed the energy to support his body. It wasnt going to be a short process, but he had to start at some point.-----When he returned to the compound which his home was a part of, Anton sensed a new person where Hayden had lived. He thought it would be good to introduce himself. He knocked on the gate, since the new disciple was outside in his courtyard, and not in a critical point of cultivation. Hello? a young man opened the gate to the outside and looked at Anton. He seemed familiar.Good evening, Anton inclined his head. I am Anton Krantz. I have not been around recently, but I live in the opposite corner there.Anton? The young man inclined his head in return. Im Timothy. Catarina mentioned you. He looked over his shoulder towards Catarinas courtyard then leaned in. She probably wont mention it, but she really appreciated your help. She was worried about what happened to you. Timothy looked Anton up and down. Fifth star. That would explain it.Well, Anton bowed and took a step back. I was merely here to introduce myself. Dont hesitate to drop by if you wish to consult on anything, though Im not sure if I can help much in matters of cultivation.Good to meet you, Senior Krantz, Timothy inclined his head. The form of address was unfamiliar, though certainly apt since Anton was both older and of a higher cultivation. Anton moved around to Catarinas courtyard, knocking as well. It didnt take her long to open the gate. ...Hello.Good evening, miss Riley. I just wished to say I have returned. She nodded her head. Okay. I- she started to speak, but didnt continue. After a handful of seconds, Anton supposed she would probably not continue.I am glad to see you are well. Your cultivation is progressing nicely towards the next star. I hope the incident didnt result in further trouble for you, Anton smiled.No, it I am fine. Catarina nodded, I am welcome back. With that, she ungracefully shut the gate. Anton smiled. Kids could be so shy. Well, with a few decades of experience anyone might get better at conversation. Though he wasnt sure if anyone at the Order of Ninety-Nine Stars would actually get much practice in conversation. It didnt seem to be a favored pastime of cultivators.
