Chapter 164
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Chapter 164
Climbing a tower under constant pressure was quite an ordeal- and once a cultivator reached their limits they had to descend safely, which wasnt as easy as it sounded. It was certainly less dangerous than fighting all day, but ultimately quite draining.
An important detail about the Secret Realm was discovered at the end of the day. Or rather, because the day didnt end. There was no cycle of day or night, but instead a constant light emanating from the sky. Thus, even at the time when it would have otherwise been night, it was still just as bright. However, just because the sun was up didnt mean cultivators would be. They still had to rest, and to do so they gathered into camps.
So far there had been no signs of rain or other inclement weather, but tents were still useful for the purpose of not being in the bright sun. While Anton had to admit that he liked an occasional nap in the sun, fully sleeping was easier with some proper darkness.
The others groups of cultivators were also gathering into camps. The Heavenly Lion Sect wasnt quite one camp, with two adjacent segments. Nowell and some others were in one, and the other had Zvonko and some of his loyalists. Of course, it was perfectly normal for disciples to hang on to other talented and favored disciples for a chance to share in success, but Anton hadnt seen either from him. But he had to admit that his experiences were limited- perhaps if they hadnt been willing to stand up against the scheme in Everhearts tomb, his group would have flourished significantly because of it.
Zvonko looked over while Anton was observing him. Anton was ready to shoot him if he even took a single step closer, not willing to risk the more experienced cultivator get close. But it seemed he had some level of restraint, because beyond a glare and flaring his energy, there was nothing else. Maybe hed realized that he couldnt just attack people in full view of everyone.
Anton eventually took his seat by the fire in his own camp to check on what was cooking. It seemed to be smoking fillets of various fish. With a bit of seasoning they should be quite tasty, and of course they were as fresh as could be.
Among his various enemies, Zvonko was one he was most willing to bury the hatchet with. He hadnt suffered any serious losses, so it wasnt as if he was being magnanimous with that thought. He doubted that Zvonko would be interested in ending their strife, however. Even if it was entirely his own fault that he lost his hand, Anton knew he wouldnt see it like that. Perhaps he even somehow convinced himself he truly deserved the Vessel. Anton had seen people hold grudges over much smaller things.
Before the members of the Order went to bed, Catarina finished setting up a defensive formation. Even though the Order would certainly retaliate on their behalf if they were killed in their sleep, that would be little comfort to any of them. Likewise, even though the area should have been safe, they set up a series of watches. With six people each of them could take watch for an hour and some. Though Anton would probably be awake for half of the night anyway. He needed some sleep, but rarely more than a handful of hours. Nothing of particular interest happened the first night.
-----
In the morning, the group entered into a discussion with each other about how they would proceed. The three who had gone further ahead had already been caught up on the situation with Nowell. Given their willingness to attack a sectmate, Anton said, Even splitting into two groups seems an unnecessary risk. I understand that this will restrict some of you unfairly, but I think its for the best we stay together.
Of course! Timothy agreed. If we thought theyd be so brazen, we would have never gone ahead.
Hoyt and Catarina nodded.
Actually, Catarina suggested, I have an idea that should be beneficial to all of us. Assuming theres an actual prize at the peak, that is. If we work together, we should be able to go further. I cant guarantee well surpass Zvonko, though. A late Spirit Building cultivation is a significant advantage, even for an idiot like him. Catarina frowned, How long do you think hes been cultivating? It should have been less than five years at Everhearts Tomb a year ago.
It has to have been close to five, Hoyt said. Even with abundant resources, hed need some cultivation talent to reach that point. Close to us, really. Though theres always the possibility that he just inflated his cultivation level somewhat. Pushing to reach higher tiers without fully completing each step. Hoyt shook his head, But cultivation genius and actually making wise decisions are not connected, as can be seen in many cases.
Tonina came up the spiral staircase surrounded by a handful of other cultivators. Members of the Flying Blood Cult, who shed been with when they first spotted her outside the Secret Realm. In a way they were doing something similar to the group from the Order- but instead of working together, the five mid Spirit Building Cultivators were simply reducing the pressure on Tonina while otherwise acting independently.
Devon stepped forward, chains beginning to form around his arms. Youre supposed to be imprisoned for another year and a half. And it seems you didnt follow the restrictions even during that time.
Hmph. She turned up her nose- an effect that was somewhat comical consider her position beneath them on the stairway. And you were supposed to be dead.
One of the other cultivators next to her, a somewhat older woman almost on the border between mid and late Spirit Building, looked between Tonina and the others. Are we fighting?
Tonina shook her head. No, Inha. This isnt the right place.
Hmph. Too bad, she licked her lips as she looked over the group. Maybe next time, then.
The stairway was just wide enough for the two groups to pass while brushing shoulders. Devon didnt push things any further, though everyone remained tense as they passed each other.
Anton spoke what everyone was thinking. I anticipate further trouble. He put his hand on Devons shoulder. I know its not easy to wait, but
I understand, Devon said. Besides, Id like to be able to publicly display her head, before throwing it to Fuzz.
Dont make Fuzz eat her! Catarina chastised him. Thats gross! Catarina paused, Also dont feed him any other people.
I wouldnt actually do that part, Devon said. But I would like to be able to publicly defeat her.
When we find the right chance, Anton agreed. Youre strong enough now, you know? Though I doubt it would be easy.
No worse than some of the arena fights, Devon commented. He looked down at the chains of energy wrapping around him, mirroring his scars. And quite a bit more fair than the worst.
Anton pondered how rules of propriety were most restrictive to those that hardly needed them. Those who were already inclined to behave decently were bound by formal laws, while those who would ignore them just hid behind them. Yet he didnt think that not having laws of any sort was the correct solution. Though if people ultimately only followed the law of the strong, he intended to be one of the strongest. Too many people avoided consequences for far too long.
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Chapter 164
Climbing a tower under constant pressure was quite an ordeal- and once a cultivator reached their limits they had to descend safely, which wasnt as easy as it sounded. It was certainly less dangerous than fighting all day, but ultimately quite draining.
An important detail about the Secret Realm was discovered at the end of the day. Or rather, because the day didnt end. There was no cycle of day or night, but instead a constant light emanating from the sky. Thus, even at the time when it would have otherwise been night, it was still just as bright. However, just because the sun was up didnt mean cultivators would be. They still had to rest, and to do so they gathered into camps.
So far there had been no signs of rain or other inclement weather, but tents were still useful for the purpose of not being in the bright sun. While Anton had to admit that he liked an occasional nap in the sun, fully sleeping was easier with some proper darkness.
The others groups of cultivators were also gathering into camps. The Heavenly Lion Sect wasnt quite one camp, with two adjacent segments. Nowell and some others were in one, and the other had Zvonko and some of his loyalists. Of course, it was perfectly normal for disciples to hang on to other talented and favored disciples for a chance to share in success, but Anton hadnt seen either from him. But he had to admit that his experiences were limited- perhaps if they hadnt been willing to stand up against the scheme in Everhearts tomb, his group would have flourished significantly because of it.
Zvonko looked over while Anton was observing him. Anton was ready to shoot him if he even took a single step closer, not willing to risk the more experienced cultivator get close. But it seemed he had some level of restraint, because beyond a glare and flaring his energy, there was nothing else. Maybe hed realized that he couldnt just attack people in full view of everyone.
Anton eventually took his seat by the fire in his own camp to check on what was cooking. It seemed to be smoking fillets of various fish. With a bit of seasoning they should be quite tasty, and of course they were as fresh as could be.
Among his various enemies, Zvonko was one he was most willing to bury the hatchet with. He hadnt suffered any serious losses, so it wasnt as if he was being magnanimous with that thought. He doubted that Zvonko would be interested in ending their strife, however. Even if it was entirely his own fault that he lost his hand, Anton knew he wouldnt see it like that. Perhaps he even somehow convinced himself he truly deserved the Vessel. Anton had seen people hold grudges over much smaller things.
Before the members of the Order went to bed, Catarina finished setting up a defensive formation. Even though the Order would certainly retaliate on their behalf if they were killed in their sleep, that would be little comfort to any of them. Likewise, even though the area should have been safe, they set up a series of watches. With six people each of them could take watch for an hour and some. Though Anton would probably be awake for half of the night anyway. He needed some sleep, but rarely more than a handful of hours. Nothing of particular interest happened the first night.
-----
In the morning, the group entered into a discussion with each other about how they would proceed. The three who had gone further ahead had already been caught up on the situation with Nowell. Given their willingness to attack a sectmate, Anton said, Even splitting into two groups seems an unnecessary risk. I understand that this will restrict some of you unfairly, but I think its for the best we stay together.
Of course! Timothy agreed. If we thought theyd be so brazen, we would have never gone ahead.
Hoyt and Catarina nodded.
Actually, Catarina suggested, I have an idea that should be beneficial to all of us. Assuming theres an actual prize at the peak, that is. If we work together, we should be able to go further. I cant guarantee well surpass Zvonko, though. A late Spirit Building cultivation is a significant advantage, even for an idiot like him. Catarina frowned, How long do you think hes been cultivating? It should have been less than five years at Everhearts Tomb a year ago.
It has to have been close to five, Hoyt said. Even with abundant resources, hed need some cultivation talent to reach that point. Close to us, really. Though theres always the possibility that he just inflated his cultivation level somewhat. Pushing to reach higher tiers without fully completing each step. Hoyt shook his head, But cultivation genius and actually making wise decisions are not connected, as can be seen in many cases.
Tonina came up the spiral staircase surrounded by a handful of other cultivators. Members of the Flying Blood Cult, who shed been with when they first spotted her outside the Secret Realm. In a way they were doing something similar to the group from the Order- but instead of working together, the five mid Spirit Building Cultivators were simply reducing the pressure on Tonina while otherwise acting independently.
Devon stepped forward, chains beginning to form around his arms. Youre supposed to be imprisoned for another year and a half. And it seems you didnt follow the restrictions even during that time.
Hmph. She turned up her nose- an effect that was somewhat comical consider her position beneath them on the stairway. And you were supposed to be dead.
One of the other cultivators next to her, a somewhat older woman almost on the border between mid and late Spirit Building, looked between Tonina and the others. Are we fighting?
Tonina shook her head. No, Inha. This isnt the right place.
Hmph. Too bad, she licked her lips as she looked over the group. Maybe next time, then.
The stairway was just wide enough for the two groups to pass while brushing shoulders. Devon didnt push things any further, though everyone remained tense as they passed each other.
Anton spoke what everyone was thinking. I anticipate further trouble. He put his hand on Devons shoulder. I know its not easy to wait, but
I understand, Devon said. Besides, Id like to be able to publicly display her head, before throwing it to Fuzz.
Dont make Fuzz eat her! Catarina chastised him. Thats gross! Catarina paused, Also dont feed him any other people.
I wouldnt actually do that part, Devon said. But I would like to be able to publicly defeat her.
When we find the right chance, Anton agreed. Youre strong enough now, you know? Though I doubt it would be easy.
No worse than some of the arena fights, Devon commented. He looked down at the chains of energy wrapping around him, mirroring his scars. And quite a bit more fair than the worst.
Anton pondered how rules of propriety were most restrictive to those that hardly needed them. Those who were already inclined to behave decently were bound by formal laws, while those who would ignore them just hid behind them. Yet he didnt think that not having laws of any sort was the correct solution. Though if people ultimately only followed the law of the strong, he intended to be one of the strongest. Too many people avoided consequences for far too long.
Chapter 164Climbing a tower under constant pressure was quite an ordeal- and once a cultivator reached their limits they had to descend safely, which wasnt as easy as it sounded. It was certainly less dangerous than fighting all day, but ultimately quite draining.An important detail about the Secret Realm was discovered at the end of the day. Or rather, because the day didnt end. There was no cycle of day or night, but instead a constant light emanating from the sky. Thus, even at the time when it would have otherwise been night, it was still just as bright. However, just because the sun was up didnt mean cultivators would be. They still had to rest, and to do so they gathered into camps.So far there had been no signs of rain or other inclement weather, but tents were still useful for the purpose of not being in the bright sun. While Anton had to admit that he liked an occasional nap in the sun, fully sleeping was easier with some proper darkness. The others groups of cultivators were also gathering into camps. The Heavenly Lion Sect wasnt quite one camp, with two adjacent segments. Nowell and some others were in one, and the other had Zvonko and some of his loyalists. Of course, it was perfectly normal for disciples to hang on to other talented and favored disciples for a chance to share in success, but Anton hadnt seen either from him. But he had to admit that his experiences were limited- perhaps if they hadnt been willing to stand up against the scheme in Everhearts tomb, his group would have flourished significantly because of it.Zvonko looked over while Anton was observing him. Anton was ready to shoot him if he even took a single step closer, not willing to risk the more experienced cultivator get close. But it seemed he had some level of restraint, because beyond a glare and flaring his energy, there was nothing else. Maybe hed realized that he couldnt just attack people in full view of everyone. Anton eventually took his seat by the fire in his own camp to check on what was cooking. It seemed to be smoking fillets of various fish. With a bit of seasoning they should be quite tasty, and of course they were as fresh as could be.Among his various enemies, Zvonko was one he was most willing to bury the hatchet with. He hadnt suffered any serious losses, so it wasnt as if he was being magnanimous with that thought. He doubted that Zvonko would be interested in ending their strife, however. Even if it was entirely his own fault that he lost his hand, Anton knew he wouldnt see it like that. Perhaps he even somehow convinced himself he truly deserved the Vessel. Anton had seen people hold grudges over much smaller things.Before the members of the Order went to bed, Catarina finished setting up a defensive formation. Even though the Order would certainly retaliate on their behalf if they were killed in their sleep, that would be little comfort to any of them. Likewise, even though the area should have been safe, they set up a series of watches. With six people each of them could take watch for an hour and some. Though Anton would probably be awake for half of the night anyway. He needed some sleep, but rarely more than a handful of hours. Nothing of particular interest happened the first night.-----In the morning, the group entered into a discussion with each other about how they would proceed. The three who had gone further ahead had already been caught up on the situation with Nowell. Given their willingness to attack a sectmate, Anton said, Even splitting into two groups seems an unnecessary risk. I understand that this will restrict some of you unfairly, but I think its for the best we stay together.Of course! Timothy agreed. If we thought theyd be so brazen, we would have never gone ahead.Hoyt and Catarina nodded.Actually, Catarina suggested, I have an idea that should be beneficial to all of us. Assuming theres an actual prize at the peak, that is. If we work together, we should be able to go further. I cant guarantee well surpass Zvonko, though. A late Spirit Building cultivation is a significant advantage, even for an idiot like him. Catarina frowned, How long do you think hes been cultivating? It should have been less than five years at Everhearts Tomb a year ago.It has to have been close to five, Hoyt said. Even with abundant resources, hed need some cultivation talent to reach that point. Close to us, really. Though theres always the possibility that he just inflated his cultivation level somewhat. Pushing to reach higher tiers without fully completing each step. Hoyt shook his head, But cultivation genius and actually making wise decisions are not connected, as can be seen in many cases.Tonina came up the spiral staircase surrounded by a handful of other cultivators. Members of the Flying Blood Cult, who shed been with when they first spotted her outside the Secret Realm. In a way they were doing something similar to the group from the Order- but instead of working together, the five mid Spirit Building Cultivators were simply reducing the pressure on Tonina while otherwise acting independently.Devon stepped forward, chains beginning to form around his arms. Youre supposed to be imprisoned for another year and a half. And it seems you didnt follow the restrictions even during that time.Hmph. She turned up her nose- an effect that was somewhat comical consider her position beneath them on the stairway. And you were supposed to be dead.One of the other cultivators next to her, a somewhat older woman almost on the border between mid and late Spirit Building, looked between Tonina and the others. Are we fighting?Tonina shook her head. No, Inha. This isnt the right place.Hmph. Too bad, she licked her lips as she looked over the group. Maybe next time, then.The stairway was just wide enough for the two groups to pass while brushing shoulders. Devon didnt push things any further, though everyone remained tense as they passed each other.Anton spoke what everyone was thinking. I anticipate further trouble. He put his hand on Devons shoulder. I know its not easy to wait, butI understand, Devon said. Besides, Id like to be able to publicly display her head, before throwing it to Fuzz.Dont make Fuzz eat her! Catarina chastised him. Thats gross! Catarina paused, Also dont feed him any other people.I wouldnt actually do that part, Devon said. But I would like to be able to publicly defeat her.When we find the right chance, Anton agreed. Youre strong enough now, you know? Though I doubt it would be easy.No worse than some of the arena fights, Devon commented. He looked down at the chains of energy wrapping around him, mirroring his scars. And quite a bit more fair than the worst.Anton pondered how rules of propriety were most restrictive to those that hardly needed them. Those who were already inclined to behave decently were bound by formal laws, while those who would ignore them just hid behind them. Yet he didnt think that not having laws of any sort was the correct solution. Though if people ultimately only followed the law of the strong, he intended to be one of the strongest. Too many people avoided consequences for far too long.
