Chapter 249
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Chapter 249
It was well after dark when the two carriages pulled up in front of the gates to the Frostmirror Sect. Even so, the gate guards were ready and efficient. Please state your business with the Frostmirror Sect, one of the guards stated flatly. He was a young man, but he spoke clearly and precisely.
Though Anton knew they could sense their cultivations, a formal answer seemed appropriate. We are the group from the Order of Ninety-Nine Stars sent to finalize a special mission. That includes Kohar, the woman of law.
You are expected, the guard nodded his head. One moment and I shall fetch the liaison assigned to you.
Anton expected to wait anywhere between a quarter of an hour to a full hour, but as the young man popped into a nearby building and returned along with another man it seemed he really meant it.
Greetings, the middle aged man with dark skin and hair inclined his head. I am Elder Jyothi. We expected your arrival to be soon, so I have been made available to guide you as necessary. Follow me, and I will show you to the guest quarters. He turned around and began to walk, setting a pace that was more than a quick walk for the horses, but well within their capabilities.
We might also need some unplanned additional accommodations, Anton began to explain as they moved along.
For your captives? Elder Jyothi nodded, We can easily provide that. If they are relevant to the situation at hand, the Frostmirror Sect would request additional information.
They attacked us on the way, at the Great Bridge in Comvern Peaks, Anton explained. It seems unlikely they are unconnected to our business.
Were any casualties sustained to your party? Elder Jothi asked.
No, we managed to break through as one part of them tried to collapse or at least limit the bridge. The majority were moving in from the rear, though we noticed them in time to react appropriately.
That is good to hear, the man said. It is unfortunate that anyone would attempt such a brazen attack near the Frostmirror Sects territory, a problem we will have to address in the future. But since you seem to have come out ahead, I shall congratulate you on your effectiveness.
Anton sighed internally. If the Frostmirror Sect leaned further from the righteous path it would be difficult for the Order to work with them despite their power. However, it seemed whatever logic they used to orient their actions had at least made them a tolerable choice as an ally. Their actual loyalty wouldnt be in question- they would only form an alliance they knew would benefit them, and would work hard to make sure things worked as they should. Since the Order would likewise do their best to fulfill their end, it was a good partnership. Even if one side failed they would only be disappointed instead of ready to pounce on the other in a time of weakness.
Not that the Frostmirror Sect was above attacking weakened opponents, but they understood the power of good will, and betraying allies wasnt worth the cost. Though the fact that it was structured that was why they were just tolerable allies. The Order wouldnt betray allies because it was wrong, not because of some mental calculations.
Still, even if the path was winding, the fact that they overall made choices that were morally acceptable was sufficient. Anton hoped for some change towards his conception of righteousness, and perhaps that would come about through working with them. He knew Annelie was doing her part as well, though there was only so much influence one young cultivator could have. But in a few decades Anton anticipated a shift towards the better.
An instant later Diana popped out of the lake as she formed a pillar of ice beneath her. She spun on top of it, forming a swirl of water which she shoved towards Anton. Near-freezing water, colder than the lake around it, washed over Anton, Catarina, and Marsen. Their boat didnt quite flip, but it was flooded and barely staying afloat.
By the end of the splash war, Fuzz had leapt from the shore where he was watching into the middle of the lake, unsure of how to participate in what was happening but very eager to do so.
It was impossible for anyone to fail to notice what was happening on the lake, so the rest of their companions joined them quickly enough. They had thought there might be some sort of private, mostly-family conversation happening but in the end even Elder Tshering and Kohar joined in on the fun.
As for what the Frostmirror Sect would think about such activities, Anton had a good excuse lined up if they asked. Splash fights were an alternative method of training that involved using the surrounding natural features to attack and defend in unexpected ways. It seemed Diana was actually best at that, and despite her former position as a grudging watcher over Annelie by her continued presence- now that Annlie matched her in cultivation- it seemed she was something of a friend.
Diana had at first been introduced to their particular little group because she simply failed to properly quash her emotions instead of doing it on purpose, but that was more a matter of personality than cultivation talent.
Ah Diana said when she was back in the boat, quickly drying off with a surge of energy. That was fun. We rarely get a chance to let some emotions show. She looked nervously towards the shore. Do you think we went too far?
I dont see anybody who seems to have picked out that the three of you were also enjoying yourselves, if thats your worry, Anton replied. The rest of us made enough noise to cover for the two and a half of you. Anton locked his eyes on Marsen. The young man was slightly grinning, which was a good sign in Antons mind. That was about as far as he had gone in terms of expressing himself during the activities, but even the serious way he had participated was just his true personality shining through. He had real emotions inside, he just wasnt the type to have them on display regardless of cultivation method.
Some unlucky souls on the shore got fully drenched as Fuzz realized that playtime was over and shook himself somewhat dry. It was amazing how much water a large wolf could carry and he was still very wet. Anton was glad he hadnt focused on his own sense of smell as much as some others, or he might have smelled him from the middle of the lake.
Alva and Annelie began to catch up with each other, though topics eventually broadened to their groups as a whole. Anton and the others had many adventures to recount, and the Frostmirror Sect members were the same. Eventually they came to some serious topics, the kind that needed addressing even if it wasnt actually part of their mission.
Weve actually been expanding some, Annelie said. Inducting a few more people into our whatever this is. Choice club, or something. People get freedom to have emotions and learn how to deal with them. Annelie shook her head. Its hard. Sometimes I think it would be better not to have them.
Emotions can cloud your judgment, Anton nodded. But I would argue outside of combat, they should always be felt. Even if you ultimately go against what you feel, knowing what you feel is important feedback.
Even though he did not practice the same cultivation style as the others, Anton still found himself able to give them pieces of advice. He was still ahead of them in cultivation, and that included the very important step of having advanced to Essence Collection. He couldnt tell them how to do whatever would work for them, but guiding them to pay attention to whatever they truly wanted should set them on the right path.
Perhaps they wouldnt find something that suited them just like Anton, but he was very comfortable in how he promoted growth. He wanted everything to grow- plants, animals, and people- cultivators and those who werent yet cultivators included. Teaching and nurturing were his cores, and he wasnt going to miss an opportunity even if some disciples werent even part of his sect. Though he also made sure to not go too far and teach them something that would cause them trouble. He didnt know all of them as well as he would need to be sure how his advice might affect them.
That included his own great-granddaughter Annelie, but he was working as hard as he could to fill in the missing gaps from the time they had been apart. And Alva as well, who was returning to her former level of closeness with her favorite cousin. Perhaps things wouldnt be quite the same as when they were kids, but then again nothing in the world remained unchanged forever.
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Chapter 249
It was well after dark when the two carriages pulled up in front of the gates to the Frostmirror Sect. Even so, the gate guards were ready and efficient. Please state your business with the Frostmirror Sect, one of the guards stated flatly. He was a young man, but he spoke clearly and precisely.
Though Anton knew they could sense their cultivations, a formal answer seemed appropriate. We are the group from the Order of Ninety-Nine Stars sent to finalize a special mission. That includes Kohar, the woman of law.
You are expected, the guard nodded his head. One moment and I shall fetch the liaison assigned to you.
Anton expected to wait anywhere between a quarter of an hour to a full hour, but as the young man popped into a nearby building and returned along with another man it seemed he really meant it.
Greetings, the middle aged man with dark skin and hair inclined his head. I am Elder Jyothi. We expected your arrival to be soon, so I have been made available to guide you as necessary. Follow me, and I will show you to the guest quarters. He turned around and began to walk, setting a pace that was more than a quick walk for the horses, but well within their capabilities.
We might also need some unplanned additional accommodations, Anton began to explain as they moved along.
For your captives? Elder Jyothi nodded, We can easily provide that. If they are relevant to the situation at hand, the Frostmirror Sect would request additional information.
They attacked us on the way, at the Great Bridge in Comvern Peaks, Anton explained. It seems unlikely they are unconnected to our business.
Were any casualties sustained to your party? Elder Jothi asked.
No, we managed to break through as one part of them tried to collapse or at least limit the bridge. The majority were moving in from the rear, though we noticed them in time to react appropriately.
That is good to hear, the man said. It is unfortunate that anyone would attempt such a brazen attack near the Frostmirror Sects territory, a problem we will have to address in the future. But since you seem to have come out ahead, I shall congratulate you on your effectiveness.
Anton sighed internally. If the Frostmirror Sect leaned further from the righteous path it would be difficult for the Order to work with them despite their power. However, it seemed whatever logic they used to orient their actions had at least made them a tolerable choice as an ally. Their actual loyalty wouldnt be in question- they would only form an alliance they knew would benefit them, and would work hard to make sure things worked as they should. Since the Order would likewise do their best to fulfill their end, it was a good partnership. Even if one side failed they would only be disappointed instead of ready to pounce on the other in a time of weakness.
Not that the Frostmirror Sect was above attacking weakened opponents, but they understood the power of good will, and betraying allies wasnt worth the cost. Though the fact that it was structured that was why they were just tolerable allies. The Order wouldnt betray allies because it was wrong, not because of some mental calculations.
Still, even if the path was winding, the fact that they overall made choices that were morally acceptable was sufficient. Anton hoped for some change towards his conception of righteousness, and perhaps that would come about through working with them. He knew Annelie was doing her part as well, though there was only so much influence one young cultivator could have. But in a few decades Anton anticipated a shift towards the better.
An instant later Diana popped out of the lake as she formed a pillar of ice beneath her. She spun on top of it, forming a swirl of water which she shoved towards Anton. Near-freezing water, colder than the lake around it, washed over Anton, Catarina, and Marsen. Their boat didnt quite flip, but it was flooded and barely staying afloat.
By the end of the splash war, Fuzz had leapt from the shore where he was watching into the middle of the lake, unsure of how to participate in what was happening but very eager to do so.
It was impossible for anyone to fail to notice what was happening on the lake, so the rest of their companions joined them quickly enough. They had thought there might be some sort of private, mostly-family conversation happening but in the end even Elder Tshering and Kohar joined in on the fun.
As for what the Frostmirror Sect would think about such activities, Anton had a good excuse lined up if they asked. Splash fights were an alternative method of training that involved using the surrounding natural features to attack and defend in unexpected ways. It seemed Diana was actually best at that, and despite her former position as a grudging watcher over Annelie by her continued presence- now that Annlie matched her in cultivation- it seemed she was something of a friend.
Diana had at first been introduced to their particular little group because she simply failed to properly quash her emotions instead of doing it on purpose, but that was more a matter of personality than cultivation talent.
Ah Diana said when she was back in the boat, quickly drying off with a surge of energy. That was fun. We rarely get a chance to let some emotions show. She looked nervously towards the shore. Do you think we went too far?
I dont see anybody who seems to have picked out that the three of you were also enjoying yourselves, if thats your worry, Anton replied. The rest of us made enough noise to cover for the two and a half of you. Anton locked his eyes on Marsen. The young man was slightly grinning, which was a good sign in Antons mind. That was about as far as he had gone in terms of expressing himself during the activities, but even the serious way he had participated was just his true personality shining through. He had real emotions inside, he just wasnt the type to have them on display regardless of cultivation method.
Some unlucky souls on the shore got fully drenched as Fuzz realized that playtime was over and shook himself somewhat dry. It was amazing how much water a large wolf could carry and he was still very wet. Anton was glad he hadnt focused on his own sense of smell as much as some others, or he might have smelled him from the middle of the lake.
Alva and Annelie began to catch up with each other, though topics eventually broadened to their groups as a whole. Anton and the others had many adventures to recount, and the Frostmirror Sect members were the same. Eventually they came to some serious topics, the kind that needed addressing even if it wasnt actually part of their mission.
Weve actually been expanding some, Annelie said. Inducting a few more people into our whatever this is. Choice club, or something. People get freedom to have emotions and learn how to deal with them. Annelie shook her head. Its hard. Sometimes I think it would be better not to have them.
Emotions can cloud your judgment, Anton nodded. But I would argue outside of combat, they should always be felt. Even if you ultimately go against what you feel, knowing what you feel is important feedback.
Even though he did not practice the same cultivation style as the others, Anton still found himself able to give them pieces of advice. He was still ahead of them in cultivation, and that included the very important step of having advanced to Essence Collection. He couldnt tell them how to do whatever would work for them, but guiding them to pay attention to whatever they truly wanted should set them on the right path.
Perhaps they wouldnt find something that suited them just like Anton, but he was very comfortable in how he promoted growth. He wanted everything to grow- plants, animals, and people- cultivators and those who werent yet cultivators included. Teaching and nurturing were his cores, and he wasnt going to miss an opportunity even if some disciples werent even part of his sect. Though he also made sure to not go too far and teach them something that would cause them trouble. He didnt know all of them as well as he would need to be sure how his advice might affect them.
That included his own great-granddaughter Annelie, but he was working as hard as he could to fill in the missing gaps from the time they had been apart. And Alva as well, who was returning to her former level of closeness with her favorite cousin. Perhaps things wouldnt be quite the same as when they were kids, but then again nothing in the world remained unchanged forever.
Chapter 249It was well after dark when the two carriages pulled up in front of the gates to the Frostmirror Sect. Even so, the gate guards were ready and efficient. Please state your business with the Frostmirror Sect, one of the guards stated flatly. He was a young man, but he spoke clearly and precisely.Though Anton knew they could sense their cultivations, a formal answer seemed appropriate. We are the group from the Order of Ninety-Nine Stars sent to finalize a special mission. That includes Kohar, the woman of law.You are expected, the guard nodded his head. One moment and I shall fetch the liaison assigned to you.Anton expected to wait anywhere between a quarter of an hour to a full hour, but as the young man popped into a nearby building and returned along with another man it seemed he really meant it.Greetings, the middle aged man with dark skin and hair inclined his head. I am Elder Jyothi. We expected your arrival to be soon, so I have been made available to guide you as necessary. Follow me, and I will show you to the guest quarters. He turned around and began to walk, setting a pace that was more than a quick walk for the horses, but well within their capabilities. We might also need some unplanned additional accommodations, Anton began to explain as they moved along.For your captives? Elder Jyothi nodded, We can easily provide that. If they are relevant to the situation at hand, the Frostmirror Sect would request additional information.They attacked us on the way, at the Great Bridge in Comvern Peaks, Anton explained. It seems unlikely they are unconnected to our business.Were any casualties sustained to your party? Elder Jothi asked.No, we managed to break through as one part of them tried to collapse or at least limit the bridge. The majority were moving in from the rear, though we noticed them in time to react appropriately.That is good to hear, the man said. It is unfortunate that anyone would attempt such a brazen attack near the Frostmirror Sects territory, a problem we will have to address in the future. But since you seem to have come out ahead, I shall congratulate you on your effectiveness.Anton sighed internally. If the Frostmirror Sect leaned further from the righteous path it would be difficult for the Order to work with them despite their power. However, it seemed whatever logic they used to orient their actions had at least made them a tolerable choice as an ally. Their actual loyalty wouldnt be in question- they would only form an alliance they knew would benefit them, and would work hard to make sure things worked as they should. Since the Order would likewise do their best to fulfill their end, it was a good partnership. Even if one side failed they would only be disappointed instead of ready to pounce on the other in a time of weakness.Not that the Frostmirror Sect was above attacking weakened opponents, but they understood the power of good will, and betraying allies wasnt worth the cost. Though the fact that it was structured that was why they were just tolerable allies. The Order wouldnt betray allies because it was wrong, not because of some mental calculations.Still, even if the path was winding, the fact that they overall made choices that were morally acceptable was sufficient. Anton hoped for some change towards his conception of righteousness, and perhaps that would come about through working with them. He knew Annelie was doing her part as well, though there was only so much influence one young cultivator could have. But in a few decades Anton anticipated a shift towards the better.An instant later Diana popped out of the lake as she formed a pillar of ice beneath her. She spun on top of it, forming a swirl of water which she shoved towards Anton. Near-freezing water, colder than the lake around it, washed over Anton, Catarina, and Marsen. Their boat didnt quite flip, but it was flooded and barely staying afloat.By the end of the splash war, Fuzz had leapt from the shore where he was watching into the middle of the lake, unsure of how to participate in what was happening but very eager to do so. It was impossible for anyone to fail to notice what was happening on the lake, so the rest of their companions joined them quickly enough. They had thought there might be some sort of private, mostly-family conversation happening but in the end even Elder Tshering and Kohar joined in on the fun.As for what the Frostmirror Sect would think about such activities, Anton had a good excuse lined up if they asked. Splash fights were an alternative method of training that involved using the surrounding natural features to attack and defend in unexpected ways. It seemed Diana was actually best at that, and despite her former position as a grudging watcher over Annelie by her continued presence- now that Annlie matched her in cultivation- it seemed she was something of a friend.Diana had at first been introduced to their particular little group because she simply failed to properly quash her emotions instead of doing it on purpose, but that was more a matter of personality than cultivation talent.Ah Diana said when she was back in the boat, quickly drying off with a surge of energy. That was fun. We rarely get a chance to let some emotions show. She looked nervously towards the shore. Do you think we went too far?I dont see anybody who seems to have picked out that the three of you were also enjoying yourselves, if thats your worry, Anton replied. The rest of us made enough noise to cover for the two and a half of you. Anton locked his eyes on Marsen. The young man was slightly grinning, which was a good sign in Antons mind. That was about as far as he had gone in terms of expressing himself during the activities, but even the serious way he had participated was just his true personality shining through. He had real emotions inside, he just wasnt the type to have them on display regardless of cultivation method.Some unlucky souls on the shore got fully drenched as Fuzz realized that playtime was over and shook himself somewhat dry. It was amazing how much water a large wolf could carry and he was still very wet. Anton was glad he hadnt focused on his own sense of smell as much as some others, or he might have smelled him from the middle of the lake.Alva and Annelie began to catch up with each other, though topics eventually broadened to their groups as a whole. Anton and the others had many adventures to recount, and the Frostmirror Sect members were the same. Eventually they came to some serious topics, the kind that needed addressing even if it wasnt actually part of their mission.Weve actually been expanding some, Annelie said. Inducting a few more people into our whatever this is. Choice club, or something. People get freedom to have emotions and learn how to deal with them. Annelie shook her head. Its hard. Sometimes I think it would be better not to have them.Emotions can cloud your judgment, Anton nodded. But I would argue outside of combat, they should always be felt. Even if you ultimately go against what you feel, knowing what you feel is important feedback.Even though he did not practice the same cultivation style as the others, Anton still found himself able to give them pieces of advice. He was still ahead of them in cultivation, and that included the very important step of having advanced to Essence Collection. He couldnt tell them how to do whatever would work for them, but guiding them to pay attention to whatever they truly wanted should set them on the right path. Perhaps they wouldnt find something that suited them just like Anton, but he was very comfortable in how he promoted growth. He wanted everything to grow- plants, animals, and people- cultivators and those who werent yet cultivators included. Teaching and nurturing were his cores, and he wasnt going to miss an opportunity even if some disciples werent even part of his sect. Though he also made sure to not go too far and teach them something that would cause them trouble. He didnt know all of them as well as he would need to be sure how his advice might affect them.That included his own great-granddaughter Annelie, but he was working as hard as he could to fill in the missing gaps from the time they had been apart. And Alva as well, who was returning to her former level of closeness with her favorite cousin. Perhaps things wouldnt be quite the same as when they were kids, but then again nothing in the world remained unchanged forever.
