Chapter 287
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Chapter 287
There had been an offhanded request by Swordmaster Rahayu that Anton hadnt really followed through with. From anyone else it would have been a joke at best. Hed casually agreed, but hadnt really followed through as there wasnt any sort of pressure or timeframe behind it. Hed mostly forgotten about it until it became convenient. Now, he wanted to provoke some sort of reaction.
Information was important to people in all walks of life, from what crops were desirable to where rare materials could be purchased for cheap to the strengths and weaknesses of individual cultivators, and the conflicts between different sects. People were always willing to listen to the latter.
Have you been to Blackstone Harbor recently? Anton said as he sat next to someone at a bar. Apparently they had some trouble with a group called the Twin Soul Sect.
The young man shook his head. Havent heard of them. What happened?
Well, it seems some elder was not who he seemed. Swordmaster Rahayu found out, and Anton drew a line across his throat with his thumb. That was it. I heard hes got it out for that Twin Soul Sect.
Normal people didnt want to provoke mysterious, powerful groups into attacking them. Even the Order had been hesitant to allow it, and they were much more than a single individual. But as far as Anton knew the request had been genuine. Swordmaster Rahayu wanted to fight, and he would doubtless find someone. If it could be an enemy of the whole world, it would be better for everyone. Except them, but they chose their path.
Oh. Ive heard of him. Hes a powerful Life Transformation cultivator, right? the young man nodded. I dont want to get anywhere near that fight.
Same here, Anton agreed truthfully. He still had things he wanted to do while he was alive. If nothing else he should be able to last until the invasion and die there.
There was some more frivolous conversation and exchange of rumors, but that was Antons main contribution. Things with Aser had kind of come to a standstill. The multi elemental stuff he was cultivating was perfectly normal for a member of the Blue Forest Mystery and a smith who made a wide variety of weapons.
Nobody had a fortunate encounter that suddenly revealed anything about the other four under suspicion, and as Anton got a better picture about the limitations of Life Transformation cultivators senses, he realized how dangerous it could be. For example, within the Ninety-Nine Stars cultivation technique, forty-two of the theoretical one hundred stars were part of Life Transformation. Even if people were only a short way into it, each step represented a marked improvement that only amplified the division between stages. Anton himself was only at the forty-fifth star, and someone in early Life Transformation would be around the sixtieth.
In general, sensing ability increased with overall cultivation. Anton wasnt willing to bet that he or Velvet were close to two and a half times better than the talents who could make it to the final known realm of cultivation, regardless of their individual specialties. So stirring up the nest by making the Twin Soul Sect nervous- or eager- was their best bet.
If a lone Life Transformation cultivator wanted to cause trouble, it was quite possible for them to wipe him out. They might have to make some sacrifices- Vandale took more than a handful down with him- but a lone cultivator was an easier target. In theory, at least. In practice, Swordmaster Rahayu was specialized. Combat was a huge part of most cultivators abilities, but most also had other pursuits. Except people like Rahayu, which made them more dangerous. Anton didnt plan to remind the Twin Soul Sect of that part, though.
-----
A couple weeks was enough for rumors to take hold, if they had enough truth to them. Anton actually had more information about what had happened in Blackstone Harbor, but that information was already known. He focused on the part where Rahayu declared his intent to fight the Twin Soul Sect. It hadnt happened in public, but it was the sort of juicy thing people wanted to hear. And it was true, which helped. Nobody who knew about the man could say that it didnt sound like him.
They were now just waiting for fruit of their efforts- either their casual scouting, trying to pick up individual members of the Twin Soul Sect- or some information that led them to determine for certain who was involved.
Reshma had become more active, though it was possible it was simply because of the season and the local insect populations. Liljana was spending more time out in the lake away from her smithy. Brianne had been turning away customers as she worked on a particular batch of weapons. And Putri had disappeared- though it was uncertain if she had left town or where she had gone.
Then danger arrived. It cut through town like a hot knife through butter. Except it was a sword, and a known one at that. Anton was fairly certain that nothing was physically severed, but he felt the passage of Swordmaster Rahayu through Erygan, lasting only a few moments before he was out on the lake. Trailing behind it he felt a more familiar presence heading right for him. He went out to meet Chikere, only to find an extremely haggard woman. The various sheaths complaining her myriad of swords were dangling randomly around her, and some were dragging along the ground. She looked as if she hadnt slept properly for days or weeks which was quite possible.
There you are Chikere staggered over towards Anton. The Swordmaster says he needs you to use that technique.The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.
Which technique? Anton asked.
The discerny one. That reveals people.
Ah. Anton didnt particularly mind using it, of course. Where does he need me?
Out at the lake. With that smith lady, Chikere said. Just go towards him.
And I suppose you could have attacked if you felt like it, Rahayu shrugged. Not my style, but understandable. Anyway, do that thing that reveals her. Chikere said you should know it.
Anton jogged towards them. Closer to a run, but he avoided hurrying. He didnt have to listen to Rahayu, though he did want to be in his good graces. He just also didnt want to end up burned alive.
Brianne glared at Anton, but didnt say or do anything. Perhaps that was due to the sword casually pointed in her direction. Anton realized he probably should have checked Putri while he was next to her, but he saw her staying where she was. If she suddenly disappeared he could make some assumptions.
Anton gathered up his energy. Normally a sensing technique didnt take much, but he knew Brianne would show some resistance. Or at least, she should have been able to. When he reached into her all he felt was a sputtering fire. A fake one, covering up an unfortunately familiar duplicitous cultivation style. Anton pushed, and her cover up faded away, allowing everyone to feel her true cultivation. Not that many people were close.
I see, Rahayu said. It really is quite different. But your swords gave you away. You put too much of that into them. She glared at him. Now then, someone like you has to be important to the Twin Soul Sect.
She glared more. What? You want me to beg for my life? Swear revenge? Well, maybe I will. It will come when you least expect it.
I doubt that, he said. Since Im always ready. And theyll be quite happy to meet me in Foulmarsh. They wont even have to reveal themselves as they try to save you.
What? the woman looked at him confused for a moment, then his sword twitched. Somehow, that led to her slumping to the ground.
What was that? Anton asked.
A threat, Rahayu replied.
Those cause Life Transformation cultivators to pass out?
Oh, I simply severed her consciousness, Rahayu nodded. Just like I cut off her connection to energy earlier. Its not difficult against someone weak like her.
Anton didnt like the sound of that, partly because he was yet another step weaker than her. But perhaps there was some innate quality. He would ask later. You really plan to go to Foulmarsh? Anton knew that was to the east of the Niverlam Depths, and full of all sorts of unpleasantness. Its name wasnt just for show, after all.
Yes, thats where were going, he nodded.
When you say we, Anton asked. You mean the two of you?
Of course. And you and your companions, plus Chikere. Unless you dont want to fight the Twin Soul Sect.
Anton knew he could refuse but he also knew that a lone cultivator without any backup at all would be much less effective. Even if Rahayu could take on himself, Hoyt, and Velvet together they could help keep him from being swarmed. Ill ask the others.
Thats fine, Chikere looks like she could use a break anyway.
Anton looked back at the haggard woman, hair stuck to her face with sweat as she sat in a meditative position. He wasnt sure if he would call swinging her sword from sitting a break, but she was the one who would be responsible for the consequences of that.
As he passed by smith Putri, Anton carefully scanned her. There was no reaction, and he excused his momentary stop by speaking. It seems Rahayu plans to capture Brianne to use for ransom from the Twin Soul Sect. Some people likely overheard what he actually said, but it was a reasonable extension of what hed said. But Rahayu really just wanted to be attacked.
The question was, should he be there? How much damage could he cause to them compared to the good he might do by being alive? And the others as well. If he went, it increased the chance that they would go. Chikere was probably going to go regardless. She wasnt part of the Order, but she was still a friend, if a bit of an odd one.
Anton was going to officially discourage following after a potentially suicidal swordmaster. Hoyt and Velvet were worth too much, and had too much potential to just waste.
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Chapter 287
There had been an offhanded request by Swordmaster Rahayu that Anton hadnt really followed through with. From anyone else it would have been a joke at best. Hed casually agreed, but hadnt really followed through as there wasnt any sort of pressure or timeframe behind it. Hed mostly forgotten about it until it became convenient. Now, he wanted to provoke some sort of reaction.
Information was important to people in all walks of life, from what crops were desirable to where rare materials could be purchased for cheap to the strengths and weaknesses of individual cultivators, and the conflicts between different sects. People were always willing to listen to the latter.
Have you been to Blackstone Harbor recently? Anton said as he sat next to someone at a bar. Apparently they had some trouble with a group called the Twin Soul Sect.
The young man shook his head. Havent heard of them. What happened?
Well, it seems some elder was not who he seemed. Swordmaster Rahayu found out, and Anton drew a line across his throat with his thumb. That was it. I heard hes got it out for that Twin Soul Sect.
Normal people didnt want to provoke mysterious, powerful groups into attacking them. Even the Order had been hesitant to allow it, and they were much more than a single individual. But as far as Anton knew the request had been genuine. Swordmaster Rahayu wanted to fight, and he would doubtless find someone. If it could be an enemy of the whole world, it would be better for everyone. Except them, but they chose their path.
Oh. Ive heard of him. Hes a powerful Life Transformation cultivator, right? the young man nodded. I dont want to get anywhere near that fight.
Same here, Anton agreed truthfully. He still had things he wanted to do while he was alive. If nothing else he should be able to last until the invasion and die there.
There was some more frivolous conversation and exchange of rumors, but that was Antons main contribution. Things with Aser had kind of come to a standstill. The multi elemental stuff he was cultivating was perfectly normal for a member of the Blue Forest Mystery and a smith who made a wide variety of weapons.
Nobody had a fortunate encounter that suddenly revealed anything about the other four under suspicion, and as Anton got a better picture about the limitations of Life Transformation cultivators senses, he realized how dangerous it could be. For example, within the Ninety-Nine Stars cultivation technique, forty-two of the theoretical one hundred stars were part of Life Transformation. Even if people were only a short way into it, each step represented a marked improvement that only amplified the division between stages. Anton himself was only at the forty-fifth star, and someone in early Life Transformation would be around the sixtieth.
In general, sensing ability increased with overall cultivation. Anton wasnt willing to bet that he or Velvet were close to two and a half times better than the talents who could make it to the final known realm of cultivation, regardless of their individual specialties. So stirring up the nest by making the Twin Soul Sect nervous- or eager- was their best bet.
If a lone Life Transformation cultivator wanted to cause trouble, it was quite possible for them to wipe him out. They might have to make some sacrifices- Vandale took more than a handful down with him- but a lone cultivator was an easier target. In theory, at least. In practice, Swordmaster Rahayu was specialized. Combat was a huge part of most cultivators abilities, but most also had other pursuits. Except people like Rahayu, which made them more dangerous. Anton didnt plan to remind the Twin Soul Sect of that part, though.
-----
A couple weeks was enough for rumors to take hold, if they had enough truth to them. Anton actually had more information about what had happened in Blackstone Harbor, but that information was already known. He focused on the part where Rahayu declared his intent to fight the Twin Soul Sect. It hadnt happened in public, but it was the sort of juicy thing people wanted to hear. And it was true, which helped. Nobody who knew about the man could say that it didnt sound like him.
They were now just waiting for fruit of their efforts- either their casual scouting, trying to pick up individual members of the Twin Soul Sect- or some information that led them to determine for certain who was involved.
Reshma had become more active, though it was possible it was simply because of the season and the local insect populations. Liljana was spending more time out in the lake away from her smithy. Brianne had been turning away customers as she worked on a particular batch of weapons. And Putri had disappeared- though it was uncertain if she had left town or where she had gone.
Then danger arrived. It cut through town like a hot knife through butter. Except it was a sword, and a known one at that. Anton was fairly certain that nothing was physically severed, but he felt the passage of Swordmaster Rahayu through Erygan, lasting only a few moments before he was out on the lake. Trailing behind it he felt a more familiar presence heading right for him. He went out to meet Chikere, only to find an extremely haggard woman. The various sheaths complaining her myriad of swords were dangling randomly around her, and some were dragging along the ground. She looked as if she hadnt slept properly for days or weeks which was quite possible.
There you are Chikere staggered over towards Anton. The Swordmaster says he needs you to use that technique.The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.
Which technique? Anton asked.
The discerny one. That reveals people.
Ah. Anton didnt particularly mind using it, of course. Where does he need me?
Out at the lake. With that smith lady, Chikere said. Just go towards him.
And I suppose you could have attacked if you felt like it, Rahayu shrugged. Not my style, but understandable. Anyway, do that thing that reveals her. Chikere said you should know it.
Anton jogged towards them. Closer to a run, but he avoided hurrying. He didnt have to listen to Rahayu, though he did want to be in his good graces. He just also didnt want to end up burned alive.
Brianne glared at Anton, but didnt say or do anything. Perhaps that was due to the sword casually pointed in her direction. Anton realized he probably should have checked Putri while he was next to her, but he saw her staying where she was. If she suddenly disappeared he could make some assumptions.
Anton gathered up his energy. Normally a sensing technique didnt take much, but he knew Brianne would show some resistance. Or at least, she should have been able to. When he reached into her all he felt was a sputtering fire. A fake one, covering up an unfortunately familiar duplicitous cultivation style. Anton pushed, and her cover up faded away, allowing everyone to feel her true cultivation. Not that many people were close.
I see, Rahayu said. It really is quite different. But your swords gave you away. You put too much of that into them. She glared at him. Now then, someone like you has to be important to the Twin Soul Sect.
She glared more. What? You want me to beg for my life? Swear revenge? Well, maybe I will. It will come when you least expect it.
I doubt that, he said. Since Im always ready. And theyll be quite happy to meet me in Foulmarsh. They wont even have to reveal themselves as they try to save you.
What? the woman looked at him confused for a moment, then his sword twitched. Somehow, that led to her slumping to the ground.
What was that? Anton asked.
A threat, Rahayu replied.
Those cause Life Transformation cultivators to pass out?
Oh, I simply severed her consciousness, Rahayu nodded. Just like I cut off her connection to energy earlier. Its not difficult against someone weak like her.
Anton didnt like the sound of that, partly because he was yet another step weaker than her. But perhaps there was some innate quality. He would ask later. You really plan to go to Foulmarsh? Anton knew that was to the east of the Niverlam Depths, and full of all sorts of unpleasantness. Its name wasnt just for show, after all.
Yes, thats where were going, he nodded.
When you say we, Anton asked. You mean the two of you?
Of course. And you and your companions, plus Chikere. Unless you dont want to fight the Twin Soul Sect.
Anton knew he could refuse but he also knew that a lone cultivator without any backup at all would be much less effective. Even if Rahayu could take on himself, Hoyt, and Velvet together they could help keep him from being swarmed. Ill ask the others.
Thats fine, Chikere looks like she could use a break anyway.
Anton looked back at the haggard woman, hair stuck to her face with sweat as she sat in a meditative position. He wasnt sure if he would call swinging her sword from sitting a break, but she was the one who would be responsible for the consequences of that.
As he passed by smith Putri, Anton carefully scanned her. There was no reaction, and he excused his momentary stop by speaking. It seems Rahayu plans to capture Brianne to use for ransom from the Twin Soul Sect. Some people likely overheard what he actually said, but it was a reasonable extension of what hed said. But Rahayu really just wanted to be attacked.
The question was, should he be there? How much damage could he cause to them compared to the good he might do by being alive? And the others as well. If he went, it increased the chance that they would go. Chikere was probably going to go regardless. She wasnt part of the Order, but she was still a friend, if a bit of an odd one.
Anton was going to officially discourage following after a potentially suicidal swordmaster. Hoyt and Velvet were worth too much, and had too much potential to just waste.
Chapter 287There had been an offhanded request by Swordmaster Rahayu that Anton hadnt really followed through with. From anyone else it would have been a joke at best. Hed casually agreed, but hadnt really followed through as there wasnt any sort of pressure or timeframe behind it. Hed mostly forgotten about it until it became convenient. Now, he wanted to provoke some sort of reaction.Information was important to people in all walks of life, from what crops were desirable to where rare materials could be purchased for cheap to the strengths and weaknesses of individual cultivators, and the conflicts between different sects. People were always willing to listen to the latter.Have you been to Blackstone Harbor recently? Anton said as he sat next to someone at a bar. Apparently they had some trouble with a group called the Twin Soul Sect.The young man shook his head. Havent heard of them. What happened?Well, it seems some elder was not who he seemed. Swordmaster Rahayu found out, and Anton drew a line across his throat with his thumb. That was it. I heard hes got it out for that Twin Soul Sect. Normal people didnt want to provoke mysterious, powerful groups into attacking them. Even the Order had been hesitant to allow it, and they were much more than a single individual. But as far as Anton knew the request had been genuine. Swordmaster Rahayu wanted to fight, and he would doubtless find someone. If it could be an enemy of the whole world, it would be better for everyone. Except them, but they chose their path.Oh. Ive heard of him. Hes a powerful Life Transformation cultivator, right? the young man nodded. I dont want to get anywhere near that fight.Same here, Anton agreed truthfully. He still had things he wanted to do while he was alive. If nothing else he should be able to last until the invasion and die there.There was some more frivolous conversation and exchange of rumors, but that was Antons main contribution. Things with Aser had kind of come to a standstill. The multi elemental stuff he was cultivating was perfectly normal for a member of the Blue Forest Mystery and a smith who made a wide variety of weapons. Nobody had a fortunate encounter that suddenly revealed anything about the other four under suspicion, and as Anton got a better picture about the limitations of Life Transformation cultivators senses, he realized how dangerous it could be. For example, within the Ninety-Nine Stars cultivation technique, forty-two of the theoretical one hundred stars were part of Life Transformation. Even if people were only a short way into it, each step represented a marked improvement that only amplified the division between stages. Anton himself was only at the forty-fifth star, and someone in early Life Transformation would be around the sixtieth.In general, sensing ability increased with overall cultivation. Anton wasnt willing to bet that he or Velvet were close to two and a half times better than the talents who could make it to the final known realm of cultivation, regardless of their individual specialties. So stirring up the nest by making the Twin Soul Sect nervous- or eager- was their best bet.If a lone Life Transformation cultivator wanted to cause trouble, it was quite possible for them to wipe him out. They might have to make some sacrifices- Vandale took more than a handful down with him- but a lone cultivator was an easier target. In theory, at least. In practice, Swordmaster Rahayu was specialized. Combat was a huge part of most cultivators abilities, but most also had other pursuits. Except people like Rahayu, which made them more dangerous. Anton didnt plan to remind the Twin Soul Sect of that part, though.-----A couple weeks was enough for rumors to take hold, if they had enough truth to them. Anton actually had more information about what had happened in Blackstone Harbor, but that information was already known. He focused on the part where Rahayu declared his intent to fight the Twin Soul Sect. It hadnt happened in public, but it was the sort of juicy thing people wanted to hear. And it was true, which helped. Nobody who knew about the man could say that it didnt sound like him.They were now just waiting for fruit of their efforts- either their casual scouting, trying to pick up individual members of the Twin Soul Sect- or some information that led them to determine for certain who was involved.Reshma had become more active, though it was possible it was simply because of the season and the local insect populations. Liljana was spending more time out in the lake away from her smithy. Brianne had been turning away customers as she worked on a particular batch of weapons. And Putri had disappeared- though it was uncertain if she had left town or where she had gone.Then danger arrived. It cut through town like a hot knife through butter. Except it was a sword, and a known one at that. Anton was fairly certain that nothing was physically severed, but he felt the passage of Swordmaster Rahayu through Erygan, lasting only a few moments before he was out on the lake. Trailing behind it he felt a more familiar presence heading right for him. He went out to meet Chikere, only to find an extremely haggard woman. The various sheaths complaining her myriad of swords were dangling randomly around her, and some were dragging along the ground. She looked as if she hadnt slept properly for days or weeks which was quite possible.There you are Chikere staggered over towards Anton. The Swordmaster says he needs you to use that technique.The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.Which technique? Anton asked.The discerny one. That reveals people.Ah. Anton didnt particularly mind using it, of course. Where does he need me?Out at the lake. With that smith lady, Chikere said. Just go towards him.And I suppose you could have attacked if you felt like it, Rahayu shrugged. Not my style, but understandable. Anyway, do that thing that reveals her. Chikere said you should know it.Anton jogged towards them. Closer to a run, but he avoided hurrying. He didnt have to listen to Rahayu, though he did want to be in his good graces. He just also didnt want to end up burned alive.Brianne glared at Anton, but didnt say or do anything. Perhaps that was due to the sword casually pointed in her direction. Anton realized he probably should have checked Putri while he was next to her, but he saw her staying where she was. If she suddenly disappeared he could make some assumptions.Anton gathered up his energy. Normally a sensing technique didnt take much, but he knew Brianne would show some resistance. Or at least, she should have been able to. When he reached into her all he felt was a sputtering fire. A fake one, covering up an unfortunately familiar duplicitous cultivation style. Anton pushed, and her cover up faded away, allowing everyone to feel her true cultivation. Not that many people were close.I see, Rahayu said. It really is quite different. But your swords gave you away. You put too much of that into them. She glared at him. Now then, someone like you has to be important to the Twin Soul Sect.She glared more. What? You want me to beg for my life? Swear revenge? Well, maybe I will. It will come when you least expect it.I doubt that, he said. Since Im always ready. And theyll be quite happy to meet me in Foulmarsh. They wont even have to reveal themselves as they try to save you.What? the woman looked at him confused for a moment, then his sword twitched. Somehow, that led to her slumping to the ground.What was that? Anton asked.A threat, Rahayu replied.Those cause Life Transformation cultivators to pass out?Oh, I simply severed her consciousness, Rahayu nodded. Just like I cut off her connection to energy earlier. Its not difficult against someone weak like her.Anton didnt like the sound of that, partly because he was yet another step weaker than her. But perhaps there was some innate quality. He would ask later. You really plan to go to Foulmarsh? Anton knew that was to the east of the Niverlam Depths, and full of all sorts of unpleasantness. Its name wasnt just for show, after all.Yes, thats where were going, he nodded.When you say we, Anton asked. You mean the two of you?Of course. And you and your companions, plus Chikere. Unless you dont want to fight the Twin Soul Sect.Anton knew he could refuse but he also knew that a lone cultivator without any backup at all would be much less effective. Even if Rahayu could take on himself, Hoyt, and Velvet together they could help keep him from being swarmed. Ill ask the others.Thats fine, Chikere looks like she could use a break anyway.Anton looked back at the haggard woman, hair stuck to her face with sweat as she sat in a meditative position. He wasnt sure if he would call swinging her sword from sitting a break, but she was the one who would be responsible for the consequences of that.As he passed by smith Putri, Anton carefully scanned her. There was no reaction, and he excused his momentary stop by speaking. It seems Rahayu plans to capture Brianne to use for ransom from the Twin Soul Sect. Some people likely overheard what he actually said, but it was a reasonable extension of what hed said. But Rahayu really just wanted to be attacked.The question was, should he be there? How much damage could he cause to them compared to the good he might do by being alive? And the others as well. If he went, it increased the chance that they would go. Chikere was probably going to go regardless. She wasnt part of the Order, but she was still a friend, if a bit of an odd one.Anton was going to officially discourage following after a potentially suicidal swordmaster. Hoyt and Velvet were worth too much, and had too much potential to just waste.
