Chapter 323
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Chapter 323
Two figures walked through the unpopulated wilderness. An older man, and one much younger.
I appreciate you coming along with me, Anton offered to Agus. Being alone grows old quickly. And an extra pair of arms to fend off danger is appreciated as well.
Im not exactly doing this altruistically, Agus pointed out. Its to return a favor, and maybe gain some standing within my sect.
Decent enough reasons, but you were still the first to extend the offer. So I am thankful. What do you think well find at this next place?
Given the rest, a pile of dirt and brick, Agus speculated dismally. Though I havent actually been to this one. Its further than the rest.
All of Everhearts tombs had been in out of the way locations. The man had a knack for picking areas where even cultivators wouldnt expand to in the course of time. Yet they were also reachable, appearing mainly in barren stretches of land. The Tomb Seeking Cult had quite thoroughly combed through the locations nearest to themselves, but they confirmed there was little remaining but collapsed facilities and occasionally extremely rusted weaponry with faded enchantments.
Anton had gone to confirm, not because he didnt believe them but to get a good idea of the state things were in. Some of the locations even had entirely new levels of topsoil that had formed over them in the time since they were active.
Now they were moving towards one at the top of a mountain. Carved into the stone where nobody would bother traversing regularly, it had still also been concealed until the designated time. If it had been intended as a sort of training it hadnt been obvious, as it mainly had traps and little explanation. Only warnings by a projection of Everheart to keep out which of course had the opposite effect.
The journey did not take long for two Essence Collection cultivators, and they soon found themselves outside of what had been the entrance. Rubble had fallen to close the mouth, but if that was the only thing it would have been trivial to deal with. Anton carefully weaved his energy through the area, slipping between the cracks. This particular facility had seemed appropriate for Essence Collection cultivators, which meant it was actually quite a bit more extensive than the first one he had visited. Yet the branching corridors actually allowed him to get a decent picture of how it might have once been.
I still feel the remains of traps in the walls- though in the form of rusty spikes for the most part. The treasures were at the furthest point, I presume?
Agus nodded, looking at the copied documents in his hands. Thats right. Past a flooded chamber, I believe.
Its collapsed now, Anton said. But theres still a pool in some of it. And then- Anton frowned. Strange.
What is it? Agus asked.
Theres a sarcophagus.
Oh, yeah. He loved to throw those around as decoys. Its listed here.
Right, but this one is intact, Anton pointed out.
Thats interesting, Agus admitted. Think we can dig it out?
Im not sure, Anton admitted. It doesnt seem particularly structurally stable, but on the other hand the main damage seems to be to artificial supports. We might have to shore up the passageways. Do you have any experience with mining? Anton asked.
Hey! Agus grinned. We know he was terrible. But he was also strong, and other groups elevate worse people just because theyre strong.
Worse than Everheart? Anton raised an eyebrow.
He didnt go around slaughtering innocent people, or use them as test subjects, Agus pointed out. That weve heard of.
Thats a fair point, Anton admitted. The common person had little to fear from him.
With some difficulty they began to move the sarcophagus into their storage bags. Though it was little larger than a person on the inside, it was made of heavy stone. Anton suspected it was extraordinarily durable, but didnt attempt anything more than a superficial test in case it wasnt. Like many materials cultivators used, that strength came with its own weight. The lid was easy enough, but the main body of the sarcophagus required both of them straining with the majority of their energy, while the magic bag was stretched open to the limit to slide it in.
Before leaving, I want to take some notes on the formation markings here, Agus pointed. Some of them havent fully decayed. This is Everhearts stuff. It doesnt seem new, but complete information is better.
Im surprised any survived at all, Anton admitted. Given its future was bet against it. But I suppose it didnt need as much resistance to aging, so it lasted better afterwards?
Its hard to say, Agus admitted. Replicating the effect is nearly impossible since most of the pieces of the formation to do so are likewise subject to the effect and destruction. The only hope is getting it when its active, but Everheart preferred to keep most of that on the far sides of walls, where people couldn't snoop.
Anton helped Agus take notes, his limited training in formations with Catarina helping immensely. The biggest part was taking note of the locations of bits and pieces relative to each other, since everything was quite incomplete.
-----
After surveying several more locations in a loop, none of which had anything else quite so interesting, Anton and Agus returned once more to the center of the Tomb Seeking Cult. Many of the people present were different, with the notable exception of Maxine. She was quite excited to hear what they found.
When they pulled out the lid, she nodded. This is definitely not Everhearts work. Its too restrained? And enduring. He didnt make things to last forever. He made them to last exactly long enough for his purposes and no more. I remember reading about this sarcophagus, but since the place collapsed shortly afterwards everyone assumed it was crushed in the process- but since he didnt make it
Do you know who might have? Anton asked.
I dont recognize anything right away, she admitted. Im not exactly a formation master, but Im still familiar with many current and ancient styles. So its a bit odd, actually. And this um it seems to have been intended to decay the body faster? Maxine gestured to some of the runes on the inside of the main section.
Why? Anton asked. Couldnt they just burn it or something?
A good question, to which I have no answer.
That means Everheart might not have emptied it at all, Agus pondered. It could have been just a skeleton. A pile of dirt maybe?
Whatever it was has been cleared out, Maxine determined. If it even worked at all. I cant tell what the power source would have been. It looks almost like it relied on ambient natural energy, but without any gathering ability? A formation like that would hardly stand up to one good punch from a Spirit Building cultivator, let alone anyone important. Or able to move this thing.
A few weeks of travel and investigation, and all they had come away with was a mystery. One that might not be related to what Anton wanted to find- though in truth, he was basically just confirming what he already assumed- that there was no useful information left. But perhaps this sarcophagus might reveal something interesting regardless.
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Chapter 323
Two figures walked through the unpopulated wilderness. An older man, and one much younger.
I appreciate you coming along with me, Anton offered to Agus. Being alone grows old quickly. And an extra pair of arms to fend off danger is appreciated as well.
Im not exactly doing this altruistically, Agus pointed out. Its to return a favor, and maybe gain some standing within my sect.
Decent enough reasons, but you were still the first to extend the offer. So I am thankful. What do you think well find at this next place?
Given the rest, a pile of dirt and brick, Agus speculated dismally. Though I havent actually been to this one. Its further than the rest.
All of Everhearts tombs had been in out of the way locations. The man had a knack for picking areas where even cultivators wouldnt expand to in the course of time. Yet they were also reachable, appearing mainly in barren stretches of land. The Tomb Seeking Cult had quite thoroughly combed through the locations nearest to themselves, but they confirmed there was little remaining but collapsed facilities and occasionally extremely rusted weaponry with faded enchantments.
Anton had gone to confirm, not because he didnt believe them but to get a good idea of the state things were in. Some of the locations even had entirely new levels of topsoil that had formed over them in the time since they were active.
Now they were moving towards one at the top of a mountain. Carved into the stone where nobody would bother traversing regularly, it had still also been concealed until the designated time. If it had been intended as a sort of training it hadnt been obvious, as it mainly had traps and little explanation. Only warnings by a projection of Everheart to keep out which of course had the opposite effect.
The journey did not take long for two Essence Collection cultivators, and they soon found themselves outside of what had been the entrance. Rubble had fallen to close the mouth, but if that was the only thing it would have been trivial to deal with. Anton carefully weaved his energy through the area, slipping between the cracks. This particular facility had seemed appropriate for Essence Collection cultivators, which meant it was actually quite a bit more extensive than the first one he had visited. Yet the branching corridors actually allowed him to get a decent picture of how it might have once been.
I still feel the remains of traps in the walls- though in the form of rusty spikes for the most part. The treasures were at the furthest point, I presume?
Agus nodded, looking at the copied documents in his hands. Thats right. Past a flooded chamber, I believe.
Its collapsed now, Anton said. But theres still a pool in some of it. And then- Anton frowned. Strange.
What is it? Agus asked.
Theres a sarcophagus.
Oh, yeah. He loved to throw those around as decoys. Its listed here.
Right, but this one is intact, Anton pointed out.
Thats interesting, Agus admitted. Think we can dig it out?
Im not sure, Anton admitted. It doesnt seem particularly structurally stable, but on the other hand the main damage seems to be to artificial supports. We might have to shore up the passageways. Do you have any experience with mining? Anton asked.
Hey! Agus grinned. We know he was terrible. But he was also strong, and other groups elevate worse people just because theyre strong.
Worse than Everheart? Anton raised an eyebrow.
He didnt go around slaughtering innocent people, or use them as test subjects, Agus pointed out. That weve heard of.
Thats a fair point, Anton admitted. The common person had little to fear from him.
With some difficulty they began to move the sarcophagus into their storage bags. Though it was little larger than a person on the inside, it was made of heavy stone. Anton suspected it was extraordinarily durable, but didnt attempt anything more than a superficial test in case it wasnt. Like many materials cultivators used, that strength came with its own weight. The lid was easy enough, but the main body of the sarcophagus required both of them straining with the majority of their energy, while the magic bag was stretched open to the limit to slide it in.
Before leaving, I want to take some notes on the formation markings here, Agus pointed. Some of them havent fully decayed. This is Everhearts stuff. It doesnt seem new, but complete information is better.
Im surprised any survived at all, Anton admitted. Given its future was bet against it. But I suppose it didnt need as much resistance to aging, so it lasted better afterwards?
Its hard to say, Agus admitted. Replicating the effect is nearly impossible since most of the pieces of the formation to do so are likewise subject to the effect and destruction. The only hope is getting it when its active, but Everheart preferred to keep most of that on the far sides of walls, where people couldn't snoop.
Anton helped Agus take notes, his limited training in formations with Catarina helping immensely. The biggest part was taking note of the locations of bits and pieces relative to each other, since everything was quite incomplete.
-----
After surveying several more locations in a loop, none of which had anything else quite so interesting, Anton and Agus returned once more to the center of the Tomb Seeking Cult. Many of the people present were different, with the notable exception of Maxine. She was quite excited to hear what they found.
When they pulled out the lid, she nodded. This is definitely not Everhearts work. Its too restrained? And enduring. He didnt make things to last forever. He made them to last exactly long enough for his purposes and no more. I remember reading about this sarcophagus, but since the place collapsed shortly afterwards everyone assumed it was crushed in the process- but since he didnt make it
Do you know who might have? Anton asked.
I dont recognize anything right away, she admitted. Im not exactly a formation master, but Im still familiar with many current and ancient styles. So its a bit odd, actually. And this um it seems to have been intended to decay the body faster? Maxine gestured to some of the runes on the inside of the main section.
Why? Anton asked. Couldnt they just burn it or something?
A good question, to which I have no answer.
That means Everheart might not have emptied it at all, Agus pondered. It could have been just a skeleton. A pile of dirt maybe?
Whatever it was has been cleared out, Maxine determined. If it even worked at all. I cant tell what the power source would have been. It looks almost like it relied on ambient natural energy, but without any gathering ability? A formation like that would hardly stand up to one good punch from a Spirit Building cultivator, let alone anyone important. Or able to move this thing.
A few weeks of travel and investigation, and all they had come away with was a mystery. One that might not be related to what Anton wanted to find- though in truth, he was basically just confirming what he already assumed- that there was no useful information left. But perhaps this sarcophagus might reveal something interesting regardless.
Chapter 323Two figures walked through the unpopulated wilderness. An older man, and one much younger.I appreciate you coming along with me, Anton offered to Agus. Being alone grows old quickly. And an extra pair of arms to fend off danger is appreciated as well.Im not exactly doing this altruistically, Agus pointed out. Its to return a favor, and maybe gain some standing within my sect.Decent enough reasons, but you were still the first to extend the offer. So I am thankful. What do you think well find at this next place?Given the rest, a pile of dirt and brick, Agus speculated dismally. Though I havent actually been to this one. Its further than the rest.All of Everhearts tombs had been in out of the way locations. The man had a knack for picking areas where even cultivators wouldnt expand to in the course of time. Yet they were also reachable, appearing mainly in barren stretches of land. The Tomb Seeking Cult had quite thoroughly combed through the locations nearest to themselves, but they confirmed there was little remaining but collapsed facilities and occasionally extremely rusted weaponry with faded enchantments.Anton had gone to confirm, not because he didnt believe them but to get a good idea of the state things were in. Some of the locations even had entirely new levels of topsoil that had formed over them in the time since they were active.Now they were moving towards one at the top of a mountain. Carved into the stone where nobody would bother traversing regularly, it had still also been concealed until the designated time. If it had been intended as a sort of training it hadnt been obvious, as it mainly had traps and little explanation. Only warnings by a projection of Everheart to keep out which of course had the opposite effect.The journey did not take long for two Essence Collection cultivators, and they soon found themselves outside of what had been the entrance. Rubble had fallen to close the mouth, but if that was the only thing it would have been trivial to deal with. Anton carefully weaved his energy through the area, slipping between the cracks. This particular facility had seemed appropriate for Essence Collection cultivators, which meant it was actually quite a bit more extensive than the first one he had visited. Yet the branching corridors actually allowed him to get a decent picture of how it might have once been.I still feel the remains of traps in the walls- though in the form of rusty spikes for the most part. The treasures were at the furthest point, I presume?Agus nodded, looking at the copied documents in his hands. Thats right. Past a flooded chamber, I believe.Its collapsed now, Anton said. But theres still a pool in some of it. And then- Anton frowned. Strange.What is it? Agus asked.Theres a sarcophagus.Oh, yeah. He loved to throw those around as decoys. Its listed here.Right, but this one is intact, Anton pointed out.Thats interesting, Agus admitted. Think we can dig it out?Im not sure, Anton admitted. It doesnt seem particularly structurally stable, but on the other hand the main damage seems to be to artificial supports. We might have to shore up the passageways. Do you have any experience with mining? Anton asked.Hey! Agus grinned. We know he was terrible. But he was also strong, and other groups elevate worse people just because theyre strong.Worse than Everheart? Anton raised an eyebrow.He didnt go around slaughtering innocent people, or use them as test subjects, Agus pointed out. That weve heard of.Thats a fair point, Anton admitted. The common person had little to fear from him.With some difficulty they began to move the sarcophagus into their storage bags. Though it was little larger than a person on the inside, it was made of heavy stone. Anton suspected it was extraordinarily durable, but didnt attempt anything more than a superficial test in case it wasnt. Like many materials cultivators used, that strength came with its own weight. The lid was easy enough, but the main body of the sarcophagus required both of them straining with the majority of their energy, while the magic bag was stretched open to the limit to slide it in. Before leaving, I want to take some notes on the formation markings here, Agus pointed. Some of them havent fully decayed. This is Everhearts stuff. It doesnt seem new, but complete information is better.Im surprised any survived at all, Anton admitted. Given its future was bet against it. But I suppose it didnt need as much resistance to aging, so it lasted better afterwards?Its hard to say, Agus admitted. Replicating the effect is nearly impossible since most of the pieces of the formation to do so are likewise subject to the effect and destruction. The only hope is getting it when its active, but Everheart preferred to keep most of that on the far sides of walls, where people couldn't snoop.Anton helped Agus take notes, his limited training in formations with Catarina helping immensely. The biggest part was taking note of the locations of bits and pieces relative to each other, since everything was quite incomplete.-----After surveying several more locations in a loop, none of which had anything else quite so interesting, Anton and Agus returned once more to the center of the Tomb Seeking Cult. Many of the people present were different, with the notable exception of Maxine. She was quite excited to hear what they found.When they pulled out the lid, she nodded. This is definitely not Everhearts work. Its too restrained? And enduring. He didnt make things to last forever. He made them to last exactly long enough for his purposes and no more. I remember reading about this sarcophagus, but since the place collapsed shortly afterwards everyone assumed it was crushed in the process- but since he didnt make itDo you know who might have? Anton asked.I dont recognize anything right away, she admitted. Im not exactly a formation master, but Im still familiar with many current and ancient styles. So its a bit odd, actually. And this um it seems to have been intended to decay the body faster? Maxine gestured to some of the runes on the inside of the main section.Why? Anton asked. Couldnt they just burn it or something?A good question, to which I have no answer.That means Everheart might not have emptied it at all, Agus pondered. It could have been just a skeleton. A pile of dirt maybe?Whatever it was has been cleared out, Maxine determined. If it even worked at all. I cant tell what the power source would have been. It looks almost like it relied on ambient natural energy, but without any gathering ability? A formation like that would hardly stand up to one good punch from a Spirit Building cultivator, let alone anyone important. Or able to move this thing.A few weeks of travel and investigation, and all they had come away with was a mystery. One that might not be related to what Anton wanted to find- though in truth, he was basically just confirming what he already assumed- that there was no useful information left. But perhaps this sarcophagus might reveal something interesting regardless.
