Chapter 338
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 338
After another month Catarina found that the puzzle box only went deeper and deeper. Each step was more difficult, and the members of the Worthy Shore Society studying along with her had found themselves lost long before. Explaining the earlier layers to them was a good way to spend some time not fussing with the core of the puzzle box which had become increasingly difficult and dangerous. It was entirely possible it was only intended to be opened by those who already knew the method, but because of the nature of formations it could always be picked apart.
It was simply more difficult to do so when formation runes were hidden on the inside surface, as Catarina had to figure out a way to sense them without triggering the outer defenses. But she could do it by sensing the flow. Unfortunately the last week had been a sort of deadlock where she was making no progress at all. That didnt mean she couldnt but she had to focus on something else for a time while she digested what she had learned. Unfortunately, that meant she wouldnt be able to return to these studies for an unknown period of time.
It had been more than a week since the Worthy Shore Society declared they had nothing more they were able to share. They were willing to host the group for longer, but cautioned them against staying too long. Everyone was frantically learning what they could, studying or copying available techniques. Catarina even learned a few things about formations from the library, though she knew there was probably more knowledge hidden. It was a shame to leave it in the hands of people who couldnt use it at the moment but she had to accept it. For all of her progress, she hadnt actually given anything tangible to the Worthy Shore Society. They exchanged knowledge for knowledge, and she was invited back at a later time. Given the general hostile stance of the Exalted Archipelago, that was the best that could be expected.
-----The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.
The Worthy Shore Society guided the group out of the location of their strange island, even going so far as to escort them a day out into the open sea. Nobody came close to disturbing them, but the gesture was still appreciated. They were at the very least pleasant acquaintances.
The general atmosphere on the ships was one of accomplishment, but there was also a bit of trepidation. Learning what they had, it was difficult not to. Freely distributing some of the techniques to people who were almost enemies- and certainly not established allies- meant they thought very little of them. Perhaps there was some generosity involved, but it still showed what they had available to them.
Even if the Worthy Shore Society was friendly enough, it was still uncomfortable that only a certain pact was stopping the Exalted Archipelago in general from retaliating for actual and perceived past wrongs. Even if they werent interested in that, cultivators were often looking to expand by taking over other sects territories. There were various excuses that were used to justify things to different extents, but power would ultimately be the victor. A coalition of local sects would stand together against most aggressors but if one side was overwhelming in force little could be done.
The journey had absolutely been worth the effort. The knowledge they gained, even if it came with some concerning revelations, was extremely useful. The Exalted Archipelago could be trusted to leave them alone at least for the moment. And they were strong enough that if they were overcome by the invading forces, nobody else really stood a chance anyway. That meant the Exalted Archipelago could be set aside for the moment.
On the return journey, promises were made to copy everything that people had gained and distribute them among the various sects and clans. Spreading that information to all of them meant that it would inevitably lose any secrecy, but at least they would be the first ones to be able to study the wealth of knowledge. The gears were already turning in peoples heads for how they might refine their cultivation techniques to improve them.
Anton smiled. He had believed he could do it, but that was the case with everyone who made the attempt, unless they were truly suicidal. Many failed, and not all of them got a second chance. He slowly breathed out, feeling scorching heat in his mouth and lungs as the air moved. It hurt. Not a perfect breakthrough, then, but he was quite certain he would recover given time.
-----
Im afraid we have to make you an elder, Kseniya grinned at Anton when she next saw him. Weve recently refined the rules, and until such a time as we run into issues its simply appropriate to have every Life Transformation cultivator retain the title of elder.
Anton nodded. With twenty Life Transformation cultivators, including himself, that left seventy-nine places for elders of Essence Collection- or lower. There were only ninety elders, but there were also nine Grand Elders. If there were circumstances that led to them needing more elders they would consider changing the number of elders as it was merely ceremonial, but for the moment Anton would be taking someone elses title. He didnt like that but he had to admit that the title was fitting. And if Catarina called him Elder Anton, he would see how she liked it. Though he was far beyond caring about that little detail, since most of his peers were actually of similar age or older than himself now. Though the upcoming generations were likely to change that average.
Having achieved a long term goal, Anton wondered what he should focus on next. Improving his cultivation would continue, but he had a decade, perhaps two on the long end before the invasion? He wouldnt even make it to the midpoint of Life Transformation no matter how hard he pushed. As Anton took stock of himself, he realized that he had now spent a quarter of his life cultivating, though it hardly felt like it. Some days were tranquil and slow, but his mind always recalled his younger years and the time he had with Janina as if it had just been a short time before. People were strange like that.
Anton took a single glance into his vessel of insights. The lone insights of Swordmaster Rahayu remained there, tantalizing, but Anton knew better than to touch it at the moment. For all he knew, it might cut him in half. The insights were normally safe, but he wasnt going to chance it- or waste the insights when he wasnt fully ready to comprehend it.
What he could do was review everything he had been teaching people and improve whatever was lacking. His own power might improve somewhat in the coming years, but there was just enough time to raise up another batch or two of early Essence Collection cultivators, or at least Spirit Building. A couple decades of widespread cultivation knowledge was getting people used to it, but it could hardly be called universal. They would need everything they could to hold off ascension cultivators.
Some more practice with his anti-ascension techniques would be good too. He understood how important they would be, now that he knew more. Ascension cultivators couldnt recover their ascension energy- or upper energy- while present in this world. He didnt know how easy it was for them to come and leave, but it at least wasnt simple. Otherwise they wouldnt be constrained to certain time periods, and half-exhausting one would be pointless as they would simply leave and return.
Perhaps they could leave and come back, but it would at least put them out of commission for a time. Anton had to believe that, or hope that they could just kill anyone without giving them a chance to escape. But that would be difficult, even if he shot arrows after them for a hundred kilometers. At least he would not have to worry about them outrunning his attacks. His light arrows were significantly more powerful now. He might even give Kseniya a run for her money. Actually, sparring with her was a great idea. He wasnt exactly close in cultivation, but there wasnt a huge rift between them either.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 338
After another month Catarina found that the puzzle box only went deeper and deeper. Each step was more difficult, and the members of the Worthy Shore Society studying along with her had found themselves lost long before. Explaining the earlier layers to them was a good way to spend some time not fussing with the core of the puzzle box which had become increasingly difficult and dangerous. It was entirely possible it was only intended to be opened by those who already knew the method, but because of the nature of formations it could always be picked apart.
It was simply more difficult to do so when formation runes were hidden on the inside surface, as Catarina had to figure out a way to sense them without triggering the outer defenses. But she could do it by sensing the flow. Unfortunately the last week had been a sort of deadlock where she was making no progress at all. That didnt mean she couldnt but she had to focus on something else for a time while she digested what she had learned. Unfortunately, that meant she wouldnt be able to return to these studies for an unknown period of time.
It had been more than a week since the Worthy Shore Society declared they had nothing more they were able to share. They were willing to host the group for longer, but cautioned them against staying too long. Everyone was frantically learning what they could, studying or copying available techniques. Catarina even learned a few things about formations from the library, though she knew there was probably more knowledge hidden. It was a shame to leave it in the hands of people who couldnt use it at the moment but she had to accept it. For all of her progress, she hadnt actually given anything tangible to the Worthy Shore Society. They exchanged knowledge for knowledge, and she was invited back at a later time. Given the general hostile stance of the Exalted Archipelago, that was the best that could be expected.
-----The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.
The Worthy Shore Society guided the group out of the location of their strange island, even going so far as to escort them a day out into the open sea. Nobody came close to disturbing them, but the gesture was still appreciated. They were at the very least pleasant acquaintances.
The general atmosphere on the ships was one of accomplishment, but there was also a bit of trepidation. Learning what they had, it was difficult not to. Freely distributing some of the techniques to people who were almost enemies- and certainly not established allies- meant they thought very little of them. Perhaps there was some generosity involved, but it still showed what they had available to them.
Even if the Worthy Shore Society was friendly enough, it was still uncomfortable that only a certain pact was stopping the Exalted Archipelago in general from retaliating for actual and perceived past wrongs. Even if they werent interested in that, cultivators were often looking to expand by taking over other sects territories. There were various excuses that were used to justify things to different extents, but power would ultimately be the victor. A coalition of local sects would stand together against most aggressors but if one side was overwhelming in force little could be done.
The journey had absolutely been worth the effort. The knowledge they gained, even if it came with some concerning revelations, was extremely useful. The Exalted Archipelago could be trusted to leave them alone at least for the moment. And they were strong enough that if they were overcome by the invading forces, nobody else really stood a chance anyway. That meant the Exalted Archipelago could be set aside for the moment.
On the return journey, promises were made to copy everything that people had gained and distribute them among the various sects and clans. Spreading that information to all of them meant that it would inevitably lose any secrecy, but at least they would be the first ones to be able to study the wealth of knowledge. The gears were already turning in peoples heads for how they might refine their cultivation techniques to improve them.
Anton smiled. He had believed he could do it, but that was the case with everyone who made the attempt, unless they were truly suicidal. Many failed, and not all of them got a second chance. He slowly breathed out, feeling scorching heat in his mouth and lungs as the air moved. It hurt. Not a perfect breakthrough, then, but he was quite certain he would recover given time.
-----
Im afraid we have to make you an elder, Kseniya grinned at Anton when she next saw him. Weve recently refined the rules, and until such a time as we run into issues its simply appropriate to have every Life Transformation cultivator retain the title of elder.
Anton nodded. With twenty Life Transformation cultivators, including himself, that left seventy-nine places for elders of Essence Collection- or lower. There were only ninety elders, but there were also nine Grand Elders. If there were circumstances that led to them needing more elders they would consider changing the number of elders as it was merely ceremonial, but for the moment Anton would be taking someone elses title. He didnt like that but he had to admit that the title was fitting. And if Catarina called him Elder Anton, he would see how she liked it. Though he was far beyond caring about that little detail, since most of his peers were actually of similar age or older than himself now. Though the upcoming generations were likely to change that average.
Having achieved a long term goal, Anton wondered what he should focus on next. Improving his cultivation would continue, but he had a decade, perhaps two on the long end before the invasion? He wouldnt even make it to the midpoint of Life Transformation no matter how hard he pushed. As Anton took stock of himself, he realized that he had now spent a quarter of his life cultivating, though it hardly felt like it. Some days were tranquil and slow, but his mind always recalled his younger years and the time he had with Janina as if it had just been a short time before. People were strange like that.
Anton took a single glance into his vessel of insights. The lone insights of Swordmaster Rahayu remained there, tantalizing, but Anton knew better than to touch it at the moment. For all he knew, it might cut him in half. The insights were normally safe, but he wasnt going to chance it- or waste the insights when he wasnt fully ready to comprehend it.
What he could do was review everything he had been teaching people and improve whatever was lacking. His own power might improve somewhat in the coming years, but there was just enough time to raise up another batch or two of early Essence Collection cultivators, or at least Spirit Building. A couple decades of widespread cultivation knowledge was getting people used to it, but it could hardly be called universal. They would need everything they could to hold off ascension cultivators.
Some more practice with his anti-ascension techniques would be good too. He understood how important they would be, now that he knew more. Ascension cultivators couldnt recover their ascension energy- or upper energy- while present in this world. He didnt know how easy it was for them to come and leave, but it at least wasnt simple. Otherwise they wouldnt be constrained to certain time periods, and half-exhausting one would be pointless as they would simply leave and return.
Perhaps they could leave and come back, but it would at least put them out of commission for a time. Anton had to believe that, or hope that they could just kill anyone without giving them a chance to escape. But that would be difficult, even if he shot arrows after them for a hundred kilometers. At least he would not have to worry about them outrunning his attacks. His light arrows were significantly more powerful now. He might even give Kseniya a run for her money. Actually, sparring with her was a great idea. He wasnt exactly close in cultivation, but there wasnt a huge rift between them either.
Chapter 338After another month Catarina found that the puzzle box only went deeper and deeper. Each step was more difficult, and the members of the Worthy Shore Society studying along with her had found themselves lost long before. Explaining the earlier layers to them was a good way to spend some time not fussing with the core of the puzzle box which had become increasingly difficult and dangerous. It was entirely possible it was only intended to be opened by those who already knew the method, but because of the nature of formations it could always be picked apart.It was simply more difficult to do so when formation runes were hidden on the inside surface, as Catarina had to figure out a way to sense them without triggering the outer defenses. But she could do it by sensing the flow. Unfortunately the last week had been a sort of deadlock where she was making no progress at all. That didnt mean she couldnt but she had to focus on something else for a time while she digested what she had learned. Unfortunately, that meant she wouldnt be able to return to these studies for an unknown period of time.It had been more than a week since the Worthy Shore Society declared they had nothing more they were able to share. They were willing to host the group for longer, but cautioned them against staying too long. Everyone was frantically learning what they could, studying or copying available techniques. Catarina even learned a few things about formations from the library, though she knew there was probably more knowledge hidden. It was a shame to leave it in the hands of people who couldnt use it at the moment but she had to accept it. For all of her progress, she hadnt actually given anything tangible to the Worthy Shore Society. They exchanged knowledge for knowledge, and she was invited back at a later time. Given the general hostile stance of the Exalted Archipelago, that was the best that could be expected.-----The debut release of this chapter happened at Nvl-B1n.The Worthy Shore Society guided the group out of the location of their strange island, even going so far as to escort them a day out into the open sea. Nobody came close to disturbing them, but the gesture was still appreciated. They were at the very least pleasant acquaintances.The general atmosphere on the ships was one of accomplishment, but there was also a bit of trepidation. Learning what they had, it was difficult not to. Freely distributing some of the techniques to people who were almost enemies- and certainly not established allies- meant they thought very little of them. Perhaps there was some generosity involved, but it still showed what they had available to them.Even if the Worthy Shore Society was friendly enough, it was still uncomfortable that only a certain pact was stopping the Exalted Archipelago in general from retaliating for actual and perceived past wrongs. Even if they werent interested in that, cultivators were often looking to expand by taking over other sects territories. There were various excuses that were used to justify things to different extents, but power would ultimately be the victor. A coalition of local sects would stand together against most aggressors but if one side was overwhelming in force little could be done. The journey had absolutely been worth the effort. The knowledge they gained, even if it came with some concerning revelations, was extremely useful. The Exalted Archipelago could be trusted to leave them alone at least for the moment. And they were strong enough that if they were overcome by the invading forces, nobody else really stood a chance anyway. That meant the Exalted Archipelago could be set aside for the moment. On the return journey, promises were made to copy everything that people had gained and distribute them among the various sects and clans. Spreading that information to all of them meant that it would inevitably lose any secrecy, but at least they would be the first ones to be able to study the wealth of knowledge. The gears were already turning in peoples heads for how they might refine their cultivation techniques to improve them. Anton smiled. He had believed he could do it, but that was the case with everyone who made the attempt, unless they were truly suicidal. Many failed, and not all of them got a second chance. He slowly breathed out, feeling scorching heat in his mouth and lungs as the air moved. It hurt. Not a perfect breakthrough, then, but he was quite certain he would recover given time.-----Im afraid we have to make you an elder, Kseniya grinned at Anton when she next saw him. Weve recently refined the rules, and until such a time as we run into issues its simply appropriate to have every Life Transformation cultivator retain the title of elder.Anton nodded. With twenty Life Transformation cultivators, including himself, that left seventy-nine places for elders of Essence Collection- or lower. There were only ninety elders, but there were also nine Grand Elders. If there were circumstances that led to them needing more elders they would consider changing the number of elders as it was merely ceremonial, but for the moment Anton would be taking someone elses title. He didnt like that but he had to admit that the title was fitting. And if Catarina called him Elder Anton, he would see how she liked it. Though he was far beyond caring about that little detail, since most of his peers were actually of similar age or older than himself now. Though the upcoming generations were likely to change that average.Having achieved a long term goal, Anton wondered what he should focus on next. Improving his cultivation would continue, but he had a decade, perhaps two on the long end before the invasion? He wouldnt even make it to the midpoint of Life Transformation no matter how hard he pushed. As Anton took stock of himself, he realized that he had now spent a quarter of his life cultivating, though it hardly felt like it. Some days were tranquil and slow, but his mind always recalled his younger years and the time he had with Janina as if it had just been a short time before. People were strange like that.Anton took a single glance into his vessel of insights. The lone insights of Swordmaster Rahayu remained there, tantalizing, but Anton knew better than to touch it at the moment. For all he knew, it might cut him in half. The insights were normally safe, but he wasnt going to chance it- or waste the insights when he wasnt fully ready to comprehend it.What he could do was review everything he had been teaching people and improve whatever was lacking. His own power might improve somewhat in the coming years, but there was just enough time to raise up another batch or two of early Essence Collection cultivators, or at least Spirit Building. A couple decades of widespread cultivation knowledge was getting people used to it, but it could hardly be called universal. They would need everything they could to hold off ascension cultivators.Some more practice with his anti-ascension techniques would be good too. He understood how important they would be, now that he knew more. Ascension cultivators couldnt recover their ascension energy- or upper energy- while present in this world. He didnt know how easy it was for them to come and leave, but it at least wasnt simple. Otherwise they wouldnt be constrained to certain time periods, and half-exhausting one would be pointless as they would simply leave and return. Perhaps they could leave and come back, but it would at least put them out of commission for a time. Anton had to believe that, or hope that they could just kill anyone without giving them a chance to escape. But that would be difficult, even if he shot arrows after them for a hundred kilometers. At least he would not have to worry about them outrunning his attacks. His light arrows were significantly more powerful now. He might even give Kseniya a run for her money. Actually, sparring with her was a great idea. He wasnt exactly close in cultivation, but there wasnt a huge rift between them either.
