Chapter 398
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Chapter 398
When the time came, Matousek was the first to go- at least among the Order. It was expected, as Matousek was one of the oldest and had been in mid Life Transformation when Anton joined the Order. The only others who might have gone first had perished in battle.
The loss of a Grand Elder was a significant change for the Order, and it was a serious loss for the Order but also a big step forward. Matousek arranged everything ahead of time, and it didnt come as a surprise. Not like Rahayu, who had ascended in the midst of battle.
Even so, Matouseks ascension felt very much like a death. It was at the minimum a permanent departure from life as it had been known. The details about what happened after ascension were still incomplete as far as the Order or any continental force was concerned. This was the Orders very first ascension, but other powerful sects had some in the past but seemed to lack a way to communicate. Unless the upper realms were so cutthroat that they had been instantly eliminated, but while that was a possibility it would be strange that none succeeded.
Of course, methods to communicate easily at long distance had been lost in the past. Or rather, the repeated invasions certainly had the intent to keep the continents set back from advancing too far and working together in unity. That was just one cycle they knew about, but the bare minimum of information from before that made them assume that all lost information was intentional on some level.
There had been a moment of tension after Matouseks ascension- which was impossible to doubt as being successful. Communication plates were available, but no message was received. Not that they had expected much. The fact that they worked pretty much anywhere on their own world was already impressive, but there were many possibilities for them not working. Even the Exalted Archipelago seemed to take time to get a message transferred to them from the upper realms, and they had a well established link. It was also uncertain whether ascension was actually instant, or took time.
That information had not been retrieved from any in the Exalted Archipelago, as during the war it had not been deemed top priority and afterwards it seemed the various groups were some combination of unwilling or unable to share more. The Worthy Shore Society was quite open with sharing what they could, within whatever rules remained upon them. And though they had an advantage in terms of information exchange, they were still quite interested in learning about things the continent knew. They seemed especially interested in Everhearts works, though they never actually admitted to it.
-----
Anton looked up into the sky. He knew there was a fairly reasonable probability that he was looking in the wrong direction for Matousek, but simple convenience said that the upper realms were up, even if the nature of living on a globe made that basically arbitrary. Still, the invasion had come from the skies, so there was some relation to physical space.
Hed now personally witnessed two ascensions. Rahayu was the first, and now Matousek. There had been other ascensions about the continent, but not all were predictable nor available for public viewing. There were certain levels of trust built up between different sects, but they werent completely open with each other in as a general rule. The Order had allowed some trusted individuals to witness Matouseks ascension, but only long term allies.
Personally, Anton couldnt help but be disappointed. Not that Matousek had chosen to ascend- that was the ultimate goal of many cultivators, the next step on the path. Matousek had made sure that there were no immediate risks to the Order from the loss. Anton was disappointed not with Matousek but himself. Or at least, his own prospects.
Truthfully, if given the chance to ascend he was not sure he would take it. The power was tempting, but the inability to affect the world hed spend so much time supporting, and all of the people in it that was the problem. And though there was some indication that there were ways to affect their worlds future after ascension, it was not easy nor guaranteed.
Seeing another ascension, not so violent as Rahayus but equally natural, Anton knew that it was the proper path. Sometimes taking a more difficult route resulted in benefits but sometimes, it was simply more difficult because it was the wrong way to do something. He had the intuitive sense that ascension was the natural progression of cultivation beyond Life Transformation. And he found himself no closer to figuring out something for himself. And even thinking about it was disheartening, because it felt greedy. Seeking more power, living longer when he had already lived a full life nearly eight years prior.
Ultimately those feelings were born from frustration, like when his cultivation had been stuck at the previous Prime Tempering. Cultivation became ever slower, and though it was natural he didnt like feeling his limits. That was the case even before he became a cultivator. If someone told him he couldnt do something, he would rather prove them wrong. Cant hunt at a hundred? Hed go out into a snowstorm and drag back a deer. Unpredictable consequences notwithstanding, hed succeeded.nôvel binz was the first platform to present this chapter.
He just wondered if he might do more good for the world by not trying and instead devoting that time to what he could do now. Teaching besides archery, few needed him for anything specific. But doing his best to promote and maintain peace among the various sects, clans, and cities- between the continents and to the Exalted Archipelago- that was something that had a great impact, even if it felt like climbing up a mountain of scree constantly causing him to slip down. Two steps forward and three back.
Yet he was reasonably confident that he could find an alternative to ascension given time. Not as confident as Catarina was in ascending herself, however. He cant believe shed picked a specific year for her ascension, as if she werent still ten stars away. Scheduling such an ethereal event was exactly like her.
Timothy and I will be going together, of course, Catarina explained to Anton. I intend to keep us together Id rather not have us scattered who knows where across the boundless upper realms.
You really want to go? Anton had asked.
Of course. I have no intention to stop at some arbitrary limit of cultivation. And there should be much to learn beyond here. I might even meet Everheart.
That sounds like a mistake, Anton laughed. Plus, hes dead.
Anton nodded. He couldnt exactly refute that. Even the Worthy Shore Society said little.
They are cautious, she acknowledged. Personally I think far too much. For all that they have done, they kept themselves safe. Naamah shrugged, We arent allies with the Trigold Cluster, though. I see no reason sharing some information on them should be impossible. Though we admittedly dont know any of their secrets, given our position here.
We would gladly hear anything you would tell us. Mostly, we know of the Twin Soul Sect infiltrating us, and not much more.
So you did learn about that. Are you aware they had methods to pass information to the upper realms?
Through death, mostly, Anton said. Some sort of tampering with reincarnation. That already seemed like much information to give, but they had found it to be common knowledge among the Twin Soul Sect, at least among higher members.
And you found a way to stop it. They seemed to be decades behind on information. Quite impressive, really.
Some measure of that had been discovered during the invasion, but Anton still didnt know how they had been stopped. Theyd simply killed them to prevent them from causing further trouble, anything beyond that was secret even to him in his current position. Though he was quite grateful to whoever it might have been and he had some suspicions who might be able to pull it off. We were fortunate to find signs of the truth early enough to react.
Hah! A vague response. Though letting on who was responsible wouldnt make a difference to us either way. Well, thats about as subtle a method of gaining information we get here. Truthfully, were usually more straightforward.
Is that so? Anton asked.
Thats right. In some ways, at least. Tell me, how much ornamentation have you seen here?
He looked around the chamber. It was impressive in its construction, the large pillows they were sitting on next to a low table comfortable and made of clearly fine materials. Yet Not much, by cultivator standards.
Right, she nodded. The others here almost think of us as primitive. She knocked on the top of her head.
Ah. The crown. Though Anton imagined the rest of their bones were fortified as well. And they didnt have the same appearance of body temperers that he considered normal- large frames for powerful muscles. And though she said it, Naamah seemed to have the potential to be crafty if she chose to. Id like to know more, if I could. Not just about the Twin Soul Sect- though knowing how widespread they are in the upper realms would be useful- but the others from the Trigold Cluster. And whatever else you can say.
Of course. Where should I start? Perhaps it is easiest to say that they have quite a different method of raising their younger cultivators than us. Instead of establishing permanent branches, they prefer methods similar to what you have seen.
Invasions, to gather what lower energy they can. Resources they need, that seem unavailable in the upper realms.
Well uncommon might be a better word. But basically, yes. Youve learned much.
Not as much as I fear we need to. With this next cycle coming early he looked for revelatory signs in Naamahs eyes, but couldnt confirm much of what she knew about it. Not that he would have expected different. If they gained some real matter of trust, he might go for a more straightforward question, though he was unsure if it could be answered. What else could you tell us?
Not much, Im afraid. The Scarlet Midfields separate us though it has been some time since the area truly ran red. Nowadays, it is generally enforced that any of theirs can go to their side, and we ours. The locals learned to stay out of it, of course.
That was something worth hearing. Another place, where it appeared perhaps people who ascended ended up? Was it all of them, or simply some portion? Maybe that could not be answered, but he would press for more cautiously. He wasnt sure he wanted to let on how little they truly knew, not to an unfamiliar sect at least.
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Chapter 398
When the time came, Matousek was the first to go- at least among the Order. It was expected, as Matousek was one of the oldest and had been in mid Life Transformation when Anton joined the Order. The only others who might have gone first had perished in battle.
The loss of a Grand Elder was a significant change for the Order, and it was a serious loss for the Order but also a big step forward. Matousek arranged everything ahead of time, and it didnt come as a surprise. Not like Rahayu, who had ascended in the midst of battle.
Even so, Matouseks ascension felt very much like a death. It was at the minimum a permanent departure from life as it had been known. The details about what happened after ascension were still incomplete as far as the Order or any continental force was concerned. This was the Orders very first ascension, but other powerful sects had some in the past but seemed to lack a way to communicate. Unless the upper realms were so cutthroat that they had been instantly eliminated, but while that was a possibility it would be strange that none succeeded.
Of course, methods to communicate easily at long distance had been lost in the past. Or rather, the repeated invasions certainly had the intent to keep the continents set back from advancing too far and working together in unity. That was just one cycle they knew about, but the bare minimum of information from before that made them assume that all lost information was intentional on some level.
There had been a moment of tension after Matouseks ascension- which was impossible to doubt as being successful. Communication plates were available, but no message was received. Not that they had expected much. The fact that they worked pretty much anywhere on their own world was already impressive, but there were many possibilities for them not working. Even the Exalted Archipelago seemed to take time to get a message transferred to them from the upper realms, and they had a well established link. It was also uncertain whether ascension was actually instant, or took time.
That information had not been retrieved from any in the Exalted Archipelago, as during the war it had not been deemed top priority and afterwards it seemed the various groups were some combination of unwilling or unable to share more. The Worthy Shore Society was quite open with sharing what they could, within whatever rules remained upon them. And though they had an advantage in terms of information exchange, they were still quite interested in learning about things the continent knew. They seemed especially interested in Everhearts works, though they never actually admitted to it.
-----
Anton looked up into the sky. He knew there was a fairly reasonable probability that he was looking in the wrong direction for Matousek, but simple convenience said that the upper realms were up, even if the nature of living on a globe made that basically arbitrary. Still, the invasion had come from the skies, so there was some relation to physical space.
Hed now personally witnessed two ascensions. Rahayu was the first, and now Matousek. There had been other ascensions about the continent, but not all were predictable nor available for public viewing. There were certain levels of trust built up between different sects, but they werent completely open with each other in as a general rule. The Order had allowed some trusted individuals to witness Matouseks ascension, but only long term allies.
Personally, Anton couldnt help but be disappointed. Not that Matousek had chosen to ascend- that was the ultimate goal of many cultivators, the next step on the path. Matousek had made sure that there were no immediate risks to the Order from the loss. Anton was disappointed not with Matousek but himself. Or at least, his own prospects.
Truthfully, if given the chance to ascend he was not sure he would take it. The power was tempting, but the inability to affect the world hed spend so much time supporting, and all of the people in it that was the problem. And though there was some indication that there were ways to affect their worlds future after ascension, it was not easy nor guaranteed.
Seeing another ascension, not so violent as Rahayus but equally natural, Anton knew that it was the proper path. Sometimes taking a more difficult route resulted in benefits but sometimes, it was simply more difficult because it was the wrong way to do something. He had the intuitive sense that ascension was the natural progression of cultivation beyond Life Transformation. And he found himself no closer to figuring out something for himself. And even thinking about it was disheartening, because it felt greedy. Seeking more power, living longer when he had already lived a full life nearly eight years prior.
Ultimately those feelings were born from frustration, like when his cultivation had been stuck at the previous Prime Tempering. Cultivation became ever slower, and though it was natural he didnt like feeling his limits. That was the case even before he became a cultivator. If someone told him he couldnt do something, he would rather prove them wrong. Cant hunt at a hundred? Hed go out into a snowstorm and drag back a deer. Unpredictable consequences notwithstanding, hed succeeded.nôvel binz was the first platform to present this chapter.
He just wondered if he might do more good for the world by not trying and instead devoting that time to what he could do now. Teaching besides archery, few needed him for anything specific. But doing his best to promote and maintain peace among the various sects, clans, and cities- between the continents and to the Exalted Archipelago- that was something that had a great impact, even if it felt like climbing up a mountain of scree constantly causing him to slip down. Two steps forward and three back.
Yet he was reasonably confident that he could find an alternative to ascension given time. Not as confident as Catarina was in ascending herself, however. He cant believe shed picked a specific year for her ascension, as if she werent still ten stars away. Scheduling such an ethereal event was exactly like her.
Timothy and I will be going together, of course, Catarina explained to Anton. I intend to keep us together Id rather not have us scattered who knows where across the boundless upper realms.
You really want to go? Anton had asked.
Of course. I have no intention to stop at some arbitrary limit of cultivation. And there should be much to learn beyond here. I might even meet Everheart.
That sounds like a mistake, Anton laughed. Plus, hes dead.
Anton nodded. He couldnt exactly refute that. Even the Worthy Shore Society said little.
They are cautious, she acknowledged. Personally I think far too much. For all that they have done, they kept themselves safe. Naamah shrugged, We arent allies with the Trigold Cluster, though. I see no reason sharing some information on them should be impossible. Though we admittedly dont know any of their secrets, given our position here.
We would gladly hear anything you would tell us. Mostly, we know of the Twin Soul Sect infiltrating us, and not much more.
So you did learn about that. Are you aware they had methods to pass information to the upper realms?
Through death, mostly, Anton said. Some sort of tampering with reincarnation. That already seemed like much information to give, but they had found it to be common knowledge among the Twin Soul Sect, at least among higher members.
And you found a way to stop it. They seemed to be decades behind on information. Quite impressive, really.
Some measure of that had been discovered during the invasion, but Anton still didnt know how they had been stopped. Theyd simply killed them to prevent them from causing further trouble, anything beyond that was secret even to him in his current position. Though he was quite grateful to whoever it might have been and he had some suspicions who might be able to pull it off. We were fortunate to find signs of the truth early enough to react.
Hah! A vague response. Though letting on who was responsible wouldnt make a difference to us either way. Well, thats about as subtle a method of gaining information we get here. Truthfully, were usually more straightforward.
Is that so? Anton asked.
Thats right. In some ways, at least. Tell me, how much ornamentation have you seen here?
He looked around the chamber. It was impressive in its construction, the large pillows they were sitting on next to a low table comfortable and made of clearly fine materials. Yet Not much, by cultivator standards.
Right, she nodded. The others here almost think of us as primitive. She knocked on the top of her head.
Ah. The crown. Though Anton imagined the rest of their bones were fortified as well. And they didnt have the same appearance of body temperers that he considered normal- large frames for powerful muscles. And though she said it, Naamah seemed to have the potential to be crafty if she chose to. Id like to know more, if I could. Not just about the Twin Soul Sect- though knowing how widespread they are in the upper realms would be useful- but the others from the Trigold Cluster. And whatever else you can say.
Of course. Where should I start? Perhaps it is easiest to say that they have quite a different method of raising their younger cultivators than us. Instead of establishing permanent branches, they prefer methods similar to what you have seen.
Invasions, to gather what lower energy they can. Resources they need, that seem unavailable in the upper realms.
Well uncommon might be a better word. But basically, yes. Youve learned much.
Not as much as I fear we need to. With this next cycle coming early he looked for revelatory signs in Naamahs eyes, but couldnt confirm much of what she knew about it. Not that he would have expected different. If they gained some real matter of trust, he might go for a more straightforward question, though he was unsure if it could be answered. What else could you tell us?
Not much, Im afraid. The Scarlet Midfields separate us though it has been some time since the area truly ran red. Nowadays, it is generally enforced that any of theirs can go to their side, and we ours. The locals learned to stay out of it, of course.
That was something worth hearing. Another place, where it appeared perhaps people who ascended ended up? Was it all of them, or simply some portion? Maybe that could not be answered, but he would press for more cautiously. He wasnt sure he wanted to let on how little they truly knew, not to an unfamiliar sect at least.
Chapter 398When the time came, Matousek was the first to go- at least among the Order. It was expected, as Matousek was one of the oldest and had been in mid Life Transformation when Anton joined the Order. The only others who might have gone first had perished in battle.The loss of a Grand Elder was a significant change for the Order, and it was a serious loss for the Order but also a big step forward. Matousek arranged everything ahead of time, and it didnt come as a surprise. Not like Rahayu, who had ascended in the midst of battle.Even so, Matouseks ascension felt very much like a death. It was at the minimum a permanent departure from life as it had been known. The details about what happened after ascension were still incomplete as far as the Order or any continental force was concerned. This was the Orders very first ascension, but other powerful sects had some in the past but seemed to lack a way to communicate. Unless the upper realms were so cutthroat that they had been instantly eliminated, but while that was a possibility it would be strange that none succeeded. Of course, methods to communicate easily at long distance had been lost in the past. Or rather, the repeated invasions certainly had the intent to keep the continents set back from advancing too far and working together in unity. That was just one cycle they knew about, but the bare minimum of information from before that made them assume that all lost information was intentional on some level.There had been a moment of tension after Matouseks ascension- which was impossible to doubt as being successful. Communication plates were available, but no message was received. Not that they had expected much. The fact that they worked pretty much anywhere on their own world was already impressive, but there were many possibilities for them not working. Even the Exalted Archipelago seemed to take time to get a message transferred to them from the upper realms, and they had a well established link. It was also uncertain whether ascension was actually instant, or took time. That information had not been retrieved from any in the Exalted Archipelago, as during the war it had not been deemed top priority and afterwards it seemed the various groups were some combination of unwilling or unable to share more. The Worthy Shore Society was quite open with sharing what they could, within whatever rules remained upon them. And though they had an advantage in terms of information exchange, they were still quite interested in learning about things the continent knew. They seemed especially interested in Everhearts works, though they never actually admitted to it.-----Anton looked up into the sky. He knew there was a fairly reasonable probability that he was looking in the wrong direction for Matousek, but simple convenience said that the upper realms were up, even if the nature of living on a globe made that basically arbitrary. Still, the invasion had come from the skies, so there was some relation to physical space.Hed now personally witnessed two ascensions. Rahayu was the first, and now Matousek. There had been other ascensions about the continent, but not all were predictable nor available for public viewing. There were certain levels of trust built up between different sects, but they werent completely open with each other in as a general rule. The Order had allowed some trusted individuals to witness Matouseks ascension, but only long term allies.Personally, Anton couldnt help but be disappointed. Not that Matousek had chosen to ascend- that was the ultimate goal of many cultivators, the next step on the path. Matousek had made sure that there were no immediate risks to the Order from the loss. Anton was disappointed not with Matousek but himself. Or at least, his own prospects.Truthfully, if given the chance to ascend he was not sure he would take it. The power was tempting, but the inability to affect the world hed spend so much time supporting, and all of the people in it that was the problem. And though there was some indication that there were ways to affect their worlds future after ascension, it was not easy nor guaranteed. Seeing another ascension, not so violent as Rahayus but equally natural, Anton knew that it was the proper path. Sometimes taking a more difficult route resulted in benefits but sometimes, it was simply more difficult because it was the wrong way to do something. He had the intuitive sense that ascension was the natural progression of cultivation beyond Life Transformation. And he found himself no closer to figuring out something for himself. And even thinking about it was disheartening, because it felt greedy. Seeking more power, living longer when he had already lived a full life nearly eight years prior.Ultimately those feelings were born from frustration, like when his cultivation had been stuck at the previous Prime Tempering. Cultivation became ever slower, and though it was natural he didnt like feeling his limits. That was the case even before he became a cultivator. If someone told him he couldnt do something, he would rather prove them wrong. Cant hunt at a hundred? Hed go out into a snowstorm and drag back a deer. Unpredictable consequences notwithstanding, hed succeeded.novel binz was the first platform to present this chapter.He just wondered if he might do more good for the world by not trying and instead devoting that time to what he could do now. Teaching besides archery, few needed him for anything specific. But doing his best to promote and maintain peace among the various sects, clans, and cities- between the continents and to the Exalted Archipelago- that was something that had a great impact, even if it felt like climbing up a mountain of scree constantly causing him to slip down. Two steps forward and three back.Yet he was reasonably confident that he could find an alternative to ascension given time. Not as confident as Catarina was in ascending herself, however. He cant believe shed picked a specific year for her ascension, as if she werent still ten stars away. Scheduling such an ethereal event was exactly like her.Timothy and I will be going together, of course, Catarina explained to Anton. I intend to keep us together Id rather not have us scattered who knows where across the boundless upper realms.You really want to go? Anton had asked.Of course. I have no intention to stop at some arbitrary limit of cultivation. And there should be much to learn beyond here. I might even meet Everheart.That sounds like a mistake, Anton laughed. Plus, hes dead.Anton nodded. He couldnt exactly refute that. Even the Worthy Shore Society said little.They are cautious, she acknowledged. Personally I think far too much. For all that they have done, they kept themselves safe. Naamah shrugged, We arent allies with the Trigold Cluster, though. I see no reason sharing some information on them should be impossible. Though we admittedly dont know any of their secrets, given our position here.We would gladly hear anything you would tell us. Mostly, we know of the Twin Soul Sect infiltrating us, and not much more.So you did learn about that. Are you aware they had methods to pass information to the upper realms?Through death, mostly, Anton said. Some sort of tampering with reincarnation. That already seemed like much information to give, but they had found it to be common knowledge among the Twin Soul Sect, at least among higher members.And you found a way to stop it. They seemed to be decades behind on information. Quite impressive, really.Some measure of that had been discovered during the invasion, but Anton still didnt know how they had been stopped. Theyd simply killed them to prevent them from causing further trouble, anything beyond that was secret even to him in his current position. Though he was quite grateful to whoever it might have been and he had some suspicions who might be able to pull it off. We were fortunate to find signs of the truth early enough to react.Hah! A vague response. Though letting on who was responsible wouldnt make a difference to us either way. Well, thats about as subtle a method of gaining information we get here. Truthfully, were usually more straightforward.Is that so? Anton asked.Thats right. In some ways, at least. Tell me, how much ornamentation have you seen here?He looked around the chamber. It was impressive in its construction, the large pillows they were sitting on next to a low table comfortable and made of clearly fine materials. Yet Not much, by cultivator standards.Right, she nodded. The others here almost think of us as primitive. She knocked on the top of her head.Ah. The crown. Though Anton imagined the rest of their bones were fortified as well. And they didnt have the same appearance of body temperers that he considered normal- large frames for powerful muscles. And though she said it, Naamah seemed to have the potential to be crafty if she chose to. Id like to know more, if I could. Not just about the Twin Soul Sect- though knowing how widespread they are in the upper realms would be useful- but the others from the Trigold Cluster. And whatever else you can say.Of course. Where should I start? Perhaps it is easiest to say that they have quite a different method of raising their younger cultivators than us. Instead of establishing permanent branches, they prefer methods similar to what you have seen.Invasions, to gather what lower energy they can. Resources they need, that seem unavailable in the upper realms.Well uncommon might be a better word. But basically, yes. Youve learned much.Not as much as I fear we need to. With this next cycle coming early he looked for revelatory signs in Naamahs eyes, but couldnt confirm much of what she knew about it. Not that he would have expected different. If they gained some real matter of trust, he might go for a more straightforward question, though he was unsure if it could be answered. What else could you tell us?Not much, Im afraid. The Scarlet Midfields separate us though it has been some time since the area truly ran red. Nowadays, it is generally enforced that any of theirs can go to their side, and we ours. The locals learned to stay out of it, of course.That was something worth hearing. Another place, where it appeared perhaps people who ascended ended up? Was it all of them, or simply some portion? Maybe that could not be answered, but he would press for more cautiously. He wasnt sure he wanted to let on how little they truly knew, not to an unfamiliar sect at least.
