Chapter 553
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Chapter 553
The first signs he was getting close were remnants of battles, blood and bodies of various beasts. Smaller foxes, a large bear, even some creatures that looked vaguely like rabbits, if not for the size and rows of sharp teeth. At that point, Anton was able to move quickly, tracking the fresh remnants of natural energy- though he did have to concern himself first with the beast he had been following. Though it had only been unintentionally helpful to him, Anton didnt want to kill the leopard arbitrarily. If it were hunting for food, there were plenty of options available now- strong beasts that would be quite nourishing. If it specifically wanted human hed have to deal with it.
Anton circled around the trail, going from some hundred meters behind the giant snow leopard to around in front of it, where he revealed his natural energy, preparing an attack. His first arrow was intentionally lacking effectiveness, but he still struck the beast directly in the chest. Its natural energy and thick hide minimized the damage, leaving only a small patch of blood, but now the creature had to decide. Its initial reaction might be to fight, but Anton had little he could do about that.
The creature took a defensive crouch, suddenly drawn from its focus on the trail it was following. Detecting a new opponent, it buried itself in the ice and snow to the point Anton couldnt have detected it if he had not already been watching it. It began to slink about, but not towards Anton. Instead, it moved towards the large bear, slowly concealing it and then dragging it off.
Good. It made the right choice. With that settled, Anton had to quickly follow the trail. He was just at the point he thought he could sense active combat- or perhaps he had been just slightly too late. Not having to follow a trail or even a relatively speedy tracker like the great cat, Anton covered the last few kilometers in little time at all.
There, he found an old woman with little protection from the cold- her head was bare, her robes covering her arms, body and legs far too thin to capture heat. Her hands and feet were likewise uncovered, except for ice and frozen blood.
Matija was present as well, dressed much more warmly but clearly not with full intention to dive deep into the cold surrounding her. Despite the difference in clothing, Matija was the one who looked cold, and if not for the actual ice on her arms Anton wouldnt have imagined the woman- who had to be Janae- was the slightest bit cold.
Around them were only the bodies of beasts, none alive so far as Anton could tell. Though the Life Transformation woman did not seem concerned about the chill compared to the trembling Matija, both were clearly exhausted, and covered in various wounds. It was to the point they didnt even notice Anton until he approached within a handful of meters, nearly visual range through the swirling icy mists. Perhaps you didnt need me at all, Anton said. But you do look like you could use some help getting out of here, Matija, Anton held out his hand. How about a lift?
Her eyes had locked on him, momentarily expecting danger from something new, but quickly resolving his familiar presence. Janae likewise reacted quickly, but the shared cultivation method stayed her hand as she gathered the material around them. Is this the head of your sect, Matija?
Well its complicated. He is an ally, the woman explained as she moved forward cautiously. Anton didnt waste any time driving away the cold around him, his body alighting in comforting flames which extended around her. It would take more than a moment to counteract the deep set cold in her bones, but a genuine display of his power comforted her.
Anton grasped her hand then lifted into the sky, stopping briefly to look down to Janae. Are you currently able to fly?
The old woman lifted her leg, stepping upward onto the swirling icy mist like it was a solid platform. My movement techniques are still usable. But it requires focus.
Anton nodded. Exhausted as she was, keeping a watch for enemies while also making use of such a technique was likely difficult. Otherwise, she could have carried Matija away with her already. Are there airborne beasts here?
Cliff divers and ice spirits, Janae said as she confidently strode upwards, the angle of her movement not indicating any desire to go anywhere specific but out of the mists.
Matija was currently supporting herself with a hand on Antons shoulder, hanging there only a small effort compared to resisting the cold. Her grip on his hand was released, leaving him both hands for his bow. Though his movements would still be somewhat limited by carrying her, it was a more effective position than taking his hand.
Soon enough, Janaes words came true- birds of various sizes and clusters of natural energy that seemed to have little body but ice and snow came towards them in the air. However, as was the case with many flying creatures their structures were weak- even if they were swift Antons arrows were more swift, and his energy bows produced plentiful volleys to cover everything that dared approach. But the populations of the mists were not unlimited, nor completely foolish- after a sufficient display of power, the cultivators were left alone. Then they were above the mists, the light of the sun barely filtered by the thin atmosphere. At least it brought some warmth, fleeting as it was.
WIth Matija both being more comfortable with Janae and the help of the translator unit, Matija soon had an answer. She says that unless it is necessary to survive, the third peak does not use medicine.
Why? Anton asked. If it is part of their cultivation path, I can understand of course, but I am unfamiliar with them.
I dont know either, Matija admitted. Can you tell us? she asked Janae. They werent concealing their conversation from her, but they spoke as was more comfortable for them- and thus more difficult for the woman to understand.
It is a waste of precious resources, she explained.
That, Anton could understand. He didnt exactly see abundant herbs around them. Hed seen some indications of plantlife below, but he didnt understand any of their properties enough to even think about collecting them- or approaching them. It was hard to say which plants would be dangerous without some reference.
Anton took some time to think about the situation. Mostly, he wanted to determine if some of his potential actions might offend the woman. From what he understood, she had fought- nearly to the death- to defend Matija and her crew because they were guests. A conviction clearly not shared by the First Peak. Finally, Anton just decided to offer. If he caused offense, he was still new and it could be excused. He pulled out a medicinal pill- not the strongest he had, but the one that would have the least side effects. It would help with closing wounds and returning to health for wounds such as Janaes that were not life threatening- though only because the Life Transformation womans power had stretched that definition.
I would like to thank you for protecting my friend, Anton said. A gift, for your conviction.
Janae looked at the pill- a ball formed mostly of various medicinal powders. She nodded her head, reaching out to take it. Instead of consuming it, she studied it- though not with paranoia or worry, but fascination. You say you were unable to achieve Ascension. How then do you have access to materials such as this, and those shackles?
They are available in our star systems, Anton said. They are much more hospitable than this place.
... do any achieve Ascension? she asked.
Some, Anton said. More than yearly, among our population.
How many? Janae asked.
A few billion.
Anton did not think that number was particularly high. The Sylanis Cluster had over a hundred billion among their planets. Rutera was over ten billion on their main planet alone. Weos had similar numbers spread throughout their system. However, Janae looked as if she had heard the numbers incorrectly. After determining that he truly meant thousands of millions, her face could barely hold an expression, her jaw dropping. We have many fewer here. Less than a million, I think. Given the harsh peaks, Anton was not terribly surprised. Janaes following question was quite intriguing, however. In a place with such abundant resources how do you face the adversity required to reach Ascension?
The question said much about her understanding of the world. Bare hands and feet to face the cold, cultivating against adversity to rise to Ascension. Anton could see the value in such a path but he was well aware there were many ways. Some were certainly weaker, but pure difficulty did not necessarily make the correct path. Sometimes, a path was simply smoother because it was a well trod path to greater heights of cultivation. There was much he would be able to discuss here and many questions he would like to have answered. Like whether or not the other peaks were likely to be more like the first or third peaks.
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Chapter 553
The first signs he was getting close were remnants of battles, blood and bodies of various beasts. Smaller foxes, a large bear, even some creatures that looked vaguely like rabbits, if not for the size and rows of sharp teeth. At that point, Anton was able to move quickly, tracking the fresh remnants of natural energy- though he did have to concern himself first with the beast he had been following. Though it had only been unintentionally helpful to him, Anton didnt want to kill the leopard arbitrarily. If it were hunting for food, there were plenty of options available now- strong beasts that would be quite nourishing. If it specifically wanted human hed have to deal with it.
Anton circled around the trail, going from some hundred meters behind the giant snow leopard to around in front of it, where he revealed his natural energy, preparing an attack. His first arrow was intentionally lacking effectiveness, but he still struck the beast directly in the chest. Its natural energy and thick hide minimized the damage, leaving only a small patch of blood, but now the creature had to decide. Its initial reaction might be to fight, but Anton had little he could do about that.
The creature took a defensive crouch, suddenly drawn from its focus on the trail it was following. Detecting a new opponent, it buried itself in the ice and snow to the point Anton couldnt have detected it if he had not already been watching it. It began to slink about, but not towards Anton. Instead, it moved towards the large bear, slowly concealing it and then dragging it off.
Good. It made the right choice. With that settled, Anton had to quickly follow the trail. He was just at the point he thought he could sense active combat- or perhaps he had been just slightly too late. Not having to follow a trail or even a relatively speedy tracker like the great cat, Anton covered the last few kilometers in little time at all.
There, he found an old woman with little protection from the cold- her head was bare, her robes covering her arms, body and legs far too thin to capture heat. Her hands and feet were likewise uncovered, except for ice and frozen blood.
Matija was present as well, dressed much more warmly but clearly not with full intention to dive deep into the cold surrounding her. Despite the difference in clothing, Matija was the one who looked cold, and if not for the actual ice on her arms Anton wouldnt have imagined the woman- who had to be Janae- was the slightest bit cold.
Around them were only the bodies of beasts, none alive so far as Anton could tell. Though the Life Transformation woman did not seem concerned about the chill compared to the trembling Matija, both were clearly exhausted, and covered in various wounds. It was to the point they didnt even notice Anton until he approached within a handful of meters, nearly visual range through the swirling icy mists. Perhaps you didnt need me at all, Anton said. But you do look like you could use some help getting out of here, Matija, Anton held out his hand. How about a lift?
Her eyes had locked on him, momentarily expecting danger from something new, but quickly resolving his familiar presence. Janae likewise reacted quickly, but the shared cultivation method stayed her hand as she gathered the material around them. Is this the head of your sect, Matija?
Well its complicated. He is an ally, the woman explained as she moved forward cautiously. Anton didnt waste any time driving away the cold around him, his body alighting in comforting flames which extended around her. It would take more than a moment to counteract the deep set cold in her bones, but a genuine display of his power comforted her.
Anton grasped her hand then lifted into the sky, stopping briefly to look down to Janae. Are you currently able to fly?
The old woman lifted her leg, stepping upward onto the swirling icy mist like it was a solid platform. My movement techniques are still usable. But it requires focus.
Anton nodded. Exhausted as she was, keeping a watch for enemies while also making use of such a technique was likely difficult. Otherwise, she could have carried Matija away with her already. Are there airborne beasts here?
Cliff divers and ice spirits, Janae said as she confidently strode upwards, the angle of her movement not indicating any desire to go anywhere specific but out of the mists.
Matija was currently supporting herself with a hand on Antons shoulder, hanging there only a small effort compared to resisting the cold. Her grip on his hand was released, leaving him both hands for his bow. Though his movements would still be somewhat limited by carrying her, it was a more effective position than taking his hand.
Soon enough, Janaes words came true- birds of various sizes and clusters of natural energy that seemed to have little body but ice and snow came towards them in the air. However, as was the case with many flying creatures their structures were weak- even if they were swift Antons arrows were more swift, and his energy bows produced plentiful volleys to cover everything that dared approach. But the populations of the mists were not unlimited, nor completely foolish- after a sufficient display of power, the cultivators were left alone. Then they were above the mists, the light of the sun barely filtered by the thin atmosphere. At least it brought some warmth, fleeting as it was.
WIth Matija both being more comfortable with Janae and the help of the translator unit, Matija soon had an answer. She says that unless it is necessary to survive, the third peak does not use medicine.
Why? Anton asked. If it is part of their cultivation path, I can understand of course, but I am unfamiliar with them.
I dont know either, Matija admitted. Can you tell us? she asked Janae. They werent concealing their conversation from her, but they spoke as was more comfortable for them- and thus more difficult for the woman to understand.
It is a waste of precious resources, she explained.
That, Anton could understand. He didnt exactly see abundant herbs around them. Hed seen some indications of plantlife below, but he didnt understand any of their properties enough to even think about collecting them- or approaching them. It was hard to say which plants would be dangerous without some reference.
Anton took some time to think about the situation. Mostly, he wanted to determine if some of his potential actions might offend the woman. From what he understood, she had fought- nearly to the death- to defend Matija and her crew because they were guests. A conviction clearly not shared by the First Peak. Finally, Anton just decided to offer. If he caused offense, he was still new and it could be excused. He pulled out a medicinal pill- not the strongest he had, but the one that would have the least side effects. It would help with closing wounds and returning to health for wounds such as Janaes that were not life threatening- though only because the Life Transformation womans power had stretched that definition.
I would like to thank you for protecting my friend, Anton said. A gift, for your conviction.
Janae looked at the pill- a ball formed mostly of various medicinal powders. She nodded her head, reaching out to take it. Instead of consuming it, she studied it- though not with paranoia or worry, but fascination. You say you were unable to achieve Ascension. How then do you have access to materials such as this, and those shackles?
They are available in our star systems, Anton said. They are much more hospitable than this place.
... do any achieve Ascension? she asked.
Some, Anton said. More than yearly, among our population.
How many? Janae asked.
A few billion.
Anton did not think that number was particularly high. The Sylanis Cluster had over a hundred billion among their planets. Rutera was over ten billion on their main planet alone. Weos had similar numbers spread throughout their system. However, Janae looked as if she had heard the numbers incorrectly. After determining that he truly meant thousands of millions, her face could barely hold an expression, her jaw dropping. We have many fewer here. Less than a million, I think. Given the harsh peaks, Anton was not terribly surprised. Janaes following question was quite intriguing, however. In a place with such abundant resources how do you face the adversity required to reach Ascension?
The question said much about her understanding of the world. Bare hands and feet to face the cold, cultivating against adversity to rise to Ascension. Anton could see the value in such a path but he was well aware there were many ways. Some were certainly weaker, but pure difficulty did not necessarily make the correct path. Sometimes, a path was simply smoother because it was a well trod path to greater heights of cultivation. There was much he would be able to discuss here and many questions he would like to have answered. Like whether or not the other peaks were likely to be more like the first or third peaks.
Chapter 553The first signs he was getting close were remnants of battles, blood and bodies of various beasts. Smaller foxes, a large bear, even some creatures that looked vaguely like rabbits, if not for the size and rows of sharp teeth. At that point, Anton was able to move quickly, tracking the fresh remnants of natural energy- though he did have to concern himself first with the beast he had been following. Though it had only been unintentionally helpful to him, Anton didnt want to kill the leopard arbitrarily. If it were hunting for food, there were plenty of options available now- strong beasts that would be quite nourishing. If it specifically wanted human hed have to deal with it.Anton circled around the trail, going from some hundred meters behind the giant snow leopard to around in front of it, where he revealed his natural energy, preparing an attack. His first arrow was intentionally lacking effectiveness, but he still struck the beast directly in the chest. Its natural energy and thick hide minimized the damage, leaving only a small patch of blood, but now the creature had to decide. Its initial reaction might be to fight, but Anton had little he could do about that. The creature took a defensive crouch, suddenly drawn from its focus on the trail it was following. Detecting a new opponent, it buried itself in the ice and snow to the point Anton couldnt have detected it if he had not already been watching it. It began to slink about, but not towards Anton. Instead, it moved towards the large bear, slowly concealing it and then dragging it off. Good. It made the right choice. With that settled, Anton had to quickly follow the trail. He was just at the point he thought he could sense active combat- or perhaps he had been just slightly too late. Not having to follow a trail or even a relatively speedy tracker like the great cat, Anton covered the last few kilometers in little time at all.There, he found an old woman with little protection from the cold- her head was bare, her robes covering her arms, body and legs far too thin to capture heat. Her hands and feet were likewise uncovered, except for ice and frozen blood. Matija was present as well, dressed much more warmly but clearly not with full intention to dive deep into the cold surrounding her. Despite the difference in clothing, Matija was the one who looked cold, and if not for the actual ice on her arms Anton wouldnt have imagined the woman- who had to be Janae- was the slightest bit cold.Around them were only the bodies of beasts, none alive so far as Anton could tell. Though the Life Transformation woman did not seem concerned about the chill compared to the trembling Matija, both were clearly exhausted, and covered in various wounds. It was to the point they didnt even notice Anton until he approached within a handful of meters, nearly visual range through the swirling icy mists. Perhaps you didnt need me at all, Anton said. But you do look like you could use some help getting out of here, Matija, Anton held out his hand. How about a lift?Her eyes had locked on him, momentarily expecting danger from something new, but quickly resolving his familiar presence. Janae likewise reacted quickly, but the shared cultivation method stayed her hand as she gathered the material around them. Is this the head of your sect, Matija?Well its complicated. He is an ally, the woman explained as she moved forward cautiously. Anton didnt waste any time driving away the cold around him, his body alighting in comforting flames which extended around her. It would take more than a moment to counteract the deep set cold in her bones, but a genuine display of his power comforted her. Anton grasped her hand then lifted into the sky, stopping briefly to look down to Janae. Are you currently able to fly?The old woman lifted her leg, stepping upward onto the swirling icy mist like it was a solid platform. My movement techniques are still usable. But it requires focus.Anton nodded. Exhausted as she was, keeping a watch for enemies while also making use of such a technique was likely difficult. Otherwise, she could have carried Matija away with her already. Are there airborne beasts here?Cliff divers and ice spirits, Janae said as she confidently strode upwards, the angle of her movement not indicating any desire to go anywhere specific but out of the mists.Matija was currently supporting herself with a hand on Antons shoulder, hanging there only a small effort compared to resisting the cold. Her grip on his hand was released, leaving him both hands for his bow. Though his movements would still be somewhat limited by carrying her, it was a more effective position than taking his hand.Soon enough, Janaes words came true- birds of various sizes and clusters of natural energy that seemed to have little body but ice and snow came towards them in the air. However, as was the case with many flying creatures their structures were weak- even if they were swift Antons arrows were more swift, and his energy bows produced plentiful volleys to cover everything that dared approach. But the populations of the mists were not unlimited, nor completely foolish- after a sufficient display of power, the cultivators were left alone. Then they were above the mists, the light of the sun barely filtered by the thin atmosphere. At least it brought some warmth, fleeting as it was.WIth Matija both being more comfortable with Janae and the help of the translator unit, Matija soon had an answer. She says that unless it is necessary to survive, the third peak does not use medicine.Why? Anton asked. If it is part of their cultivation path, I can understand of course, but I am unfamiliar with them.I dont know either, Matija admitted. Can you tell us? she asked Janae. They werent concealing their conversation from her, but they spoke as was more comfortable for them- and thus more difficult for the woman to understand.It is a waste of precious resources, she explained.That, Anton could understand. He didnt exactly see abundant herbs around them. Hed seen some indications of plantlife below, but he didnt understand any of their properties enough to even think about collecting them- or approaching them. It was hard to say which plants would be dangerous without some reference. Anton took some time to think about the situation. Mostly, he wanted to determine if some of his potential actions might offend the woman. From what he understood, she had fought- nearly to the death- to defend Matija and her crew because they were guests. A conviction clearly not shared by the First Peak. Finally, Anton just decided to offer. If he caused offense, he was still new and it could be excused. He pulled out a medicinal pill- not the strongest he had, but the one that would have the least side effects. It would help with closing wounds and returning to health for wounds such as Janaes that were not life threatening- though only because the Life Transformation womans power had stretched that definition.I would like to thank you for protecting my friend, Anton said. A gift, for your conviction.Janae looked at the pill- a ball formed mostly of various medicinal powders. She nodded her head, reaching out to take it. Instead of consuming it, she studied it- though not with paranoia or worry, but fascination. You say you were unable to achieve Ascension. How then do you have access to materials such as this, and those shackles?They are available in our star systems, Anton said. They are much more hospitable than this place.... do any achieve Ascension? she asked.Some, Anton said. More than yearly, among our population.How many? Janae asked.A few billion.Anton did not think that number was particularly high. The Sylanis Cluster had over a hundred billion among their planets. Rutera was over ten billion on their main planet alone. Weos had similar numbers spread throughout their system. However, Janae looked as if she had heard the numbers incorrectly. After determining that he truly meant thousands of millions, her face could barely hold an expression, her jaw dropping. We have many fewer here. Less than a million, I think. Given the harsh peaks, Anton was not terribly surprised. Janaes following question was quite intriguing, however. In a place with such abundant resources how do you face the adversity required to reach Ascension?The question said much about her understanding of the world. Bare hands and feet to face the cold, cultivating against adversity to rise to Ascension. Anton could see the value in such a path but he was well aware there were many ways. Some were certainly weaker, but pure difficulty did not necessarily make the correct path. Sometimes, a path was simply smoother because it was a well trod path to greater heights of cultivation. There was much he would be able to discuss here and many questions he would like to have answered. Like whether or not the other peaks were likely to be more like the first or third peaks.
