Chapter 660
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Chapter 660
Shes not there, Anton said plainly.
I know, Annelie nodded. All the more reason for me to go, right? Free passage through the barrier. And its not like Ill be going alone.
This could go south quickly, Anton stated.
So it becomes a battle. Im sure you can deal with that.
Im just concerned about the ones that are there, Anton shook his head. We will have many volatile and angry cultivators should something go wrong. At least we arent over a city.
Isnt that strange? Annelie asked. Youd think theyd be more secure there. Or at one of their sects.
There might not be any meaning to it, Anton said. But the thought is certainly worth bringing up.
The exchange began some hours later with Nurcan and a number of others beyond Life Transformation arriving. They couldnt match the Trifold Alliance cultivators present, though there were strict requirements about who could be present. Technically, Anton wasnt. He was on their moon. That meant his attacks would be on an actual delay but they were within his range. He could keep his senses trained on the small area that was opening up well enough, though even just that was draining. Not more than he would recover near a bound star, though.
Surprisingly, it actually went rather well at first. That was when they were exchanging resources for hostages. The hostages in question were of lesser value, so they didnt have others exchanged for them.
Once it came to the point of senior cultivators exchanging themselves for disciples, Ekict began to push. Not everyone was present, they claimed. That was certainly correct. Some would be released later. That was, at least in significant part, a lie. Enough people knew that, but they wanted to believe. It was a nice thought, saving their friends, family, or favored disciples. Promising talents. Anton was still tempted to stop them, though. He considered forcefully preventing them despite all the political implications of trying to tell people what they were and werent allowed to do. Hed already advised people that it was danger for likely no benefit. Some took the logical route, but others followed their hearts.
Antons heart would not calm down, but everything went off without a hitch. Nobody even noticed the extra little visitors coming in with the ransom payments. And some of those going didnt know they were bringing along friends. Generally, those who Anton thought would be unable to conceal the knowledge.
Would some void ants be enough? Anton wasnt certain, but that was the option they had. Annelie was taken away- with no Anishka to replace her, obviously. That was one thing Anton was certain of. The other was that Anzela Ranik was unable to get her wish. Her husband would have been able to keep his friends secret but Anzela would be surprised, depending on how they chose to reveal themselves.
Somehow, no combat began. That wasnt to say there werent many on both sides itching for it. Anton could feel the anticipation, the anger. From both sides, even. But everything went off without issue. The Order of One Hundred Stars even got back one of their disciples on exchange.
Anton went to greet her, landing on the ship she was taken to. She spotted him and spoke first. Sect Head Anton, thank you for the rescue, she bowed deeply. This disciple is not deserving of the significant cost paid. The woman had the appearance of middle age, and was in late Essence Collection. Not a genius, but still valuable. More than simple human life, which Anton valued quite highly.
For the Orders disciples, there are few prices we wouldnt pay, he assured her. Im sorry, what was your name again?
Antje, sect head Anton. This disciple is insignificant, so it is quite a forgettable name.
Oh right, right, Anton nodded. Antje. I just had to be certain. His hand grabbed her neck, burning away all of the natural energy around her as flames channeled through Anton. You see, I didnt recognize you. Which is odd, because I know the name and face of every single one of our disciples. Even the newest recruits. You are not Antje, despite sharing superficial features.
Please I-
Anton pulled out something with his other hand. Hold on, let me did the interface change again? Ah, there it is. He held up the portable computer with Antjes face on it out of his pocket. This is a picture. You know what a picture is, right?
Not all portraits are exact. Please, sect head.
They followed the flow of people outside the city for the sake of blending in, though they avoided getting too close to any other groups. Heading vaguely southward was what was normal, so simply doing that was enough. As they went, Anishka saw the beginnings of fields.
... Are they alright? Anishka asked.
What do you mean? Celina inquired.
The people. The fields.
... look fine to me.
Anishka walked up to some sort of grain. I know the temperature here is not ideal, but this its devoid of natural energy. The whole area is.
So? Patka asked. This is normal.
But I- Im certain we shared the basics of farming with you, Anishka complained. I thought you were just taking some time to get used to it, but not a single farmer out there has begun cultivating their own energy. And everything is drawn towards the citys barrier, leaving the fields starved.
So? Celina asked. This food isnt going to cultivators. It would be a waste for it to absorb natural energy.
Thats not- Anishka pinched the bridge of her nose. Thats not true. Weve known for over a century that- Look, the growth factor of the system depends on the input. If you drain it like this, its basically deteriorating, or at best remaining static!
Nobody cares, Celina said. The sects will grow stronger, and make use of this growth factor.
Nu-uh, Anishka shook her head. Because the other factor is area. Double, triple, even tenfold growth in a tiny portion of the world is nothing compared to a one percent or ten percent yield worldwide. Its like nobody even read the formulas!
A man cleared his throat. Excuse me, madam cultivator. These fields, uh, are owned by the city. So please be careful not to harm them.
Anishka looked at him, seeing one of the field workers. What do you know about the formulas? she asked.
What formulas?
Ugh. Take me to your manager.
Im Im the field manager. If you want to talk to the city overseer he swallowed and looked away.
Look, its simple. Just- Anishka reached down for her storage bag- where there was nothing. Of course. She sighed. If you find the opportunity, ask the overseer if the farming methods from the Trifold Alliance have arrived.
Arent we at war with them? he asked. Like, theyre invading or something. Which is why you disciples are flowing along the road, he gestured.
Thats not- thats not important right now, Anishka said. Look, its stolen techniques, right? Just use it. Or dont. Whatever. She shook her head. It wasnt her responsibility to get something like this started right now and it was better not to make a scene along the road. But for some reason, as the sun glared down on her she couldnt help but think of her grandpa, and how he felt about farming. Though he wasnt as big of a fan of the charts and statistical growth factors as she was. And his results always seemed to surpass the optimal methods somehow- though that was just being an Assimilation cultivator. Probably.
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Chapter 660
Shes not there, Anton said plainly.
I know, Annelie nodded. All the more reason for me to go, right? Free passage through the barrier. And its not like Ill be going alone.
This could go south quickly, Anton stated.
So it becomes a battle. Im sure you can deal with that.
Im just concerned about the ones that are there, Anton shook his head. We will have many volatile and angry cultivators should something go wrong. At least we arent over a city.
Isnt that strange? Annelie asked. Youd think theyd be more secure there. Or at one of their sects.
There might not be any meaning to it, Anton said. But the thought is certainly worth bringing up.
The exchange began some hours later with Nurcan and a number of others beyond Life Transformation arriving. They couldnt match the Trifold Alliance cultivators present, though there were strict requirements about who could be present. Technically, Anton wasnt. He was on their moon. That meant his attacks would be on an actual delay but they were within his range. He could keep his senses trained on the small area that was opening up well enough, though even just that was draining. Not more than he would recover near a bound star, though.
Surprisingly, it actually went rather well at first. That was when they were exchanging resources for hostages. The hostages in question were of lesser value, so they didnt have others exchanged for them.
Once it came to the point of senior cultivators exchanging themselves for disciples, Ekict began to push. Not everyone was present, they claimed. That was certainly correct. Some would be released later. That was, at least in significant part, a lie. Enough people knew that, but they wanted to believe. It was a nice thought, saving their friends, family, or favored disciples. Promising talents. Anton was still tempted to stop them, though. He considered forcefully preventing them despite all the political implications of trying to tell people what they were and werent allowed to do. Hed already advised people that it was danger for likely no benefit. Some took the logical route, but others followed their hearts.
Antons heart would not calm down, but everything went off without a hitch. Nobody even noticed the extra little visitors coming in with the ransom payments. And some of those going didnt know they were bringing along friends. Generally, those who Anton thought would be unable to conceal the knowledge.
Would some void ants be enough? Anton wasnt certain, but that was the option they had. Annelie was taken away- with no Anishka to replace her, obviously. That was one thing Anton was certain of. The other was that Anzela Ranik was unable to get her wish. Her husband would have been able to keep his friends secret but Anzela would be surprised, depending on how they chose to reveal themselves.
Somehow, no combat began. That wasnt to say there werent many on both sides itching for it. Anton could feel the anticipation, the anger. From both sides, even. But everything went off without issue. The Order of One Hundred Stars even got back one of their disciples on exchange.
Anton went to greet her, landing on the ship she was taken to. She spotted him and spoke first. Sect Head Anton, thank you for the rescue, she bowed deeply. This disciple is not deserving of the significant cost paid. The woman had the appearance of middle age, and was in late Essence Collection. Not a genius, but still valuable. More than simple human life, which Anton valued quite highly.
For the Orders disciples, there are few prices we wouldnt pay, he assured her. Im sorry, what was your name again?
Antje, sect head Anton. This disciple is insignificant, so it is quite a forgettable name.
Oh right, right, Anton nodded. Antje. I just had to be certain. His hand grabbed her neck, burning away all of the natural energy around her as flames channeled through Anton. You see, I didnt recognize you. Which is odd, because I know the name and face of every single one of our disciples. Even the newest recruits. You are not Antje, despite sharing superficial features.
Please I-
Anton pulled out something with his other hand. Hold on, let me did the interface change again? Ah, there it is. He held up the portable computer with Antjes face on it out of his pocket. This is a picture. You know what a picture is, right?
Not all portraits are exact. Please, sect head.
They followed the flow of people outside the city for the sake of blending in, though they avoided getting too close to any other groups. Heading vaguely southward was what was normal, so simply doing that was enough. As they went, Anishka saw the beginnings of fields.
... Are they alright? Anishka asked.
What do you mean? Celina inquired.
The people. The fields.
... look fine to me.
Anishka walked up to some sort of grain. I know the temperature here is not ideal, but this its devoid of natural energy. The whole area is.
So? Patka asked. This is normal.
But I- Im certain we shared the basics of farming with you, Anishka complained. I thought you were just taking some time to get used to it, but not a single farmer out there has begun cultivating their own energy. And everything is drawn towards the citys barrier, leaving the fields starved.
So? Celina asked. This food isnt going to cultivators. It would be a waste for it to absorb natural energy.
Thats not- Anishka pinched the bridge of her nose. Thats not true. Weve known for over a century that- Look, the growth factor of the system depends on the input. If you drain it like this, its basically deteriorating, or at best remaining static!
Nobody cares, Celina said. The sects will grow stronger, and make use of this growth factor.
Nu-uh, Anishka shook her head. Because the other factor is area. Double, triple, even tenfold growth in a tiny portion of the world is nothing compared to a one percent or ten percent yield worldwide. Its like nobody even read the formulas!
A man cleared his throat. Excuse me, madam cultivator. These fields, uh, are owned by the city. So please be careful not to harm them.
Anishka looked at him, seeing one of the field workers. What do you know about the formulas? she asked.
What formulas?
Ugh. Take me to your manager.
Im Im the field manager. If you want to talk to the city overseer he swallowed and looked away.
Look, its simple. Just- Anishka reached down for her storage bag- where there was nothing. Of course. She sighed. If you find the opportunity, ask the overseer if the farming methods from the Trifold Alliance have arrived.
Arent we at war with them? he asked. Like, theyre invading or something. Which is why you disciples are flowing along the road, he gestured.
Thats not- thats not important right now, Anishka said. Look, its stolen techniques, right? Just use it. Or dont. Whatever. She shook her head. It wasnt her responsibility to get something like this started right now and it was better not to make a scene along the road. But for some reason, as the sun glared down on her she couldnt help but think of her grandpa, and how he felt about farming. Though he wasnt as big of a fan of the charts and statistical growth factors as she was. And his results always seemed to surpass the optimal methods somehow- though that was just being an Assimilation cultivator. Probably.
Chapter 660Shes not there, Anton said plainly.I know, Annelie nodded. All the more reason for me to go, right? Free passage through the barrier. And its not like Ill be going alone.This could go south quickly, Anton stated.So it becomes a battle. Im sure you can deal with that.Im just concerned about the ones that are there, Anton shook his head. We will have many volatile and angry cultivators should something go wrong. At least we arent over a city.Isnt that strange? Annelie asked. Youd think theyd be more secure there. Or at one of their sects.There might not be any meaning to it, Anton said. But the thought is certainly worth bringing up.The exchange began some hours later with Nurcan and a number of others beyond Life Transformation arriving. They couldnt match the Trifold Alliance cultivators present, though there were strict requirements about who could be present. Technically, Anton wasnt. He was on their moon. That meant his attacks would be on an actual delay but they were within his range. He could keep his senses trained on the small area that was opening up well enough, though even just that was draining. Not more than he would recover near a bound star, though.Surprisingly, it actually went rather well at first. That was when they were exchanging resources for hostages. The hostages in question were of lesser value, so they didnt have others exchanged for them.Once it came to the point of senior cultivators exchanging themselves for disciples, Ekict began to push. Not everyone was present, they claimed. That was certainly correct. Some would be released later. That was, at least in significant part, a lie. Enough people knew that, but they wanted to believe. It was a nice thought, saving their friends, family, or favored disciples. Promising talents. Anton was still tempted to stop them, though. He considered forcefully preventing them despite all the political implications of trying to tell people what they were and werent allowed to do. Hed already advised people that it was danger for likely no benefit. Some took the logical route, but others followed their hearts.Antons heart would not calm down, but everything went off without a hitch. Nobody even noticed the extra little visitors coming in with the ransom payments. And some of those going didnt know they were bringing along friends. Generally, those who Anton thought would be unable to conceal the knowledge. Would some void ants be enough? Anton wasnt certain, but that was the option they had. Annelie was taken away- with no Anishka to replace her, obviously. That was one thing Anton was certain of. The other was that Anzela Ranik was unable to get her wish. Her husband would have been able to keep his friends secret but Anzela would be surprised, depending on how they chose to reveal themselves. Somehow, no combat began. That wasnt to say there werent many on both sides itching for it. Anton could feel the anticipation, the anger. From both sides, even. But everything went off without issue. The Order of One Hundred Stars even got back one of their disciples on exchange.Anton went to greet her, landing on the ship she was taken to. She spotted him and spoke first. Sect Head Anton, thank you for the rescue, she bowed deeply. This disciple is not deserving of the significant cost paid. The woman had the appearance of middle age, and was in late Essence Collection. Not a genius, but still valuable. More than simple human life, which Anton valued quite highly.For the Orders disciples, there are few prices we wouldnt pay, he assured her. Im sorry, what was your name again?Antje, sect head Anton. This disciple is insignificant, so it is quite a forgettable name.Oh right, right, Anton nodded. Antje. I just had to be certain. His hand grabbed her neck, burning away all of the natural energy around her as flames channeled through Anton. You see, I didnt recognize you. Which is odd, because I know the name and face of every single one of our disciples. Even the newest recruits. You are not Antje, despite sharing superficial features.Please I-Anton pulled out something with his other hand. Hold on, let me did the interface change again? Ah, there it is. He held up the portable computer with Antjes face on it out of his pocket. This is a picture. You know what a picture is, right?Not all portraits are exact. Please, sect head.They followed the flow of people outside the city for the sake of blending in, though they avoided getting too close to any other groups. Heading vaguely southward was what was normal, so simply doing that was enough. As they went, Anishka saw the beginnings of fields. ... Are they alright? Anishka asked.What do you mean? Celina inquired.The people. The fields.... look fine to me.Anishka walked up to some sort of grain. I know the temperature here is not ideal, but this its devoid of natural energy. The whole area is.So? Patka asked. This is normal.But I- Im certain we shared the basics of farming with you, Anishka complained. I thought you were just taking some time to get used to it, but not a single farmer out there has begun cultivating their own energy. And everything is drawn towards the citys barrier, leaving the fields starved.So? Celina asked. This food isnt going to cultivators. It would be a waste for it to absorb natural energy.Thats not- Anishka pinched the bridge of her nose. Thats not true. Weve known for over a century that- Look, the growth factor of the system depends on the input. If you drain it like this, its basically deteriorating, or at best remaining static!Nobody cares, Celina said. The sects will grow stronger, and make use of this growth factor.Nu-uh, Anishka shook her head. Because the other factor is area. Double, triple, even tenfold growth in a tiny portion of the world is nothing compared to a one percent or ten percent yield worldwide. Its like nobody even read the formulas!A man cleared his throat. Excuse me, madam cultivator. These fields, uh, are owned by the city. So please be careful not to harm them.Anishka looked at him, seeing one of the field workers. What do you know about the formulas? she asked.What formulas?Ugh. Take me to your manager.Im Im the field manager. If you want to talk to the city overseer he swallowed and looked away.Look, its simple. Just- Anishka reached down for her storage bag- where there was nothing. Of course. She sighed. If you find the opportunity, ask the overseer if the farming methods from the Trifold Alliance have arrived.Arent we at war with them? he asked. Like, theyre invading or something. Which is why you disciples are flowing along the road, he gestured.Thats not- thats not important right now, Anishka said. Look, its stolen techniques, right? Just use it. Or dont. Whatever. She shook her head. It wasnt her responsibility to get something like this started right now and it was better not to make a scene along the road. But for some reason, as the sun glared down on her she couldnt help but think of her grandpa, and how he felt about farming. Though he wasnt as big of a fan of the charts and statistical growth factors as she was. And his results always seemed to surpass the optimal methods somehow- though that was just being an Assimilation cultivator. Probably.
