Chapter 839
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Chapter 839
It had been long enough since Anton had visited anywhere along his route to the east, ending at Inistra. It was time for him to make his once in a few decades checkup. Maybe closer to a century, this time. Hed been quite busy, and hadnt needed to return. So he hadnt found the time.
Tenouna and Shrenn were almost unrecognizable. They were no longer the only occupied planets in the system. They had already been spreading on his last trip, but they were just starting to settle their moons and other places. Now their population and prosperity had exploded. Many people still lived underground, but that became more a matter of efficiency of space usage rather than a necessity.
He stopped by Syrinx and the Hardened Crown Sect, though he didnt have much to do there. The stubborn Naamah was at least making use of the more admirable side of that quality, beginning interaction with Nidec.
They hadnt expanded outside of their system yet, and it wouldnt be necessary for quite some time- but the changes he saw were quite astounding. It helped that very few people remembered the previous conflict between the twin planets. They were still the highest population, but more than three quarters of people were too young to remember the war. And those who did like Admetus and Aurelianus had been part of the reconciliation.
Like with Syrinx, he happened to choose one of the rare times Anishka wasnt on Ekict but instead back on Ceretos- though he had taken some time to reconnect with her already when he stopped by. He couldnt really expect everyone else to just stay in one place when he himself was now more of a wanderer, but it was strange to stop by the planet and not have her there.
Anton had been more or less aware of what changes were happening in each place, so he wasnt surprised by anything until he came to Xicil. The desert planet had some way of sensing the approach of cultivators, and they were quite efficient about hiding underground. Despite that, the place was lively- with a clearly farmed surface that spoke of a significant population.
Anton didnt want to force people inside every time he showed up, but he was still curious so he couldnt help but stop by. Thus, he was quite surprised to find someone waiting outside. He hadnt raced towards them, since he didnt want to spook them, but there should have been plenty of time. Especially since this was a Life Transformation cultivator.
With that in mind, he made his way around the planet, landing a hundred meters away from the man, finding that he had sun-kissed dark skin. He figured it was polite to walk up to him instead of instantly sitting down at the table the man was at- even though he was certain it was set up for him.
Greetings, mighty one.
The mans style of speech was a bit awkward, but Anton had plenty of practice with those who had been separated from the connected language of cultivators. And hed also learned much more different language with regards to what was spoken on Akrys.
Greetings, Anton said. I had expected a note, to be honest.
It was not good enough, the man said. As he looked at Anton, he swallowed nervously. Sit, if you please. My name is Bishan.
Anton took the seat across from him. I am Anton. It was clear the man was uncomfortable, though Anton was trying to do his best to not be threatening.
Apologies. You burn with the power of many stars. I thought I was prepared, but
Ah, Anton nodded. He supposed he hadnt really been around much since reaching Enrichment. He might have simply gone past, in fact, since he saw no reason to bother them on outgoing and return trips. Yes, I have grown stronger since I was last here.
... How? Bishan asked. I mean you do not need to give up any secrets, but I wonder how you are here and not ascended.
That was something Anton was willing to answer. I took a different path. Instead of Ascension, I remained here. Connected myself to the stars.
I see, Bishan nodded. We had not considered anything like that, but perhaps we should have. I was a small child when you first appeared. I was a bit precocious, taking up cultivation early. When you came, I hid just inside our seal. I felt you first then. And I am partially responsible for the exchange of notes.
-----
Anton was surprised to find Varghese at the peak of Life Transformation. Since he couldnt really schedule his timing around what the sect head was doing, he just showed up- and predictably Varghese chased away everyone seeking his attention to make time for Anton. Anton knew it was partially respect for him, but also an excuse for Varghese to not have to deal with them. Otherwise, he would have been content to wait.
Sect head, Varghese bowed his head.
Branch head Varghese. It has been far too long. I know we have been exchanging messages, but its not the same.
Indeed it is not, Varghese admitted.
Even so, you could have asked for my advice. Has your cultivation hit a bottleneck? Anton asked.
Varghese shook his head. You provided me with sufficient guidance- and the Path to One Hundred Stars. No, I was simply waiting for this. To consult with you in person.
You could have asked me to come.
You were busy. And I have been busy. Honestly, I needed the time. To think. And to make certain things could function without me.
You intend to ascend? Anton asked, surprised.
Not at all, Varghese said. But I recall you speaking of turning your body into little more than a mess of charcoal. And there are the other complications. You see, I want to bind Inistras star.
Is that so? Anton asked. I can give up my bond to the star.
No! Varghese said. I know that would drop your cultivation. A decade or more, I imagine. I wanted to see if both of us could bond to the same star.
I see, Anton nodded. None of the others have chosen this path. Vincent was quite different. And others generally choose to ascend, or forge their own paths. Not that I am saying it is incorrect to try but they are intimidated by me.
Myself as well, Varghese admitted. Which might be why I didnt ask you to come. But I want to try.
You know it will be dangerous for us? Anton asked. For you more than me, I imagine.
I know, Varghese said. And I understand if you wouldnt want to risk yourself.
Anton shook his head. I dont mind. I need to know, actually. I dont intend to monopolize things for myself, after all. But well need to be careful. I dont know if Ill have to relax my control or anything else. There has only been one other time, with Ekicts star- and the one drawing power from that did so in an entirely different manner.
Anton had already been planning to spend more time on Inistra than elsewhere, but now he had a reason to spend several months just going over the risks and possible scenarios. Because he didnt want the local branch head to die, for more than one reason. And he also didnt want himself to die, though as hed stated the risk of that was much lower.
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Chapter 839
It had been long enough since Anton had visited anywhere along his route to the east, ending at Inistra. It was time for him to make his once in a few decades checkup. Maybe closer to a century, this time. Hed been quite busy, and hadnt needed to return. So he hadnt found the time.
Tenouna and Shrenn were almost unrecognizable. They were no longer the only occupied planets in the system. They had already been spreading on his last trip, but they were just starting to settle their moons and other places. Now their population and prosperity had exploded. Many people still lived underground, but that became more a matter of efficiency of space usage rather than a necessity.
He stopped by Syrinx and the Hardened Crown Sect, though he didnt have much to do there. The stubborn Naamah was at least making use of the more admirable side of that quality, beginning interaction with Nidec.
They hadnt expanded outside of their system yet, and it wouldnt be necessary for quite some time- but the changes he saw were quite astounding. It helped that very few people remembered the previous conflict between the twin planets. They were still the highest population, but more than three quarters of people were too young to remember the war. And those who did like Admetus and Aurelianus had been part of the reconciliation.
Like with Syrinx, he happened to choose one of the rare times Anishka wasnt on Ekict but instead back on Ceretos- though he had taken some time to reconnect with her already when he stopped by. He couldnt really expect everyone else to just stay in one place when he himself was now more of a wanderer, but it was strange to stop by the planet and not have her there.
Anton had been more or less aware of what changes were happening in each place, so he wasnt surprised by anything until he came to Xicil. The desert planet had some way of sensing the approach of cultivators, and they were quite efficient about hiding underground. Despite that, the place was lively- with a clearly farmed surface that spoke of a significant population.
Anton didnt want to force people inside every time he showed up, but he was still curious so he couldnt help but stop by. Thus, he was quite surprised to find someone waiting outside. He hadnt raced towards them, since he didnt want to spook them, but there should have been plenty of time. Especially since this was a Life Transformation cultivator.
With that in mind, he made his way around the planet, landing a hundred meters away from the man, finding that he had sun-kissed dark skin. He figured it was polite to walk up to him instead of instantly sitting down at the table the man was at- even though he was certain it was set up for him.
Greetings, mighty one.
The mans style of speech was a bit awkward, but Anton had plenty of practice with those who had been separated from the connected language of cultivators. And hed also learned much more different language with regards to what was spoken on Akrys.
Greetings, Anton said. I had expected a note, to be honest.
It was not good enough, the man said. As he looked at Anton, he swallowed nervously. Sit, if you please. My name is Bishan.
Anton took the seat across from him. I am Anton. It was clear the man was uncomfortable, though Anton was trying to do his best to not be threatening.
Apologies. You burn with the power of many stars. I thought I was prepared, but
Ah, Anton nodded. He supposed he hadnt really been around much since reaching Enrichment. He might have simply gone past, in fact, since he saw no reason to bother them on outgoing and return trips. Yes, I have grown stronger since I was last here.
... How? Bishan asked. I mean you do not need to give up any secrets, but I wonder how you are here and not ascended.
That was something Anton was willing to answer. I took a different path. Instead of Ascension, I remained here. Connected myself to the stars.
I see, Bishan nodded. We had not considered anything like that, but perhaps we should have. I was a small child when you first appeared. I was a bit precocious, taking up cultivation early. When you came, I hid just inside our seal. I felt you first then. And I am partially responsible for the exchange of notes.
-----
Anton was surprised to find Varghese at the peak of Life Transformation. Since he couldnt really schedule his timing around what the sect head was doing, he just showed up- and predictably Varghese chased away everyone seeking his attention to make time for Anton. Anton knew it was partially respect for him, but also an excuse for Varghese to not have to deal with them. Otherwise, he would have been content to wait.
Sect head, Varghese bowed his head.
Branch head Varghese. It has been far too long. I know we have been exchanging messages, but its not the same.
Indeed it is not, Varghese admitted.
Even so, you could have asked for my advice. Has your cultivation hit a bottleneck? Anton asked.
Varghese shook his head. You provided me with sufficient guidance- and the Path to One Hundred Stars. No, I was simply waiting for this. To consult with you in person.
You could have asked me to come.
You were busy. And I have been busy. Honestly, I needed the time. To think. And to make certain things could function without me.
You intend to ascend? Anton asked, surprised.
Not at all, Varghese said. But I recall you speaking of turning your body into little more than a mess of charcoal. And there are the other complications. You see, I want to bind Inistras star.
Is that so? Anton asked. I can give up my bond to the star.
No! Varghese said. I know that would drop your cultivation. A decade or more, I imagine. I wanted to see if both of us could bond to the same star.
I see, Anton nodded. None of the others have chosen this path. Vincent was quite different. And others generally choose to ascend, or forge their own paths. Not that I am saying it is incorrect to try but they are intimidated by me.
Myself as well, Varghese admitted. Which might be why I didnt ask you to come. But I want to try.
You know it will be dangerous for us? Anton asked. For you more than me, I imagine.
I know, Varghese said. And I understand if you wouldnt want to risk yourself.
Anton shook his head. I dont mind. I need to know, actually. I dont intend to monopolize things for myself, after all. But well need to be careful. I dont know if Ill have to relax my control or anything else. There has only been one other time, with Ekicts star- and the one drawing power from that did so in an entirely different manner.
Anton had already been planning to spend more time on Inistra than elsewhere, but now he had a reason to spend several months just going over the risks and possible scenarios. Because he didnt want the local branch head to die, for more than one reason. And he also didnt want himself to die, though as hed stated the risk of that was much lower.
Chapter 839It had been long enough since Anton had visited anywhere along his route to the east, ending at Inistra. It was time for him to make his once in a few decades checkup. Maybe closer to a century, this time. Hed been quite busy, and hadnt needed to return. So he hadnt found the time. Tenouna and Shrenn were almost unrecognizable. They were no longer the only occupied planets in the system. They had already been spreading on his last trip, but they were just starting to settle their moons and other places. Now their population and prosperity had exploded. Many people still lived underground, but that became more a matter of efficiency of space usage rather than a necessity. He stopped by Syrinx and the Hardened Crown Sect, though he didnt have much to do there. The stubborn Naamah was at least making use of the more admirable side of that quality, beginning interaction with Nidec.They hadnt expanded outside of their system yet, and it wouldnt be necessary for quite some time- but the changes he saw were quite astounding. It helped that very few people remembered the previous conflict between the twin planets. They were still the highest population, but more than three quarters of people were too young to remember the war. And those who did like Admetus and Aurelianus had been part of the reconciliation. Like with Syrinx, he happened to choose one of the rare times Anishka wasnt on Ekict but instead back on Ceretos- though he had taken some time to reconnect with her already when he stopped by. He couldnt really expect everyone else to just stay in one place when he himself was now more of a wanderer, but it was strange to stop by the planet and not have her there.Anton had been more or less aware of what changes were happening in each place, so he wasnt surprised by anything until he came to Xicil. The desert planet had some way of sensing the approach of cultivators, and they were quite efficient about hiding underground. Despite that, the place was lively- with a clearly farmed surface that spoke of a significant population. Anton didnt want to force people inside every time he showed up, but he was still curious so he couldnt help but stop by. Thus, he was quite surprised to find someone waiting outside. He hadnt raced towards them, since he didnt want to spook them, but there should have been plenty of time. Especially since this was a Life Transformation cultivator.With that in mind, he made his way around the planet, landing a hundred meters away from the man, finding that he had sun-kissed dark skin. He figured it was polite to walk up to him instead of instantly sitting down at the table the man was at- even though he was certain it was set up for him.Greetings, mighty one. The mans style of speech was a bit awkward, but Anton had plenty of practice with those who had been separated from the connected language of cultivators. And hed also learned much more different language with regards to what was spoken on Akrys.Greetings, Anton said. I had expected a note, to be honest.It was not good enough, the man said. As he looked at Anton, he swallowed nervously. Sit, if you please. My name is Bishan.Anton took the seat across from him. I am Anton. It was clear the man was uncomfortable, though Anton was trying to do his best to not be threatening.Apologies. You burn with the power of many stars. I thought I was prepared, butAh, Anton nodded. He supposed he hadnt really been around much since reaching Enrichment. He might have simply gone past, in fact, since he saw no reason to bother them on outgoing and return trips. Yes, I have grown stronger since I was last here.... How? Bishan asked. I mean you do not need to give up any secrets, but I wonder how you are here and not ascended.That was something Anton was willing to answer. I took a different path. Instead of Ascension, I remained here. Connected myself to the stars.I see, Bishan nodded. We had not considered anything like that, but perhaps we should have. I was a small child when you first appeared. I was a bit precocious, taking up cultivation early. When you came, I hid just inside our seal. I felt you first then. And I am partially responsible for the exchange of notes.-----Anton was surprised to find Varghese at the peak of Life Transformation. Since he couldnt really schedule his timing around what the sect head was doing, he just showed up- and predictably Varghese chased away everyone seeking his attention to make time for Anton. Anton knew it was partially respect for him, but also an excuse for Varghese to not have to deal with them. Otherwise, he would have been content to wait.Sect head, Varghese bowed his head.Branch head Varghese. It has been far too long. I know we have been exchanging messages, but its not the same.Indeed it is not, Varghese admitted.Even so, you could have asked for my advice. Has your cultivation hit a bottleneck? Anton asked.Varghese shook his head. You provided me with sufficient guidance- and the Path to One Hundred Stars. No, I was simply waiting for this. To consult with you in person.You could have asked me to come.You were busy. And I have been busy. Honestly, I needed the time. To think. And to make certain things could function without me.You intend to ascend? Anton asked, surprised.Not at all, Varghese said. But I recall you speaking of turning your body into little more than a mess of charcoal. And there are the other complications. You see, I want to bind Inistras star.Is that so? Anton asked. I can give up my bond to the star.No! Varghese said. I know that would drop your cultivation. A decade or more, I imagine. I wanted to see if both of us could bond to the same star.I see, Anton nodded. None of the others have chosen this path. Vincent was quite different. And others generally choose to ascend, or forge their own paths. Not that I am saying it is incorrect to try but they are intimidated by me.Myself as well, Varghese admitted. Which might be why I didnt ask you to come. But I want to try.You know it will be dangerous for us? Anton asked. For you more than me, I imagine.I know, Varghese said. And I understand if you wouldnt want to risk yourself.Anton shook his head. I dont mind. I need to know, actually. I dont intend to monopolize things for myself, after all. But well need to be careful. I dont know if Ill have to relax my control or anything else. There has only been one other time, with Ekicts star- and the one drawing power from that did so in an entirely different manner.Anton had already been planning to spend more time on Inistra than elsewhere, but now he had a reason to spend several months just going over the risks and possible scenarios. Because he didnt want the local branch head to die, for more than one reason. And he also didnt want himself to die, though as hed stated the risk of that was much lower.
