Chapter 5-6-7-8

 

   

   Chapter 5 - Fighting League

   

   

  

   First round, were of martial arts, without showy  spells, you simply did some juijutsu using the

   strength of your body as it is. If you did use other arts you'd be disqualified, it'd be sparring with fists.

   

   The opponents were picked randomly, but same sect fights were re arranged, it'd be stupid if everyone

   in the same sect eliminated too big a percentage of themselves in the first round.

   

   Larchen looked about.. As expected competition were too rough, dreams were too easy. He would

   be turned into minced meat in 20 seconds without proper focus. His martial arts weren't bad,

   he oftened listen in lessons and practiced a bit, he like the feel it enacted on his body, and the

   mood shift that it brought.

   

   But he wasn't able to focus well... what do you mean have you no soul ? he didn't dare to ask..Elders

   were mysterious people, she sounded like she was meant it as a joke, but there could never be

   coincidences.  

   

   His opponent has him in a limb lock, while he was thinking about this. Quite a conundrum.. His

   mood were oscilliating, but it was getting difficult to move and breath. Have you no soul ? ....

   Ofc he had a soul... He used it in this match, and was very close to being defeated.. perhaps a 

   change of souls, were in order....

   

   He suddenly realized, the advancement isn't straightforward as he thought, he was assuming

   the power to be at his hand, once one moves up a realm, but that it was actually more restrictive,

   to harvest more unbalanced energies... His eyes opened, and he threw of his opponent in some

   moves, whirling in the air sideways back to ground. The match was starting again.

   

   There was quite a oooh, sound from the crowd.. Elder smirked. Didn't hurt to rig the competition

   a bit.

   

   Larchen done some movements, testing his limbs... Unfortunately he felt horrible. His opponent

   closed up ignoring his defensive moves, and delivered a well placed palm near his heart. Larchen

   was afraid to breath from fear his veins would explode. He swung his hands to defend his demise

   a few moments longer. 

   

   Come on, what you afraid of, the elder mumbled helplessly... use your power...

   

   But Larchen didn't like spectacles, he didn't even like the sun.. If there was new power to be made,

   it was better if it was hidden, world was a dangerous place. He advanced a level and just stabilized

   it, but it was unadvised to be seem so powerful from first round...

   

   There were quite a few moments going on, where each side showed excellent martial arts. Larchen,

   also had some talent in juijutsu, there were quite nice moves from bot sides. He swung and swayed,

   and does some great moves, the match was really an excitement to many, some elders hmmphed

   in approval, shifting their attention. This made the elder Fowliang happy but she was also nervous.

   

   Larchen was in a bad mood, he wanted to destroy his opponent, but the stage was no joke. One

   has regretted their moments of slacking of their cultivation, since other sideddidn't. It was

   apparent, in expression, the neat, didactic, careful approach, versus him avoiding stuff barely and

   making nice movements to survive.

   

   His opponent caught a moment and threw him away a few paces. Larchen flied backwards

   and landed on the sand on his bottom, he then coughed out some blood. He felt extremely angry

   and despairing. He couldn't overcome the technical proficiency of his opponent. There was

   some laughter also... Most has expected this result...

   

   The reason Larchen couldn't fit to public discourse was because of his personality. He was

   very different from a regular person. He wasn't studious or neat in his affairs unlike many. 

   This sort of character didnt help cultivation, or advancement of ranks. The elder was

   right to ask, that if he had no soul.. 

   

   He got up, and evaded the first punch diving under. He got on the side of the opponent

   and throw him in a circular sequential move, which caused his opponent's arm to break

   at final rotation. The crowd were shocked silent... This was.. vicious. He then proceeded

   to land kicks on the disoriented opponent...

   

   Alright, the match is over, the referee elder, declared... giving Larchen an eye..

   

   The elders were flabbergasted, one from amongs them finally stoood up and,  said:

   

   "alright these things happen when competition gets stiff, let us continue and welcome  the great Liming Mountain, their

   sect art is great indeeed. Another elder bowed, showing that he took no offense from this turn of affairs, competition

   resumed.

   

   Defeated disciple were from the Liming Mountain sect, Larchen realized. Hopefully he didn't make much of a mess.

   He hadn't have a choce, so he resorted to his baser instincts to win, nothing has said this wasn't allowed, but it was often

   times frowned often.

   

   

   He visited the disciple he put on the hospital later, it wasn't the one from the match he just won, but he was the one he

   trained with earlier, the vein reversal and sudden siunking to earth has created a quite spectacle. This was a training accident

   so he wasn't blamed. But he neverthless decided to check on his sect buddy.

   

    - Hey how are you doing ? you're a cripple now ? he asked jokingly?

    - You wish, the healing elder Chalazian  says this can actually help my meridians..

    - Wow, what the bug, you even hang on in misfortune ?

    - I heard you brutalized your opponent and brought shame to our sect, as the usual village idiot.. you are on a roll.

    - Larchen didn't have an answer to that.. well, regardless i hope you didn't took offense we are brothers after all..

    - Ofc, Larchen.. I'm the only idiot here, to dare to venture your galaxy of misery and strangeness.

    - Strangeness huh

    - Come on, you clearly dislike sect arts.. elders also could see it, from today's match, you have different interpretations...

     - This was obvious to many ?

     - It should be...

     - Larchen felt depressed.... Headaches weren't ending... while his path was getting unclear..

     - I wish you all the suffering in the world, Larchen

     - Thank you Antiutilitarian , you are a true friend, i'll see you later.

     - Wait, have you advanced a realm recently ?

     - Indeed i did..

     - Can you give me some notes ?

     - i thought you didn't like my interperation ...

     - advancement is still advancement, you are considered almost a junior disciple now.. while we are basically freshman still..

     - well... let me tell you about the realm of us masters...

     - what a moron..

     

     

   Chapter 6- The disciple

   

    His little match didn't cause much of an impact. The blood and gore were on the sand regardless of his antics, but yesterday

    evening, the elder Fowliang dropped by and gave him some sect uniform. Wear these she said, so it looks more...

    orderly ? Larchen asked..

    The elder didn't answer, anyway it would be great if you did..

    Ofc elder, i wouldn't dare to disobey.

    

   He rememberd the exchange, elder left after that.. So he was now wearing officialy sect disciple clothes,

   if it wasn't obvious to people then it was now that he was embarrassing himself in the name of 

   stoneyard thunder-god sect.

    

   There also were highllights of the competition watchable with recording stones that were playing around the city, so elder

   probably wanted to fix at least his appearance a bit better. Success, regardless, gained some fans. People were calling him

   masked demon, wall climber etc... He felt amused when he considered wearing a mask, and climbing walls.. He felt demonic also

   so the names didn't feel offensive. In the path of cultivation, many cultivators also used these artifacts... Be it artistic or for real use.

   

   Some however were calling him, master blood painter, this was getting on his nerves.. He was like a little chick among the serious

   people here. There is no way he could master anything or paint the walls with others' blood.. It was getting on his nerves... The sound

   were making him nauseous. Peopel were discussing loudly of his control of arts and what methods he uses to cultivate..

   

   Thankfully, he recovered his body, so the other things weren't that important. Competitors were given healing medicine after a day's

   bout. It was quite helpful to him, who were heavil suffering from after effects fo realm stabilizing.

   

   The town had a new pill launched recently. It was so effective, other peopel were frequently visiting from other places. The formula were

   hidden ofc, but its quick healing effect made it a household item across the realm, up until the imperial court.

   

   His next opponent, were a person of darker complexion, some obscure sect from the south. She seemed nervous, but to Larchen, her

   excitement and anticipation were obvious underneath. 

   

   After the match started, She made slow gestures towards the middle, to bow, while Larchen sprung suddenly into action, and threw

   her face first flat to ground. An elder suddenly got on his feet and shout ridicilous, demonic ! He then looked around a bit, embarassed,

   and sat down.. 

   

   Oh dear, the elder Practiser Naphotha sighed.. what a disciple this is.

   

   Have you no honor ? Some disciples of other sect shouted... Boo.. She was giving you a friendly  salute.. how dare you.. to a little girl...

   

   But ultimatey, eventually, everyone were content with the events. They more or less knew gender have nothing to do with

   martial arts at all. And often females would use their charms to get ahead in cultivation. The beauty was just another ccurrency. 

   So nobody could say anything much. Most were even agreed with Larchen in their hearts. In the world of cultiuvation, 

   beauty was a weapon used against stupid man. New generation also learnied the lesson of old generation. Same traditions

   and cautionary lessonswere passed on..

   

   Larchen didn't know much abut sects participating, they were numerous, the discussion on the nature of various arts were

   often going on all the time on the stands. He managed to remainon notice, as insignificant as he was...

   He was presented with a wood grade demon stone, for passing this round. He decided to take it to some shop to sell it since

   it wasn't use to him. The occult shop clerk perked his ears at the sound of the door bell ringing. 

     

     Welcome, master, what can i get you ?

     I'm selling this...

     Ah quite a few students sold this today, neverthless i'l take it... its a good quality stone

     What can i get for it ?

     Well look at my items, perhaps some would garner your interest.. 

     He then resumed to measurements on the stone he was handed to, ignoring Larchen.. This was a more occult oriented store, items

     had hints of demonic properties... he wasn't sure what was what really at this time, he casually looked over, some items were sure

     caught his attention but he wouldn't be able to trade anything good for only the stone.

     

     He decided to pick a regular grade wings, since his float arts were applied wrongly... he wasn't able to take flight... It was a sabertooth wing, good enough. 

     

     Ah that item, master.....

     

     What is it...?

     

     I don't recommend you take that.. its effects can be unpredictable...

     

     Oh, so its too expensive ?

     

     Not really, actually i'd be glad to give it away.. considering you only gave me a stone, its fair

     trade, but its been.. known to cause problems, will you still want it ?

     

     sure, larchen said. But what is so unpredictable about it ?

     

     The technique this wing uses for flying... it changes everytime a user activates it...

     

     Ah, i seee.. So it depends on luck...

     

     Quite an unfortunate curse...

     

     Then its probably perfect for me, he mumbled under his breath..

     

    

   

   Chapter 7- The Sect Seed Withdraws

   

   The news were that the sect's main seed for the competition was instantly needed elsewhere in another branch.  Santali has

   withdrawn and with it, many  stakes suddenly were changing. There was nothing to do, he had to leave shortly, for his serious

   duties. The military branch was filled with gratitude, since disciple was busy otherwise. The imperial official was bowing repetedly, thank you

   sect eldersfor your generous help. This disciple's specific talents will help our solve problem in the Allchsned iron mines.

   

   The competition were delayed today, until the next day...

   So, what are you doing today ? the elder Fowliang approached Larchen...

   i don't know.. sleep maybe ?

   Then you've nothing to do, let's go eat at the town.. my treat..

   

   The entire class who has survived in the games so far were invited... The restaurant's certain section were reseved for them

   while a few sect officials were accompanying them.

   

   So what do you advise elders ? Some asked, we've no chance to win...

   

   Don't get conflicted within yourself but be resourceful and calm.. There was  serial killer in the countryside but he wasn't able to

   be tracked down.. There is nothing we could do,he would neither trigger traps nor trigger recording stones, this was our last resort.

   

   What about the competition ?

   Some butter dishes and Chinese wine were introduced.. 

   

   For now relax, its no use or help to worry anyway.. I've gathered you here, because its the anniversary of founding of our sect since

   it was restored back, the rest of itstill remains in darklands.

   

   So what about it ?

   

   The next event will be on literature and knowedge tests. Here take these, our sect was reborn from ashes, and its history is mighty,

   these manuals includes many thingsyou were previously unclear on. it will help you a lot tomorrow.

   

   Thanks elder, disciples bowed one after another..

   

   Don't lose this book, their value is priceless, you are responsible here..

   

   --

   

   Larchen said his goodbyes and wished everyone good luck and went back to his room. He opened to book, it detailed also

   the art the sect hero Santali used, it was a  tracking method, and it was rated one of the highest in the cultivation world. It included

   many tales, from eye witnesses how it saved many people again and again

   

   Larchen was desperate.. He rapidly needed to advance some levels or he was toast and he knew it. He bought some resources from

   sect shop, using his much coveted, hard gathered meagre wealth, and went on cultivating. The sting from the cost of the materials were

   really bad, sect traders had no mercy and offered him no discount..

   

   Thunder-god sect arts were many and sect coffers were massive. But it never diverted from its ethics for easy gain, unless of course

   it was for officialy diplomact issues, which couldn't be avoided. Overall, a book and stone were still good, but it was not nearly enough

   to use for cultivation. Stoneyard sect were simply.. too indifferent, and busy with their own ventures.

   

    He decided to test the winged artifact.. He put it on..

     

     Do you allow the consortium to make its selection ?

     

     The what...

     

     There was silence

     

     Yes, he sighed... let's see..

     

     Teleporting art, medium high grade

     

     Wow, he was counting his fortune. While teleporting art weren't precisely flying as he intended, it was even more deadly.. It simply

     changed the way he could fight, increasing his range. Unfortunately he had to go everywhere with his wings.. since it couldn't be

     changed, if he did he was probabyl going to get some low level crap art....

     

     

     Chapter 8 - Promise of Safety

     

     Winged Larchen sat on the desk among other participants and got quite a laugh. While sabertooth wings weren't particulary uncool

     themseles, nobody really walked around with them... It was both strange, like some epic hero, and also lame, like somebody never

     taking off their new shoes.. 

     

     Larchen didn't care much.. He enjoyed it even.. His body finally could have some rest...This test was a written one. He read the book

     and quickly got some sleep yesterday, and sinceit was an easy pass for him, he was free to relax. 

     

     He quickly answered questions about the world and its arts. There were some about flying vehicles... some were still looking at

     his way and snickering, he was sure... There were quite a few questions about the various cultivation arts, which modified things in 

     a more deeper sense. One can become a ghost, a demon, change their race, body..  it was endless.. Each of these arts had different

     outcomes, and many of which were very powerful as well as difficult to advance at.

     

     Finally the next phase of competition were announced. It was alchemy, which also included device manufacturing if one was skilled

     in one or the other. Overall result would be judged fairly by the jury.

     

     Larchen was startled awake.. He attended his lessons on crafting well enough.. Its not smt he couldn't particularly do... just like the

     juijutsu, he listened well and had some talent on it.

     

     Larchen walked into street, taking a relaxed breath, he stretched his limbs. He looked, arond, and there was.. no one.. He blinked...

     

     He didn't say anything.. He shuffled through possibiltiies on his mind, was this an array sprung as an ambush ? Maybe some side

     effect of his recent advance in cultivation. Everyting were the same.. except there were no living beings, even the wind were

     the same.. but there was complete indifference.. 

     

     People made the world meaningful. Their collective existence, contributed to world's happenings to have a real purpose, whatever

     it may be. Some considered a basic life more than enough, some wife and kids. Some considered reality only a tool to gain power.

     Some were devoted to religions, some to necromantic arts, some to artistic pursuits, some were interested in exploring.

     

     This situation reminded Larchen, of many things he encountered in dark lands. Its resembled the places where the possesions

     occurred. It had certain similarities, when a vessel was about to be taken over by a spirit, it often included a wrestling match between

     one's own soul.

     

     He opened the book, and looked for the chapter on such things... After some while, he encountered a passage that talked about

     borrowed days. The symptoms were similar.. it was an extra day... he sighed... it wasn't a possesion.. It was a gift from

     the sect head, Elder Caract , she even put a note there, enjoy your extra day of training. Its his promise of safety art. Sect leader

     sends his greetings, dont' waste your extra day..

     

     ..This place is intense, its a mirror of how you see the world. Thus its strain of focus on you is also high, aiding the cultivation. It has

     a huge demand on your body, so be careful and cautious. Its about hundred times faster, and the spirit growth is also

     aided. This can help you advance your alchemical or mechanical crafting arts.

     

     

     Larchen looked about the place... So, could he go to a place and read all its holy secrets ? in this world state, as he sees it, the

     elder put it, world was exactly the same.. except people.. so basically everything would be unguarded... every place accessible..

     

     He decided to look immediately for some mechanical crafting arts... He directly went into inner sect's sanctum, but he wasn't

     able to open its safe.. He then moved along to repository. He found smt named twelve summoning arts... He had a feeling

     this had a quite a lot use to him.