Death Sword tosses a bag of purple coins to the city guards. This wasn't some act of goodwill from Death Sword. The city guards knew what the money was for without even asking, and they didn't dare to ask. They nodded at Death Sword and Jagged before they left, not worrying about what happened to the Pavilion Young Master of Iron Hallow's death. They will report what is happening to the city lord. If the city lord wanted to act on what they recorded that night. The city lord can handle those issues.
"Listen very carefully to me, Jagged."
Death Sword said each word slowly to make sure Jagged was clear of his intentions.
"This is not our first mission together. However, if you persist in testing my patience, I will take your life and ask the Elder to bring us someone else from the other team."
Death, he said coldly. The aura and energy around Death Sword became colder than winter. What made Jagged's body shake and tumble with a hint of fear?
"Yes, Death Sword. Could you please explain why I have all these restrictions while Purple Night does not?
The death energy that was still in Jagged's body flared up and caused a tremendous amount of pain. Jagged's speech about Purple Night was interrupted.
"You can complain about Purple Night. However, you are not entitled to try and slander her name. Unlike you, Jagged, who comes from a lowly clan."
Death Sword said his words with more disdain than could reach the nine pits of hell.
"Death Sword, you are truly vicious. Hahaha. You hope one day I don't become stronger than you." Menace in Jagged voice as he spoke in low growling voice.
"Don't worry. You might not live that long to see that day, Jagged."
Continue to work the energy in Jagged Body mercilessly. All you could hear was Jagged screaming, rolling on the ground in pain.
Death Sword leaped down from the top of a building and landed on the ground, stopping the death element in Jagged's body. Meanwhile, Jagged breathes heavily and groans in pain from the new injuries. Jagged knew that he messed up by leaking his true thoughts and desires. Soon, Jagged got up and stared out. Jagged clenched his fist and released. Soon, Jagged leaps down and chases after Death Sword.
-
Next morning. Sifir had completed six cycles in his cultivation method. This marked the highest number of cycles Sifir had ever accomplished in a single session. Every cultivation method in Midnight focuses on the body and not on chi. However, this was one of the few methods that the Midnight Clan had utilized for both body and chi cultivation.
In the meantime, Purple Night immersed herself in the book she had stolen from Sifir. When she reached the last page of the book, she discovered that it was missing. When she reflected on the situation, she remembered that Sifir had ripped out the last page before giving her the book.
Knowing this, Purple Night knew it would be nearly impossible to get it back. Being too greedy in one go wasn't wise, and it wasn't smart to test one's patience in this cultivation world.
Purple Night unlatches the window. In one leap she got to the roof of the inn. What made her annoyed when she got there Sifir has already left the roof. As she uses her spiritual sense to sweep the area, she can tell in which direction Sifir was heading.
Purple Night just stares at Sifir direction. She moved her hand to the small pouch on her waist yet, took her hand back. And decided to return to the room to begin crafting some talismans. Since last night, all she did was study the small book and the concept of constructing diagrams and rune symbols.
Time was short, and Purple Night knew that noon would be here soon. It was best to let Sifir handle some of his own business, and it was more important to be ready to travel through the mountains.
Sifir didn't waste any time heading to the street market. He's heading back to pick up his new cloak and his new shirt. Sifir was thinking of going back to that old shop to see if he could find anything else without Purple Night. Something told Sifir that heading there would yield some more gains.
Sifir discovered the old shop, which had just opened. The old man in the shop was a little surprised to see the young man who entered his little old shop yesterday. The old man said nothing and continued sweeping the floor like normal. Sifir saw a few things that caught his eye. Sifir surveyed the shop, noticing the presence of several new items. One could smell the desolation and unique aura coming from all these items. The old man narrows his eyes when Sifir walks over to the bookshelf with unranked skills and techniques.
The aura radiating from the two books captivated Sifir. He sensed a profound intuition that these two books would prove invaluable in his future cultivation journey. There existed a book titled [Learning the Way]. This excerpt comes from a scholar who reflected on the dangers of hastily navigating the realm of battle prowess. The scholar observed that multiple advantages and concealed truths exist within every realm of battle prowess, often overlooked by the majority of cultivators. Should one linger in a specific realm of battle prowess, they shall unveil new skills or innate gifts.
A body cultivator penned the second book, [Anatomy vs. Cultivation.] This book presents a thorough exploration of body tempering in contrast to the application of external chi. The examples showcased the advantages and disadvantages of body tempering. Sifir acted without a moment's pause and retrieved both books.
Both books had a few destroyed, missing, or difficult-to-read pages. However, Sifir felt like his gain was plentiful and wasn't a waste. The old man in the shop said nothing like this was a norm and business as usual. After putting the books away, Sifir looks at the shelf with the magic items.
"Shopkeeper, what are these items?"
"Those are magic boots that are tier 2 low-grade and made from Shadow Blitz. These boots are renowned for their rapid speed and powerful boost. However, the runic pattern and skill attached to these boots are damaged."
The old shopkeeper sighed with bitterness.
"The gauntlet and boot set that you are looking at is of tier 1 mid-grade quality and was crafted from several rock monsters that were found in the Desolate World. Both its defense and its strength have earned this set a well-deserved reputation. Users of the Earth element who are in the path of gravitational and vibrational forces will find this set to be especially beneficial. One of the problems with this set is that it requires two tier 2 cores of the rock monster that are comparable to it. Currently, a member of the earth dragon tribes has control of the world and has sealed it off."
The old shopkeeper expresses a melancholic mood.
"That is an old antique with outdated runes. It's an older version of the dimensional pouch we commonly use. It is a dimensional vault."
"Huh… what is its purpose?"
"Simple. It has the ability to link up several different dimensional vaults or spatial pouches, allowing the user to have stationary interdimensional space to grab items at their fingertips. Too bad the runes are damaged, and those ancient rune styles are lost art as well. However, the dimensional vault should be able to link up to 1 or 2 vaults and maybe 3 spatial pouches like yours."
"How much does dimensional vault cost, then?"
"Everything has a price. What are you willing to give?"
The old man asked Sifir the question while maintaining a nonchalant attitude.
"Nevermind, when I come back to this city. I will definitely pay you a visit and check out your wares. Have a good day, shopkeeper."
"I am looking forward to the next visit then."
The old man stared at Sifir leaving his shop. Pondering about a few things before going back to sweeping the floor.
'Interesting, indeed. The young cultivator exhibits a keen eye for items and remains unswayed by clever remarks. If that young cultivator comes back, I will have to introduce him to young miss.' The old man thought to himself while sweeping.
Sifir, move through the street vendors and gather more materials and potions. Most of the morning, Sifir made trades or finished selling things he couldn't use. Meeting Purple Night at the southern gate. Purple Night was reading the book that she took from Sifir. He didn't even look at the book and stood behind Purple Night.
-
Meanwhile, at the Banner of Crest Palace
"Did they leave the city?"
"They will be leaving the city soon, Pavilion Mistress."
"Regardless of whether or not Fall Night is a member of the Midnight clan, we need to be aware of his true identity. Get the latest info on the Midnight clan, including their skilled cultivators, rising stars, and any recent breakthroughs as well."
"Yes, Pavilion Mistress Jaz." Another servant spoke.
Both of the servants left the room where Jaz Vixen was in. Jaz Vixen never turns around and looks at her people. Wondering why such a cultivator would be traveling with Purple Night. Unlike Sifir, knowing nothing of Purple Night.
Jaz Vixen had specific information regarding Purple Night. She knew that Purple Night was a Tier 1 talisman maker of the C Grade. The rank is considered very high for someone still in the Human Realm; however, in the broader context of the cultivation world, it is not particularly impressive.
What Jaz Vixen was interested in learning was the manner in which the Elder was able to locate a member of the Midnight clan who has a powerful bloodline.
"Purple Night, you think you are smart. But you are not. I will figure out your little game. Fall Night will be mine one way or another." Jaz Vixen stares out the window of that room coldly.
-
Judah and her party of seven were moving very fast through different terrains, wasting no time. Never stopping to find materials or being entangled in pointless battles. The only person in the group that kept an eye on Judah was Kyri. Not because Kyri cares for Judah's life. As a former matriarch herself, Kyri was keen on learning allies' and enemies' habits. Knowing friends' or foes' patterns and habits was key to staying alive in the long run.
As they ventured onward, Judah chose to concentrate on the technique of the Royal Guard. Within the Royal Guard, two distinct stances emerge. The initial position is referred to as [Immoveable]. The user finds themself in a fixed position, unable to take even a single step forward. The moment unfolds after the user blocks the incoming strike and can swiftly launches a counterattack against the foe. The force has been doubled, resulting in significant destruction. Leaving the would be foein a state of being staggered and open for strikes.
The second stance, known as [Overbearing], is characterized by dominance. This position enables the individual to maneuver and draw the adversary into their domain. Compelling the adversary to strike, thus providing the user an opportunity to defend and retaliate. Unleashing a formidable strike that penetrates the very essence of the foe. The consequence of this position is that the user force is reduced by fifty percent. Yet, trade off is worth it if the user can switch between the two stances.
It could be said that Sifir adopted a more aggressive stance when it came to delivering attacks and blows. Then, Judah emerged as the versatile tank, equipped with an array of weapons. Receiving blows to unleash a devastating strike or eliminating foes in a single counterattack. This is what renders the experience of engaging with either of the two challenging and fraught with difficulty. Once they seize the advantage, they shall cling to it fiercely, relinquishing it for no one.
"How long will it take us to arrive at the meeting place with the Night Clan Patriarch?"
"Young matriarch, we are 2 nights out before we arrive."
Judah narrowed her eyes.
"We can keep going through the night and rest in the morning."
"Why don't we rest now, Judah?"
"Absolutely not, Kyri. After the little stunt you pull. We are making up for lost time." Judah said dryly with no hint of warmth in her voice.
"Why are you SO miserable?" Kyri spoke with a hint of coldness.
"You want to rest? Then let us spar. I need to keep working on the [Overbearing stance] in the Royal Guard, Kyri.
"You are a hundred years too young to spar with me, you little brat."
Judah promptly took on a commanding demeanor. Kyri's brow furrows at the sight. She understood that Judah wanted guidance in the proper use of the [Immoveable Stance] while also honing her [Overbearing Stance]. The remaining members of the group merely shook their heads, taking a brief pause to gather themselves.