Tundra expected the requirements.

  If he were on the other side, it’s what he would’ve done, and in fact, it went better than he expected. They seemed to have underestimated his own abilities, by the fact that they only asked for seventh and eighth realm pills.

  If they knew he would eventually rise to the tenth realm, they would have asked for a lot more than just this. Clearly, in their minds, someone who wasn’t a member of a Great Sect would never amount to something beyond the eighth realm.

  So he stood, and listened to the demands as Nord Truehaven repeated it. Tundra was amused that Nord Truehaven seemed somewhat dissatisfied with the Titan’s Council decision, but in the end, their decision was absolute.

  “What do you think, Lord Fox? It’s a tough call-”

  “I accept the terms.” Tundra said. There was no point back and forth with the Titan’s Council. If this was what they wanted, then they would get it. He would need to extend his stay here for another month to produce the seventh realm pills, and he is still on the hook for the eighth realm pills at a much later date, but since the Ancient Titans would happily supply the raw materials, it really wasn’t much.

  When he was in the seventh realm for the first time, he would have struggled with these terms. He didn’t have that much experience when he reached the seventh realm, at that point he was perhaps seven, hundred years old.

  But with his current level of experience, it is not a big deal.

  Ten thousand years of alchemy and war experience meant he was far more familiar with the quirks of higher realm alchemy than all of his seventh realm peers. Maybe, except those who had access to the old inherited spirits of ancient masters and could thus receive a portion of their memories.

  “Really?” The branch leader merely looked at him. “You accept?”

  “Yes. I will start work soon.” Tundra said and thanked them sincerely. “I thank the Ancient Titans Great Sect for their magnanimity. I thank you, Branch Leader Truehaven, for your assistance in my request to bolster my children’s talents and bloodline. As a family with no known bloodline lineages, this assistance will be transformative to my family.”

  There really was no need to fight all the time. It didn’t work, and only played into what the Zuja wanted.

  Peace was how they would preserve and grow their strength.

  ***

  “He accepted the terms.”

  Patriarch Shurrish rubbed his chin, as if he was trying to think about the matter. “It’s too easy for him, isn’t it?”

  “I believe so. Do you believe he found an old master’s spirit?” Nord Truehaven asked. “That may cause the dual readings in the divinations as well.”

  “I do not dare speculate. It could be many things.” Patriarch Shurrish said seriously. “But I think we should spy on him. Someone to figure out his true capabilities and what he is really trying to do. Someone that could be around him often.”

  “You’d like to bribe the wives?” The branch leader said as he thought about it seriously.

  “Maybe. I will have my consorts try to do so.”

  Nord Truehaven stared at the Patriarch, and then, he looked around his grand hall. There were many statues here, the same statues of the old masters in various movements. “Then, a spy?”

  “Why not both? For the spy, we can make it an additional condition of the technique. Say, it is to prevent it from being used on the wrong person.”

  “That would- No. If I word it as a guide, it could work out.” Nord Truehaven said. “It would be a two way interaction, then. But he would know that whoever we send is also a spy. He doesn’t strike me as someone that oblivious.”

  “He would, but that doesn’t mean he can afford to turn down the person that we send. In fact, even if he knows, so what? Spying goes beyond just Lord Tundra Fox. We can glean his intentions from everyone around him. We know he is looking for someone that can improve the capabilities of his children and family. Someone who is both skilled in observing Lord Fox, and also a good teacher, would be a good candidate. We would have direct insights into his movements and actions.”

  “He brought two wives along.” Nord Truehaven said, as he began to pace the room. An idea, a plan formed in his mind. “We should send a woman. I believe I may have a candidate.”

  “Oh? Who do you have in mind?”

  “One of my younger cousins, Tia Truehaven. She’s in the sixth realm, and far too skilled for her own good. She’s also junior enough that I can command her. She’s a fairly skilled alchemist, and I can use her presence as an excuse to learn from him and a task like this would challenge her. She can then be our connection to the Verdant Snow. I will have to travel a bit to meet her and inform her of the task. Shurrish, please look after the city while I am away?”

  “That’s a fascinating choice, but do not worry. Who dares to disturb the Ancient Titans?”

  ***

  Tundra returned to their rented home to find both Celestia and Marin cultivating in their own segments of the home. He sensed both of them trying to cultivate, to some level of success. Ever since that day, Marin seemed particularly quiet about the spiritual imprint.

  He understood, and honestly, he could only help them now. Once they reached either the late fifth or early sixth realm, their spirit’s density would increase, and it would be far harder for him to ‘force’ and ‘imprint’ a sensation into another’s soul. Unless, of course, by way of dual cultivation, they opened their spirits to him. That could extend the benefits perhaps for another major realm or two.

  But he didn’t intend to have this go on forever. In the end, a cultivator must walk the path alone. That is true then, that is true now. A leg up is a leg up, but each of their own spiritual realms is a puzzle they must solve.

  A puzzle where they create the blocks needed to solve them, and weighted them properly. A puzzle where there are ‘good enough’ solutions, ‘good’ solutions, and far better solutions. It is what determines a cultivator’s weight.

  He stopped, and briefly, he wondered what his other children were up to.

  Is Edison alright? He remembered that blank, distant look in his eyes. The sense of loss and failure would sting, but it is not the end. He must know that. He must crawl out of it on his own.

  Then, Anna. Anna was on a roll, and as she tested out her new wings, she should know where her limits are, and what she needs to build to overcome them. Or Larian, who seemed content with where he is.

  He wondered what he would’ve done differently if he was at the very start of his journey. If that strange ring sent him back to the day he was just a new cultivator.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  But alas, there were limitations, and he will work with what he had. The past century in his chase for glory, they wasted their time, and slowed their development.

  In Hana, his newly adopted daughter, and his grandson Jihan, he saw a glimmer of hope. He hoped to start with a blank slate with them, and these bloodline techniques should help get Jihan up to speed.

  In cultivation, the only true failure is the loss of one’s limited time.

  Loss of a body part could be mended. Loss of spiritual roots could be repaired with sufficient resources. Even broken spiritual cultivations could be rebuilt even stronger.

  But time was the one thing almost everyone couldn’t get back.

  He hoped Marin would remember that. There is no use half-assing cultivation, and having to start over. Sure, it can be done, but time is wasted. Time is one thing all cultivators were limited by, and it is why the Golden Throne acts with urgency.

  Their time is limited.

  ***

  “Here’s the pill.” Anna said as she placed her share of pills in Annaly’s hand. There was some extra mind clarity pills in the pouch. Their father left some and told them to eat it once a week, it would help their mind think clearly. “How are things?”

  “I am making slow progress, mother.” Annaly said. In the 2nd realm, she was growing, but it would be far too slow. Perhaps, another half a year before she reached the peak of the 2nd realm. Then she would need to prepare for the 3rd realm breakthrough. It’s often seen as not a challenge for geniuses, but for less talented cultivators like themselves, even the 3rd realm’s resistance was still difficult.

  “Keep at it.” Anna said. At least her daughter was making some effort to improve. With her at the 4th realm, and once Annaly is in the 3rd realm, they should be fairly safe from most of the common threats. “I’ll leave you to it.”

  “Yes.”

  Anna walked out, and saw-

  “Ah, young mistress.” The newly promoted Elder Yavin Redaxe looked thoroughly comfortable in his new elder robes.

  “Elder Redaxe.”

  “You can still call me Yavin. I insist.” Yavin said. “I heard from Elder Severian about your intention to join another sect. It is a fascinating decision.”

  “Fascinating? That’s not the word I would use for such a decision.” Anna said but then, she glanced around.

  “Would you like to have some tea? Elder Jon, our Tea Elder, has managed to import some really good quality stuff from a merchant affiliated to the Flaming Phoenix. We can talk and I have some things I think would be helpful in your journey.” Yavin offered, and raised his sleeve as if already expecting Anna to agree.

  She did, and followed the elder to a gazebo overlooking a construction site. There was some new construction in the Verdant Snow to accommodate the three newly promoted elders of the Sect. Each of them would have their own compound and set of buildings, fully funded by the Sect’s resources.

  There were workers still laying down the tiles and placing the foundational stones.

  For homes and relatively simpler buildings, construction were mainly handled by mortals, aided by various simple machinery they have at their disposal. Some cultivators who mastered the art of manipulating stone and wood were often able to construct buildings single handedly as well, but these types of cultivators were extremely expensive to hire, and the construction process wasn’t always faster, especially if it wasn’t a preexisting template within that cultivator’s mind.

  “How is it, as a new elder of the Verdant Snow?” Anna asked, a little curious. She knew him as a Core disciple for quite a while, and even remembered him when he was an inner disciple. Yavin was a young man, at least by fifty if not a hundred years. His rise was quite stratospheric, his talents self-evident.

  “The additional tasks of handling the younger disciples reminded me of my youth.” Yavin Redaxe shook his head. “But other than some unpleasant memories of my own behavior, it has been quite pleasant.”

  “When’s the wedding?” Anna asked then. “I mean, with the two girls.”

  “Ah. I intended to confer with the Sect Master before I confirm the details.” Yavin said. It was a custom among cultivation sects to ask for the Sect Master’s permission before disciples marry or have children, which originated from a long history of inter-sect warfare and politics.

  Anna nodded. “That’s a good idea.”

  A servant brought over a pot of tea. It was slightly noisy from the mortals working in the construction site, but the gazebo came with a thick curtain that helped drown out the noise. The tea was strangely spicy, as if it was mixed with some chili flakes, but it clearly had a strong fragrance.

  “Before I joined the Verdant Snow Sect, I actually applied to a few other sects. Well, I say a few, but it’s actually just two other sects.” Yavin said.

  “Oh?” Anna paused, as she allowed Yavin to elaborate further. The two spoke a few times over the years, but it was rarely such a long one.

  “I once applied to the Beast Irons Sect, and I will discourage you from going there. Even as a young boy during the disciple tryouts, I could see how the elders behaved. It struck me, quite vividly, that the elders of that Sect are unnecessarily cruel. It is true that you will be treated differently by virtue of your status, and thus protected from most of that sort of harm, but I recommend against that particular sect.”

  “Oh.” Anna paused. “Then why did you pick us?”

  “With honesty, it is your father, the Sect Master. He is a man of drive and ambition, and yet, fair. It was, perhaps, just his appearance. A gut feeling. The way he spoke to the elders, the way he spoke to the older disciples that guided us. There was fairness in it.”

  “Fair to disciples.” Anna said. “But he was not there for us.”

  Yavin nodded. “As disciples, we do not comment on our teacher’s personal and family matters, though, we are incentivized to think in his favor and grant your father ample benefit of doubt. But I digressed. Please, not the Beast Irons Sect.”

  Anna nodded. “Very well, there are many sects I can join, perhaps- what do you think of the Crimson Lotus Spire?”

  Anna recalled meeting Elder Zuri Blackpetals and had a fairly good impression of the woman. She appeared to be just as skilled as their father, and with a disposition that frightened her.

  “Oh. That is not a bad choice. The Crimson Lotus is an allied, or perhaps, depending on who you speak to, a vassal sect.”

  “I see. If father ever arranges a visit to the Crimson Lotus Spire, I should take that opportunity. There’s also the coming White Tiger Tournament.” Anna said. “Annaly won’t be ready, but I intend to join the entourage to the White Tiger Temple, just to see for myself what other great challenger sects are like.”

  “Would you like me to bring this to your father’s attention?” Yavin offered.

  “Oh.” The first daughter realized it may be a good way to ask for things through the elder. She blinked, as she wondered why they never tried to befriend the disciples, who were all much closer to their father than they were. On some level, Anna felt like the core disciples were truly father’s real children. He cared for them, guided them, and taught them with a level of attention that few parents could say to give. “That would be great.”

  ***

  “Did you get what you wanted?” Celestia asked as the two walked out of their rented place and out to the streets.

  The two ladies were together, as it so happens, as they both left their rooms for some food and a break from cultivation. It was exhausting to be cultivating all the time, and especially when what they did wasn’t the ‘easier’ part of collecting energy and gathering the ‘building blocks’ of cultivation.

  It’s been more than a week, and Tundra was busy making the 7th realm pills for the Ancient Titans.

  Marin looked at her, and didn’t bother to answer. Celestia waited, but eventually realized the woman wasn’t going to answer her. So, she too, kept to herself and walked. At first, she almost thought of walking to a different place and her meal in peace.

  But the locals had other ideas.

  “Lady Eastheart, oh, a pleasure to see you again.” Lady Surizen of the Southern Huan and Lady Milliette Goldrish were somehow on the road as well. “And you must be Lady Gale. Well met.”

  Marin blinked, as she quickly adjusted to her stance. For Celestia, it was quite something to watch Marin flip a switch and transform into a polite, friendly person. “Ah, I did not expect to see the two distinguished ladies once more. Celestia, this is Lady Surizen of the Southern Huan and Lady Milliette Goldrish.”

  Celestia quickly clasped her hand together and greeted the two. Lady Surizen then spoke. “It seems we are all hungry, so, why not join us, us ladies can talk while we have some good food.”

  “Ah, would we be imposing? If it’ll take too much of your time, we would not dare to interrupt your schedule.” Marin answered with poised acting. Celestia nodded, but Celestia was slightly clumsier in retrospect. Marin and Elly both came from respectable, medium sized cultivator families.

  Celestia bowed as well, but did not disagree with Marin’s words. At this point, the two of them had to show a united front, even if they had disagreements.

  “Not at all, not at all. I hear that you should be leaving soon, so there’s really not much time left. If we do not meet for a meal now, when will we?” Lady Surizen laughed. “Come, we enjoyed your company the last time we met, Lady Eastheart.”