Chapter 60: A clash of giants

Chapter 60: A clash of giants

Yamish, Chance said, putting on his best poker face. It took everything he had to not jump for his urumi. Instead, he gave Yamish what he hoped was an easygoing smile and raised a hand in greeting.

You have been busy, Yamish said, floating closer to him. Your power has grown. Abnormal would not even begin to describe it. I witnessed your fights in the tournament. The abilities you show come from years of practice, and your cultivation has progressed far more than it should have.

Well, I guess I kind of just got lucky. Chance forced a laugh, and he was proud to find that it almost sounded normal. Is that a bad thing?

Strength is never bad, Yamish said. But even a genius would be hard pressed to grow such as you have on their own. You are not a genius, thus you have had help. What did you pay?

Nothing.

As far as I can tell, that isnt even a lie. I guess the promise to Lucy is kind of a payment, but I havent paid it yet, so Im pretty sure it doesnt count.

Nothing? There is nothing in this universe that is free. Based on the amount of power you have gathered in a few short months, you simply do not understand the magnitude of what you have paid. And have you been abusing medicinal pills to gain a temporary boost? Foolish. The impurities will destroy your path.

Wait, he doesnt know that I have no impurities? I was starting to think he knew everything about me.

I have done no such thing, Chance said, hoping it was true. And I am not sacrificing my future any more than alternative paths would.

Yamish tilted his head to the side. Then you are simply more of a fool than I believed. We will need to purge your body of impurities when the time comes. I have invested too much in order to allow you to go to waste. Now, come. We hunt.

Chance hid his sigh of relief and followed after Yamish. It didnt seem like the strange cultivator knew about his plans with the Old City. Everything was just going to continue as normal for the time being.

But, as they walked through the cracked alleyways, the Essence inside Chances body prickled. It pressed against his skin in disapproval, filling his stomach with an uneasy churning energy. His pace slowed to a stop. Yamish paused and turned around, studying Chance curiously.

We have not yet arrived.

The prickling grew stronger, nudging and pushing at him more and more. The worst part was that Chance knew exactly what was causing it. His Essence was rebelling against the way he was choosing to handle the situation with Yamish and the Old City.

No matter what kind of Karma Yamish cultivated, Chance had learned enough about his own to know that deceit didnt fall under its jurisdiction. It went against his path.

Come on. This is stupid. Yamish is probably trying to kill me. Hes basically said as much. Theres nothing wrong with lying to him. What am I supposed to do here? I dont have a choice.

The massive golden being that Chance had seen in his vision flickered in the back of his mind. Even though it was only his memory, the feeling washed over him like a warm blanket. Chance pressed his lips together.

Goddamn it. This is what it means to be a cultivator, isnt it? To follow my ideals into the end, even if its a bloody terrible idea. Im totally going to get myself killed.

Lets drop the act, Chance said.

Yamishs expression didnt change. He studied Chance, his features completely unreadable.

I think you know more than youre letting on, Chance continued, hoping he wasnt digging his own grave but more than aware he might be wishing for a bit too much. Why are you training me, Yamish? The real answer. I know youre just a clone, and your true self has thousands of clones around the universe trying to get stronger. Is that what I am? A fancy pill?

Yamish said nothing. He continued to watch Chance, as still as ice.

Chances urumi flew to his hand and he pressed it against his chest. I wont be a resource, Yamish. Answer my question. Im done playing around and, for that matter, what do you want with the Old City? Why are you here?

What do you think your blade can do you? Yamish asked, finally breaking his silence. You cannot kill me.

Im well aware, Chance said. But if you really are raising me just to steal my powers or whatever, Im breaking my Gate. That means all my Essence will be wasted and you get nothing. Sure, youve helped me, but I have very strong suspicion to believe that every action youve taken has just been in your own favor.

All beings act solely in their own favor.

Not everyone, Chance snapped. Answer my questions, Yamish. What do you want with me? Because Ill die before I become a tool. I already had one life. This one is just a bonus, and its not going to be used to make things worse for other people.

I have two questions for you. Then our conversation will end. What Essence do you believe you cultivate?

Good Karma, Chance said without a second of hesitation. I want to bring happiness to people. Screw your balance shit. Theres enough evil in the universe already. The only thing Im going to cultivate is good.

Yamish interlaced his fingers and placed his hands just below his stomach. What would your response be if I offer to spare your life in exchange for your aid in controlling the Old City?

I would die trying to kill you.

Yamish threw his head back and laughed. It was strange, coming from the normally expressionless man. The echoes of his mirth bounced around the alley, setting Chances hair on end.

Such conviction. I trust you know the Old City only attempts to use you for its own good?

Im not a complete idiot. I know that. Im choosing to help despite that. I cant blame anyone for trying to survive.

Yamish blurred. He appeared directly in front of Chance, knocking the urumi from his hands. The blade clattered across the ground and slid to a stop against a wall. The Old Citys rocky body lurched forward, lunging for Yamish.

He raised his other hand, not glancing away from Chance, and a band of gold light looped around its chest and yanked it back.

Your stupidity seems to be contagious, Yamish said. The city attempted to help you well aware that it could do nothing against me.

Thats the power of not being a raging asshole, Chance muttered, his eyes darting to the urumi on the ground. He swallowed and steeled his nerves. Make up your mind, Yamish.

Oh, I already have, Yamish said. He raised a pointed finger and pressed it against Chances chest. It cut clean through his clothes and drew a pinprick of blood just above his heart. I have a final offer for you, Chance. Become my student in true.

Chance blinked. What?

You hold to your convictions stronger than cultivators ten times your age. It would be a waste to snuff your talent out here. I offer you my true teachings rather than the scraps you have received thus far.

Chance swallowed. Of all the ways hed pictured today going, this certainly wasnt one of them. What about the Old City?

Yamishs eyes followed his gaze. I will free it. In exchange, it will bind to you. There will be no death. An ideal solution, yes?

Chance gave a shaky nod. That did sound better than the alternatives.

Just checking, if I say no to the teacher thing

I will leave. I do not need to use threats to find a student, Yamish said. But you will never get an opportunity such as this again. If you truly desire to enforce the ideals that you preach, then you need power. Can you afford to pass it up?

Several seconds passed. The two cultivators stared at each other, their Essence clashing through their eyes in a battle of convictions and will.

You drive a hard bargain, Chance said. I accept, provided the Old City does too.

They both turned to the craggy humanoid figure. It lacked facial features, but after a short pause, it gave them a jerky nod.

Yamish ran his finger down Chances chest, leaving a thin cut behind. He ended it in a small circle just above his navel. Chance could feel foreign Essence burning in the marking, and it quickly healed over and formed into a pale scare.

I greet you as Teacher, Yamish said, stepping back. This fragment will not be able to hold my full will much longer. I will assign you your first task. You may not refuse.

I really hope this wasnt a mistake.

What is it?

Your teammate Bella is going to die to a Shikari soldier very shortly, and the order for the rest of your team to be taken into custody will go out within the day. Take care of the problem however you see fit.