Ogre Tyrant: Chapter 70 – An unexpected alliance – Part Two

Ogre Tyrant: Chapter 70 – An unexpected alliance – Part TwoOgre Tyrant: Chapter 70 - An unexpected alliance - Part Two

After my battle with the Divine Patriarch, I knew better than to let down my guard.

<This one considers himself a negotiator.> Gric commented neutrally, his telepathic tone wary but otherwise indifferent.

<To what end?> I asked, confused, why someone of that temperament would initiate a Challenge in the first place.

<Apologies, Great One, I was unable to pierce his mental defences and determine his greater motivations...> Sebet’s irritation was exacerbated by Gric’s smug contempt. <But the care this Monarch has shown for his subordinates appears to be genuine and is consistent with memories taken from his retainer.>

<This was my observation as well.> Gric agreed, the smugness in his mental presence replaced by mild irritation as he found himself in agreement with Sebet.

The rival Monarch had descended from his flying ship and replaced his helmet with a shining pale white headband. Appearing similar in age to the Divine Patriarch and of a somewhat similar nationality, the Admiral had a thick wiry grey-white beard that lent his presence a certain gravity that the Divine Patriarch had lacked.

Dark eyes studied me from behind deep wrinkles and weather-worn cheeks.

I felt a foreign source of energy move in my periphery, brushing against me with a touch so faint that I could have mistaken it for the wind.

The Admiral’s wrinkled brow furrowed slightly in confusion but was quickly banished and replaced by an expression of wary concern. “I am Yi Gim, and I extend greetings to a fellow Monarch!” He inclined his head as a sign of respect, but not so much that it could be confused for deference.

“What do you want?” I asked bluntly.

If he was offended, Yi Gim didn’t show it. “I would speak with you, Monarch to Monarch. I have questions, and I am prepared to offer answers in fair trade,” he explained politely. “For the sake of transparency, many of my questions regard a long-term rival, now deceased. Wang Chen.”

<He speaks of the one who named himself the Divine Patriarch.> Gric supplied helpfully.

“What about him?” I motioned for Yi Gim to proceed. Depending on what he wanted to know, I was willing to exchange information.

“To build trust between us, I will begin with a simple question and allow my fellow Monarch to ask a question of greater import,” Yi Gim qualified, his eyes continuing to stare up at me with dark intensity. “It was Wang Chen who issued the Supremacy Challenge, wasn’t it?”

I nodded.

Yi Gim sighed quietly and stroked his beard with his right hand, keeping his left firmly locked on the scabbard of his sword and angling it for an easy draw. “I suspected as much, but I thank you for answering, all the same,” he inclined his head respectfully and waited expectantly.

“Why did you Challenge me?” I demanded.

“Ah,” Yi Gim nodded appreciatively. “That is a worthy question,” he commented approvingly. “I suspect you will not believe me. However, in truth, my primary intention was to engage in a civil exchange of information. Just as we are doing now, in fact,” Yi Gim chuckled softly and scratched at his cheek. ”I had expected to engage in such an exchange while crossing swords or exchanging Techniques...but I find our current means of discourse far more pleasant and desirable.”

I grunted in agreement. I wasn’t sure if I could trust him, but a civil discussion was preferable to another life-or-death battle. Especially with the opportunity to acquire some real answers.

“If I may? I will ask my next question.” Yi Gim paused for a moment and made a show of thinking things over. “Why are you not represented on the Monarch Communication Exchange?’ He asked, eyes narrowing slightly as if anticipating a lie or misdirection.

“That is...It’s the first I have heard of it...” I admitted, somewhat confused. “That is some sort of intermediary for speaking with other Monarchs?” I guessed. Most likely, the errors were somehow related. However, I wasn’t sure how exactly.

Yi Gim nodded. “Interesting...” He muttered quietly.

“What is the purpose of the Labyrinths?” The question had been on the forefront of my mind for the past few days and slipped out of its own accord.

Yi Gim’s eyes widened in surprise. “Labyrinths?” He stared at me for several moments in complete silence before coming to his senses. “Apologies,” Yi Gim bowed his head, “I had not expected such a question...” He appeared confused and more than a little unsettled. “The Labyrinths are how worlds are incorporated into the greater universe and are the vessels that facilitate reincarnation...”

“Reincarnation...The rebirth and creation of the Awakened...The incorporation of worlds...” None of it was new to me, but hearing it all from a single source was profoundly unsettling.

“The Labyrinths in your world, they are still active...” Yi Gim guessed, nodding slightly to himself. “That is...beyond strange, I dare say it is unprecedented...” He gave me another appraising look and silently arrived at a decision. “I know that you will no doubt ask anyway, so I will offer this information freely. Monarchs should not be capable of entering the rankings before the incorporation of their designated world. This is probably why you are not listed and do not have access to the Monarch Communication Exchange...”

A long silence passed between us.

“Your low rating,” Yi Gim commented dryly, “It makes sense now.” he smiled wanly. “I cannot decide if the heavens smile upon you with favour, or are seeking to destroy you outright...” Yi Gim admitted. “In just about any other circumstance, I would expect anyone else in your position to have died. Forgive me, but I feel compelled to ask. What Divine Treasure allowed you to grow strong enough to defeat Wang Chen?”

“Divine Treasures?” I asked uncertainly. “Do you mean Artefacts?”

“Artefacts?” Yi Gim’s brow twitched. “You possess magical objects of power?” He asked with strained incredulity.

I made no reply.

Yi Gim’s mouth hung agape and he staggered backward several steps before stopping himself. “H-How?...”

“I fought other Awakened’ and seized opportunities...” I replied glibly, now realising that I had revealed something I should have kept hidden.

Yi Gim stared at me silently for quite some time. “This...” He waved his right hand, motioning to refer to all of me. “Your body is not the result of an Ancestral Bloodline, is it? You...You’re one of them...”

“One of them?” I asked guardedly, already tensing in preparation for a fight.

Yi Gim blinked several times while struggling silently with his thoughts. “The great enemy of the heavens...A servant of the chaos wastes...”

“A servant of what?” I demanded incredulously.

I felt a sudden rush of energy extend from Yi Gim’s body and press against the core of my being. On instinct alone, I resisted. However, contrary to my expectations, I was not able to break free.

“Not suppressed...Just undeveloped...” Yi Gim looked more confused than before. “Even with a Divine Treasure...How?...”

“You will cease your attack. IMMEDIATELY!” Gric snarled, the stone plates of his armour rattling ominously as his muscles swelled in preparation for combat.

“It’s in your best interest,” Sebet agreed, claws inching free of her gauntlets as her fingers twitched in anticipation.

The pressure increased for a split instant and then withdrew. “Apologies...I...Such an action is unconscionable...I just never expected...” Yi Gim apologised, visibly shaken.

“A monster?” I supplied dryly.

“A monster?” Yi Gim repeated. “No, yes, well...” He took a deep breath to steady himself, “I did not expect to meet a servant of chaos without reaching the position of Supreme Monarch...” No doubt realising that I had no idea what he was talking about, Yi Gim raised one hand for patience. “The top ten Monarchs in the rankings represent the heavens in their divine war to suppress the servants of chaos.”

“So what now then?” I asked, preparing myself for the inevitable descent into violence.

Yi Gim’s grip visibly tightened on the scabbard of his sword and the fingers on his right hand twitched slightly. Grimacing, he removed his left hand from the scabbard and crossed both hands across his chest in an open show of defiance. “You are not what I expected,” Yi Gim admitted.

Surprised by his restraint and transparent attempts at de-escalation, I motioned for Gric and Sebet to stall any hostile activities.

“From all I have been told, you should have attacked me at first sight, or the very least, the moment I lowered my guard...” Yi Gim explained with mounting confidence. “And earlier, you allowed my subordinates to retreat. You would not have done that if you were even half the beast they claim your kind to be.”

Reviewing my own experiences with other Awakened, I was inclined to agree. However, Wang Chen hadn’t seemed that different either.

“But...” Yi Gim paused and smiled faintly. “I am sorry, I have asked far more questions than I have answered. Forgive me,” he bowed, only this time bending at the waist rather than simply inclining his head.

“It’s fine,” I replied dismissively. I had learned a great deal from our exchange, as much from his questions as my own. So I didn’t begrudge his relative monopoly over the questions that had been asked. “What were you going to ask?”

Yi Gim nodded in appreciation. “I was told that your kind could not Cultivate. That you had different abilities.”

“But you know I have Chi,” I commented, following his train of thought.

“Just so,” Yi Gim agreed.

Despite our rapport, I knew that divulging the complete truth would be an incredible risk.

Recognising my hesitation, Yi Gim smiled grimly. “Ah, of course. We all have our secrets.” He glanced back toward his flying ship and I felt Chi passing back and forth several moments before it came to a stop. “I know you have little cause to trust me. However, one of my original goals in contacting you was to seek out an alliance.” Yi Gim stared up at me for several moments before smiling slightly. “What I have learned only makes me more interested.”

“Aren’t we in competition with one another?” I asked warily. Putting aside the fact that we seemed to be part of two completely different Labyrinth blocs, the Monarchs were geared into direct competition with those on the same side as well.

“Ah, you wonder how such alliances would survive such divisive infighting?” Yi Gim nodded sagely. “Long-term stability is only gained through such alliances. Through exchanging Oaths swearing not to attack one another, alliances of like-minded individuals may trade territories freely amongst one another. Buying time to develop manpower, resources and personal power without fear of being caught unawares or unprepared for a mandatory Challenge.”

“It seems...odd, that alliances would be allowed...” I commented dubiously.

Yi Gim wavered his hand noncommittally. “Cultivators are driven to progress, sometimes to the point of excess...Alliances that focus exclusively on trading territories are prone to succumbing to infighting and societal collapse. Despite being less aggressively metered than the unaffiliated, alliance members will not pass up the opportunity to seize territories from weaker Monarchs.”

It was more ruthless than I had expected and made a sort of sense. “Surely you have other allies already. Why do you want an alliance with me?” So far as I was aware, it wasn’t possible to fight alongside an ally, so there didn’t seem to be much point in having more than a single ally to trade territories with.

“I do,” Yi Gim admitted. “However, much like the chisels of a master carpenter, well-chosen allies can each serve a unique purpose. Bang Dae is an excellent information broker, but I would never knowingly show him my back, Oaths or no.”

“I think I understand what you mean. However, it doesn’t explain why you want me as an ally specifically.” I pressed.

“That is true,” Yi Gim readily agreed. “And if I am honest, I am not sure what benefit you can provide me that another ally does not already provide. But I have personally witnessed enough acts of providence to know an opportunity when I see one.” He stared at me intensely for a few moments and nodded to himself, “I am convinced that you represent an opportunity I cannot allow to pass by to another.”

“Even if it meant swearing an oath on your life?” I asked warily.

Yi Gim hesitated, but it was a reaction I had expected. Few could lay down their lives as collateral without hesitation.

“Trust is earned,” Yi Gim replied calmly. “A man’s reputation only holds value to those who know of the quality of the man. If exchanging Oaths would set your mind at ease, then I am prepared to do so.”

“After you then,” I suggested.

“Hrmf, hehe,” Yi Gim chuckled in amusement. “The alliance was my suggestion, so it makes sense that I should go first.” he took a few moments to collect himself. “I swear to the heavens that I will not knowingly or deliberately cause harm to the Monarch known as The Tyrant. Should I break this oath, may my heart demons consume my Cultivation and destroy my soul!” Yi Gim grimaced and staggered slightly before righting himself.

Before repeating the oath for myself, I distinctly recalled having not held it in particularly high regard. However, afterwards, I felt quite differently.

Unlike Oaths I had sworn in the past, this particular Oath settled in my abdomen like a ball of chains. Instead of fading over time, the sensation persisted.

“You grow used to it,” Yi Gim commented with a wry grin. “It doesn't get easier, but you do get used to it.”

With Oaths now preventing us from attacking one another without consequence, Yi Gim’s subordinates disembarked from the flying ship.

Upon their arrival, Yi Gim had them swear Oaths of secrecy to prevent them from divulging anything pertaining to me that they had witnessed thus far or in the future without his explicit permission to do so.

“It is a common practice and precaution when discussing internal and alliance matters,” Yi Gim explained helpfully.

The young man, Gam Seok continued to stare grimly at Sebet and Gric but made no open signs of hostility. He then surprised me by bowing his head with one fist clenched over the other. “I thank you for your instruction in mind Techniques!” He rumbled somewhat defensively. “If there is another opportunity to do so in the future, I would like to exchange Techniques again!”

“It wasn’t exactly a fair fight,” Sebet purred, her pride and ego stoked by Gam Seok’s praise.

“True battle rarely is,” Gam Seok replied respectfully.

“Even so, you put up a stronger resistance than most,” Sebet complimented.

Gam Seok then glanced at Gric and winced. “I thank you for the praise, senior, but I know I must train harder...”

Gric grunted approvingly but said nothing.

In stark contrast to Yi Gim and Gam Seok, the young woman, Hu Hae wore lighter armour that favoured agility and freedom of motion over protection. A veil of fine bronze chain concealed the majority of her face but only served to draw focus to her deep blue eyes.

Since swearing her Oath, Hu Hae had stared at me without even taking the time to blink. It was rather unsettling.

“I must apologise for my grand-niece,” Yi Gim bowed his head respectfully. “Those who possess Affinities are rare within the lands of myself and my trusted allies. Indeed, it came as quite a surprise when you dismantled her Technique using pure Water Affinity alone.”

The image of the oncoming tsunami was still fresh in my mind. In truth, all I had done was force my Chi into the centre of the oncoming waves and formed a wedge. The waves had passed by so quickly that I hadn’t needed to maintain the effort for more than a handful of seconds.

“When you say rare, just how rare do you mean?” I asked curiously.

Yi Gim paused to consider for a few moments. “Outside of specific Bloodlines, it is almost entirely unheard of. This is partially due to families actively incorporating talented individuals into their ranks through marriages and formal adoption. Within all of my territories, I would confidently assume there are fewer than one hundred individuals with an elemental Affinity, and most belong to one of the great families formed by my descendants.” He proudly rested a hand on his great-niece’s shoulder, “Hu Hae is considered something of a prodigy, Even without access to an area rich in Water Chi, she has developed her Affinity diligently.”

“I assume those sorts of places are similarly rare?” I asked curiously.

“Oh, most definitely!” Yi Gim agreed emphatically, “Rarer even. I am aware of monarchs of higher ranking rumoured to possess a Sacred Realm or Hidden Realm saturated with one form of Chi or another, but have unfortunately yet to encounter one myself.” He shrugged helplessly. “We have done our best to develop Chi-rich environments through other means, but plants possessing Chi Affinity are incredibly rare and are slow to propagate.”

“How would you even trade for them?” I asked, confused how any meaningful degree of trade could take place during a Challenge without accepting an immense degree of risk.

“It is possible to travel to territories held by other Monarchs...Or rather, our subjects can travel between realms under certain conditions.” Yi Gim motioned to his subordinates. “Provided both Monarchs allow it. A pair of powerful enough Teleportation Arrays can provide a temporary link between realms.”

“Which would also allow spies and saboteurs...” I observed dryly.

“Just so,” Yi Gim agreed, making no signs of having taken offence. “Trade is usually restricted to a single trading partner for this very reason. The dedicated military presence required to maintain security can just as easily become complicit in illicit dealings that weaken a Monarch’s realm even as trade enriches it.”

“So why engage in open trade at all?” I asked.

“Sometimes, assuring mutual benefit or even engaging in a minor loss is required to ensure one’s continued survival,” Yi Gim replied calmly. “The yak will not attack the bird that grooms its hair. So too will a Monarch resist attacking another that brings him sufficient prestige and wealth through trade.”

It made sense, but inviting enemies through the backdoor would only delay the greater danger. However, there were things I needed and I currently had no means of acquiring them.

Assuming Yi Gim could be trusted, he presented an opportunity.

If I was going to make the most of the second system, I needed manuals and resources.

“What do you trade?” I asked, trying not to seem overly eager.

“It depends upon the needs of each party,” Yi Gim replied unhelpfully before smiling slightly in apology. “Spirit Stone is the most commonly accepted medium,” the Storage Ring on his right hand flashed and a flat green pebble roughly an inch in diameter appeared in the palm of his hand. “The precise value varies. However, the quality of the spiritual jade, and its receptivity to Chi, is the most important factor in determining each stone's value. Grade ten purity is the highest, while grade one is the lowest. Although merchants and nobles may defer to simpler terms, such as high, middle or low grade.”

“And what is that stone worth?” I asked, pointing to the stone in his palm.

Yi Gim’s smile widened slightly and the wrinkles around his eyes grew deeper. “This is an eighth grade, or high grade, Spirit Stone-” He patted the sword hanging at his side, “I would expect to pay five hundred of these for a blade of this quality.”

“May I see?” I extended my hand, motioning toward the stone.

Misunderstanding my request, Yi Gim deftly untied the scabbard from his belt and gingerly tossed it up into my hand.

It wasn’t what I had wanted, but it presented another opportunity to take a closer look at the weapons of the Cultivators.

Unfortunately, it looked more or less the same as the swords I had taken from the Divine Patriarch. The hilt and scabbard both had artistic wave patterns, and the swirls appeared to line up with and continue onto the blade. However, the transition to the blade was made from some sort of dark stain rather than etchings or engravings.

Just the same as the other swords, injecting MP into it did not change its size, or do anything else. However, infusing it with Chi was a different matter entirely.

Something inside of the sword seemed to come alive.

It felt like an extension of my own body, a limb I never knew I had.

Balancing the flat of the blade on the end of my finger, I was able to cause it to begin spinning with just a thought. Testing the limits, I willed the blade to spin faster.

Flicking the sword into the air, I watched it turn end over end and directed it to land point-first on the reverse side of my palm.

“Wait!-” Yi Gim cried out in alarm but stopped mid-leap as the sword landed harmlessly on the stone plate of my gauntlet.

Now spinning on its point like a drill, I accelerated the rotation speed and watched carefully for signs of damage.

Having satisfied my curiosity, I returned the blade to its scabbard and tossed it back to Yi Gim.

“I'm glad I followed my intuition,” Yi Gim chuckled nervously, returning the sword to his side.

I shrugged. “I would like to take a look at the Spirit Stone,” I clarified.

“Oh, of course!” Yi Gim replied with forced cheer, tossing up the small green stone onto my waiting palm.

As I had expected, the Spirit Stone contained concentrated internal energy. Instinctively, I sensed that I could strip the energy out of it if I wanted to. However, I wasn’t certain I could replace it afterwards, so I left it alone.

“Do the veins appear naturally?” I asked, curious whether I could create the stones to facilitate trade.

Yi Gim nodded. “The veins of spiritual jade are formed over hundreds of years.” He was quiet for a few moments but something else appeared to come to mind. “Although it is rare, Tribulations have been known to transform the materials within their immediate surroundings. However, the Spirit Stones harvested from such events are often low grade.”

I nodded politely and thought things over. “Is it the internal energy or the jade itself that determines the value?” I asked, wondering whether Ochram could create this special jade from other forms of stone.

The question took Yi Gim by surprise and he took a few moments to consider his response. “I suppose it would depend upon who you ask,” he replied, stroking his beard contemplatively. “To most lower merchants, it is the collective that matters. The absence of purity matters just as much as the absence of internal energy. However, an Inscriptionist would place far greater value on the purity of the spiritual jade, as they can readily gather internal energy to replenish the stones with only a little effort.” Yi Gim shrugged indifferently, “Weaker Cultivators would place an emphasis on the internal energy of the stones and demand the exchange be reflected only in the total available internal energy.”

“I see...” It was good to know that there was some wriggle room, but I still didn’t know if I could replicate the Spirit Stones at all.

I offered the Spirit Stone back to Yi Gim but he raised his hands in refusal. “Keep it, please. Consider it a gift,” he insisted, removing a wooden token from his belt and tossing it to join the stone already in my hand. “A communication token,” Yi Gim explained hurriedly, withdrawing a twin from within his Storage Ring. <Injecting Chi into the token should allow us to communicate without the Monarch Communication Exchange. Although it may prove particularly draining over such a distance.>

Unlike regular telepathy which provided impressions and emotions, the communication provided by the token was the same as mundane speech.

Inspecting the token, the edges were lined with text that I didn’t understand but recognised as being written in an Eastern Asian alphabet.

“It was made by our most accomplished Formation expert,” Yi Gim explained proudly, “And the wood is thousand-year-old ash. I am confident that you will not find better!”

I nodded in thanks but couldn’t help but worry whether the token could be used for more nefarious or clandestine purposes. I would need to have the token kept somewhere safe to limit any potential harm.

“Is there anything in particular you or your people need in trade?” I asked. I needed alternatives in case creating jade turned out to be a bust. I doubted Technique manuals were cheap, and any that were wouldn’t be worth learning from.

“In bulk?” Yi Gim qualified. “The same as everyone else, I suppose. Elixirs, medicinal pills, rare alchemical ingredients or materials...” He shrugged apologetically, “Cultivation resources are always in demand. However, the prices fluctuate heavily based on quality and demand.”

“I don't suppose you have any examples on hand?” It was a reach, but Hana’s ability to grow just about anything would be a welcome backup in case Ochram’s jade didn’t work out.

Yi Gim began to shake his head but stopped and looked toward his grand-niece. “Hu Hae?”

Hu Hae fidgeted nervously for a few moments beneath her uncle's gaze before withdrawing a small jade case from her Storage Ring. “A midnight lotus, uncle...” She briefly lifted the lid, revealing a lotus with pale blue petals. Replacing the lid, she offered the case and flower to her uncle with palpable reluctance and disappointment.

Yi Gim appeared more conflicted than his grandniece but inevitably relented. “I will see you receive another, Hae-er,” he promised, accepting the case containing the flower and squeezing her shoulder slightly to emphasise his conviction and sincerity.

Instead of accepting the lotus flower myself, I motioned Gric forward to take it in my place.

Extending my senses, I felt a faint familiar presence mingled amidst its energy.

“The midnight lotus possesses a trace of Water Affinity,” Yi Gim explained. “It is unlikely that a realm with lower maturity will possess such a treasure, but stranger things have happened,” he gave me a small smile, acknowledging my unique situation.

What little he knew of it.

“Why is the Affinity so valuable?” I asked, “Beyond its rarity, I mean.”

“The proper pill made from such a material can increase the related Affinity in a Cultivator with the same Affinity,” Yi Gim explained earnestly, sparing a moment to glance guiltily at his grand-niece. “Materials with stronger Affinity can even impart that Affinity to a Cultivator under the right circumstances. It is why even the faintest trace of Affinity can drive up the price of the most common materials.”

“What about the rings?” I nodded to Yi Gim’s hands. “Are they expensive?”

“Spatial Storage Rings? Oh my yes, very expensive!” Yi Gim replied. “Working with Spatial Chi is notoriously difficult, and the storage space itself comes at the expense of a territory. So no matter the size, they are always a prized treasure.”

That was good news. I had looted several Storage Rings from Wang Chen and his subordinates. If worse came to worst, I could always sell one of them to buy what I needed.

“You have asked a great deal about what I may want from you,” Yi Gim commented astutely. “However, we have not yet discussed what you may want from me.”

I acknowledged his observations with a curious nod. “As I am sure you have already determined, your realm and my own are at different stages of development.”

Yi Gim nodded politely and waited for me to continue.

“This makes knowledge a high priority,” I explained. “However, I am also aware that such knowledge, particularly relating to Cultivation, comes at a premium.”

Yi Gim nodded again.

“I’m not foolish or arrogant enough to demand or expect the secrets and treasures of your realm. However, I suspect that you would be willing to sell those of your rivals and that others will feel the same,” I explained patiently while gauging his reaction.

Yi Gim’s lips slowly parted into a wolfish smile. “It is just so,” he admitted happily. “Turning the fall of a rival into profit and prosperity is the duty of every Monarch.”

After discussing matters a little further, Yi Gim formally offered his surrender alongside a single territory.

Accepting his surrender, I was immediately returned to Sanctuary.

The loophole seemed entirely too convenient when compared to what I had previously known of the Labyrinths. However, taking into account what I had learned from Yi Gim, it made a strange sort of sense.

Resources were intended to filter upward to those fighting in their great war. Diverting their attention to pursue the resources en masse would be inefficient. Strong-arming a robust ‘middle class’ into paying protection without putting up a fight would be far more favourable.

With the middling Monarchs doing all the fighting and negotiating, those at the top would be free to demand whatever they wanted without risking their position by weakening themselves.

All the while, those at the bottom were set upon from all sides. Their resources to be acquired and managed by those already possessing experience and the means to efficiently exploit them.

I should consider myself lucky that only two other Monarchs had taken an interest in seizing my resources. However, the sudden and unexpected defeat of the Divine Patriarch may have played a more prominent role in deterring aggression than I had expected.

I found Hana experimenting with new plant life in a small garden near the lake. Jin, the Cultivation Alchemist, followed behind her while making suggestions and observations on the results. Thoroughly absorbed in their conversation, Hana didn’t acknowledge my presence until the very last moment, waiting until I reached the outer boundary of the garden.

“Welcome home, Tim!” Hana called out cheerily, waving clear a path and approaching me directly.

Gric appeared at my side without warning, the jade case containing the lotus still securely held in his right hand.

“Ah! G-Greetings m-mighty M-Monarch!” Jin exclaimed fearfully, bowing rigidly at the waist with his eyes firmly fixed on the ground.

Ignoring Jin, at least for the moment, I motioned Gric forward. “We acquired something that may help with your experiments.”

Already excited, Hana’s eyes lit up with expectation and barely restrained curiosity.

Gric opened the case and offered it to Hana.

“Oh!... It’s certainly interesting!” Hana exclaimed, sparing only a moment to gently scoop the lotus out of the jade case before wandering toward the lake shore.

“I will seek out Ochram,” Gric volunteered, closing the case and patiently waiting for my approval.

“Alright, but take this as well,” I passed him the Spirit Stone. Ochram probably wouldn’t need a second reference, but I had no other immediate use for it anyway.

Gric accepted the Spirit Stone and disappeared.

Following Hana, I found her kneeling in the shallows and cradling the lotus between her palms.

“It has taken root, but it is weak,” Hana explained without looking away from the lotus. “My mana isn’t enough. Just like the others, it needs more than The Grove can provide...”

Closing my eyes, I released a steady stream of Chi and extended my consciousness. Feeling a gentle tug, I allowed myself to be drawn toward the source.

In contrast to its serene, if somewhat wilted physical appearance. The spiritual presence of the lotus felt like a starved animal. It gnawed at the periphery of my extended consciousness, trying, and failing, to tear off a piece of me to sate its hunger.

As time wore on, the desperation of the lotus ebbed. Somehow, it was able to fortify itself through my presence.

“It is as if you are the sun,” Hana commented curiously. “Even now, it turns to you to sustain itself,” she pointed to the bent stem of the lotus and I could see that she was right, on both counts.

It needed internal energy, or Chi to sustain itself, and so did the others. However, the other plants Hana had experimented with seemed far less desperate. Even now and despite the distance between us, they had latched onto my Chi and seemed to be growing stronger.

Hana had noticed as well and appeared to be thinking something over. “Tim, Jin said there were special Spells, boundaries that helped contain the special mana the plants need-”

“Formations?” I interjected, having read references to such an effect but for the purposes of bolstering Cultivators themselves.

“I think that was the word he used,” Hana agreed. “Is there some way we can get those?”

“I...I’m not sure...” I replied honestly. “There are Formations written in some of the books I’ve read, but none of them mentioned plants.”

“Ah! With all due respect, M-Monarch!” Jin interrupted hastily, “Any of the basic energy gathering and Chi concentration Formations would be sufficient!” He suddenly paled and threw himself into another low bow. “Forgiveness Monarch! It was not my intention to assume!”

With a thought, I conjured a large tome into my right hand. It contained every Formation and Array Sebet and Gric had found within the Divine Patriarch’s Cultivation manuals. “Show me,” I insisted, striding onto the shore and using MP to form a bookstand from the nearby stones.

“Ah! At once!” Jin agreed obediently, scampering like a dog eager to please its master. That, or terrified of being found wanting.

Jin carefully but hastily flipped through the tome, pausing on each page only long enough to confirm its contents before moving on. After a minute of searching, Jin stopped and shakily pointed to the diagram on the open page.

“This is it!” Jin declared awkwardly, his voice cracking slightly. “Hrm! If the garden is surrounded by such a Formation, the plants are sure to flourish!” I am sure of it!”

“What do we need to do?” I couldn’t understand the characters written into the Formation’s design, but I was reasonably confident I could copy the overall design by using the book as a direct reference.

“Ah, well...I think we need Spirit Stones...” Jin replied anxiously, his face growing pale. “Th-the Formations I have seen have all been made...from...Spirit Stones...”

I let out a deep sigh and fitted a bookmark to mark the page.

Using my authority, I relocated myself to Ochram’s location and found myself standing on a craggy mountainside.

“My Tyrant!” Cin, one of the one-horned Daemons and Ochram’s apprentice, cried out excitedly in welcome. Her clothes were dirty, caked in mud and clay, but she looked happy. It made me glad to see another one of the Daemons finding fulfilment in their chosen role.

“Master!” Ochram rumbled warmly, his voice causing a minor rockslide nearby. “Your gift was most delicious!” He slapped his stomach with one disproportionately large hand and licked his cracked lips with hunger and satisfaction.

“He ate the Spirit Stone,” Gric clarified snippily, clearly irritated.

“And for that, I apologise,” Ochram insisted.

“And the case?” I pressed, affording Ochram a certain degree of grace for his contributions thus far.

“Still intact,” Gric replied calmly, revealing the case firmly clasped in his right hand. “Ochram was about to attempt to replace what he destroyed.”

“I was,” Ochram agreed hurriedly. “I mean, I am!” He corrected, gathering his MP.

The ground beneath our feet shuddered violently and began running like water.

Refusing to panic, I trusted in Ochram’s process.

Minutes passed and the mountainside continued to shake.

I could only assume that Ochram was searching for the minerals he needed to form the correct composition for jadeite.

I wasn’t a geologist, but I was reasonably confident that jadeite was formed from metamorphic rock, and I had no way of knowing if the stone within the Labyrinths followed the same principles from Earth. Sёarᴄh the Nôvelƒire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

My concerns were set at ease as a pillar of green stone emerged from the ground. Several more minutes passed and the pillar continued to grow. After roughly half an hour, Ochram breathlessly ended his Spell and collapsed onto his arse.

“I have. Done my. Best. Master...” Ochram wheezed, slapping at his chest with fistfuls of nearby loose dirt and pebbles as if refreshing himself with water.

Visually inspecting the stone, it looked rough and wasn’t particularly impressive. However, I was surprised to find that it was particularly receptive to Chi. I wasn’t sure it was up to the same standard as the Spirit Stone. However, comparing it to the case that had contained the lotus, it was clear that the product of Ochram’s labours was superior.

Provided you ignored the uncut and unpolished exterior.

Returning to Sanctuary with the small pillar of artificial jadeite and Gric in tow, I found Hana and Jin just where I had left them. Interrupting a conversation in the process.

Jin shied backward and reflexively snapped into a respectful bow.

Hana rolled her eyes and turned to me for support. “Tim, can you just tell him to stop this already?” She pointed at Jin and released an irritated sigh. “It is incredibly frustrating to have Jin bowing and scraping at anyone that so much as looks in our direction.” Hana scowled and looked up at me expectantly. “We are doing something important, aren't we? So why not give him an official title or something?”

I looked down at Jin, who was determinedly staring down at the ground. “Has he been helpful?” I asked, making sure to keep my tone even.

“Wh-what?” Hana stammered, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. “I, ah, yes, I would say he has been helpful...Why?”

“Given the current lack of competition, and his unique qualifications, I could award Jin the title of royal Alchemist,” I observed hypothetically.

“Is that a real title?” Hana asked curiously.

I shrugged, “As real as any other,” I replied glibly. “Admittedly, the title would carry greater weight if Jin were actively plying his trade...”

“We are working on that,” Hana replied with a sigh and then collected herself. “Will you really give him the title?” She asked. “Even if you just made it up, I think it would go a long way toward boosting his confidence.”

I glanced at Jin who had remained determinedly silent throughout. “I will,” I agreed and smiled at Hana, “He is the most accomplished Cultivation Alchemist in the entire realm, after all.”

Hana smiled and lightly punched my thigh, “Always so magnanimous!” A trail of small flowers bloomed in her hair and she returned to her garden.

“If you want a ceremony to accompany the title, then I suggest you assist me in ensuring this Formation is constructed correctly,” I warned Jin, smirking as I used MP to reshape the jadeite into a large wide-lipped bowl.

***** Chul ~ Ruinous Atol *****

Standing at his Monarch’s side, Ma Chul struggled to repress his frustrations over the command to attend a preliminary trade negotiation in person.

As head of the Jade Moon Hall, Ma Chul had literally hundreds of subordinates qualified to engage in such low-scale negotiations.

Making matters worse, Ma Chul knew from personal experience that his Monarch, Yi Gim, would not engage in any meaningful levels of trade through such personal means. There was too much risk involved and too many unknowns to afford to bring anything of substantial value.

“Hall Master Ma, you have made sure to bring the requested items?” Yi Gim asked quietly, his formal robes fluttering elegantly in the breeze.

Ma Chul bowed respectfully, “Yes, Monarch.”

Offering so many low-level manuals and Alchemy materials presented little risk, but also carried almost no room to generate a meaningful profit. Ma Chul suspected that he may have to take a loss to save face for his Monarch.

The Western barbarians and their Monarch had only recently been integrated into the greater universe of true Cultivation. Anything they had to offer in exchange would almost certainly be of low quality.

“And you are confident you have sufficient Spirit Stones for trade?” Yi Gim pressed. “I have allowed my grand-niece a stipend should anything catch her eye, but I expect the Jade Moon Hall to cover its own expenses.”

“I understand, my Monarch, and yes, I have brought more than five hundred thousand low-grade Spirit Stones!” Ma Chul replied hurriedly, fearing his Monarch’s wrath.

Yi Gim frowned slightly and it sent a shiver of fear running down Ma Chul’s spine. “You are confident such a small number of Spirit Stones will be sufficient?’ He asked, with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

“Do you really think they will have something of value to trade, uncle?” Hu Hae asked with barely concealed scepticism.

Yi Gim was silent for a few moments, considering the question seriously before replying. “I believe they will have something that will surprise us,” he replied confidently. “My intuition is rarely wrong. Although, I admit that mercantilism is far from my greatest strength.”

Hu Hae looked as if she was going to speak further but stopped as the barbarians’ representative began crossing the island, signalling a beginning to the proceedings.

Tall and imposing, the representative had skin the colour of pale jade and the eyes of a serpent. Ma Chul couldn’t sense the man’s internal energy but could feel raw power radiating from his heavily muscled body in waves. Cruel and beautiful to behold, Ma Chul would have believed him to be the Monarch if Yi Gim had not already stated otherwise.

“Monarch Yi,” the representative’s deep commanding voice seized the attention of all in attendance with effortless ease. “The Tyrant wishes to settle a private matter before the discussion of trade.”

“Very well,” Yi Gim agreed and motioned for the representative to proceed.

The representative turned to Hu Hae. “The Tyrant has tasked me with delivering a gift as thanks for what was freely given during our last meeting several days ago.” In the span of a heartbeat, he disappeared and then reappeared. Only now, he was holding a jade pot the size of Ma Chul’s head.

Staggering, Ma Chul nearly fell to his knees as his spiritual perception passed over the jade vessel.

Removing the lid, the representative angled the pot to reveal its contents.

Ma Chul felt an intense aura of Chi wash over him and broke into a sweat as his eyes settled on the flower floating in the pot of Chi-enriched water.

“A midnight lotus?!” Hu Hae exclaimed excitedly, her azure eyes flashing with happiness.

“Just so,” the representative replied with the barest hint of a smile.

Overcoming his initial shock, Ma Chul took a closer look at the jade vessel barely stopping himself from crying out in fury. The jade was of the highest purity he had ever laid eyes upon. Easily of the ninth or perhaps even tenth level of purity. Which only made the amateurish engravings marring its surface that much more offensive.

To allow such materials to be marred by unskilled hands was a travesty beyond words. Masters of the Masons Hall would carve out their own eyes rather than behold such an injustice.

“It is now yours,” the representative passed the pot and lid to Hu Hae so she may take ownership of it and inspect the midnight lotus more freely.

“It feels...stronger...” Hu Hae looked to her uncle for confirmation, and Ma Chul did likewise.

Yi Gim nodded sagely in agreement, “At least two stages greater in Water Affinity,” he confirmed, motioning to the petals. “See how their inner light ebbs and flows like the tide. It is a sign of higher quality and higher Water Affinity alike.”

“Two stages?!” Hu Hae exclaimed breathlessly.

“Assuming Master Yeo’s skills hold true, I have no doubts that a pill made from this material will increase your Affinity,” Yi Gim confirmed with an approving and expectant smile.

“We have other materials for trade,” the representative interjected, “All of similar quality.”

Hu Hae hugged the jade pot and snatched the sleeve of her uncle’s outer robe. A gesture that while endearing, would have resulted in a severe punishment for anyone outside of the Monarch’s family. “Uncle!!!”

“Do not fret, Hue-er,” Yi Gim replied confidently, “I gave Master Ma explicit instructions to prepare for such an eventuality. Didn’t I Master Ma?”

Ma Chul’s blood turned to ice water in his veins. Accounting for the Alchemy materials and manuals, the half a million low-grade Spirit Stones, and even his Storage Ring, Ma Chul knew that he had barely enough capital to trade for two midnight lotus of such quality.

Of course, that was assuming the other Monarch’s trade representative was willing to cut him a deal...

Mouth dry and hands trembling, Ma Chul swallowed every ounce of pride within his body and kowtowed to his Monarch. “Most honourable Monarch! As the Master and representative of the Jade Moon Hall! I beg you! Please extend me a line of credit for the sake of the realm!!!”