Chapter 236: The Exploding Sun Faction

Chapter 236: The Exploding Sun Faction

Jack looked out of the window. A planet dominated his view, covered in stripes of green and blue, while purple-orange gasses hung in the background, shimmering with a thousand newborn stars.

This place is amazing, he said.

Of course it is, Master Shol replied proudly. Its my faction!

The man was reclining on a sleek, white chair that did not at all match his monk-like attire. A yellow cape was draped over his shoulders, simple leather shoes covered his feet, and the smile still refused to leave his face. His entire body, however, was covered in dense muscles that no clothes could ever hide.

Brock, meanwhile, was snoring on another chair. He couldnt sleep well on Derion, so he made up for it now.

I have to admit, master, Jack said, you look much more intimidating when you are not a ghost.

Who wouldnt? And I told you to stop calling me that. Master this and master that. Bah. Were of the same Grade nowjust call me big brother.

Jack couldnt keep the wry smile off his lips. He had never felt more accomplished. Alright, brother Shol.

Big brother.

Thats what I said.

Hmm I guess you did.

Both laughed. Jack inspected mas Shol again, unable to believe hed finally caught up. It was this sort of thing that put all his adventures into context.

Human (Earth44), Level 249

Faction: Exploding Sun (B-Grade)

Title: Fifth Ring Conqueror

Well, caught up was a bit of an exaggeration. Shol remained over a hundred levels ahead and a great deal stronger, but at least they were of the same Grade!

Its incredible, Shol said. The kid I mentored three months ago became an immortal already If someone told me that before I saw it, I would have beaten them up for mocking me. And yet Somehow, you did it. He shook his head, strong eyes glued on Jack. Well done, kid. Well done.

Please. You dont need to call me kid anymorejust Jack will suffice.

Shol kept his smile down, but how could he hide it from Jack? I suppose so, he replied. I look forward to hearing about your adventures, Jack, but lets wait until we meet my master. No sense in having you repeat everything.

Can you tell me about this place in the meantime? Jack asked, turning back to the window. Its unreal.

Shol laughed. What do you want to know?

Everything. How does the Exploding Sun work? Why are you here? Why do you have three planets?

Let me give you a basic rundown of our faction. Shol stood from his chair, walking to the window beside Jack. He pointed to the nearest planet. Field Nebula is the capital of the Exploding Sun constellation and faction. It is made up of three planets. The one were heading towards is the inner planet; its where the elders, enforcers, deacons, and inner faction disciples reside.

Inner disciples?

Right. Seeing the confusion on Jacks face, Shol explained further. Most factions divide their disciples in inner and outer ones, with the inner disciples being superior in status. In the Exploding Sun, like all B-Grade factions, outer disciples are those who are in either the F- or E-Grade. D-Grade cultivators are inner disciples. Technically, I am one too, though I also possess the title of deacon, which holds higher seniority.

So this planet is inhabited exclusively by immortals?

Pretty much.

Jack gazed back at the window, at the entire planet they were heading towards. Even from this distance, he could make out towns and structures.

Just how many immortals do you have!? he couldnt help but wonder. All around the galaxy, D-Grades were considered apex existences. Every one of them Jack had met so far was revered and respected. Only one out of every hundred thousand cultivators became an immortal. In the fringe planets of the constellation, they could command an entire continent, even an entire planet.

Wow, he said. Is this where the inner disciples live?

Of course not! Shol laughed. This is just my masters house.

This entire thing?

Thats right.

Jack did a double-take. No matter how he looked at it, this was a town on top of a mountain. Maybe not a big town, but definitely not one persons house, either.

Everyone you see is either a servant, a disciple, or someone elses family, Shol explained. This entire estate belongs to my master.

Jack struggled to believe this. Your faction is a bit extravagant.

We only have twenty-one elders, Shol replied proudly. They get the best we can offer. One mountaintop is nothingamongst elders, my master is considered quite modest.

...If this is all one massive joke, I will not laugh.

You would. But is not a joke. This is the real world, Jack; your world. Youre a big boy now. Shol smiled. And youll get used to it.

Jack shook his head. When faced with such grandeur and extravagance, what could he even say? That his legs were jelly? That his entire worldview was challenged?

The starship landed gently on a plaza designed expressly for this purpose, and a score of servants quickly ran over to welcome them. Jack expected them to be overly subservient, and himself to tell them to take it easy.

Shol threw the door open. Hello, my friends! he shouted, laughing. Im back! Haha!

Welcome, deacon! the servants replied, bowing lightly. Despite being servants, they didnt seem mistreated as Jack had fearedif anything, they were smiling at Shol like he was their friend.

Jack nodded with approval.

This is Jack, Shol said, grabbing Jack by the shoulder and pulling him closer. My brilliant disciple, who managed to become an immortal at only four months since being Integrated! He will be your big brother from now on, so treat him with respect.

Uh Hello, everyone, Jack greeted them. Brock poked his head out of the starship, inspected everyone, then smiled warmly.

I am Brock, he said. Brock big bro, too.

The servants looked at Jack like theyd seen a ghostfor any of multiple reasons. Hurriedly, a few of them nodded. Welcome, brother Jack, they said, and Jack returned their greetings.

Leaving the starship to the servants, the three of them took off, following a stone-paved path to the manor at the very top of the mountain.

So, what exactly is the deal with servants? Jack asked carefully when they were alone. It sounds a bit

Shol stopped to give him a good look. That is a bit of a touchy subject. Servants are workersthey get paid a salary, given resources to cultivate, and are generally well taken care of. In return, they help keep the estate running and in good condition. However, not everyone treats them as nicelyeven in our faction. His face darkened for a second there. In any case, I expect you to treat everyone in this estate with kindness, no matter their status. That is how my master behaves, that is how I behave, and that is how you will behave as well.

Jack raised his palms. Of course. That is how I would act, even if you didnt tell me.

I know you would. I just had to make sure. Shols face brightened again. He was about to say something, but his eyes were suddenly lost in the void. A moment later, he glowed. Really? Of course, master! Well be on our way! He then turned to Jack. Great news! An appointment was canceled, so my master has some free time right now. I will take you to meet her immediately.

Werent we already going to do that?

Shol scowled. Of course not. What do you think, that a kid like you can see an elder whenever you want? I was going to situate you in a room, where you would wait until she could spare a few minutes. It could have been days.

Oh, Jack said weakly. Then yeah, that is great news.

Shol smiled. Prepare yourself, Jack! You are about to meet one of the greatest people in the entire galaxy!

Jack nodded somberly. Brock raised his hands and said, Yay!