Chapter 242: Pure Dao Cultivation

Chapter 242: Pure Dao Cultivation

The atmosphere around Cloud Field grew weird after the spar. Auburn exchanged a few words with Melia before taking offshed mentioned theyd come here to spar, but Auburns mood was too sour after failing to defeat Jack, who was forty levels weaker than herself.

Which was a pretty normal response, actually. Auburn was a young D-Grade immortal who had been taken in as a personal disciple of Master Huali. Her talent was undeniably superb. This had to be one of the hardest losses shed ever taken.

It was just her bad luck for running into Jack.

Melia, however, quickly approached Jack and started socializing. Her eyes no longer sparked with arrogance, but with respect. The meditating cultivator with long dark hair and flowing blue robes, whose name was Fang Long, also approached Jack, as did the woman who was practicing some sort of turtle skill. Both of them overflowed with energy and wit. Jack found himself chatting and laughing alongside them, enjoying a camaraderie with strangers that he hadnt felt in a while. Most of them tried to kill him.

This really brought into attention how important strength was for cultivators. Before proving himself against Auburn, Jack would have been greeted with much less enthusiasm. Now, everyone was rushing to meet him.

That didnt make them bad people or opportunists. When meeting someone with great potential, you would naturally be more friendly to them compared to the same person but with less potential. If you were busy with something else, you would put it aside for a moment to make a useful connection. It was just how the world worked.

Some time later, Jack extracted himself from their company and paced over to Master Shol, who sat cross-legged on the platforms edge and gazed at the nebulous sky. Brock was beside himhis monkey eyes were filled with wonder, his breaths were deep, and he seemed to enjoy this very much.

As Jack approached, Shol gave him a smiling glance. What do you think, Jack?

Of what? Jack replied, taking his own seat beside them. Unlike everyone else, he did not sit cross-legged; he let his legs dangle over the edge, an Earth-like posture that cultivators didnt adopt often.

Of my faction, Shol replied. You have seen our facilities. You have met a few cultivators. You even spoke to my master. So; what do you think?

Jack chuckled. Does it matter? I already agreed to join.

Of course it matters. You used to be my disciple; now, you are my brother. Your opinion is important to me.

Jack looked deeply into Shols eyes, who was back to staring in the distance.

Time and time again, Shol had helped him. Back on Earth, hed guided Jack regardless of their disagreements. He had asked his own masterHualito protect Jack from the Animal Kingdom. When she declined, Shol hadnt hesitated to go against her orders to help Jack further, and it was only because of his assistance that he survived. Now, once again, Shol brought Jack to his faction, where he would be safe, and took time out of his day to introduce Jack to the important locations of this estate.

The world of cultivators was a harsh one. With survival at stake, people worshiped power above all. They backstabbed each other. Everyone had hidden thoughts and hidden interests.

In Jacks experience so far, few people in this world were genuinebut Shol was undoubtedly one of them.

Thank you, Jack said, not specifying why. Shol didnt ask. I like it here. The people seem nice, and everything in the estate is pleasing to the eye. Its almost too good, in fact; I expected the entire world to be cutthroat and tyrannical, but your faction has surprised me pleasantly.

Not my faction; just my masters estate. As you will come to realize, we are a small island of virtuousness in a sea of filth.This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.

Then, it seems Ive come to the right place.

This time, it was Shols turn to chuckle. He glanced back; the rest of the cultivators had returned to practicing, each in their own way. Nobody could hear their thoughts.

I am glad to hear that, Jack, he said honestly. This really is a nice place. It is a part of your journey that is necessary, as well as a safe port for when trouble knocks on your door. You willgrow much more powerful here. He then paused for a moment, considering his next words. Jack let himhe turned to enjoying the breeze, the sky, and the simple fact that he was alive and free.

However, Shol finally continued, I want you to remember that a faction is just a safe port. It is home, but nobody should stay cooped up forever. Ships are not built to stay in the harbor. If you really want to grow strong, I would suggest stabilizing yourself here, increasing your strength in safety as much as possible, then going out to adventure. That is how young cultivators should act.

Brock looked on with interest. Jack raised both brows. Why do you say this? he asked.

Because I know you. I know your path. Safety is insidious; it has a way of making you relax and decay, losing sight of your goals. Before you know it, you are a turtle in its shell, your edge dulls, and you are afraid of stepping out into the world again. You rest on your laurels, letting time flow by, and suddenly, all your momentum is gone, as is your bravery and youth, leaving you an aimless, risk-averse husk.

Jack frowned. Thank you, brother, but I wouldnt do that. I have goals.

Okay, was all he said, smiling. Go get them, bro.

Yes.

Shol chuckled. Attaboys. Any other questions?

Jack considered it. Oh! he said. I have two friends who were coming to the Exploding Sun: Gan Salin and Nauja. Both gifted E-Grades. Could you help me check if theyve arrived?

They have. I was told they said my name upon entering the sect, but I didnt go to meet them. I believe they joined as outer disciples and are currently situated in the outer planet. His brows creased. However Wasnt that Gan Salin one of the Animal Kingdom scions on your planet?

He was, but dont worry about it. Hes a good guy now.

If you say so

I think we should go visit them soon. Right, Brock? Jack asked, giving his brorilla a meaningful glance. Brock nodded. Some things went unsaid between them, but both understood. As spiritual companions, they were on the same wavelength.

Oh! Shol said. Before I forget; take these.

He reached into his pocket and removed two perfectly folded squares. As he unrolled them, they revealed themselves to be two capes: one medium-sized yellow, and one small red. Both had the insignia of the Exploding Sunan exploding sunwoven into the fabric.

Woah, Jack said, receiving the yellow cape. It felt soft and smooth to the touchhe had no doubt it was the best fabric he had ever touched. We get our own capes?

I told you. Shol winked. These capes are a symbol of your identity in the faction, as well as a symbol of status in the outside world. Dont lose them.

We wont!

Then, welcome to the Exploding Sun!

Both of them wore their capes, latching them closed under the neck, and let them flutter freely in the wind. Both fit them perfectlyeven Brock, who only reached to Jacks chest in height. Thank you, brother, Jack said earnestly, while Brock gave Shol a grateful handshake.

No problem. I didnt make these. Delivering them is just my duty. Shol said, smiling as he turned towards the sky.

Before we go, Jack said, I actually have a final question. As a deacon of the Exploding Sun, you probably have access to some information networks. Could you do me a favor and ask about a starship called the Trampling Ram? They helped me escape the Animal Kingdom, but they were attacked afterward, and their fate is unknown. They are good people.

Shol nodded. I can do that. Can you give me more details?

Its a small vessel; maybe it can fit ten people? The captain is a D-Grade cyclops called Dordok, and they were carrying an ambassador of the Fair Way continent to the capital of the Animal Kingdom three months ago. Three Hounds intercepted them outside Earth-321, which is where I was separated from them.

Okay. I will see what I can find out and get back to you.

Thank you, brother. Theyre good people. I hope theyre okay.

Since they helped you, I hope so too. Shol stood, dusting off his robes. Now then. Since my business here is done, I will be going. I have other responsibilities, too. If either of you has a problem, you can come find me whenever.

Will do, brother. Thanks. Jack smiled. Brock gave him a thumbs-up. Shol returned the gesture.

What will you do now? he asked.

Jack exchanged another glance with Brock. I want to cultivate. I want to experience the Dao Vision I got in the library and make myself as strong as possible as quickly as possible. Before that, howeverI think we should visit Salin and Nauja in the outer planet. I hope they dont have any problemsthough theyre probably the ones creating problems.