The First Peak of the Force

by Yuri Ajin

  Then, about five millennia later, a global catastrophe occurred and the level of prana dropped significantly. This led to the extinction of many powerful monsters, like the Thunder Serpent and the Flame Salamander, which simply didn’t have enough strength to continue living. Those times were called The Dark Ages since the decrease in energy levels also affected people. It became much more difficult to develop. A struggle for resources began, and wars over them lasted for centuries. The strongest families survived, accumulating power, while the weak vanished, getting lost in the sands of time. The Lei and families like them turned out to be so strong that they began forming their own clans. After that, the situation on the Plateau became pretty shaky.

  According to Dee, the Thunder Serpent Clan had thirty-seven Elementalists: eighteen of them at the initial level, eleven at the middle level, six at the final level, and two at the peak level. Not all of them were from the Lei family, but in order to reach this stage, those who didn’t belong to them agreed to become part of the clan.

  It was the Elementalists who were the ruling elite. However, the truth was that most of them cared little for bureaucracy, being too busy with their own development. Thus, only seven people were engaged in managing the clan: six elders, who formed the highest council of the clan, and the patriarch, who was also the current head of the Lei family. He was a peak-level Elementalist. The only other person to have ever reached the peak of this stage was the Supreme Elder — the former patriarch. And although he had long retired, he still looked after the clan. A similar practice (transferring the ruling seat while still alive) was widespread on the Plateau.

  One level below the board were the elders, both junior and senior. They were all at the Exorcists Stage and there were about two thousand of them. Alkea had never witnessed such a number of masters of this stage.

  As for the students, there were no leaders among them, but the more talented, and therefore the more privileged ones, could exert a certain amount of influence on others through strength, wealth, and popularity. This mainly applied to apprentices, out of which there were three hundred and seven. For comparison, there were only thirteen of them in the Fallen Star Sect.

  In one way or another, these three hundred and seven people were the finest gems that the Thunder Serpent Clan could find. The most talented ones were trained personally by the Elementalists, and the rest were trained by the peak-level Exorcists. Everyone who had received the status of an apprentice would inevitably reach the first stage of true mastery, and a small handful would be able to rise even higher.

  There were student factions here, too. They existed only among apprentices, to whom only a small part of the inner-circle students could join. They had no interest in any other group of students. For the most part, the other groups didn’t care about the clan’s young elite, who were always fighting with each other over resources.

  More than sixty thousand people lived on the clan’s territory, and almost every person was a force to be reckoned with and worth a handful of soldiers. Besides a large army, the clan had skyships, ancient artifacts, powerful shields, and attack arrays.

  For Kai, who came from Alkea, which now seemed like a tiny village in the middle of nowhere, such power seemed incredible. So imagine his surprise when he found out that the Thunder Serpent Clan was far from the strongest one. To this date, there had been seven powerful clans. Listed in order of their power they were: the Seven Blades Clan, the Forest Fairies Clan, the Sun Blessed Clan, the Bright Moon Clan, the Flame Salamander Clan, the Thunder Serpent Clan, and the Tree of Life Clan.

  The strongest of them, the Seven Blades, had one hundred and twenty-nine Elementalists. Out of them, sixty-two were at the initial level, thirty-one at the middle level, twenty-five at the final level, and eleven at the peak level. And among the latter, there were three monsters in human form, whose strength was beyond anyone’s imagination. Those were Jiang Dao, the patriarch of the clan, and the former patriarch, now known simply as the Old Man of the Gray Mountain.

  Having read all that, Kai switched to reading about Spirits. They were rare creatures that formed from clusters of certain Forces and energies. They were neither humans nor monsters, but a completely different form of life.

  It took a lot of luck and time for a Spirit to be born. Only in places like the Celestial Plateau was there a chance of such creatures appearing. These forces of nature required a lot of energy to manifest themselves. And since invoked Forces could exist for a very short time without a master, the chance of a large number of them appearing in one place was very small. However, it wasn’t impossible. The Seven Blades could confirm that.

  Their strength was in their very name — this clan owned seven powerful Spirits with Sword Forces, which allowed them to achieve their current status. The Thunder Serpent and the Flame Salamander clans were in many ways inferior to the Seven Blades despite their powerful bloodlines.

  Like humans, Spirits varied in strength. But even the weakest Spirit wasn’t inferior to the Mind Stage cultivator. In addition, Spirits could also evolve, and when they reached their equivalent of the Exorcist Stage, they were reborn as an Elemental — a creature without whose heart cultivators couldn’t reach the Elementalist Stage.

  People could also subdue Spirits with special arrays in order to use their power. This would make a cultivator much stronger, especially if their path of development coincided with the element of the Spirit. Of course, not everyone could break the will of a Spirit and bind them to themselves. But there were quite a few of them who could.

  There were two types of Spirits: natural and artificial ones. Natural Spirits were formed over millennia by the forces of the world and were born spontaneously. They could develop and even become intelligent. Artificial ones were created by people from the bodies of deceased Elementalists by using a special technique. Such Spirits had passive power, which depended on the development of the deceased, and couldn’t develop further. It was easier to subdue them, but they were also weaker than the natural ones.

  No one knew exactly how many Natural Spirits were now in the hands of the clans, but there was no doubt that only the Elementalists owned them. As for the Artificial Spirits, although they weren’t numerous, some personal students had them.

  Having finished reading about the Spirits, Kai moved on to reading about the Plateau itself. As it turned out, almost all of the clans were located along its western edge. It was that edge that they had climbed to during their test.

  To the east was a huge Wasteland. It was an extremely dangerous place where powerful monsters dwelled. However, they weren’t stronger than people. There was only one reason why those lands were still unoccupied — resources. The rarest of the Spirit Fruits could grow only in the areas full of wild and pure energy.

  The Wasteland was divided into two parts: a relatively small strip of land called the Middle Wasteland and the bigger territory of the Far Wasteland that stretched all the way to the ocean. It was to the Middle Wastelands that the disciples, as well as inner-circle students, were sent to carry out their missions. Only Elementalists, Exorcists, and groups of the strongest apprentices dared to go to the Far Wasteland.

  While Kai was busy reading, their carriage arrived at the Temple. They got out right in front of the Purple Palace but didn’t go in, as there was still plenty of time until he’d have to come there to get his resources.

  The journey from the Lower Nest had lasted about a day. During this time, Kai managed to get acquainted with only one-third of the information he had been given. And while he was busy meditating and contemplating, Lily managed to get to know Ivsim and the man in blue armor. Well, sort of. The stranger didn’t answer when she introduced herself and thanked him for saving her. None of them still knew his name.

  There were still five days left until they’d have to go to the Temple, so Ivsim suggested they head to the center, where the richest collection of techniques was located. Even if they couldn’t rent them out yet, they could at least familiarize thems
elves with what the Thunder Serpents had to offer. They went without the stranger as he didn’t want to join them, saying he had other things to do.

  The Temple of the Thunder Serpent, after which the city was named, was a hundred- and-fifty-feet-tall round building, designed to look like a staircase with every four floors creating one step. The dark-blue walls were covered with magnificent paintings depicting the ancient times when the ancestor of the Thunder Serpent Clan still dwelled in the skies of this world. One could look at them for days on end and find something new each time.

  At the entrance, through which a stream of disciples constantly flowed, there were two statues of gigantic warriors. Kneeling, clutching a spear in their mighty hands, they monitored the visitors. The statues emanated no energy, but Kai was in no hurry to enter, suspicious that there was some catch. With his energy vision, he saw mysterious spheres of power hidden within the stone. He didn’t even dare imagine what horrible things could happen to any intruder who’d dare to trespass.

  Passing under the heavy gaze of the frozen guardians, the trio got inside.

  The Temple was divided into several sectors, depending on the ranks of the techniques and the status of the students. For example, only inner-circle students could get to the top floor where they could find high and peak-quality Gold-rank techniques. As Kai had suspected, there were no techniques in this city that were for apprentices. Not a single one. Apparently, the most important items, heavily guarded, were kept in the bastions of the Upper Nest. Nevertheless, what was offered to the students here was still of great value.

  Kai decided to check out the techniques available to him — low to medium quality Gold-rank ones. What he hadn’t expected was that, once he was in the right sector, he’d get stuck there for several hours. Unlike in the Lower Nest, there were hundreds of techniques available for him here.

  Pulling himself together, he decided to examine each one. The first one he approached was a sword-fighting technique.

  [Scroll of the Vanishing Sweep]

  Rank: Gold

  Quality: Low

  Description: Having mastered this technique, the swordsman will be able to swing so fast that any opponents below the Exorcist Stage will not be able to see them.

  Price: 400 Hardened Gold Coins

  A preview is available. Touch the scroll for more information.

  What? Kai stared at the last line in confusion. Touch it? And what exactly does it mean by preview?

  Not knowing what else to do, he decided to do as suggested and touched the metal casing with the tip of his finger. Almost immediately, a picture of a green garden appeared before his eyes, in the middle of which stood a broad-shouldered man. Holding a simple blade, he looked ready to attack. He then moved forward and swung sharply. But Kai didn’t see anything. It was only when the warrior’s hands stopped moving that he could see them and the sword. The man repeated the attack several more times but he failed to see it. All he could see was the man swing and then halt abruptly. It was as if the bit between the beginning and the end was cut out. A moment later, the garden disappeared and Kai found himself back at the temple.

  The last line of the message changed.

  Preview unavailable.

  Kai stared at the scroll, dumbfounded. It was a pity that the preview was just a GIF of a sort. He couldn’t use his energy vision.

  He smiled.

  Is this what Dee’s notes were referring to?

  He had read that cultivators who reached the stage of true mastery could, using a special technique, project a certain part of their memories onto an item, encasing them within it. This was how the Gold-rank technique scrolls were created.

  This was done because, from this rank on, the techniques were so complex that it was impossible to simply describe them on paper. Therefore, the Masters conveyed their understanding of how to perform the technique through special scrolls. Kai had been shown only a glimpse, but if he rented out a scroll, thanks to the System, he’d get full access to it.

  The students could practice techniques over and over again until they mastered them. However, within a certain time limit, of course, because they could only rent them, not buy them.

  The clan kept the scrolls under the protection of the arrays, but at the same time allowed the students to study them thanks to their tattoos, which provided remote access to the technique.

  Impressed, Kai looked through all the scrolls to get a feeling of as many techniques as possible. Alas, already at the thirtieth preview, his head began to buzz and ache — watching even a piece of someone else’s memories was quite strenuous on the mind. It was necessary to take breaks.

  Since he had strained himself and couldn’t really afford anything here, he headed to the sector where the high and peak-quality Gold-rank techniques were stored. He couldn’t learn them yet — he needed to own the Force of Form — but he was curious.

  Walking past the racks with forty-two scrolls, he stopped in front of a group of a couple of pedestals. His gaze fell on one of the items — a metal box made of special insulating material.

  [Wisdom Particle: Path of the Sword]

  Stage: Learner

  Description: A Wisdom Particle created by an end-level Elementalist. The Master who reached the Learner Stage on the Path of the Sword summoned and sealed his Forces in it. Upon opening the box, it emits Forces that a student can meditate upon.

  Price: 7,500 Hardened Gold Coins

  Kai’s eyes sparkled. With his energy vision, he saw what was inside. Those who could master the Force of Form received the title of the Seer. If a cultivator managed to master the mystical and subtle Fusion Force, then they received the title of a Learner.

  Taking one last look at the Particle, and especially at its price tag, Kai became determined to get enough coin to buy it. He didn’t have a strong need for techniques now. Forces, being an integral part of cultivation, were more important.

  Deciding to find Lily and Ivsim, he headed toward the exit. Going down to the third floor and turning left into a corridor, he bumped into someone and almost knocked them over. He had sensed them approaching, but because of the buzzing in his head, he failed to react in time.

  The confusion and surprise of the inner-circle student were abruptly replaced by anger.

  “You scum!” the stranger cursed, looking at Kai with malice. “What the fuck are doing? You should be more careful! Do you know who I am?! You better apologize right away!”

  Chapter 10

  THE COMPETITION

  Before Kai could say anything, the stranger spoke again.

  “I’m Lei Wang. The blood of the Thunder Serpent flows in my veins.” He pointed a finger to his chest. “I’m also a candidate for an apprentice! So keep your eyes on the floor, trash, and apologize!”

  What a drama queen, Kai thought, a little taken aback.

  “Should I also dance for you? You could have watched your step, too...”

  “What?!” Lei Wang turned red from anger. “How dare you?! Haven’t you heard who I am? You’re the one who should be careful! People like you should move out of the way for me!”

  What the hell is his problem? Does he really think that he can act like this without consequences? What a fucking tool... He’s mistaken if he thinks I’ll stand for his bullshit.

  A smile appeared on Kai’s face. Of course, Lei Wang noticed it.

  “What are you smiling for?” He frowned, clenching his fists. “You think this is funny?! I’m a candidate for an apprenticeship, and you should be honored that I’m even talking to you! Now, you’ll either apologize or...”

  “Or what?” Kai chuckled. “And why should I apologize? Because you noticed me but didn’t want to move? And besides, is there really such a status as a candidate for an apprenticeship? You’re an ordinary inner-circle student; even your clothes look like mine. Admit it, you made it up, didn’t you?”

  Lei Wang’s eyes widened. He wanted to say something but he couldn’t think of anything smart. His mouth opened
and closed in a funny way, like that of a fish out of the water. “Oh, you... Then... then... then I challenge you to a duel! You’ll pay for your words!”

  Kai raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. A tempting idea flashed through his mind.

  “Are you serious? Is this what the noble representatives of the powerful Lei family do? Challenge someone who’s a whole stage below them to a duel?” he asked with a serious look on his face. After all, Lei Wang was at the Opening of the Acupuncture Points level.

  “I’m only seventeen. You’re older than I am. It’s your own fault that you’re developing so slowly!”

  “Actually, I’m seventeen as well.” Lei Wang looked at him in surprise. “But I came from the wilderness beyond the Lowlands, and you were born into an incredibly strong clan. I was starving as a child, while you ate whatever you pleased. So is there any honor in challenging me? What would your honorable and undoubtedly wise ancestor, the Thunder Serpent, say to that?”

  Kai knew that he ought to be the bigger man and just walk away, but this little performance was too fun to miss out on.

  “But, but… but I…” Lei Wang stammered, struggling to find words and excuses.

  “If you really want to challenge me, you can do it in a more honorable way.”

  “What do you mean?”

  The corners of Kai’s lips twitched. The fish had taken the bait.

  “A friendly duel.” He smiled again. “At the training grounds. In the three most popular ones, for example. If you win, I’ll apologize.”

  “I suppose,” Lei Wang muttered and waved his hand as if he was thinking it over, but the glow in his eyes betrayed him. He liked the idea, and most importantly, he didn’t want to ruin his reputation.

  “But, you know...” Kai sighed. “There must be something in it for me, too... I propose a bet.”