Chương 43: 26.2. Hiding in Palaces

Shuyue launched her spear, no longer caring for interrogation. She watched in horror as the black robed man launched towards both Miu and Han Ci, her spear falling short of distance The man, who both Han Ci and Rozaline had recommended, sir Faust, raised his hand. Glowing, pale blue barriers appeared between them and the black robed man. But it was futile. Hands smashed into the barrier, breaking through several layers. Shuyue clenched her teeth, unable to make it in time.

Even the full power of an early Open Palace realm cultivator couldn't resist the might of a Golden Core expert's Heaven and Earth Qi. It was simply impossib– Abruptly, the black robed man stopped in place, his hands pressing against the barrier. Sir Faust collapsed, spitting blood. Along with sir Faust, the barrier collapsed, leaving the Golden Core assailant frozen in shock. Shuyue's spear pierced his body, its Qi leaping from the spear to the man, destroying his Golden Core and killing them near instantly.

Everything went silent. Miu and the Han heir didn't react, while Shuyue stared blinking stupidly. She rapidly returned to her senses, gently shaking the shock off and adjusting her body to a more regal presentation before landing in front of Miu and the Han heir.

"Sir Faust!" The Han heir finally reacted to the situation, turning around trying to crouch, only to trip and basically fall on top of sir Faust. Miu on the other hand, just fell to her knees, her entire body trembling violently as her eyes remained glued to the same spot. Shuyue quickly bent down to check on Miu, cupping her face in her hands as the smell of ammonia, but not blood filled the air. She breathed a sigh of relief.

Miu was fine, even though she was largely paralysed from fear, unable to even respond properly while mumbling incoherently. She turned to the Han heir, who had managed to roll sir Faust onto his back. Leveraging her divine sense, she checked sir Faust's condition. It was bad. Internal organs were spaghettified, with only the heart, brain and lungs largely intact, protected by a burst of Innate Qi released from the nodes and dan-tian.

His spiritual body could be in a worse state, but even now, there were countless cracks and fractures all threatening to worsen. Immediate medical attention was needed from a qualified Spirit Doctor. Or he may die. There was no instant decision. Instead, Shuyue stopped and thought it over, weighing her options. Miu and the Han heir may have been saved at the cost of his life, but she wasn't about to go and use up valuable favors with highly qualified Spirit Doctors for no reason.

To start with, this unknown Clear Mirror sect disciple had spontaneously become friends with her tutor, something she only knew because Miu had also become friendly with him. After that, sir Faust went to the Han estate, where he met with Han Ci, befriending him while leaving without attending the banquet being held. Rozaline knew he was. It was to be expected she'd know at least some of her seniors, even if they weren't from powerful backgrounds.

But her insistence in inviting him showed respect for sir Faust in particular. Not out of personal interest either. Shuyue's experience told her the respect Rozaline had was more because there was some kind of dealing between sir Faust and the Roze clan as a whole, but she had been unable to discover the reason from a surface level investigation. Until that point, she hadn't thought anything of sir Faust at all.

That was until he was the first person Miu thought of when Shuyue had persuaded her to write a practice letter to someone in the capital— inviting them to watch the Rising Dragons and Phoenixes competition to be held in a few more months. For Miu's sake, that was when she first ordered a proper investigation into his background. But… He was ordinary— at least initially. His parents were truly just some mortal potters. His sister had some talent but it was nothing to boast about.

She was graded as a mid D level talent according to the sect's records, following Imperial mandate. With substantial support she could reach the Golden Core realm. Then she had received a report on someone sir Faust's younger sister spent time with. Long Tao. The name sounded familiar. Not because his name was similar to that of the Royal Family. There were many named Long Tao in the empire. But the description— immensely talented, blessed by luck, ridiculously handsome with long, dark blue hair…

A distant face came to mind, but they had been murdered during an incident where the demonic sects of a province had banded together and tried to take control of the province. Also mentioned in the report was that ever since Long Tao began approaching the sect, sir Faust's cultivation speed had spiked and his documented strength had required reevaluation. He had been re-evaluated from high C grade— Extremely above average for a commoner— to middle A grade.

Shuyue was only considered a lower A grade in strength and potential herself. It was entirely possible that he had just been hiding or not showing his full strength, but after meeting sir Faust in person, such a reason didn't fit with Shuyue's impression of him. She had noticed him doing everything he could to get away from her and Han Ci without completely shattering etiquette and decorum, though he was certainly no master of the art.

The second thing she had noticed was that sir Faust was very similar to her own tutor, Faram, who was considered high A grade and should be busy preparing for his own breakthrough to the Essence unity realm. After that, Shuyue had more or less dismissed Faust. Even his sudden curiosity of the Han heir's condition didn't pique her interest. God knew many had tried the same already. Ultimately, he was a high potential ally she could try to recruit. Not that she had felt the need to personally do so.

She would have let him and Faram cooperate more effectively, by themselves, tying him to her faction either way. But now. Shuyue looked from the Han heir and Miu to the Golden Core assailant's corpses. How? That was the only question in her mind. How had an early stage Open palace cultivator blocked a peak Golden Core cultivator? She didn't have the answers. It went against everything she knew. Even Faram had stated it was next to impossible.

That the nature of Heaven and Earth Qi would shred through any defence without it. If even Faram considered it impossible, wouldn't Faust class as a Special grade talent, blessed by heaven? Shuyue looked up to the sky, looking through the clouds. Miss Ni was still dealing with the other two Nascent Soul assailants who had attacked. The two were already trying to escape only to be repeatedly dragged back into combat by both each other and miss Ni's expert positioning.

The capital suppression array probably wasn't helped by forcing Nascent Soul experts higher and higher into the sky when they stopped paying attention and started fighting. As for her two maids. She had sent them hunting down the stragglers at the Golden Core realm, who had fled in all directions the moment they realised they had failed. She hid a small sigh from others, ripping her spear from the corpse.

"Jing." Shuyue contacted one of her maids. Ning had already gone halfway across the city and was being tracked by one of her other subordinates.

"I have a patient here, please bring him to the Royal Physician." She ordered. Special Grade Talent. Possibility of surpassing the Void Returning realm and becoming a pseudo-immortal.

"Yes, your highness." Came Jing's response and Shuyue felt her swiftly approaching. Time to use a favour. She supposed. If she were better versed in the medical Dao, perhaps she could have used a less important favor. She sighed. If only she had more time on her hands. Glancing at sir Faust she thought, or more people.

"Hah!" Shouts and grunts filled the arena. Chilling air drying the sweat off of combatants of the 4th round for outer sect disciples. Under the afternoon light, Long Tao brought his blade down, the sunlight flickering off the polished blade. Yet despite the force, he adjusted his feet, letting his weight flow naturally as the shaft of his glaive slid down the opponents blade. He adjusted, his blade flying in an arc to strike at his opponent again, not giving them time to counter attack.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. This is easier than I thought. Tao narrowed his eyes. He had noticed that most of the people who won had strange footwork. After practicing it some more under the old ghost's instruction, his next few fights had been a breeze. After keeping up the pressure for a while, his opponent finally faltered, his foot slipping and his spear's momentum pausing, letting Tao slash halfway through their arm.

A referee suddenly appeared between them, before swiftly and precisely removing Tao's blade from his opponent and disappearing with them. Tao tried to follow the referee's movement, but it was too quick to track with his current cultivation.

"Another victory for the Clear Mirror Sect! Long Tao wins!" The referee announced. Returning to the stands, Tao took a seat beside Bu Danxing, who had long been eliminated but kept critiquing every fight.

"You got even better last night?" Bu Danxing questioned.

"I suppose." Tao replied, "but I'm not quite satisfied with these opponents." He admitted. Not that he had any opponents since reaching the peak of the Qi refining realm. The two settled their gazes on the next match.

"..." Bu Danxing was silent for a while, before asking, "By the way— how does it feel to be at the peak of the Qi Refining realm?" Tao shrugged.

"Not that much different. I successfully refined Spirit Qi into Innate Qi. But I need to save it up to form my foundation, so I can't exactly use it." The two went quiet again. Eventually, the sun set, filling the arena with artificial light from glowing lights that began floating around the arena. Finally, the matches concluded.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" Bu Danxing wondered.

"Yup. See you tomorrow." Tao waved as he left. He walked back across the bridge to Diamond Mountain, arms leisurely behind his head as he looked up at the stars.

"Can I win tomorrow?" He decided to consult the old ghost.

"Maybe. If you're lucky." The transparent, pale blue projection appeared in front of Tao, the size of a head.

"Tch. What's the difference between realms anyways? Why is it so hard to fight a realm higher?" The old ghost stroked his beard before answering.

"For a mortal fighting a Qi Refiner, it's because of techniques that can use Qi for physical strength, to cut steel or manifest spiritual fire." He began.

"For a Qi Refiner to fight a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it's because refined Spirit Qi is more potent than unrefined environmental Qi. They have more of it than you and can move it through their bodies a whole lot faster to boot." The old ghost paused for a moment.

"But the gap between those two realms is more or less just quantity and speed. It can be overcome, which is why it's not too surprising to hear some people jumping realms."

"You told me you would look into modern methods. What about the difference between Meridian Opening and Open Palace?" Tao inquired, strolling through Diamond Market.

"Hmm… Most of Foundation Establishment is the same as the Meridian Opening realm. Except, they've moved the last step of Foundation Establishment to the early Open Palace realm. After that, they've added more steps before even attempting to form a core." The old ghost continued humming before eventually continuing, "Since this new method almost guarantees a Golden Core, you should use it. It will make achieving a Heavenly Core significantly easier."

"But that means I can't use your technique?" Tao said.

"You can follow most of it. Besides, you happen to have a connection to a technique master. You should leverage that. Write down and trade in some of my techniques to have him help alter my Foundation Establishment method for the Open Palace realm." The old ghost shrugged.

"But wouldn't he want payment?"

"Nope. I know those types well. They crave knowledge. It's a basic requirement of becoming a true technique master. They and Spirit Doctors are true scholars. Unlike alchemy and formations which are closely tied to talent." Tao scratched his head, then shrugged. His master had been a little off the mark, but had otherwise never been completely wrong. Tomorrow, he would likely have to face Meridian opening cultivators.

Seniors of the Outer Sect would aim desperately for the rewards, trying one last time to enter the Inner Sect or if not, gain fame elsewhere through the competition. It was going to be a tough fight. He continued towards Clear Jade bridge, when he saw Foria and Aneroze going the same way.

"Hey!" He sped up.

"My, you again." Aneroze flashed her fan, hiding her expression.

"Hey. I haven't even done anything these days!"

"Good riddance." She rolled her eyes.

"How have you two been?" Tao inquired.

"We went on a simple mission together. Foria gained basic sword intent and gained enlightenment." Tao blinked. That was… A lot. He looked to Foria, but she seemed unbothered and aloof. Then she realised. There was Spirit Energy stored within her body. Not much, but enough. Late Stage of Qi Refining! Tao realised. She had practically jumped two levels.

"Congratulations martial sister!" Tao cupped a fist in genuine respect. He hadn't had any difficulty, but his master had made it clear his speed was abnormal. Foria nodded in response, continuing briskly across Clear Jade bridge.

"My, my, gaining sword intent at less than twenty." Aneroze added. Was intent so impressive? Tao thought, feeling his glaive with one hand. He was pretty sure he figured it out not long after his first mission. The group all continued home for the night. Wu Jie snapped his eyes open. His eyes scanned the ongoing battle. The formation had been damaged and the peak masters were helping to push the siege on the three elders back.

The flood dragon was still locked in combat against the vice-sect leader, beside several Nascent Soul elders of the demonic sect. So what had he just felt?

"Have you noticed anything strange?" Wu Jie asked. The old woman floating in the air beside him cracked her eyes open a sliver.

"You're oversensitive."

"Hmm." Wu Jie hoped so, but just as he was about to return to his meditation, he noticed a flash of red energy far behind them. Locking onto the place with his eyes, Wu Jie grimaced.

"Elder Thorn." He rose slowly.

"What are you doing here?" A red light flickered in the air, before turning to smoke that dissipated to reveal Elder Thorn's figure. He bowed lightly, fist cupped.

"Sect master." He said respectfully.

"Please die." Wu Jie sighed in disappointment, rubbing his eyes briefly. A purple palm the size of a hill stopped abruptly in front of Thorn. A red glow shielded him, blanketing the area. Wu Jie clicked his tongue, letting the purple palm fall away. He looked up. A second, far larger formation covered the skies, forming a barrier." Pah!" The old woman spat blood as she was suddenly hit by a surprise attack from the side. Wu Jie turned to see an old crone with a wart covered face and large nose.

She smiled wickedly before disappearing from all senses. There was no doubt the witch was still lingering around.

"Are you alright?" Wu Jie asked. The old woman seethed through her teeth.

"No." Wu Jie nodded, before raising his hands, beginning to form the first handseal. Then the second. Third, Fourth.

"The Dark Mirror of Heaven." The witch was forced out of hiding as the air changed, turning cold and sharp. The air trembled, before the space behind Wu Jie began warping, twisting before turning pitch black, reflecting the world in black and red hues.

"Shouldn't you hold your trump cards in reserve?" The witch asked, subtly moving back.

"That is for those who have time and think they will not be injured." Wu jie responded.

"But since I don't have time— and I accept that I will be injured. Then there is no reason to hold back." The witch's smile disappeared, replaced by a frown.

"So be it." From her sleeves, two red ghosts appeared, both emitting the aura of Essence Unity realm experts. Wu Jie looked on with contempt, then snorted. This witch had refined her former sect members into ghosts. Truly a demon that needed to be put down like a rabid dog. Faust stood atop a mossy green peak. Standing calm. His cultivation at the peak of the Open Palace realm. Trees spread out in every direction, with the capital in the distance.

In front of him, more than fifty Golden Core cultivators stared back. Their auras flaring, trying to suppress him. But it was futile, Faust took a deep breath. White doves passed overhead. The Golden Core cultivators charged together, releasing their spells and techniques. Countless lights fell down from all directions. The heavens themselves pressed down. Yet, Faust stood tall, unwavering. He snapped his fingers. The spells and techniques all lost their edge.

He raised his hand and used the Devouring Heaven technique. In front of everyone's eyes, the attacks all vanished before even touching Faust's clothes.

"Is that all?" Faust asked calmly. Fear appeared in the eyes of all present. Fear turned to dread and as Faust took a step forward, they all turned and fled. Faust snorted in contempt, turning around. Then he paused. He looked around. Where was he? The dream faded. Huh? Faust felt his mind regaining clarity. His mentalscape warped and shifted.

"Urgh…" A throbbing pain that emanated from his very bones washed over him in waves. A cool, relieving sensation suddenly washed over him as something was pressed to his forehead. For a moment, Faust breathed easy, relief flooding his body as the throbbing subsided. Then his eyes snapped open in concern. An ornate red and gold ceiling pattern above him. Why is there— Golden Core aura… Pressing down on my head? He slowly, carefully turned to his left.

A woman at the Golden Core realm, wearing a skimpy black and white, frilly maid uniform, stood at the side.

"Good afternoon. Sir Faust." She greeted formally, keeping her hands delicately pressed to his forehead with a wet towel damp with… Some kind of medicinal liquid.

"..." Faust looked at her, taking in her features. He slowly turned the other way, rolling over painfully to see through the window where light was still spilling through. He saw Central Zentrum. Specifically, he saw Central Zentrum far, far below, with the Main Road cutting through the center, the forbidden city sprawling out around the window.

"..." Faust felt his whole face twitching violently, his whole face begging to scream and wail. But it couldn't be so. WHO WAS IT! WHO SENT ME HERE! I'LL FIND YOU GODDAMIT! His mind screamed.

"Sir Faust. Should I call the physician if you're feeling unwell?" The maid suddenly asked. A silent tear fell down Faust's cheek. A compromise made by his face to regain its normal, neutral and apathetic expression. Faust reached a hand up, feeling the maid's hands pressing the cloth on his forehead.

"No. Thank you for your service but I need a few minutes to regain myself… Alone." He added the last part, just to make sure she actually left.

"I understand." The maid stepped off the massive bed, which she had been kneeling on, releasing the towel to let Faust hold it himself.

"I will inform the physician and her highness of your recovery, then return." She informed Faust. He wanted to tell her not to come back, but what could he do? He didn't even need to sense it. Even an ordinary mortal could tell they were surrounded by hundreds, thousands of terrifying auras. The maid bowed lightly, curtsying while gently pinching her already dangerously short skirt. Faust closed his eyes again and groaned, looking away from her. A few moments later, he heard a heavy door click loudly.

"..." Faust slowly spread his senses. As far as he was aware. He was alone in the room. Not that he found much comfort in it, surrounded by the most powerful auras he had ever felt. He had no doubt there were multiple Deity Transformation experts, with many more at the Essence Unity and Nascent Soul realms. Forget the Golden Core realm, Faust was certain he was the only person below the Golden Core realm within ten thousand meters. And there were A LOT of people in that area. He could tell.

"Hahaha… I'm in danger."