Chapter 66


    The Grasping Willows were generous enough to allow usage of areas specifically made for breakthroughs. The highest energy density areas also had formations to gather it even further, though there were limits to what cultivators at certain levels could handle. Catarina and Hoyt were able toplete the tenth star, putting them just one step from Spirit Building. Anton also made use of training areas, but while he was able to push himself right to the edge of the eleventh star, he wasnt quite ready. He wasnt sure what he was missing, but he knew he shouldnt try to push himself further. Though he might indeed form the eleventh star something would be insufficient about it if he forced it, Anton was certain.


    Eventually the time came to depart and they prepared to say goodbye to Lev and Elder Var, in addition to a few acquaintances theyd made. While it was a nice enough ce even with the presence of the namesake trees that could be somewhat cantankerous, they couldnt stay forever. If they were going to stay <em>anywhere</em> forever it would be the Order, but Anton was still quite aware of what they had left to do. He had a list. He was happy that he had been able to mark several people as rescued, but there was more to do. There had previously been an entire page devoted to Devon, though hed burned it. There was no sense to be made of anything hed put there. Currently in possession of the Potenza n in Khonard was the useful information he had. Anything beyond that was just spection and led to depressing thoughts, except a recent note. Received helpful influence from Elder Var of the Grasping Willows.


    Thank you once again, Anton said to Elder Var.


    The bearded man inclined his head in return. You as well. We couldnt possibly rece Lev. As for what I did, I cant say how long it will hold. The actual results are up to you. But I believe you have the necessary potential.


    Potential Anton shook his head, Many people and things have potential that is never realized.


    I wouldnt start doubting yourself now, Elder Var said. Just look at <em>me</em>. I might be stronger than you, but for how long?


    Its hard to say, Anton answered. I do not expect the next decade to be uneventful.


    It wont be, Hoyt said.


    Lev bowed with his one arm, I will not forget all of you. I cant fully pay you back yet, but I will.


    Its not necessary to do any more, Anton said. But if you find an opportunity to help others in the future, if it is within your power that would be the best way to pay us back.


    I can do that, Lev said, But I can at least save your life or something. Or maybe fight alongside you.


    Anton didnt want to give away too much, so he merely nodded. If we have need of you, well seek you out.


    I mean it! Lev said. Im not done cultivating just because of <em>this</em>, he gestured to his missing arm. I might not stand up to someone equal to me in power, but I just have to get stronger than them.


    Thats the spirit, Elder Var smiled. But we should really let them be on their way. They seem quite keen to continue their journey.


    -----


    Everything with Devon had been a mess. If there was one thing that Anton learned from that, it was that even after a year a single day might still matter. He wasnt going to rush either of the others in the training opportunities with the Grasping Willows, but he could push the group to move faster. Pete, James, Steven, and the other two from Dungannon were making more progress in Body Tempering. None of them were at the second star yet, but all hadpleted the first. They were rtively young men in good health, and picking up the pace was a reasonable form of training. Anton was aware of a half-dozen people who needed freeing from around the area. Thetest information he had wasnt recent, however.


    -----


    Though Sarton was thergest city in the area, it was overall rather rural. Though he found it small now, it was about the size of Abey- thergest city hed interacted with for most of his life. It was shocking how quickly perspectives could change.


    The packed dirt road they were traversing had deep grooves from overloaded wagonsing from various origins. Their particr destination was one that had lighter output, but that didnt make Anton less worried. Do you think were toote? Anton asked.


    No point thinking about it now, Hoyt said. Could you even have made it here six months ago? Besides, I can tell that people from Dungannon are tough, he gestured to Pete and the others.


    Thats right, Pete said. I knew some of these fellows enough to know they wouldnt give up. If they didnt make it, it simply couldnt be done.


    Catarina sighed, I cant believe theyre forcing normal people to mine energy stones. What are they thinking?


    Hoyt chose to answer that, Probably that they want to get every scrap of value out of what they own. They dont trust cultivators because they think theyll act like them- and they know <em>theyd</em> steal from the mines, so everyone else would too. If people cant cultivate or leave, what can they do? Even if someone hides a spirit stone for a while, they cant use it.


    Mmm Catarina voiced her displeasure, How terrible.


    I agree, Hoyt said, But this is Ofrurg. They chose to be like this. Well, cultivators took over and chose for it to be like this. Nobody with enough wealth or power cares, so this is how it ends up.


    And the Order just lets it happen, Anton said. Maybe they <em>have to</em>. But


    The problem with the Order is trying to bnce goodness and stability, Hoyt shook his head, They sort of reached the limit of what that can do. Thest couple generations have been somewhat, Hoyt pursed his lips, trying to think of the right words, <em>Low in talent</em>, lets say. Sure, there are a few with talent but not that many. It used to be that the elders on the Council were all Essence Collection. Though that was a century ago.


    What happened to them? Pete asked.


    They died, Hoyt said. As I said, a century. Cultivation can improve lifespans by several times. A few Grand Elders are hundreds of years old, but <em>low</em> hundreds.


    Vandale is at his limit, Anton said. Hes the strongest guardian the Order has, but he cant <em>go</em> anywhere. I understand why they dont want to spark a war, but the results are disappointing.


    Gonna change it then? Hoyt asked.


    ... Yes, Anton said, I will.


    How decisive! Hoyt grinned.


    Words are easy, Anton said, But I have no idea how Id actually do so, or if I can.


    You have us to help, Catarina said.


    Were not much in the way of cultivators, Pete said, But if youre trying to make things better, you have our support.


    What <em>is</em> better? Anton asked of nobody in particr. I guess Ill have to figure that out. But first I do believe were here.


    Catarina frowned, There arent even any Spirit Building guards.


    Of course not, Hoyt said, Theyre expensive. They dont want to cut into the profits of the mines.


    Indeed, Anton said. Now then, well have the rest of you stay back a bit. Dont want to spook anyone into thinking were attacking. Anton walked a bit faster, Hello there! he called out towards the guards from about a hundred meters downhill of them.


    Halt there! The guards called, This mine is property of the Cahans!


    I am quite aware, Anton said, Im here with a business proposition. I heard these mines are quite difficult to work, and Im looking for just such workers. If you have any who havested for some time, I might like to purchase them. With that, Anton red his energy a little bit. It was partially a threat, but more a sign of power- and thus wealth. Do you have anyone like that? Thetest news was indeed that they hadnt reced workers in some time. It was unusual enough to take note, and Anton had half been expecting to find they werent operational. However, if their workers were instead particrly survivable he might actually have a chance to find those he wanted.


    The guards exchanged nces, Wait there. Well go consult with the taskmasters.


    Anton waited as they turned to leave, but if they thought the distance was doing them any good they were quite mistaken. A hundred meters was quite close enough for him to kill either of them, being only somewhere in the middle of Body Tempering. In fact, it was almost optimal range for him to fight in general. He had no intention to do so, but taking stock of his potential opponents was still important. Besides, almost everything about Ofrurg made him touchy and prone to violence. Who did these people think they were to keep people he knew as ves? Nobody should be ves, but Anton couldnt help absolutely everybody. Could he? No, of course not. Certainly not at his current level.