piratefiction Chapter 24: Outer Sect
Chapter 24: Outer Sect
Chapter 24: Outer Sect
Auslen felt cool waves of air buffeting along his entire body, making him feel slightly ticklish in various areas. The constant sounds of rippling cloth were also quite difficult to ignore.
He quickly opened his eyes that he had unknowingly closed at some point, the first thing he noticed being the wide stretch of blue filling his visual perception. The only other thing within his sight was a set of wildly billowing yellow robes directly in front of him, which surely belonged to the Peak Master he had just met.
Where are we?
Auslen lowered his gaze in slight confusion, only to see the colorful scenery of mountainous terrain underneath the sparse clouds that they were traversing just above, finally realizing that they were soaring in the sky at a terrifying elevation!
He sucked in a breath of crisp air in nervousness and excitement as he glanced around himself to find Nathaniel and Vincent also opening their eyes in apparent shock.
Although Vincent held himself together surprisingly well, Nathaniel screamed in fright and immediately extended his trembling hands to grasp onto both Auslen and Vincents sleeves.
Kassandra's melodic laughter mixed with Nathaniels wails as she twisted her entire body to gaze back at the three children with a mischievous smile.
Amidst her laughter, her body suddenly dived down in steep acceleration, dragging the three children along for the ride. Nathaniels screeching voice somehow raised into another octave as they punctured straight through a refreshing cloud.
Trying his hardest to tune out his cousins nonsense, Auslen brushed his lively hair out of his face and turned his focus towards their destination to see an utterly ginormous mountain quickly enclosing upon them.
That must be one of the Outer Sect Mountains
Its wide, towering peak was nearly extended into the nearby clouds, stretching many miles in every direction. Upon the peak were rows of magnificent palaces with ornate features that could be seen more and more clearly as they approached. Multicolored trees decorated the entire mountain, and hidden within, Auslen could see countless other smaller buildings and caves lining the mountainsides.
In the skies surrounding the mountain, several other figures were flying by means of various flying-type Mystic Artifacts. And on the imminently arriving mountain peak, Auslen could now make out the bustling figures walking here and there on green limestone-tiled pathways and carefully maintained lawns, all of which seeming to be dressed in the same navy-blue robes.
...
Peak Master Kassandra controlled the wind currents and brought Auslen and co. to gently descend in front of a massive ivory-white palace. It seemed quite busy, with hoards of young and old Outer Sect Disciples constantly entering and exiting with endless chatter. However, Kassandras descent drew a considerable amount of attention as the vast amount of surrounding noise ceased entirely.
She ignored the nearby Outer Sect Disciples that were either gawking or bowing towards her in surprise as she began walking into the Palace of Outer Sect Affairs, pulling the three children floating behind her along.
The Palace of Outer Sect Affairs was perhaps the most well known building throughout each of the Outer Sect Mountains, carrying the most authority as they oversaw the largest number of tasks among the Outer Sect Disciples. These tasks included the allocation of Outer Sect Appointments, resources, mission deployment, and other miscellaneous tasks.
Once she stepped foot inside after passing by numerous startled disciples, she was brought to a halt as a thin figure suddenly appeared in her way.
A truly ancient-looking man was standing there, his dwindling presence conveying fierce weariness. He was observing Kassandra silently with squinting eyes, his hands crossed in front of his torso in a neat clasp. Wrapped loosely around his body was a thin black robe, and his thinning white hair was tightly tied above his head into a small bun.New novel chapters are published on
He appeared so frail that it looked as if he was barely holding his skinny body upright. However, Kassandra still slightly bowed her head towards the man in a show of respect.
The old mans raspy voice escaped from his thin, wrinkled lips, Why are you walking through the entrance at a turtles pace, girl. Your obnoxious presence is obstructing my Palaces business.
He raised a bony hand, and the marble floors beneath them began to shine. In the next moment, they left the growing crowd of curious disciples to arrive inside a vacant, completely bare office space. Only a singular, stately black desk sat in the center of the white room.
Kassandra smiled at the old man before waving her hand behind her, finally allowing the childrens feet to touch solid ground.
...
Once he stood up straight, Auslen glanced at his companions. Although Vincent seemed to be invigorated, Nathaniels little body was still trembling and eyes a bit teary from the earlier excitement.
He shook his head to himself in slight sympathy and stepped forward to help Nathaniel maintain his wobbly footing.
Kassandra reached out her hand towards Auslen, asking politely, Please hand me your Identity Medallion.
Auslen quickly retrieved the jade medallion from his spatial ring and placed it into the Peak Masters outstretched palm.
Kassandra stepped forward until she was standing directly in front of the wall. As she raised the medallion in her hand towards the wall, the dense spell formation faintly lit up, covering each of the group in a soft blue hue.
Suddenly, a blue, twinkling image of a smaller circle, with a diameter of 3 meters, quickly outlined itself in front of Kassandra. Then with a puff of earthen dust, the circle split in two equal sections before shooting sideways, revealing a newly formed entryway into the cave. Kassandras long hair and loose robes rippled as the air from the cave rushed out to greet her from the inside.
Turning her beautiful face towards Auslen and the rest, she said, Follow me.
Nathaniel seemed quite excited for the adventure, being the first of the three children to run after the Peak Master into the cave entrance.
Auslen chuckled at the boys eagerness before he and Vincent made their way inside as well.
Light from the thoughtfully placed illumination crystals lit up the incredibly spacious cave. However, instead of the dank cave Auslen was expecting, the interior was much more akin to an exquisite palace! From the expensive looking art on the limestone walls to the luxurious furniture spaced around the open hall, it did not look in any way like a residence meant for newly arrived Outer Sect Disciples.
Kassandra could clearly see Auslens astonishment, explaining, You can thank your father for the privilege of living here. This cave originally belonged to an Elder of the Outer Sect. However, he recently condensed his True Core, leaving this place empty. Usually, no Outer Sect disciple could snatch such a place, so count yourselves lucky that you three can enjoy yourselves here.
There are many specialized rooms and appliances contained inside, but I will leave those for you all to peruse at your leisure. However, if you break anything here, do not expect the Sect to replace it for free!
She elegantly leaned on the edge of a soft leather couch as she continued, Now, I have a few important things to explain to you boys before I leave.
Auslen flicked his distracted cousins head to bring back his attention, and Kassandras face lit up with a satisfied smile.
As you both are already practitioners, you will not be required to attend Qi Refinement classes.
However, each of you will be appointed to the Elixir Refinement Hall located on the peak of this Outer Sect mountain. Auslen, your father specified that you both would not need a regular escort, so it will be your responsibility to get yourself and your cousin there on time. You all are separated quite a distance from the peak, so in case you find yourselves lost, there is a map inside your Outer Sect handbook that will help you find your way.
The information you need detailing your appointment is contained within your Identity Medallion. The instructions regarding its usage are also outlined within your handbook. Do you both understand everything that I've told you thus far?
Auslen and Nathaniel nodded quickly, and Kassandra continued.
You are to wear your Outer Sect robes every day from now on! Do not worry about cleaning them by hand, as there is a self cleaning Spell Formation layered into its stitching. As long as you circulate a strand of Profound Qi within your fingertip and touch your collar, the Spell Formation will activate at the cost of that strands energy. However!
Nathaniels raised finger was startled to a halt at the Peak Masters sudden shout, and he looked up guiltily at Kassandras pointed gaze.
Do not overuse them, as Spell Formations are not permanent. You can only redeem a new set of robes once every half-year. If you abuse your clothing, you will have to pay for a new set yourself.
Hearing this, Nathaniel quickly put his finger back to his side with an obedient smile.
Kassandra shook her head and laughed softly at his foolishness before standing back up.
"Finally, there are large numbers of Outer Sect Lectures covering numerous topics occurring in frequent rotation. They are not mandatory, however you both would gain much if you attended some on occasion. The schedule of lectures is located in the handbook as well, along with everything else you need to know. Is there anything else any of you three kids need from me?
After witnessing their heads shaking sideways in denial, she smiled before transmitting her voice directly to Auslen.
As of now, Ive done everything your father has asked of me. However, if you wish to speak with me about a particularly important matter, just seek out Old Lu. Ill come by if its worth my time.
With a graceful wave and a smile, her yellow robes shook slightly before her figure suddenly vanished from the cave abode.