piratefiction Chapter 50: Reunited
Chapter 50: Reunited
Chapter 50: Reunited
Auslen passed these few days quietly and rather blissfully, fussing around with plants and refining Elixirs, whilst attending to his regular duties as a Refining Assistant.
And soon, the Tri-Annual Qi Refinement Tournament was about to begin.
Early in the morning, countless disciples were already making their way down the Outer Sect mountain to gather in front of the mountains main gate.
Outside of the crowd, Nathaniel was sitting high up on Vincents shoulders, head swiveling here and there. Vincent was trying to be helpful, standing on his tiptoes in an attempt to give Nathaniel more of a view, but even with their combined heights, they were only about as tall as a normal adult, which wasnt too helpful for their current venture.
I dont see them, Auslen!
We can all meet up once we arrive at the Tournament Stadium. Theres too many people standing around. Auslen didnt even bother trying. Come down, Nathan. Its almost time to go.
Grumbling to himself, Nathaniel unwillingly climbed down from Vincents shoulders.
Hands suddenly free, Vincent glanced up into the sky before removing a paper umbrella from his spatial ring, covering Auslen with protection from the piercing morning sun.
Auslen closed his eyes with a smile, peacefully enjoying the convenient shelter. That is, until Nathaniel abruptly launched himself underneath the shade with a bear hug from Auslens back, nearly tackling Auslen to the ground in his surprise.
Rejecting Auslens efforts to detach his arms from around his neck, Nathaniel hung on with stubbornness and chuckled cheekily. Thanks, Vincent!
A short while later, wind and clouds began to churn in the sky above the heads of the disciples. Suddenly, a massive airship descended, seemingly growing in size until it landed on a huge, square-shaped platform not too far off, floating stably just above the platforms marble surface.
The large body of the ship was made entirely of dark silver metal, and at times, light danced around the inscriptions on its surface, giving the airship an grandiose and powerful aura.
Come on board! An elderly womans voice thundered from the docked airship, drawing all of the disciples eyes to the old Elder standing at the bow of the ship with the help of a wooden cane.
Auslen held both Nathaniel and Vincents hands as they consolidated back into the moving hoard of disciples, once again feeling like a single father trying to keep track of his kids at an amusement park.
Tens of thousands of disciples walked over to board the airship as three separate gangways extended from the side of the ship in preparation for their ascension. Elders were on the sides of each gangway, guiding the many Outer Sect Disciples to board the airship in succession. And only after a full hour did the gangways retract.
The elderly woman standing on top of the airship nodded before lifting her cane slightly, only to bring it back down to loudly tap the ship's metal exterior.
Light fulminated on the airship for a sharp moment before the metallic monstrosity slowly floated upwards into the bright morning sky, heading back through the still-revolving vortex of clouds towards the Outer Sect Stadium.
Deeper into the Outer Sect, a lone, but vibrant mountain could be seen with a height of 1,000 meters. From a certain angle, the peak looked to be shaved off completely, appearing incomplete. However, when viewed from above, an impressive feat of architectural ingenuity could be witnessed.
Carved directly into the mountains peak, the Outer Sect Stadium was a sunken structure boasting a scale of over 500,000 square meters, like a hidden treasure only viewable by the likes of cultivators. It was constructed entirely out of the mountainous rocks. Varying shades of grays washed over the stands, which were divided into five levels, allowing for a huge amount of spectator seating. The lowest and highest levels were provided with shade by means of neutral-colored canvas awnings, while the middle level contained fully enclosed VIP rooms, reserved for Elders, important disciples, and guests of appropriate status.
Currently, rivers of disciples from all five Outer Sect mountains were funneling into these stands, excitement bubbling for the imminent Qi Refinement Tournament to get underway!
The Qi Refinement Tournament could be said to be the most important event within the Outer Sect, as it involved the distribution of incredible sums of resources that were normally impossible for most disciples to obtain within the span of a decade. This was especially true, considering that nearly all Outer Sect Disciples dawdled around within the Outer Sect, refusing to choose the most lucrative of Sect Missions that required them to leave the mountain.
Spirit Elixirs, Spirit Pills, Earthly Treasures, Weapons, Demon flesh, Merit Points
Basically, there was no small amount of desire for the rewards obtainable here.
Your Highness!
Auslens eyebrows raised at the sudden wave of formal greetings originating from his backside. Turning around, he saw Vincent stepping aside before he was met with the familiar view of four Bright Forest Guards bowing in his direction, their flashy and foreign appearance provoking disturbance among the flow of disciples passing by.
The Bright Forest Guard standing at the head of their diamond formation lifted himself to an impeccably erect posture before continuing.
Were here to escort you to your room.
Auslen understood the reason for their presence within the Outer Sect without needing to ask.
Are you coming along, or are you staying? Auslen glanced to Nathaniel and asked.
Nathaniel shook his head with a smile. Ill stay here. Tell cousin I said hi!
Auslen nodded. Casually pointing towards the muscular Bright Forest Guard standing at the right corner of their formation, he spoke. Stay with Nathaniel, please.
Understood! He placed his gauntlet-covered hand on his breast plate in a respectful salute before stepping away from the other guards to stand behind the boy, gaining the appraising glance of Nathaniel, who nodded as though satisfied that he had a guard of his own.
Irene, in particular, looked very intrigued by the Bright Forest Guards, a radiant light shining in her blue eyes.
After waving goodbye to the rest, Auslen allowed the remaining Bright Forest Guards to surround him and Vincent, escorting them as they advanced further into the Stadium.
Auslen and Vincent were ushered into a private VIP room on the third level. The soles of Auslens black boots stepped onto plush carpets crafted from expensive furs, giving him immediate feelings of comfort and relaxation.
Walking into the spacious enclosure, Auslen took in his surroundings.
The interior of this luxurious VIP room was dozens of square meters in size. All kinds of elegant furniture were placed within. Along the walls, many additional Bright Forest Guards were standing silently, their eyes lowered and presence subdued.
At the front of the room, a one-way barrier of transparent, full-length crystal could be seen. And through the crystal window, the vast Outer Sect Stadium was clearly visible, making the difference in treatment between valued persons and ordinary disciples starkly apparent.
And sitting calmly on the center couch with the best view in the room was a young royal, dressed in a pure black robe with golden trimmings.
After the youth turned his head towards Auslen, who was slowly walking towards him, his calm expression quickly filled with joyful vitality.
Taking in the familiar light green hair and gleaming blue eyes, Auslens lips quirked up into a bright smile in return.
Hi, Aiden.
Aiden stood, not waiting for Auslen to approach before wrapping his younger brother in a warm embrace, which Auslen quickly reciprocated.
Vincent tactfully retreated backwards, expeditiously stepping back into his habit of waiting near the walls, next to the good looking young man who seemed to be Aiden's manservant.
Only after several long moments did Aiden pull away, grinning as he examined Auslen closely.
Hello, Auslen, Aiden replied before patting Auslens head teasingly. Youve grown taller.
Auslen swiped the fussy hand away exasperatingly, golden irises lifting as he gave Aiden his own appraising gaze.
So have you, big brother.