There was a sense of panic that spread out as the looming threat of war returned. In a way it was more problematic because of the uncertainty behind it. There was no guarantee of when, where, or even if there would be a war. But there could be, and people didnt just revoke pacts preventing them from going to war unless they ant to take advantage of that fact.
Yet months had passed with no further sightings of ships from the Exalted Archipelago, and it was impossible to remain on high alert forever. For the mont there was an agreent to have ships patrolling the borders closest to the Exalted Archipelago, though it was possible that people would soon grow tired of financing an effort that didnt appear to be protecting them. Ambati would no doubt feel more secure, but as much as fleets patrolling to the west would protect the entire continent of Brogora, it wouldnt seem like that to those who didnt share the borders.
Plans were under way to attempt to scout the Exalted Archipelago, but even the friendly portion where the Worthy Shore Society was might be a risk to approach. Even if others didnt spot them coming, the Worthy Shore Society would already understand what they wanted to know and had chosen not to reveal more, likely to protect themselves.
With the topic of naval combat arising, Anton had been inspired to visit Paradise. Not because he thought the giant creature would interfere with battles between locals- even if it would, he wouldnt want to risk it taking the wrong side- but because he had so free ti before he was going to set out for a deploynt among the sea scouts. And as hed continued to cultivate over the decades, he began to understand how strong inspiration could be, so sort of intuition about a path forward.
The existence of teleportation formations between the continents had done nothing to reduce the number of ships traveling back and forth. After all, the expenses of the formations ant that they were only efficient in terms of ti. Storage bags still had to be taken into account for how much they could transport, and thus the slower sea routes were still efficient for shipping large quantities of goods of any kind.
Trade had only been increasing as people began to understand the extent of the different resources that they could offer each other, and rchants were glad to make use of the opportunities available. As the knowledge about the other continent had been intentionally severed the cycle before, the new trade routes were barely getting started.
It was simple enough to get a ride on a ship that would be going past Paradise, with the old turtle being back on his route. Paradise was still considered lucky, so even if it took them a day or two out of their way most ships were happy to do it. It seed that ships that took a stop at paradise had a higher chance of arriving successfully at their destination, and while those taking the southern routes didnt have the chance the northern route had a steady flow.
Given Paradises predilection to occasionally dive under the sea, permanent structures upon his back took more work to put into place. They werent impossible of course- plants managed to thrive upon his shell. It simply took extra work, and the Island Tenders were reluctant to add too much.
When he landed, Anton saw that the ranks of the Island Tenders had swelled significantly. Before it was just a loose group of individuals dedicated to taking care of the area, but it had developed into a proper sect, with their own techniques. Anton could sense the five central hills were occupied by them, while the four on either side had room for visiting cultivators. The port was at the front, nestling atop the shell where a number of movable docks usually stood. When Paradise dove sections of them could be removed so that they would not have to deal with the lifting drag of the dive.
Grand Elder Anton, the captain of the ship spoke as Anton departed. Will you be continuing on with us afterwards?
Anton shook his head. No, I am not sure how long I will take, after which I will be heading back to Brogora.
Good luck with your cultivation, then, the man bowed his head.
And you as well, Anton smiled. Make sure to keep practicing your domain control.
After taking in the people and the changes to the island, Anton focused on why he was present. At least, one of the reasons. Perhaps there was another layer he didnt understand yet, but there was sothing obvious to look over first.
Paradise was strong. World-alteringly strong, in fact. It was well known that humans followed different rules from beasts, but with proper cultivation humans could overco most beasts, even those with strong bodies and the use of natural energy. Yet there were many exceptions, with the most notable examples being from the ocean which was relatively untad. It was easier to support a large form in the sea, and natural energy took that to the extre.
That was the part that interested Anton. Because while Paradise had power beyond the strength of a Life Transformation cultivator, he only used natural energy. A massive amount of it, but there had to be sothing behind that. It was already known where it ca from. The ecosystem on his back provided much of it, but that couldnt be all of it. After all, Anton had stood in areas with greater concentrations of natural energy, but that didnt an he could use all of it.
On previous trips he hadnt paid much attention to the underside of the shell. Not what was inside- the main body of the creature- as sensing the internals of a living creature was quite difficult. Instead, all the way around and underneath on the belly. It seed to be sowhat smoother, though Anton could have blad that on faulty recollections. He thought that might be worth exploring, though before he did anything else he should at least check in with the Island Tenders. He was planning to stay for at least a few days, and as a Grand Elder of the Order it would be rather rude to not at least acknowledge the controlling sect in the area.
He made his way directly uphill to the frontmost location. He had considered it a re formality, but as he arrived a disciple ca up to him. Grand Elder Anton? Of the Order of Ninety-Nine Stars?
Thats right, Anton replied.
The Island Head would like to et with you, if it is convenient.
Of course, Anton nodded. Where should I go?
The central hill, the woman said, handing him a token that radiated so natural energy. Im sure you can find your way once you are close, but I can guide you if you wish.
I will do just fine without guidance, thank you, Anton inclined his head.
He had no need to refuse the guidance, but he could already sense his destination and since there was a ssage waiting for him, he could assu the Island Head had likewise sensed him. A pretty decent range, but of course this was the territory of the Island Tenders so it was to be expected.
He took the low route between the hills so he would not have to go up and down so much- or directly past residences and the structures the sect had set up. When he reached the center he found an open pagoda where the Island Head waited. I thought you said you werent making any permanent structures, Anton comnted.
Tis change, Erin shrugged. And we have to live sowhere. Most things are made from bamboo anyway. Theyre not the weighty structures everyone has back on the continents. And we did need to take in weaker disciples. Protected shelters were necessary for that. I think the formations are based off of the Luminous Ocean Societys work.
That makes sense, Anton nodded. So, you are the Island Head now? he said as he sat on one of the benches.
I sort of fell into the role of leadership. Soone had to do it, and without direction we would just be a bunch of people living on a turtle. That was fine for a while, but weve needed to formalize things a bit.
Why call over? Anton asked. I understand Im a Grand Elder, but I didnt co here specifically for any sort of diplomatic interaction.
Thats simple, you were one of the people who found Paradise, she gestured around them. It would be a sha to miss you.
Is this another one of those fortune things? Anton asked.
It could be. But part of it is also maintaining relations with a powerful acquaintance. I see your cultivation has continued to improve.
Mostly, Anton agreed. Though my cultivation has hit a roadblock recently.
And you chose to co here. You arent just passing through, right?
Im not sure how long Ill stay. Maybe I wont learn much of anything. Though you should know more about Paradise than anyone else, so maybe you can help figure out why Im here.
Ah, one of those things. Well, where do you want to start?
I wish I knew, Anton answered honestly. I suppose I might as well start with sothing probably unrelated. I noticed that Paradises underside felt smoother? I could be imaging it though.
Oh, thats simple, Erin nodded. She gestured to a strange lounging chair nearby, which seed to have been made from two large shells jointed together. The barnacles on Paradise had grown unreasonably large. It was determined that at a certain size they were no longer contributing to the ecosystem but instead detracting from it and providing significant drag as well. So we began to remove them. This is one of the larger and more interesting varieties that we have found and it seed a sha to just destroy them.
You swim underneath Paradise? Anton asked.
Thats right. Only the stronger of us, of course. The speed isnt an issue directly, but its quite a distance underwater to the center. Want to try it?
Perhaps another ti, Anton shook his head. It was just idle curiosity. I would be interested if you have any understanding of how Paradise makes use of all of his power though of course that might be a sect secret.
It is not particularly secret. We dont spread the word, but the information isnt sensitive either. It cant really be misused. Hes just big. Its not really more difficult for him to control the natural energy close around his body than it is for you.
Thats Anton thought for a few monts. I suppose a larger dantian and ridians would be only natural. Though controlling unrefined energy seems as if it should be more difficult.
Erin nodded slowly, In truth, we dont get that many opportunities to observe Paradise in action. Only a few tis since the invasion has he done anything of note. But she swirled a bit of natural energy around her finger, Id say it still follows that sa rule. Hes large enough to have great stores of his own energy supported within his body, so he can control more outward. Not really sothing most cultivators can aspire to. Size also doesnt seem to be a factor on the human scale.
I was hoping for more than just that hes big, has a lot of natural energy, and can use it, Anton admitted. But perhaps thats a bit unfair.
Perhaps you might discover more during your ti here, Erin pointed out. And there is so of our training that might benefit you. We generally avoid overusing the natural energy here but we do have so techniques that empower us here.
That seems like it might be secret.
The full details, certainly, Erin admitted. But knowing we can do it well, its not strange that a sect would have an advantage in their own territory. Even if were just tenants for a giant turtle.
Tenants? Anton nodded. I like that. You have to take care of the land and pay him his due. Id like to think we do much the sa on the continent, though without a giant turtle that can eat us if we screw it up. Specifically natural energy it doesnt just belong to whoever owns the land. At least, I dont think its useful to think of it like that anymore, even if so always will. Anton slowly spread out his senses to encompass the whole of Paradise. It was difficult to take in as just one thing, but that difficulty stimulated thoughts. Whether any of them would lead to practical improvents in his cultivation or a way to break through Anton didnt know, but it was a worthwhile effort nonetheless.
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