In the sort of library a normal person would construct, places for reading and writing were standard. There was no lack of those within Everhearts Library, but there was a standout feature- a rear courtyard for practicing attacking techniques or sparring. Normally even cultivators would separate those two things by a larger distance, though in this case it was a practical arrangent. It didnt require anyone to leave the grounds of the Library and go through the line again. Even so, it was simply a large open area that offered no privacy between cultivators. Perhaps that too was by design.
Off in one corner sat Vari. The surroundings werent exactly conducive to ditation, with people making use of their energy in uncontrolled fashions, sending shockwaves of sensation even if they werent close enough to cause physical harm. She focused on doing exactly the opposite of what she was used to, to no discernible effect. So part was missing. Perhaps it was a particular target to draw from, perhaps she simply had a false understanding to begin with maybe her talent just wasnt enough.
She was interrupted by two large wolves tumbling past her, claws and fangs eting with sharp stone and burning fire. The two creatures had been peacefully practicing so sort of ntal training not long before, but either they had finished or one got bored. Alva had been watching them, but she had her own training to get to. Though the battle looked dangerous, they seed to be having fun.
Further away, Hoyt was attempting to light a training dummy on fire. Obviously if it were sothing made of cloth and straw it would burn to ashes in an instant, but even if it were simply made of the stone it appeared to be he should have been able to catch it on fire. Energy channeled through the stone shape, resisting him much like a cultivator might. It wasnt just a direct barrier, but active change that frustrated his current attempts. What he was training was a sort of clinging fire- he could create a trail of fire that hung in the air, burning anyone he chose that passed through it, but attaching it to soone was more difficult. It was still possible, but as they actively resisted they could free themselves. Hoyt was attempting a particularly nasty technique that burned upper energy directly, the difficulty being he didnt want to set his own energy on fire. Thus, he was being cautious.
Neither Timothy nor Catarina were in the training yard- no doubt they were at a different stage of their studies, or perhaps they didnt want to have others see what they were doing.
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There was so significant overlap between energy barrier techniques and what Timothy wanted to do, reflecting enemies attacks back upon them. Hed had success with that already, but he could always be better. He had so plans to compare notes with Vari to see if a real person could spark any insights different from the texts he was reading.
Then he sensed sothing. He barely suppressed his instincts to stab them through the heart. He could only hope he managed to hide his hostility. He sensed no particular reaction from the man, but that didnt an much.
It was a mber of the Twin Soul Sect, unconcealed. Thoughts rapidly spun through his head. How could one be here? Hadnt they eradicated them? The answers were rather simple, however. If the promises they had been given were even partly true, then those who died should have reincarnated in the upper realms. And, even if that wasnt the case the sect still had a presence in the Trigold Cluster.
And the reason for them to be here was the sa as anyone else- drawn in by the promises of wealth and knowledge. That was true even for their own group, in a way. Otherwise they would have not co back. Timothy didnt know what Catarina might reveal, and whether it would be worth the risks, but it seed important. And they couldnt afford to sit around slowly growing stronger when their enemies were already ahead of them.
Timothy kept part of his mind on what the Twin Soul Sect cultivator was looking at, but otherwise pretended to ignore him. Unless hed revealed his intentions sohow, the man shouldnt even know that they were enemies. Unless they recognized the One Hundred Stars, of course.
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After surveying the general quality of the information available, Catarina realized she wouldnt be learning much about formations in the first two levels. She could spend years combing through the books to find minor improvents, but they would pale in comparison to the days she had spent with Everhearts projection, learning about sub-runes woven into what looked to be a single larger whole. The amount of hidden complexity that could be added to anything by that still gave her plenty to absorb for the next century.
She still needed to go deeper for other reasons. There might be valuable techniques- not that the ones in the first two levels were trivial- but more than that she couldnt find anything that reacted to the formation plate she had. She was almost certain it should be at this location but how far?
They would have to obtain permission to progress further. That ant donating or performing challenges. Hunting down a bounty was also possible, though she didnt particularly like the idea of being an enforcer for Everheart. So of them likely deserved retribution, but not necessarily for robbing from Everheart. Though perhaps at so point they could browse through the options and see if there were any they would like to take down for other reasons. That was a bit risky, though, because they were without significant backing. If they made enemies with any large group, it could be trouble. That included the Harmonious Citadel, but it seed that it was inevitable.
The three she and Timothy had killed should still be a secret, and according to Vari she had only ntioned Alva, but there was no telling if the second group had gathered more information and reported back about their group. The incident occurred far enough from their territory that it might not have gotten back to them, but it wasnt as if they didnt kill anyone important. Even by the standards of the upper realms, cultivators at the Integration stage were notable to so extent though there was a big difference between those at the earliest steps and the late stage.
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Vari sat down with Timothy in a vaguely isolated section of the library. The location and their own efforts to conceal their voices with energy ant that at least nobody would casually overhear their cultivation discussions. It was standard practice, as cultivators were secretive with such things especially around those they didnt trust. For Timothy that was nearly everyone in the Scarlet Midfields. For Vari she was honestly no longer sure.
What you do with your shield isnt quite the sa as my barriers, Vari explained. Her techniques all originated in the upper realms, or at least had been there for so ti. Timothys might have been from a lower realm, but they werent necessarily worse. Just different, and requiring so adjustnt for proper functionality with upper energy. It retains more flexibility instead of being rigid.
That ans when faced with overwhelming power I can soften the blow rather than having my defenses shattered, Timothy explained. It does slightly limit the maximum strength attack I can receive, but I find it worthwhile.
Vari nodded. That all made sense. The origins of their techniques were quite different, but there was still advice they could share. Mostly on Timothys end, since despite being younger and from a lower realm he had more practical experience. Hed been in several actual wars, while Vari had semi-regularly gone on missions defeating bandits or exploring. The shelter of the Harmonious Citadel had allowed her to grow in safety, but perhaps not as much as she might have achieved otherwise. Or she could have died. It was still possible in such an environnt, of course, but more rare.
The exchange eventually devolved into Vari seeking advice, since she rarely had anything useful to offer in return. I know you dont study this kind of technique, Vari said, And its new to , but several things in this manual I havent been able to get any success out of at all.
Let see, energy draining techniques? Which ones?
The first one is sort of functional, but the second and third just seem like dead ends.
Maybe they are, Timothy pointed out. They could just be bad.
But theyre in Everhearts Library.
So? Timothy asked.
He literally threw away a technique manual as we watched! Vari exclaid. He checks these things. They should work, right?
Just because he has certain standards does not an everything that makes it into the library is a good technique. For example, he could allow diocrity. Perhaps only the first technique in that book needs to function and he couldnt be bothered to dismantle it. Or maybe theres still sothing to learn from them, even if theyre failed techniques. Timothy shrugged, It could be any of those, or maybe he leaves them as traps for people who cant tell theyre not good.
Oh, Vari deflated, So Ive just been wasting my ti?
Its just a few days, Timothy pointed out. And you figured out they dont work already. So see if theres anything you can glean from them and move on. No technique is going to be flawless anyway. Not a core cultivation technique, offensive, defensive, or auxiliary. Theyre always being refined from older versions.
Yeah! Vari nodded, a bit more confident. Thats right. I just have to figure out whats good. Hey, guiding light thing, can you show to any copies of the Holy Harmony Technique, and the Glorious Harmony Technique?
The light had not been present, and then it was. No.
... what do you an no? Vari asked.
No indicates a negative response, aning that I cannot.
But why? Vari asked. Do I need access to a deeper level.
No.
Do you not have any?
No.
Does that an you do have so?
No.
Can you provide another response?
No.
... I think I broke it.
Thats odd, Timothy said. Can you start over?
Hello, the light blinked. I am here to guide you throughout the library. Please state your request.
Do I just ask again? Vari tilted her head.
You have not asked anything, the light responded neutrally.
Try phrasing it differently, Timothy suggested.
Okay, uh are there copies of either the Holy Harmony Technique or the Glorious Harmony Technique here?
Yes.
Where?
No.
Vari put her face in her palms. Lets start over. Is there a reason that people would be forbidden from finding techniques related to the Harmonious Citadel?
The answer to that question is only available to mbers of the Harmonious Citadel.
Im I practice one of their techniques, Vari said. And I have my whole life.
Are those words ant to indicate that you are a mber of the Harmonious Citadel?
Yes? Vari couldnt keep her voice straight. She wasnt sure if this thing could detect lies but she hadnt technically lied. She wanted to indicate that without saying it because even lying to say she was part of them still felt wrong.
Very well. The sa or similar request has been made fifty-seven tis recently, twice by yourself. Full reason for denial: No. Stop asking about that you [expletives removed] cronies. You cant have her stuff back. End of official statent. Would you like to direct you to your sectmates?
No thats okay, Vari said. In fact, dont tell them that Im here. Or lead them to if they ask.
Affirmative. Can I assist you in other ways?
Is there any way to request access except through you?
You can speak to the librarian projection, the light declared. Would you like to assess the probability of a favorable interaction?
No thats I think Id rather not know. Vari frowned. Was Everheart working with the Harmonious Citadel sohow? It felt like that at first, but now it seed antagonistic. Then there was that statue. A statue of a spear saint shed never seen nor heard of. She hadnt believed it to be real at the ti but now maybe it was. What do you think? she asked Timothy.
I think interacting with Everheart is a bad idea, Timothy said. But if its important enough to you it might be your only option.
... I cant know how important it is until I have the information, Vari shook her head. But I cant just stay like this. Ill have to look into other options on my own. Talking to Everheart would be her last resort. Surely she could find sothing on her own.
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