Elder Cultivator

Chapter 840

Unlike when Anton had made his attempt to connect to Ceretos star, it was relatively simple to approach Inistras sun. Either he could carry Varghese, or they could approach with a ship. They went with the former option, both because of the potential danger to others and because it would be better to have fewer layers between Varghese and the star.

Theyd spend over a month preparing for this moment, discussing what might happen so they could hopefully prepare for every eventuality. But they couldnt know for certain what would happen until it was attempted.

Anton took them to a midpoint between Inistra and the star- not too close, but a nice distance to form a connection. Begin whenever you are ready, Anton said. I will be waiting.

Varghese nodded, relaxing his body and mind. Anton had brought a bubble of air along with them so that he wouldnt have to refresh the air in his lungs or worry about other effects while he made his attempt. Antons energy should be able to avoid interfering with his too much, as they practiced the same style.

Time passed slowly as Varghese prepared himself. Then he reached out with his inner self, and Anton immediately felt a stirring in the star. He could resist, if he wanted to. His prior connection and greater cultivation would make it trivial. He knew that now for certain, but obviously he wasnt going to stop Varghese.

Anton wanted to probe what was happening inside his disciple, but this was a critical moment he could not bear to disrupt. Thus, he simply waited, feeling only the ripples of power that came to him passively. He felt the connection to the star forming, but he wasnt quite certain what would happen when it completed. If it could be completed. If it was only half formed, it might be more dangerous to Varghese than simply failing directly.

But soon enough, his worries were assuaged. Everything settled down, and Anton felt a connection through Inistras star to Varghese. It provided little more information than that he existed and a vague feeling of his power, but it was something. And the additional presence provided useful feedback. Most likely, only a few cultivators could bond to a star in the same manner. Or perhaps it was a lot, from certain perspectives. Five or ten, though it wasnt clear if that was limited to Assimilation cultivators or if there was some restriction with Enrichment cultivators like Anton.

As it turned out, having prior experience and guidance made the whole process easier, and Varghese only looked a little crispy around the edges instead of becoming charcoal. Anton sensed some internal damage, but that would quickly heal as he was certain the process had succeeded more smoothly than his own.

Congratulations, Anton said. If I had planned ahead, branch head, I would have brought you a reward. Perhaps a suitable blade for you to wield.

Varghese shook his head. Your willingness to help is more than enough. Everything I have I owe to you.

Thats not true, Anton said. You learned magnetism all on your own.

Only after you gave me a proper basis of cultivation, the young man replied. But we could go in circles like this forever.

Yes, Anton said. We certainly could. Though speaking of magnetism I have a suggestion for your next bonded star.

Azun? Varghese asked.

Indeed. Its the best for you personally, not distant, and would provide us further information about star sizes and powers. Its no weaker than this star, despite its size, so I wouldnt expect any issues. But I imagine when you are ready, I wont be around. I would suggest binding it on your own, without me around. Though I wouldnt mind a warning about a date and time.

Varghese nodded. I think it would be awkward to do otherwise. He took a deep breath of the faux atmosphere surrounding him. I still feel weak, in front of you.

Wait until you see everyone else. Though of course, you just advanced so you will take some time to come into the power of Assimilation properly. Though while were here, youll actually be a bit stronger. Or we could go even closer, for training. I believe teaching you Star Steps will be quite useful, now.

Your movement technique? Varghese smiled widely.

Well, the one I use. Unfortunately, it was developed by Everheart.

Varghese shrugged. I dont have the basis for actually hating that guy. So as long as it works and isnt otherwise problematic, I dont care.

His techniques are always good. Or at least have clearly enumerated flaws. Its one thing he is truly good at.

-----

Everheart sneezed. He probed his body worriedly. Surely he couldnt be sick. Nor could dust enter his nose. His efforts found nothing unusual, but he resolved to keep an eye on it.

As for his system, he could use a few more centuries of upgrades. Even though he was closer to the Trigold Cluster, pillaging them would get old fast. And he could only raid so many unsecure impenetrable vaults in one place before people would start figuring out his tricks. He could always come up with new ones, but hed rather not.

The Exalted Quadrant would certainly have some resources stored up. The question was, would they be in the heart of their dominion, or on the border where they were engaged in that drawn out war with the Chaotic Conglomeration? Well, he could do a little bit of sampling everywhere. Those kids who ascended after him had caused quite a bit of trouble in their territory, so they might be on alert for another century, but that just made things more interesting. And more embarrassing for them when they realized that stopping him in particular was much more difficult.

Not that theyd actually succeeded at their purpose to begin with. Chikere had escaped their grasp with a couple valuable individuals.

Rahayu! Everheart called out. Want to go fight that Limitless Edge who almost killed Chikere?

That got his attention. I do. My chances of survival are high enough to make it worthwhile. Though the way you said it are you coming too?

I am, Everheart said. Though not with the intention to fight her. I just figured we could get multiple things done at once.

Rahayu nodded. Understandable.

Also if I get the chance I want to steal her sword.

From Chikeres explanation it was a soulbound blade. It might as well be part of her.

Everheart looked at Rahayu. You act like I never stole an arm or a leg or part of someones soul before.

I will admit I had never even considered some of those possibilities, but now that you say it I dont doubt that you have, Rahayu replied.

-----

I intend to visit Poriza next, Anton explained to Varghese. Its a bit roundabout if I want to visit Aipra but Im in the process of contacting them about that.

Whats the problem? Varghese asked. Youve never had a problem with it before.

The problem is that I havent been there since I the time advanced to Enrichment, Anton pointed out. And I dont want to cause unnecessary disturbances. In their people, or by drawing attention from distortion beasts. Regardless of whether or not I can defeat it, things drawn in by me could now be disastrous for them. And without a star I would be missing a good portion of my strength but likely still just as enticing.

I do see the problem, Varghese admitted. How unfortunate.

Yes. Perhaps I will make do with a simple message. It can be passed on to them. Though I would like to see Nalini.

Maybe she can come visit you? Varghese asked. Like, you can dip into subspace they have to be able to break out, right? And from what I hear, our shadow neighbors are in a more stable position. They can likely afford to spare her for a while.

That is an interesting point, Anton said. And it is only a short trip. Though I dont intend to convince them to give up their isolation, seeing the outside might be good for Nalini. And those few who wanted to leave have already been transported away by our alliance.

Weve even had a few crazy cultivators go live with them, Varghese said. With their permission, of course. But weve got a pretty good relationship between our two and a half local systems.

A half, huh?

Well, theyre neither a full system nor strictly local. Given their unique trajectory, that will likely become more true even ignoring the subspace thing.

Fair enough, Anton said. Poriza is a closer destination for them than here, so Ill continue my plans and see what I hear.

-----

The cultivators of Poriza had seen Anton in Enrichment. Of course they had, as he had advanced specifically by augmenting their own star, adding one of their gas giants and free-floating matter so that it would become a red dwarf, a proper star- if small. Even so, many of those there were surprised. Nasima and her family had only seen him shortly after his advancement, before he properly settled into Enrichment.

Though he already knew it, the planet was doing well. He obviously wouldnt have precipitated such a large change without making sure things were alright. Hed stayed for some time after his initial efforts, to make certain things were stable, and hed gotten frequent reports for a while.

It was different to see it with his own eyes, though. A more powerful sun provided increased natural energy for all, and while that could lead to more fighting over resources, theyd been stable before that point. So now Poriza was in a growth phase, shared with the nearby Inistra. And as previously mentioned, Aipris. It was just significantly more difficult to get to one of them.

The little red dwarf was barely a star, and yet to Anton it felt as powerful as Azun or any of the others. It was not only the star he bound to surpass the threshold of Enrichment, but also one he had a hand in promoting to true star status with proper sustained fusion and all that it provided.

Strangely enough, Anton imagined many people wouldnt recognize him now. Know of him, perhaps, but it had been around half a century since the event so there would be an entire new generation, in the longer meaning of the term as cultivators might apply it. Not that anyone would be uncertain once they sensed his energy. There werent a lot of people like Anton- no other yet, in fact. Not that he knew of. Hopefully, that would change before the end of the cycle, since he wanted decisive victories when the Tides of the World shifted and another round of invasions almost inevitably happened.

-----

He had to wait a full season, but Nalini did want to meet up with Anton and agreed he likely shouldnt come to visit Aipra. She looked up at the sky, squinting. Its strange, she said. Its just like this all the time?

Always, Anton said. Though of course you dont see it so much when its on the far side of the planet.

And the moon reflects its light even then, Nalini commented. And you can see the stars at night. I understand why you cultivated the stars, with such magnificence.

This is one of the small ones, Anton said. At least in terms of energy. There are some particularly small ones because of special circumstances.

Hmm. Im more than a few centuries late to pick a different cultivation path, she said. And a star would not suit Aipra. But I do see why you like them.

I wouldnt try to change your cultivation style, Anton agreed. It works for you. Though perhaps I could provide some insight into potential growth possibilities. Youre not too far from Enrichment yourself.

The power would have to balance with all of the people, Nalini reminded him. If not, I could throw off everything and leave us weaker overall.

A good point, Anton said. My friend Vincent might have some insights regarding that. But lacking those at the moment, I can give you some of my own. And show you how Aipras communal cultivation style has benefited other systems.

Anton held up a picture of the meerkats cultivating together.

This is a remarkably cute animal.

Theyre sapient, Anton said. But yes. Extremely cute. They live just under the surface of the ground where its safe- and a more consistent temperature. Not freezing.

And they make use of communal cultivation?

Thats right. Anton said. Its a smaller scale. Not even close to worldwide right now. But its been very good for their development. And who knows, maybe a century or two from now theyll have some insights that they can share with Aipra.

That would be interesting, Nalini agreed. Now then, what of your archery?

Im still working on some more absurd ranges, Anton said. Since you dont even have another system to shoot into, its not much good for you. But its still interesting. And I made some practical use of it recently. I couldnt reach the planet in time to affect an important battle any other way.

Everything was good. This was what Anton liked. Successful cultivation for himself and others. Prosperity. He was just going to make certain things kept working this way for as long as possible. Forever, perhaps. And if forever wasnt possible, then maybe he would just have to change that too.

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