Chapter 427
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Chapter 427
Ambati. No sects or clans held a dominant position, but they had managed to keep their conflicts to a minimum. Most of the world no longer had a problem with food- enhanced growing techniques allowed land to be used much more efficiently. Even what had once been less desirable land due to poor soil quality or vicious beasts could be claimed and brought to some level of functionality. Perhaps in another century or two they would have to solve issues of overcrowding, but Anton hoped by that time people could work together towards that goal. Or they would wipe out another third or half of their population like the wars a half century earlier. That was a terrible method, but it would happen.
It was a shame that prosperity might eventually bring problems along with it. Even if more people were ascending, it couldnt possibly hope to keep up with the growth of even a moderate population. One a year, a handful, even if they got to hundreds or thousands it wouldnt be enough. Though people could simply choose to be more conservative with having children. It was the struggle for limited resources between factions that might become an issue.
That was not a problem Anton could deal with himself, but by fostering relations between people and countries he could hope that they would work things through. His reason for coming to Amabati wasnt for anything official, but just for a visit. Simply coming for a visit as the sect head of a powerful group meant something, but Anton knew people would read into his actions whatever they wanted. Though most had a positive opinion of him.
He expected to find who he was looking for at a great distance, but could not sense her. She should be staying in the area, but perhaps she had roamed off on some distant mission. Anton hadnt announced his trip ahead of time, so he had no expectation his arrival would be anticipated.
Asking around in the nearby city was fairly straightforward. Those with the highest cultivations would at least know of each other. A few had only heard of the archer, but one older man had some knowledge of her location. Why do you seek her? he asked.
She was my student, Anton said. I cant guide her along her current path, but I did help her with her early path of archery.
Ah. It is you, the old man said. I had expected your aura to be more domineering.
That would be completely unnecessary, Anton pointed out.
That doesnt stop everyone, the man grinned. Nthanda has spoken well of you in the past, and would certainly be glad to see you once more. She is currently in Kintale, half a days the man shook his head, Somewhere around thirty kilometers to the north.
Anton stretched his senses out, immediately sweeping over the area. There are no villages there that I can find. Nor can I sense her.
The man blinked. You should as you get closer, though I must say that it is not a village in a traditional sense. Many would refer to it as a nest. Void ants.
Ah, Anton nodded. That informed how he should be searching. He could not directly feel void ants, but he could still determine their locations if he was careful. When they were closer, the details of their presence was easier to sense, as he would be quite aware of gaps in his senses. Even at a modest distance, however, his senses were less attuned to those finer details. I see. I believe I have found it. An ants nest mainly consisted of underground tunnels, and void ants were no different at a base. However, their intelligence allowed them to construct more complex structures- and to expand instead of merely tunneling. There were other ants that did something similar, creating great ant mounds, but void ants were more intentional with their design. They had regular patterns and even some purely aesthetic choices. Many tunnels were wider than that of normal ants, because although void ants did not reach anything particularly large for an insect, they varied in size from the standard black ants to the size of a thumb. Though the Great Queen was the only example of the latter at the moment.
Having found Kindale, Anton noticed signs nearby. They were for the sake of humans, notifying them. He should have spotted them earlier, but he was focused on finding a person. That was a note hed have to make for future study. Speaking of that person, Nthanda should still be something he could sense.
Shes certainly made progress, Anton said. Thank you for the information, good sir.
Youre welcome, the man nodded.
Nthanda was difficult to sense, but compared to a void ant it was much simpler. It seemed shed continued her training to gain their properties, and thus his energy senses had glossed over her. However, she left a much larger gap, and once he sensed her he could find traces of natural energy she was manipulating as well. Though for a Life Transformation cultivator, it was barely anything. The only natural energy she used was to form the string on the bow Anton had given her, and only the tiniest amounts of that energy leaked away. Excellent progress.
Anton took a quick stroll, enjoying the nature around him but not wanting to waste too much time. While he had nothing to do urgently at the moment, there were always things that could be done. But he wasnt too hasty. Leisure was important.
The area was remote, but it did have something resembling a road going through it. He took that route, not because he needed to, but because he wanted to leave a good impression on the void ants. It was their territory after all.
Hello there, Anton waved as he approached. Im just here to see Nthanda. A few dozen meters away, two ants looked at each other, their limbs moving. I do see you, in fact. And I understand your sign.
Ants couldnt blush, but as their language had developed they picked up certain tics that showed emotions even to humans. It was a faster way for them to communicate with each other as well, since pheromones could be slow and inexact. The two guard ants quickly recovered and returned to their duties, waving their forelimbs and antennae.
I would be happy to accept an escort. Do you wish to walk alongside or ride along?
Well, Ive been encountering a type of energy. I dont know where it comes from, and though it seems safe I am rather suspicious.
Describe it for me, Lev said.
Well its- Anton was going to describe it, Easier to see, actually. He felt some coming vaguely towards them. It bypassed him, but he snatched it. It was much more slippery than hed previously encountered. This sort of thing. A strand of energy.
Lev waved for him to let it go, and it continued towards him, and into him. In fact, I do have some idea. I started to see it some time ago and began to look into it. Even the Exalted Archipelagos information was limited but it would generally be called Devotion.
Where does it come from? Anton asked.
From people, Lev said. How much have you encountered?
Just a few strands now and then, Anton said.
Im surprised, Lev frowned. I would expect there to be more.
Is it common?
Not necessarily, but with you being you there are many who are grateful to you for one thing or another. Though I suppose you do travel around frequently. It might have trouble finding you.
So it comes from people? Im not sure Im comfortable with that.
That is quite like you, actually. And perhaps you are right, in some ways. But I would not reject it. Devotion cannot be used by any but its intended. The information I have indicated that people could be encouraged to produce more, but that is where it might be inappropriate. People subconsciously offering you devotion in some manner will not harm them, but if they are encouraged to cultivate devotion over more practical alternatives, it can stunt their growth.
So I can disregard it then? Anton asked.
I suppose that is reasonable, Lev nodded.
Why am I only noticing it now? Anton questioned. I havent really changed. Was it related to the events in the Exalted Archipelago?
From what I know, it shouldnt be. Not directly, at least. Being in awe of your power might change how people feel about you, of course, but it simply cant be sensed or used by those who have not surpassed Life Transformation.
Not at all? Anton asked.
Lev shrugged, Speaking in absolutes seemes liable to result in me being incorrect. Not as far as I know, but again limited information. Perhaps those in the upper realms might know more.
I suppose they would, if ascension cultivators can interact with it. At the current moment the majority of those Im in contact with are in Everhearts Tomb. Anton frowned, And I just had an idea.
Oh? Lev raised an eyebrow.
Its a stupid one, Anton said. But perhaps theyll have answers for that as well. But Id rather not say it aloud. He sipped his tea. Varelas almost here. Perhaps we can talk about something more pleasant than mysteries of cultivation we dont understand.
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Chapter 427
Ambati. No sects or clans held a dominant position, but they had managed to keep their conflicts to a minimum. Most of the world no longer had a problem with food- enhanced growing techniques allowed land to be used much more efficiently. Even what had once been less desirable land due to poor soil quality or vicious beasts could be claimed and brought to some level of functionality. Perhaps in another century or two they would have to solve issues of overcrowding, but Anton hoped by that time people could work together towards that goal. Or they would wipe out another third or half of their population like the wars a half century earlier. That was a terrible method, but it would happen.
It was a shame that prosperity might eventually bring problems along with it. Even if more people were ascending, it couldnt possibly hope to keep up with the growth of even a moderate population. One a year, a handful, even if they got to hundreds or thousands it wouldnt be enough. Though people could simply choose to be more conservative with having children. It was the struggle for limited resources between factions that might become an issue.
That was not a problem Anton could deal with himself, but by fostering relations between people and countries he could hope that they would work things through. His reason for coming to Amabati wasnt for anything official, but just for a visit. Simply coming for a visit as the sect head of a powerful group meant something, but Anton knew people would read into his actions whatever they wanted. Though most had a positive opinion of him.
He expected to find who he was looking for at a great distance, but could not sense her. She should be staying in the area, but perhaps she had roamed off on some distant mission. Anton hadnt announced his trip ahead of time, so he had no expectation his arrival would be anticipated.
Asking around in the nearby city was fairly straightforward. Those with the highest cultivations would at least know of each other. A few had only heard of the archer, but one older man had some knowledge of her location. Why do you seek her? he asked.
She was my student, Anton said. I cant guide her along her current path, but I did help her with her early path of archery.
Ah. It is you, the old man said. I had expected your aura to be more domineering.
That would be completely unnecessary, Anton pointed out.
That doesnt stop everyone, the man grinned. Nthanda has spoken well of you in the past, and would certainly be glad to see you once more. She is currently in Kintale, half a days the man shook his head, Somewhere around thirty kilometers to the north.
Anton stretched his senses out, immediately sweeping over the area. There are no villages there that I can find. Nor can I sense her.
The man blinked. You should as you get closer, though I must say that it is not a village in a traditional sense. Many would refer to it as a nest. Void ants.
Ah, Anton nodded. That informed how he should be searching. He could not directly feel void ants, but he could still determine their locations if he was careful. When they were closer, the details of their presence was easier to sense, as he would be quite aware of gaps in his senses. Even at a modest distance, however, his senses were less attuned to those finer details. I see. I believe I have found it. An ants nest mainly consisted of underground tunnels, and void ants were no different at a base. However, their intelligence allowed them to construct more complex structures- and to expand instead of merely tunneling. There were other ants that did something similar, creating great ant mounds, but void ants were more intentional with their design. They had regular patterns and even some purely aesthetic choices. Many tunnels were wider than that of normal ants, because although void ants did not reach anything particularly large for an insect, they varied in size from the standard black ants to the size of a thumb. Though the Great Queen was the only example of the latter at the moment.
Having found Kindale, Anton noticed signs nearby. They were for the sake of humans, notifying them. He should have spotted them earlier, but he was focused on finding a person. That was a note hed have to make for future study. Speaking of that person, Nthanda should still be something he could sense.
Shes certainly made progress, Anton said. Thank you for the information, good sir.
Youre welcome, the man nodded.
Nthanda was difficult to sense, but compared to a void ant it was much simpler. It seemed shed continued her training to gain their properties, and thus his energy senses had glossed over her. However, she left a much larger gap, and once he sensed her he could find traces of natural energy she was manipulating as well. Though for a Life Transformation cultivator, it was barely anything. The only natural energy she used was to form the string on the bow Anton had given her, and only the tiniest amounts of that energy leaked away. Excellent progress.
Anton took a quick stroll, enjoying the nature around him but not wanting to waste too much time. While he had nothing to do urgently at the moment, there were always things that could be done. But he wasnt too hasty. Leisure was important.
The area was remote, but it did have something resembling a road going through it. He took that route, not because he needed to, but because he wanted to leave a good impression on the void ants. It was their territory after all.
Hello there, Anton waved as he approached. Im just here to see Nthanda. A few dozen meters away, two ants looked at each other, their limbs moving. I do see you, in fact. And I understand your sign.
Ants couldnt blush, but as their language had developed they picked up certain tics that showed emotions even to humans. It was a faster way for them to communicate with each other as well, since pheromones could be slow and inexact. The two guard ants quickly recovered and returned to their duties, waving their forelimbs and antennae.
I would be happy to accept an escort. Do you wish to walk alongside or ride along?
Well, Ive been encountering a type of energy. I dont know where it comes from, and though it seems safe I am rather suspicious.
Describe it for me, Lev said.
Well its- Anton was going to describe it, Easier to see, actually. He felt some coming vaguely towards them. It bypassed him, but he snatched it. It was much more slippery than hed previously encountered. This sort of thing. A strand of energy.
Lev waved for him to let it go, and it continued towards him, and into him. In fact, I do have some idea. I started to see it some time ago and began to look into it. Even the Exalted Archipelagos information was limited but it would generally be called Devotion.
Where does it come from? Anton asked.
From people, Lev said. How much have you encountered?
Just a few strands now and then, Anton said.
Im surprised, Lev frowned. I would expect there to be more.
Is it common?
Not necessarily, but with you being you there are many who are grateful to you for one thing or another. Though I suppose you do travel around frequently. It might have trouble finding you.
So it comes from people? Im not sure Im comfortable with that.
That is quite like you, actually. And perhaps you are right, in some ways. But I would not reject it. Devotion cannot be used by any but its intended. The information I have indicated that people could be encouraged to produce more, but that is where it might be inappropriate. People subconsciously offering you devotion in some manner will not harm them, but if they are encouraged to cultivate devotion over more practical alternatives, it can stunt their growth.
So I can disregard it then? Anton asked.
I suppose that is reasonable, Lev nodded.
Why am I only noticing it now? Anton questioned. I havent really changed. Was it related to the events in the Exalted Archipelago?
From what I know, it shouldnt be. Not directly, at least. Being in awe of your power might change how people feel about you, of course, but it simply cant be sensed or used by those who have not surpassed Life Transformation.
Not at all? Anton asked.
Lev shrugged, Speaking in absolutes seemes liable to result in me being incorrect. Not as far as I know, but again limited information. Perhaps those in the upper realms might know more.
I suppose they would, if ascension cultivators can interact with it. At the current moment the majority of those Im in contact with are in Everhearts Tomb. Anton frowned, And I just had an idea.
Oh? Lev raised an eyebrow.
Its a stupid one, Anton said. But perhaps theyll have answers for that as well. But Id rather not say it aloud. He sipped his tea. Varelas almost here. Perhaps we can talk about something more pleasant than mysteries of cultivation we dont understand.
Chapter 427Ambati. No sects or clans held a dominant position, but they had managed to keep their conflicts to a minimum. Most of the world no longer had a problem with food- enhanced growing techniques allowed land to be used much more efficiently. Even what had once been less desirable land due to poor soil quality or vicious beasts could be claimed and brought to some level of functionality. Perhaps in another century or two they would have to solve issues of overcrowding, but Anton hoped by that time people could work together towards that goal. Or they would wipe out another third or half of their population like the wars a half century earlier. That was a terrible method, but it would happen.It was a shame that prosperity might eventually bring problems along with it. Even if more people were ascending, it couldnt possibly hope to keep up with the growth of even a moderate population. One a year, a handful, even if they got to hundreds or thousands it wouldnt be enough. Though people could simply choose to be more conservative with having children. It was the struggle for limited resources between factions that might become an issue.That was not a problem Anton could deal with himself, but by fostering relations between people and countries he could hope that they would work things through. His reason for coming to Amabati wasnt for anything official, but just for a visit. Simply coming for a visit as the sect head of a powerful group meant something, but Anton knew people would read into his actions whatever they wanted. Though most had a positive opinion of him.He expected to find who he was looking for at a great distance, but could not sense her. She should be staying in the area, but perhaps she had roamed off on some distant mission. Anton hadnt announced his trip ahead of time, so he had no expectation his arrival would be anticipated. Asking around in the nearby city was fairly straightforward. Those with the highest cultivations would at least know of each other. A few had only heard of the archer, but one older man had some knowledge of her location. Why do you seek her? he asked.She was my student, Anton said. I cant guide her along her current path, but I did help her with her early path of archery.Ah. It is you, the old man said. I had expected your aura to be more domineering.That would be completely unnecessary, Anton pointed out.That doesnt stop everyone, the man grinned. Nthanda has spoken well of you in the past, and would certainly be glad to see you once more. She is currently in Kintale, half a days the man shook his head, Somewhere around thirty kilometers to the north.Anton stretched his senses out, immediately sweeping over the area. There are no villages there that I can find. Nor can I sense her.The man blinked. You should as you get closer, though I must say that it is not a village in a traditional sense. Many would refer to it as a nest. Void ants.Ah, Anton nodded. That informed how he should be searching. He could not directly feel void ants, but he could still determine their locations if he was careful. When they were closer, the details of their presence was easier to sense, as he would be quite aware of gaps in his senses. Even at a modest distance, however, his senses were less attuned to those finer details. I see. I believe I have found it. An ants nest mainly consisted of underground tunnels, and void ants were no different at a base. However, their intelligence allowed them to construct more complex structures- and to expand instead of merely tunneling. There were other ants that did something similar, creating great ant mounds, but void ants were more intentional with their design. They had regular patterns and even some purely aesthetic choices. Many tunnels were wider than that of normal ants, because although void ants did not reach anything particularly large for an insect, they varied in size from the standard black ants to the size of a thumb. Though the Great Queen was the only example of the latter at the moment.Having found Kindale, Anton noticed signs nearby. They were for the sake of humans, notifying them. He should have spotted them earlier, but he was focused on finding a person. That was a note hed have to make for future study. Speaking of that person, Nthanda should still be something he could sense.Shes certainly made progress, Anton said. Thank you for the information, good sir.Youre welcome, the man nodded.Nthanda was difficult to sense, but compared to a void ant it was much simpler. It seemed shed continued her training to gain their properties, and thus his energy senses had glossed over her. However, she left a much larger gap, and once he sensed her he could find traces of natural energy she was manipulating as well. Though for a Life Transformation cultivator, it was barely anything. The only natural energy she used was to form the string on the bow Anton had given her, and only the tiniest amounts of that energy leaked away. Excellent progress.Anton took a quick stroll, enjoying the nature around him but not wanting to waste too much time. While he had nothing to do urgently at the moment, there were always things that could be done. But he wasnt too hasty. Leisure was important.The area was remote, but it did have something resembling a road going through it. He took that route, not because he needed to, but because he wanted to leave a good impression on the void ants. It was their territory after all. Hello there, Anton waved as he approached. Im just here to see Nthanda. A few dozen meters away, two ants looked at each other, their limbs moving. I do see you, in fact. And I understand your sign.Ants couldnt blush, but as their language had developed they picked up certain tics that showed emotions even to humans. It was a faster way for them to communicate with each other as well, since pheromones could be slow and inexact. The two guard ants quickly recovered and returned to their duties, waving their forelimbs and antennae.I would be happy to accept an escort. Do you wish to walk alongside or ride along?Well, Ive been encountering a type of energy. I dont know where it comes from, and though it seems safe I am rather suspicious.Describe it for me, Lev said.Well its- Anton was going to describe it, Easier to see, actually. He felt some coming vaguely towards them. It bypassed him, but he snatched it. It was much more slippery than hed previously encountered. This sort of thing. A strand of energy.Lev waved for him to let it go, and it continued towards him, and into him. In fact, I do have some idea. I started to see it some time ago and began to look into it. Even the Exalted Archipelagos information was limited but it would generally be called Devotion.Where does it come from? Anton asked.From people, Lev said. How much have you encountered?Just a few strands now and then, Anton said.Im surprised, Lev frowned. I would expect there to be more.Is it common?Not necessarily, but with you being you there are many who are grateful to you for one thing or another. Though I suppose you do travel around frequently. It might have trouble finding you.So it comes from people? Im not sure Im comfortable with that.That is quite like you, actually. And perhaps you are right, in some ways. But I would not reject it. Devotion cannot be used by any but its intended. The information I have indicated that people could be encouraged to produce more, but that is where it might be inappropriate. People subconsciously offering you devotion in some manner will not harm them, but if they are encouraged to cultivate devotion over more practical alternatives, it can stunt their growth.So I can disregard it then? Anton asked.I suppose that is reasonable, Lev nodded.Why am I only noticing it now? Anton questioned. I havent really changed. Was it related to the events in the Exalted Archipelago?From what I know, it shouldnt be. Not directly, at least. Being in awe of your power might change how people feel about you, of course, but it simply cant be sensed or used by those who have not surpassed Life Transformation.Not at all? Anton asked.Lev shrugged, Speaking in absolutes seemes liable to result in me being incorrect. Not as far as I know, but again limited information. Perhaps those in the upper realms might know more.I suppose they would, if ascension cultivators can interact with it. At the current moment the majority of those Im in contact with are in Everhearts Tomb. Anton frowned, And I just had an idea.Oh? Lev raised an eyebrow.Its a stupid one, Anton said. But perhaps theyll have answers for that as well. But Id rather not say it aloud. He sipped his tea. Varelas almost here. Perhaps we can talk about something more pleasant than mysteries of cultivation we dont understand.
