Chapter 45
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 45
It didnt take long to reach the border between Graotan and Ofrurg, just a couple days of travel. The border had two clear areas belonging to each country respectively. As cultivators, it was quite easy for the trio to tell which side was which even without flags and geographical location. The Graotan side had three early stage Constellation Formation cultivators. Two of them practiced the Ninety-Nine stars, which left the third one as the odd man out. While the Order was the only major cultivation group throughout Graotan and generally was considered to have one of the best cultivation methods around, there were still others.
That technically meant the third would be called an Essence Collection cultivator instead of Constellation Formation, or whatever name might be specific to their cultivation technique. Ofrurgs side likewise matched with a smattering of lower level cultivators and three early Essence Collection cultivators. They all cultivated different techniques, though exactly what they were was more difficult to discern.
If Anton was actually planning to cause trouble inside Ofrurg, he might have been worried. But despite the power they displayed on the border, Anton was quite certain that most places wouldnt have as many high level cultivators to worry about. In the grand scheme of things, early Essence Collection wasnt that amazing. It was enough to be an elder in the Order, but not necessarily one involved with the council. Even so, they were still more than a full tier ahead of the trio. Out of five total cultivation tiers- or four, if it were considered realistically- a full tier and some small levels was the difference between heaven and earth.
The group was stopped on the Graotan side, not to prevent them from going but purely to make sure they knew what they were getting into. Ofrurg was a dangerous place, but it still had laws that protected cultivators, especially in public places. That also applied to foreign cultivators, because they could not afford to have all the surrounding countries and sects angered at them. Despite the fact that bandits came from Ofrurg, such troubles werent rampant within their own borders. However, that was because of ruthless laws that travelers needed to be aware of.
As they approached the Ofrurg side, the pressure of the Essence Collection cultivators displaying their energy was clear. There were fewer warnings and more fees on the Ofrurg side. They got a pass indicating they had passed the border legitimately, allowing them to stay for a period of several months. It wasnt hard, because Ofrurg knew that traveling cultivators brought with them profits to be made. There was precious little other traffic beside the trio, just a few cultivators who had apparently just been passing through Ofrurg on the way to Graotan and a handful of merchants.
The whole time they were at the border, the pressure of the Essence Collection cultivators continued to rest on them like a hand pressing them down. Anton breathed a sigh of relief once they were away. It was just like seeing a cultivator back in Alcombey. I could barely keep my back straight.
Were they a real problem? Hoyt asked. I doubt the Order would let them do anything to you.
Living further away from the main body of the Order, we didnt know so much about them. Im sure they would have punished anyone who did something, but that doesnt help if someone can kill you before anyone can help. They werent really so bad, just keep your head down and walk past but I really felt it here. Anton took a deep breath, Theres still a long way to go.
-----
On the most basic level, Ofrurg wasnt different from Graotan. It still had people, cities, and farms. Those farms were largely worked by slaves, but they still produced food. Probably more of it, given the expansiveness of some farms. From what Anton was able to learn, a small handful of people owned the majority of the farmland between the border and the first decently sized city they came to, Veron.
Anton listed some of those whose locations he didnt know. They should have been sold as slaves around the same time. Anton knew that they werent of much importance, so the information might be listed by the category of occurrence rather than by individual people. Even if they recorded pretty much anything, knowing actually everything was impossible.
Very well sir. I shall check on each of these. Enjoy some refreshments while you wait. As the man left, a servant came into the room with a tray of fruits and other light food. Anton hoped they were a servant, at least. If they were a slave at least they appeared to be healthy and not unhappy.
Anton was certain the food would be untainted, but he had no appetite for it at the moment. He wasnt even sure what information was available, or that he could afford it. As he waited, Anton noticed the room had abundant natural energy. Certainly more than the ambient level and if he was just going to be sitting, he might as well do some basic cultivation. He breathed in and out, letting the natural energy flow into him through his lungs and even directly through his skin. Every little bit of progress would add up especially when travel reduced the amount of time he could spend cultivating at full effectiveness.
The representative of the Ears of the Fox returned in about half of an hour. Anton wouldnt have minded if he were a bit slower. He pulled out four sealed boxes. Maximilian Van Hassel and Nirmal Slusser, he gestured to two of the boxes. Mostly older information, but includes origins and some recent activity. The information on Annelise is up to date, though limited by the flow of information out of the Frostmirror sect. Anton noticed it was still twice as expensive as the other two boxes- almost everything he had on him. However, he needed that to buy back as many people as he could. As for those sold as slaves, we have information on who seventeen of those you listed were sold to in public auction. That was cheaper, probably around the price of one slave the actual value, and not the price Anton was resigned to have to pay. It should contain information on at least five people Anton didnt know the locations of.
I shall take the last one and I hope to return later for the other information.
The man nodded. Very well. After Anton handed over payment, he gave him the box.
Anton was pleased to see that the names of those who purchased the slaves as well as some information on them, including primary holdings. He supposed it was somewhat necessary information, but he wouldnt have been that surprised if that had been separate either. The main list was clearly copied from a longer document, but it included several whose names Anton had missed. A reasonable deal, though Anton supposed all the work the Ears of the Fox had to do was keep track of large or unusual sales and then do some simple copying. Even if it only paid out rarely, they could profit. Though of course just the information on any of the cultivators was quite expensive.
Anton did learn one other useful bit of information. There was continued information on Annelise, which meant she was still alive. He couldnt know more than that just yet but that was good enough. Thank you, Anton inclined his head.
Of course, sir. It is our business. Anything else? Anton shook his head, Then we hope to see you again. The man retrieved the other boxes and led Anton out.
As he caught sight of Catarina and Hoyt, Anton found himself encouraged though also more desirous of money than before. At least cultivators could make good money, even if it was often dangerous.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 45
It didnt take long to reach the border between Graotan and Ofrurg, just a couple days of travel. The border had two clear areas belonging to each country respectively. As cultivators, it was quite easy for the trio to tell which side was which even without flags and geographical location. The Graotan side had three early stage Constellation Formation cultivators. Two of them practiced the Ninety-Nine stars, which left the third one as the odd man out. While the Order was the only major cultivation group throughout Graotan and generally was considered to have one of the best cultivation methods around, there were still others.
That technically meant the third would be called an Essence Collection cultivator instead of Constellation Formation, or whatever name might be specific to their cultivation technique. Ofrurgs side likewise matched with a smattering of lower level cultivators and three early Essence Collection cultivators. They all cultivated different techniques, though exactly what they were was more difficult to discern.
If Anton was actually planning to cause trouble inside Ofrurg, he might have been worried. But despite the power they displayed on the border, Anton was quite certain that most places wouldnt have as many high level cultivators to worry about. In the grand scheme of things, early Essence Collection wasnt that amazing. It was enough to be an elder in the Order, but not necessarily one involved with the council. Even so, they were still more than a full tier ahead of the trio. Out of five total cultivation tiers- or four, if it were considered realistically- a full tier and some small levels was the difference between heaven and earth.
The group was stopped on the Graotan side, not to prevent them from going but purely to make sure they knew what they were getting into. Ofrurg was a dangerous place, but it still had laws that protected cultivators, especially in public places. That also applied to foreign cultivators, because they could not afford to have all the surrounding countries and sects angered at them. Despite the fact that bandits came from Ofrurg, such troubles werent rampant within their own borders. However, that was because of ruthless laws that travelers needed to be aware of.
As they approached the Ofrurg side, the pressure of the Essence Collection cultivators displaying their energy was clear. There were fewer warnings and more fees on the Ofrurg side. They got a pass indicating they had passed the border legitimately, allowing them to stay for a period of several months. It wasnt hard, because Ofrurg knew that traveling cultivators brought with them profits to be made. There was precious little other traffic beside the trio, just a few cultivators who had apparently just been passing through Ofrurg on the way to Graotan and a handful of merchants.
The whole time they were at the border, the pressure of the Essence Collection cultivators continued to rest on them like a hand pressing them down. Anton breathed a sigh of relief once they were away. It was just like seeing a cultivator back in Alcombey. I could barely keep my back straight.
Were they a real problem? Hoyt asked. I doubt the Order would let them do anything to you.
Living further away from the main body of the Order, we didnt know so much about them. Im sure they would have punished anyone who did something, but that doesnt help if someone can kill you before anyone can help. They werent really so bad, just keep your head down and walk past but I really felt it here. Anton took a deep breath, Theres still a long way to go.
-----
On the most basic level, Ofrurg wasnt different from Graotan. It still had people, cities, and farms. Those farms were largely worked by slaves, but they still produced food. Probably more of it, given the expansiveness of some farms. From what Anton was able to learn, a small handful of people owned the majority of the farmland between the border and the first decently sized city they came to, Veron.
Anton listed some of those whose locations he didnt know. They should have been sold as slaves around the same time. Anton knew that they werent of much importance, so the information might be listed by the category of occurrence rather than by individual people. Even if they recorded pretty much anything, knowing actually everything was impossible.
Very well sir. I shall check on each of these. Enjoy some refreshments while you wait. As the man left, a servant came into the room with a tray of fruits and other light food. Anton hoped they were a servant, at least. If they were a slave at least they appeared to be healthy and not unhappy.
Anton was certain the food would be untainted, but he had no appetite for it at the moment. He wasnt even sure what information was available, or that he could afford it. As he waited, Anton noticed the room had abundant natural energy. Certainly more than the ambient level and if he was just going to be sitting, he might as well do some basic cultivation. He breathed in and out, letting the natural energy flow into him through his lungs and even directly through his skin. Every little bit of progress would add up especially when travel reduced the amount of time he could spend cultivating at full effectiveness.
The representative of the Ears of the Fox returned in about half of an hour. Anton wouldnt have minded if he were a bit slower. He pulled out four sealed boxes. Maximilian Van Hassel and Nirmal Slusser, he gestured to two of the boxes. Mostly older information, but includes origins and some recent activity. The information on Annelise is up to date, though limited by the flow of information out of the Frostmirror sect. Anton noticed it was still twice as expensive as the other two boxes- almost everything he had on him. However, he needed that to buy back as many people as he could. As for those sold as slaves, we have information on who seventeen of those you listed were sold to in public auction. That was cheaper, probably around the price of one slave the actual value, and not the price Anton was resigned to have to pay. It should contain information on at least five people Anton didnt know the locations of.
I shall take the last one and I hope to return later for the other information.
The man nodded. Very well. After Anton handed over payment, he gave him the box.
Anton was pleased to see that the names of those who purchased the slaves as well as some information on them, including primary holdings. He supposed it was somewhat necessary information, but he wouldnt have been that surprised if that had been separate either. The main list was clearly copied from a longer document, but it included several whose names Anton had missed. A reasonable deal, though Anton supposed all the work the Ears of the Fox had to do was keep track of large or unusual sales and then do some simple copying. Even if it only paid out rarely, they could profit. Though of course just the information on any of the cultivators was quite expensive.
Anton did learn one other useful bit of information. There was continued information on Annelise, which meant she was still alive. He couldnt know more than that just yet but that was good enough. Thank you, Anton inclined his head.
Of course, sir. It is our business. Anything else? Anton shook his head, Then we hope to see you again. The man retrieved the other boxes and led Anton out.
As he caught sight of Catarina and Hoyt, Anton found himself encouraged though also more desirous of money than before. At least cultivators could make good money, even if it was often dangerous.
Chapter 45It didnt take long to reach the border between Graotan and Ofrurg, just a couple days of travel. The border had two clear areas belonging to each country respectively. As cultivators, it was quite easy for the trio to tell which side was which even without flags and geographical location. The Graotan side had three early stage Constellation Formation cultivators. Two of them practiced the Ninety-Nine stars, which left the third one as the odd man out. While the Order was the only major cultivation group throughout Graotan and generally was considered to have one of the best cultivation methods around, there were still others. That technically meant the third would be called an Essence Collection cultivator instead of Constellation Formation, or whatever name might be specific to their cultivation technique. Ofrurgs side likewise matched with a smattering of lower level cultivators and three early Essence Collection cultivators. They all cultivated different techniques, though exactly what they were was more difficult to discern.If Anton was actually planning to cause trouble inside Ofrurg, he might have been worried. But despite the power they displayed on the border, Anton was quite certain that most places wouldnt have as many high level cultivators to worry about. In the grand scheme of things, early Essence Collection wasnt that amazing. It was enough to be an elder in the Order, but not necessarily one involved with the council. Even so, they were still more than a full tier ahead of the trio. Out of five total cultivation tiers- or four, if it were considered realistically- a full tier and some small levels was the difference between heaven and earth. The group was stopped on the Graotan side, not to prevent them from going but purely to make sure they knew what they were getting into. Ofrurg was a dangerous place, but it still had laws that protected cultivators, especially in public places. That also applied to foreign cultivators, because they could not afford to have all the surrounding countries and sects angered at them. Despite the fact that bandits came from Ofrurg, such troubles werent rampant within their own borders. However, that was because of ruthless laws that travelers needed to be aware of.As they approached the Ofrurg side, the pressure of the Essence Collection cultivators displaying their energy was clear. There were fewer warnings and more fees on the Ofrurg side. They got a pass indicating they had passed the border legitimately, allowing them to stay for a period of several months. It wasnt hard, because Ofrurg knew that traveling cultivators brought with them profits to be made. There was precious little other traffic beside the trio, just a few cultivators who had apparently just been passing through Ofrurg on the way to Graotan and a handful of merchants. The whole time they were at the border, the pressure of the Essence Collection cultivators continued to rest on them like a hand pressing them down. Anton breathed a sigh of relief once they were away. It was just like seeing a cultivator back in Alcombey. I could barely keep my back straight.Were they a real problem? Hoyt asked. I doubt the Order would let them do anything to you.Living further away from the main body of the Order, we didnt know so much about them. Im sure they would have punished anyone who did something, but that doesnt help if someone can kill you before anyone can help. They werent really so bad, just keep your head down and walk past but I really felt it here. Anton took a deep breath, Theres still a long way to go.-----On the most basic level, Ofrurg wasnt different from Graotan. It still had people, cities, and farms. Those farms were largely worked by slaves, but they still produced food. Probably more of it, given the expansiveness of some farms. From what Anton was able to learn, a small handful of people owned the majority of the farmland between the border and the first decently sized city they came to, Veron. Anton listed some of those whose locations he didnt know. They should have been sold as slaves around the same time. Anton knew that they werent of much importance, so the information might be listed by the category of occurrence rather than by individual people. Even if they recorded pretty much anything, knowing actually everything was impossible.Very well sir. I shall check on each of these. Enjoy some refreshments while you wait. As the man left, a servant came into the room with a tray of fruits and other light food. Anton hoped they were a servant, at least. If they were a slave at least they appeared to be healthy and not unhappy.Anton was certain the food would be untainted, but he had no appetite for it at the moment. He wasnt even sure what information was available, or that he could afford it. As he waited, Anton noticed the room had abundant natural energy. Certainly more than the ambient level and if he was just going to be sitting, he might as well do some basic cultivation. He breathed in and out, letting the natural energy flow into him through his lungs and even directly through his skin. Every little bit of progress would add up especially when travel reduced the amount of time he could spend cultivating at full effectiveness.The representative of the Ears of the Fox returned in about half of an hour. Anton wouldnt have minded if he were a bit slower. He pulled out four sealed boxes. Maximilian Van Hassel and Nirmal Slusser, he gestured to two of the boxes. Mostly older information, but includes origins and some recent activity. The information on Annelise is up to date, though limited by the flow of information out of the Frostmirror sect. Anton noticed it was still twice as expensive as the other two boxes- almost everything he had on him. However, he needed that to buy back as many people as he could. As for those sold as slaves, we have information on who seventeen of those you listed were sold to in public auction. That was cheaper, probably around the price of one slave the actual value, and not the price Anton was resigned to have to pay. It should contain information on at least five people Anton didnt know the locations of. I shall take the last one and I hope to return later for the other information.The man nodded. Very well. After Anton handed over payment, he gave him the box.Anton was pleased to see that the names of those who purchased the slaves as well as some information on them, including primary holdings. He supposed it was somewhat necessary information, but he wouldnt have been that surprised if that had been separate either. The main list was clearly copied from a longer document, but it included several whose names Anton had missed. A reasonable deal, though Anton supposed all the work the Ears of the Fox had to do was keep track of large or unusual sales and then do some simple copying. Even if it only paid out rarely, they could profit. Though of course just the information on any of the cultivators was quite expensive. Anton did learn one other useful bit of information. There was continued information on Annelise, which meant she was still alive. He couldnt know more than that just yet but that was good enough. Thank you, Anton inclined his head. Of course, sir. It is our business. Anything else? Anton shook his head, Then we hope to see you again. The man retrieved the other boxes and led Anton out.As he caught sight of Catarina and Hoyt, Anton found himself encouraged though also more desirous of money than before. At least cultivators could make good money, even if it was often dangerous.
