Chapter 259: Supernova
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Chapter 259: Supernova
As Jack was discussing with Shol, Masters Huali voice rang in his head, suddenly calling him over.
Wait, he told Shol, Master just summoned me.
She did? The monks eyes widened. Thats unusual. Get to it, then. It wouldnt do to leave our master waiting.
Alright. Should we meet here in, say, six hours?
Yes. See you then.
See you. And, Shol?
Yes?
Thanks. For accommodating my selfish needs.
Shol smiled. Nothing selfish about wanting to protect your people, Jack. Besides, it works out for everyone. Now go. The clock is ticking.
Jack returned the smile. Yes, brother!
He then rushed out of the window, realizing that, once again, he didnt finish his cup of tea. Perhaps that was a cursed cabin.
Jack crossed the sky, flying over the estate to land in the courtyard of Elder Hualis manor; a building as imposing as it was simple, dominating the very peak of the mountain. Two guards stood before the gate, eyeing him strangely; theyd seen the results of Monsoons visit, so his arrival wasnt too unexpected.
Are you here to see Master? one of the guards asked, and Jack nodded. Before he could reply, however, Master Hualis voice rang in his mind once again:
Just teleport inside.
She also released a soft wave of energy to indicate her precise location. Jack didnt dare tally. He gave the guards a helpless shrug, then stepped through space and reappeared in the same room hed seen Huali the previous time. Large glass windows showcased the estate and the lands beneath it, while the horizon was tinged with soft clouds and a colorful sky.
Good. You came quickly, Huali said before Jack could speak. She rose to her feet. Come. We dont have much time.
Greetings, Master. Much time for what?
Youll see.
She walked three steps to reach him, then placed a hand on his shoulder. Jack noticed she was taller than him. In the next moment, space warped around them, much harder and faster than when Jack teleported. When it stabilized again, they were in the sky, illuminated by the nebulas solar gasses and surrounded by white clouds.
There was also a starship. It floated in the sky before them, completely still, as if anchored in space itself. No Dao energy emanated from it, and yet, there must have been some, or how could it fly?
Master? Jack asked.
This is my personal vessel, the Ray. Step inside.
Things were happening a bit too fast for Jacks taste. He trusted Huali, but still
What is going on? he asked.
Ill explain on the way. Just get in.
Jack steeled his heart. If she wanted to harm him, she could do it easily. As a door on the side of the starship silently slid open, he stepped through, finding himself in a simple, sharp interior. It could fit three people comfortably, maybe four. Windows surrounded them on all sideseven though he was sure there were none on the outsidegiving him a clear view of everything.
One-way metal. Very handy, Huali explained, entering the starship herself and shutting the door. She quickly reached the front of the starship and placed her hands on a sun-shaped helm, infusing it with energy.
Well, Im here. Could you explain what is going on, Master? Jack asked cautiously.
She smiled at him. Do you not trust me, Jack?
I do. Im just curious.
Then, you can wait a little bit. Some things are best served as surprises.
Jack grumbled. Not that he had a say, anyway. This tall, slim woman who looked like an old yoga instructor held the power to level entire continents. Plus, she was his master. If she wanted to make anything a surprise, it would be a surprise.
A transparent orange shield materialized before Jack. He could still see the shrinking star, as he could see Huali, who stood beside him with her hands glowing orange.
Listen carefully, she commanded. I will limit the heat to a point you can withstand. You will be safe. However, I need you to give it your all. Stare at the explosion until your eyes melt. Spread your senses and Dao awareness to perceive as much of the mysteries as you can. Feel the supernovaonly then will you be able to master it.
Jack steeled himself, but he couldnt stop the gnawing terror. The implosion before his eyes was the strongest thing hed ever seen. Even from millions of miles away, he knew that its strength was enough to annihilate entire solar systems in the blink of an eye, enough to destroy each and every B-Grade faction with ease.
B-Grade cultivators could break planets? So what!? Before the true ancestral forces of the universe, even the strongest cultivators were nothing! Before Jacks very eyes, the universe was reclaiming its rightful throne!
Jack watched with rapt attention. He tried to calm himself. All around him, he could sense terror in the Dao itself as the star compressed ever more. Particles swam with agitation as if the entire galaxy was holding its breath in fear of what was about to happen. The orange shield seemed soft, like glasswould it hold?
And then, the shrinking was over. As the star contracted to a size so small Jack could barely see it, a titanic explosion covered the world. The Dao erupted. Space sank and shattered. A shockwave spread like Gods angry roar, and the universe itself was instantly colored with infinite destruction. It was a display of power above and beyond anything else possible.
For Jack, time slowed down. He focused his entire attention on the explosion, scouring it with his eyes and trying his best to feel the ripples of power through his Dao perception.
Light appeared, and its intensity kept rising. It never stopped. Jack went blind. Master Huali had told him not to look away, but he didnt even have the chance to. Everything happened too quickly.
At the same time, tremendous heat assaulted his body. He felt that he was in an open oven or a boiling cauldron. His strengthened body, with 815 Constitution and 90% increased efficacy, melted away like snow. His natural regeneration worked hard to stave off the collapse, but it could do nothing for the waves of searing pain that blared over his senses, not letting him perceive a thing.
The heat reduced slightly, and Hualis voice rang in Jacks brain: Focus! Endure! Observe the waves!
Jack didnt want to do that. He wanted to run away, to escape. However, something inside him forced him into focus. Some part of himself grabbed the panic and suppressed it with iron will. Steel swam in his veins; his soul was steady like an anchor.
The pain remained, but he was in control. Still screaming, he tried to perceive through the pain, and what he saw was the Dao burning and vibrating with such intensity that it shocked him.
His brain, trained by the Dao Vision of Space, caught on to a pattern. Then another. The heat of the supernova spread and affected the world in particular ways, ones that he could not comprehend now, but that he could remember for later.
His body kept melting. The pain was still shooting up. And yet, the more intense the pain, the sharper Jack focused. It felt like he had ascended beyond his body, as if he was a god, as if the pain was inconsequential and felt by someone else, not him. He was made not of flesh and blood, but of iron will and sharp focus, as well as the resolve to never, ever stop.
In one moment of epiphany, he saw it. Though he had no eyes, the supernovas Dao reactions became clear, just like a blueprint burned into his brain.
Suddenly, the heat disappeared. Jack felt his body pulledthoughthrough it was hard to feel anythingand then the miraculous state was gone, and the pain hed been ignoring so far returned fiercer than ever.
Unfortunately, it was not enough to rob him of consciousness. It tried, but the Dao Root of Indomitable Will held strong, and the Dao of the Fist prevented Jack from giving up. No, scratch that; he didnt want to give up. He would persist. If not, then his name was not Jack Rust!
The moments passed in agony. His regeneration worked hard to repair his body, but it wasnt for free. Under the pain, he felt exhausted. At the very least, he couldnt see himself, as he remained blind.
An indeterminate amount of time later, Jack was healedhis eyes came last, mercifully. He remained whole and mostly uninjured, with his miraculously pristine robes covering any last burns he had left.
Master Huali caught on to that, too.
Those arent normal robes, are they? she asked, eyeing them with some confusion. Where did you get them?
Trial Planet, Jack answered truthfully. His voice came hoarse, but a voice nonetheless. In the last ring.
You should hold on to them. Not many materials can survive that kind of heat.
Jack felt so exhausted and traumatized that he had to force himself to pay attention. These robes had been given to him by Old Man Spirit when he broke into the D-Grade. Now, Jack was very glad for that gift, as his clothes getting destroyed in battle had become all too common lately.
I will, he replied simply. He caught Hualis eyes, and in them, he saw pity. Or was that regret?
Im sorry you had to go through this, she said, but it was a worthy risk. On the path of cultivation, pain is nothing. Do you feel that you gained anything?
Jack forced himself to chuckle. I saw some thingsbut only time will tell whether they help me or not.
I certainly hope they do. Huali gave him a last, approving look before standing and placing her hands on the helm, which immediately started glowing. Lets head back. There is already a hot meal waiting for youyoure going to need it.
Jack smiled, still splayed on the floor. Yes. And, master?
Yes, Jack?
Thank you. For the experience.
She smiled at himand, if any of her smiles were honest, it was this one. No problem.
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Chapter 259: Supernova
As Jack was discussing with Shol, Masters Huali voice rang in his head, suddenly calling him over.
Wait, he told Shol, Master just summoned me.
She did? The monks eyes widened. Thats unusual. Get to it, then. It wouldnt do to leave our master waiting.
Alright. Should we meet here in, say, six hours?
Yes. See you then.
See you. And, Shol?
Yes?
Thanks. For accommodating my selfish needs.
Shol smiled. Nothing selfish about wanting to protect your people, Jack. Besides, it works out for everyone. Now go. The clock is ticking.
Jack returned the smile. Yes, brother!
He then rushed out of the window, realizing that, once again, he didnt finish his cup of tea. Perhaps that was a cursed cabin.
Jack crossed the sky, flying over the estate to land in the courtyard of Elder Hualis manor; a building as imposing as it was simple, dominating the very peak of the mountain. Two guards stood before the gate, eyeing him strangely; theyd seen the results of Monsoons visit, so his arrival wasnt too unexpected.
Are you here to see Master? one of the guards asked, and Jack nodded. Before he could reply, however, Master Hualis voice rang in his mind once again:
Just teleport inside.
She also released a soft wave of energy to indicate her precise location. Jack didnt dare tally. He gave the guards a helpless shrug, then stepped through space and reappeared in the same room hed seen Huali the previous time. Large glass windows showcased the estate and the lands beneath it, while the horizon was tinged with soft clouds and a colorful sky.
Good. You came quickly, Huali said before Jack could speak. She rose to her feet. Come. We dont have much time.
Greetings, Master. Much time for what?
Youll see.
She walked three steps to reach him, then placed a hand on his shoulder. Jack noticed she was taller than him. In the next moment, space warped around them, much harder and faster than when Jack teleported. When it stabilized again, they were in the sky, illuminated by the nebulas solar gasses and surrounded by white clouds.
There was also a starship. It floated in the sky before them, completely still, as if anchored in space itself. No Dao energy emanated from it, and yet, there must have been some, or how could it fly?
Master? Jack asked.
This is my personal vessel, the Ray. Step inside.
Things were happening a bit too fast for Jacks taste. He trusted Huali, but still
What is going on? he asked.
Ill explain on the way. Just get in.
Jack steeled his heart. If she wanted to harm him, she could do it easily. As a door on the side of the starship silently slid open, he stepped through, finding himself in a simple, sharp interior. It could fit three people comfortably, maybe four. Windows surrounded them on all sideseven though he was sure there were none on the outsidegiving him a clear view of everything.
One-way metal. Very handy, Huali explained, entering the starship herself and shutting the door. She quickly reached the front of the starship and placed her hands on a sun-shaped helm, infusing it with energy.
Well, Im here. Could you explain what is going on, Master? Jack asked cautiously.
She smiled at him. Do you not trust me, Jack?
I do. Im just curious.
Then, you can wait a little bit. Some things are best served as surprises.
Jack grumbled. Not that he had a say, anyway. This tall, slim woman who looked like an old yoga instructor held the power to level entire continents. Plus, she was his master. If she wanted to make anything a surprise, it would be a surprise.
A transparent orange shield materialized before Jack. He could still see the shrinking star, as he could see Huali, who stood beside him with her hands glowing orange.
Listen carefully, she commanded. I will limit the heat to a point you can withstand. You will be safe. However, I need you to give it your all. Stare at the explosion until your eyes melt. Spread your senses and Dao awareness to perceive as much of the mysteries as you can. Feel the supernovaonly then will you be able to master it.
Jack steeled himself, but he couldnt stop the gnawing terror. The implosion before his eyes was the strongest thing hed ever seen. Even from millions of miles away, he knew that its strength was enough to annihilate entire solar systems in the blink of an eye, enough to destroy each and every B-Grade faction with ease.
B-Grade cultivators could break planets? So what!? Before the true ancestral forces of the universe, even the strongest cultivators were nothing! Before Jacks very eyes, the universe was reclaiming its rightful throne!
Jack watched with rapt attention. He tried to calm himself. All around him, he could sense terror in the Dao itself as the star compressed ever more. Particles swam with agitation as if the entire galaxy was holding its breath in fear of what was about to happen. The orange shield seemed soft, like glasswould it hold?
And then, the shrinking was over. As the star contracted to a size so small Jack could barely see it, a titanic explosion covered the world. The Dao erupted. Space sank and shattered. A shockwave spread like Gods angry roar, and the universe itself was instantly colored with infinite destruction. It was a display of power above and beyond anything else possible.
For Jack, time slowed down. He focused his entire attention on the explosion, scouring it with his eyes and trying his best to feel the ripples of power through his Dao perception.
Light appeared, and its intensity kept rising. It never stopped. Jack went blind. Master Huali had told him not to look away, but he didnt even have the chance to. Everything happened too quickly.
At the same time, tremendous heat assaulted his body. He felt that he was in an open oven or a boiling cauldron. His strengthened body, with 815 Constitution and 90% increased efficacy, melted away like snow. His natural regeneration worked hard to stave off the collapse, but it could do nothing for the waves of searing pain that blared over his senses, not letting him perceive a thing.
The heat reduced slightly, and Hualis voice rang in Jacks brain: Focus! Endure! Observe the waves!
Jack didnt want to do that. He wanted to run away, to escape. However, something inside him forced him into focus. Some part of himself grabbed the panic and suppressed it with iron will. Steel swam in his veins; his soul was steady like an anchor.
The pain remained, but he was in control. Still screaming, he tried to perceive through the pain, and what he saw was the Dao burning and vibrating with such intensity that it shocked him.
His brain, trained by the Dao Vision of Space, caught on to a pattern. Then another. The heat of the supernova spread and affected the world in particular ways, ones that he could not comprehend now, but that he could remember for later.
His body kept melting. The pain was still shooting up. And yet, the more intense the pain, the sharper Jack focused. It felt like he had ascended beyond his body, as if he was a god, as if the pain was inconsequential and felt by someone else, not him. He was made not of flesh and blood, but of iron will and sharp focus, as well as the resolve to never, ever stop.
In one moment of epiphany, he saw it. Though he had no eyes, the supernovas Dao reactions became clear, just like a blueprint burned into his brain.
Suddenly, the heat disappeared. Jack felt his body pulledthoughthrough it was hard to feel anythingand then the miraculous state was gone, and the pain hed been ignoring so far returned fiercer than ever.
Unfortunately, it was not enough to rob him of consciousness. It tried, but the Dao Root of Indomitable Will held strong, and the Dao of the Fist prevented Jack from giving up. No, scratch that; he didnt want to give up. He would persist. If not, then his name was not Jack Rust!
The moments passed in agony. His regeneration worked hard to repair his body, but it wasnt for free. Under the pain, he felt exhausted. At the very least, he couldnt see himself, as he remained blind.
An indeterminate amount of time later, Jack was healedhis eyes came last, mercifully. He remained whole and mostly uninjured, with his miraculously pristine robes covering any last burns he had left.
Master Huali caught on to that, too.
Those arent normal robes, are they? she asked, eyeing them with some confusion. Where did you get them?
Trial Planet, Jack answered truthfully. His voice came hoarse, but a voice nonetheless. In the last ring.
You should hold on to them. Not many materials can survive that kind of heat.
Jack felt so exhausted and traumatized that he had to force himself to pay attention. These robes had been given to him by Old Man Spirit when he broke into the D-Grade. Now, Jack was very glad for that gift, as his clothes getting destroyed in battle had become all too common lately.
I will, he replied simply. He caught Hualis eyes, and in them, he saw pity. Or was that regret?
Im sorry you had to go through this, she said, but it was a worthy risk. On the path of cultivation, pain is nothing. Do you feel that you gained anything?
Jack forced himself to chuckle. I saw some thingsbut only time will tell whether they help me or not.
I certainly hope they do. Huali gave him a last, approving look before standing and placing her hands on the helm, which immediately started glowing. Lets head back. There is already a hot meal waiting for youyoure going to need it.
Jack smiled, still splayed on the floor. Yes. And, master?
Yes, Jack?
Thank you. For the experience.
She smiled at himand, if any of her smiles were honest, it was this one. No problem.
Chapter 259: SupernovaAs Jack was discussing with Shol, Masters Huali voice rang in his head, suddenly calling him over.Wait, he told Shol, Master just summoned me.She did? The monks eyes widened. Thats unusual. Get to it, then. It wouldnt do to leave our master waiting.Alright. Should we meet here in, say, six hours?Yes. See you then.See you. And, Shol?Yes?Thanks. For accommodating my selfish needs.Shol smiled. Nothing selfish about wanting to protect your people, Jack. Besides, it works out for everyone. Now go. The clock is ticking.Jack returned the smile. Yes, brother!He then rushed out of the window, realizing that, once again, he didnt finish his cup of tea. Perhaps that was a cursed cabin.Jack crossed the sky, flying over the estate to land in the courtyard of Elder Hualis manor; a building as imposing as it was simple, dominating the very peak of the mountain. Two guards stood before the gate, eyeing him strangely; theyd seen the results of Monsoons visit, so his arrival wasnt too unexpected.Are you here to see Master? one of the guards asked, and Jack nodded. Before he could reply, however, Master Hualis voice rang in his mind once again:Just teleport inside.She also released a soft wave of energy to indicate her precise location. Jack didnt dare tally. He gave the guards a helpless shrug, then stepped through space and reappeared in the same room hed seen Huali the previous time. Large glass windows showcased the estate and the lands beneath it, while the horizon was tinged with soft clouds and a colorful sky.Good. You came quickly, Huali said before Jack could speak. She rose to her feet. Come. We dont have much time.Greetings, Master. Much time for what?Youll see.She walked three steps to reach him, then placed a hand on his shoulder. Jack noticed she was taller than him. In the next moment, space warped around them, much harder and faster than when Jack teleported. When it stabilized again, they were in the sky, illuminated by the nebulas solar gasses and surrounded by white clouds.There was also a starship. It floated in the sky before them, completely still, as if anchored in space itself. No Dao energy emanated from it, and yet, there must have been some, or how could it fly?Master? Jack asked.This is my personal vessel, the Ray. Step inside.Things were happening a bit too fast for Jacks taste. He trusted Huali, but stillWhat is going on? he asked.Ill explain on the way. Just get in.Jack steeled his heart. If she wanted to harm him, she could do it easily. As a door on the side of the starship silently slid open, he stepped through, finding himself in a simple, sharp interior. It could fit three people comfortably, maybe four. Windows surrounded them on all sideseven though he was sure there were none on the outsidegiving him a clear view of everything.One-way metal. Very handy, Huali explained, entering the starship herself and shutting the door. She quickly reached the front of the starship and placed her hands on a sun-shaped helm, infusing it with energy.Well, Im here. Could you explain what is going on, Master? Jack asked cautiously.She smiled at him. Do you not trust me, Jack?I do. Im just curious.Then, you can wait a little bit. Some things are best served as surprises.Jack grumbled. Not that he had a say, anyway. This tall, slim woman who looked like an old yoga instructor held the power to level entire continents. Plus, she was his master. If she wanted to make anything a surprise, it would be a surprise.A transparent orange shield materialized before Jack. He could still see the shrinking star, as he could see Huali, who stood beside him with her hands glowing orange.Listen carefully, she commanded. I will limit the heat to a point you can withstand. You will be safe. However, I need you to give it your all. Stare at the explosion until your eyes melt. Spread your senses and Dao awareness to perceive as much of the mysteries as you can. Feel the supernovaonly then will you be able to master it.Jack steeled himself, but he couldnt stop the gnawing terror. The implosion before his eyes was the strongest thing hed ever seen. Even from millions of miles away, he knew that its strength was enough to annihilate entire solar systems in the blink of an eye, enough to destroy each and every B-Grade faction with ease.B-Grade cultivators could break planets? So what!? Before the true ancestral forces of the universe, even the strongest cultivators were nothing! Before Jacks very eyes, the universe was reclaiming its rightful throne!Jack watched with rapt attention. He tried to calm himself. All around him, he could sense terror in the Dao itself as the star compressed ever more. Particles swam with agitation as if the entire galaxy was holding its breath in fear of what was about to happen. The orange shield seemed soft, like glasswould it hold?And then, the shrinking was over. As the star contracted to a size so small Jack could barely see it, a titanic explosion covered the world. The Dao erupted. Space sank and shattered. A shockwave spread like Gods angry roar, and the universe itself was instantly colored with infinite destruction. It was a display of power above and beyond anything else possible.For Jack, time slowed down. He focused his entire attention on the explosion, scouring it with his eyes and trying his best to feel the ripples of power through his Dao perception.Light appeared, and its intensity kept rising. It never stopped. Jack went blind. Master Huali had told him not to look away, but he didnt even have the chance to. Everything happened too quickly.At the same time, tremendous heat assaulted his body. He felt that he was in an open oven or a boiling cauldron. His strengthened body, with 815 Constitution and 90% increased efficacy, melted away like snow. His natural regeneration worked hard to stave off the collapse, but it could do nothing for the waves of searing pain that blared over his senses, not letting him perceive a thing.The heat reduced slightly, and Hualis voice rang in Jacks brain: Focus! Endure! Observe the waves!Jack didnt want to do that. He wanted to run away, to escape. However, something inside him forced him into focus. Some part of himself grabbed the panic and suppressed it with iron will. Steel swam in his veins; his soul was steady like an anchor.The pain remained, but he was in control. Still screaming, he tried to perceive through the pain, and what he saw was the Dao burning and vibrating with such intensity that it shocked him.His brain, trained by the Dao Vision of Space, caught on to a pattern. Then another. The heat of the supernova spread and affected the world in particular ways, ones that he could not comprehend now, but that he could remember for later.His body kept melting. The pain was still shooting up. And yet, the more intense the pain, the sharper Jack focused. It felt like he had ascended beyond his body, as if he was a god, as if the pain was inconsequential and felt by someone else, not him. He was made not of flesh and blood, but of iron will and sharp focus, as well as the resolve to never, ever stop.In one moment of epiphany, he saw it. Though he had no eyes, the supernovas Dao reactions became clear, just like a blueprint burned into his brain.Suddenly, the heat disappeared. Jack felt his body pulledthoughthrough it was hard to feel anythingand then the miraculous state was gone, and the pain hed been ignoring so far returned fiercer than ever.Unfortunately, it was not enough to rob him of consciousness. It tried, but the Dao Root of Indomitable Will held strong, and the Dao of the Fist prevented Jack from giving up. No, scratch that; he didnt want to give up. He would persist. If not, then his name was not Jack Rust!The moments passed in agony. His regeneration worked hard to repair his body, but it wasnt for free. Under the pain, he felt exhausted. At the very least, he couldnt see himself, as he remained blind.An indeterminate amount of time later, Jack was healedhis eyes came last, mercifully. He remained whole and mostly uninjured, with his miraculously pristine robes covering any last burns he had left.Master Huali caught on to that, too.Those arent normal robes, are they? she asked, eyeing them with some confusion. Where did you get them?Trial Planet, Jack answered truthfully. His voice came hoarse, but a voice nonetheless. In the last ring.You should hold on to them. Not many materials can survive that kind of heat.Jack felt so exhausted and traumatized that he had to force himself to pay attention. These robes had been given to him by Old Man Spirit when he broke into the D-Grade. Now, Jack was very glad for that gift, as his clothes getting destroyed in battle had become all too common lately.I will, he replied simply. He caught Hualis eyes, and in them, he saw pity. Or was that regret?Im sorry you had to go through this, she said, but it was a worthy risk. On the path of cultivation, pain is nothing. Do you feel that you gained anything?Jack forced himself to chuckle. I saw some thingsbut only time will tell whether they help me or not.I certainly hope they do. Huali gave him a last, approving look before standing and placing her hands on the helm, which immediately started glowing. Lets head back. There is already a hot meal waiting for youyoure going to need it.Jack smiled, still splayed on the floor. Yes. And, master?Yes, Jack?Thank you. For the experience.She smiled at himand, if any of her smiles were honest, it was this one. No problem.
