2 Emperor Sage Academy 1 (1/2)

The Valley was buzzing with activity. The Emperor Sage academy was coming to hold an open contest; those chosen would have the chance to be outer disciples. All through, Jian Ou only dropped by for few minutes to see Ed before leaving; she never stayed as long as she usually did. Ed could tell she was serious about going with him to the Academy.

She was not the only one serious about the up coming event; he had not seen his brothers appear to taunt him even once through out this period. He enjoyed the solitude. It gave him time to explore this book. He also took his contemplation seriously, because that was also an option to leave this world.

Many did not know that he was close to his Spirit picking and all he needed to do was stabilize his foundation before attempting to break through. He contemplated in his sleep and when he walked. Split attention; this was something people thought completely rare. He had never told a person about this ability.

He spent his time reading the book he had gotten from Jian Ou. He had learnt a lot. Most of what was written, he did not understand, but he learnt a lot about the Mist.

Apparently, the mist was part of a place called the Unknown Lands. In this place, space and time was like a lump of fluid; it mixed up and unraveled. There was no such thing as a time line here. This explained why there were different kings from different eras talked about as though they were of the same time here. He wondered if the king ever met face to face here. Did this place just mix up time lines or replicated the actual people in the real world? Reading on, he understood that this world appeared different for those living in it. Many people don't experience the same thing. He understood that the Kingdoms he knew were referred to as mortal world here.

It was a place devoid of power, his world. The Mist was a like a passage way into the higher realms, where power was life. He understood that this Valley was just a region under the Godhand Gate. He understood that there were many gates. They all led to different world. He scanned the book looking for the Gate to his world. Nothing. All that was written was that his world was locked during the time of the ancient kings. No one from the higher world can descend to the mortal world. Those of the mortal world must passed through points to reach other realms but can not return. It was written that the powers in the lower world used magic, a force that was not truly understood here. It did say that the Quest takers were the Last people to cross the realms without care. It was their birth right, he had read. This made him glance at his space bag, where his sword was resting. He could almost hear it buzzing. The book said that Quest Takers had reached the stage of God eater to move that freely. The book made mention of legends of those who were so powerful, they could tear open the veil and descend.

Ed paled and closed the book. Would he have to become a god Eater before he could attempt leaving? It had taken him five years to get to this stage and he was still yet to enter the spirit picking stage. Though others may think that was fast, but for him, that was too slow. How long would he have to stay to get back to his world? He had things to do there.

”Ed.” He heard himself get called. He rose from his bed to see the Valley Chief arrive. The Valley chief always had him called and not the other way round. Even though he was shocked, Ed did not show any expression as usual.

He got up to welcome him; ”Father.” He said.

”Sit. I have come to tell you; concentrate on your contemplation. You do not need to make an appearance for the welcome ceremony. You only have to worry about raising your power. The emperor sage academy is arriving today. Stay inside and contemplate.” he said and left there after.

Ed understood the Valley Chief did not intend for him to be around during the celebration. Though he was his beloved adopted son, he still was not flesh and blood. He had always known that the Valley Chief wanted him to never leave the valley. That way, he would be married to one of the family members and take over as Valley Chief.

Ed almost shock his head tiredly. They did not understand that no matter what they did, the moment he stepped out of this valley he would not return.

He understood that no matter his level of strength, he was an older person. He looked almost in his thirties, while the others trying out were in their teens. No matter his strength, he had taking to long to start contemplating.

Sighing, he concentrated on his reading as though nothing had happened.

That night, the Emperor stage academy arrived. They were received by the Valley chief and other tribal chiefs, along with their sons. They all smiled and bowed to the ones that had arrived.

”Valley Chief! It's been a long time. You have aged.” a man in his forties said with a smile. The valley chief laughed humbly; ”Lu Guan, you have not aged a day. I see, you have gotten stronger.”the Valley chief answered.

”Well, it's fate, fate.” Lu Guan said and the Valley chief just smiled. One looking would not be able to tell that these two were not complimenting each other but holding back from a good fight.

The guests were led to the reception hall, where they were entertained and drank through the night. It had gotten a long way into the party when a boy of the younger generation decided to challenge the Valley chief's sons.

”Valley Chief, forgive me, I had heard of all your exploits and though I can not challenge you, a tiger can not birth cats. I wish to challenge one of your sons.” One of the young boys not older than thirteen said while sipping on his cup of wine.

Every one in the hall paused. The chiefs of other tribes hid their smiles behind their wine cups as they relaxed to watch a show. The Valley Chief was aware that this was a ploy to embarrass him. He looked round and wondered which of the Tribal chiefs had told those from the Emperor Sage Academy of the disappointment of his bloodline.

His first son Hun Ou, too slow to understand this was a plot had to stand up bravely and accept the challenge.

”It would be an honor!” He puffed his chest and said with confidence. Everybody in the valley knew this son of his has no talent in contemplation. He wished he could get up and squeeze life from his shameless body.