The Misty Mountain was just like every other day shrouded in the mist, after that much of commotion they made yesterday the whole Settlement has been now plunged into the sleepy silence, The inhabitants of this encampment due to the late night celebration and excitement should wake up little late this day to continue with their business or climbing up the mountain.
After the continuous and unbelievable changes happening in the plain The leaders of all the tribes are intended to meet up with the now fifteen peak experts to talk about what to do and their next course action, with the lethal energy gone they obviously want to stay in their ancestral land which slowly become an land with abundance of natural energy and resources.
But the problem was, How they were going to proceed with the aftermath, to staying here mean they didn't have to separated into bunch small and large tribes but easily merge into one huge tribe like back then; the thing is no one wants to be serve under someone else. Even the small tribe leaders, aren't willing to be under these large tribes This turn into a huge controversy.
It's alright for everyone to hearing and knowing about their ancestors and once the the glorious human tribe that lived here, how they with huge amount of effort become an overlord of this region? That was all now in the distance past, Things didn't work like that anymore, they don't want to change how things have been just because the new development and changes they have experiencing since they returned to their ancestral land that does mean they have to abandon their power and influence but it was just a starting point things wasn't that simple.
The small tribes had now separated into two groups, One side wanted to maintained their independency, the another group was completely Opposite, they on the other hand wanted to United and serve under the large tribes banner live a smooth life. Even though they wouldn't have a independence like they used before if they choose this path, they know they would be protected and could obtain more resources at least until they stabilized themselves or maybe even got obsorbed into one of the large tribes this would be much better option than the previous one.
From the border of the newly built settlement A huge tent could be seen built a few kilometres away from the settlement with half a dozen small guard post besides them. On this early morning more than hundred peoples gathered inside this huge patched tent on the one side there was a raised wooden dais with fifteen people sat in the semicircular shape.
Below the dais in the large area people sat imitating similar position but With just a casual glance it was apparent this was two groups not one, without any particular seating arrangement they choose to sat this way because of their stance in regarding this controversy.
There was a considerable distance between their positions as they were separated into two groups unlike how they sat in previous meetings, one group had more than fifty people, the others group was small in number, less than thirty people.
The tense atmosphere in the tent, yet to disperse from their heated argument on this matter, it was so much so the mood of the peak experts weren't also that good at the moment from the cat fight, it was certainly the case for newly advanced experts, precisely the four advanced experts to first join the eleven.
From this quartet there was two of them from the eighteen large tribes which, didn't have peak experts but maintain that status for the time being; they were glad they managed to breakthrough kept their tribe status and fate.
There was a chance if they didn't brokethrough their tribe could be broken down into few strong small tribes or just many small tribes just because they had population for the Criteria of large tribes it, wouldn't matter if they don't have the strength to back it all up like dozen large tribes before them they would have been faced the same ending.
like this two every other tribe leaders of the other five large tribes, trying their best to break through, if they have lost this status in their time period as in their leadership this would be a huge shame for them, it would left a deep scar in their heart even in their death they and their family have to bear the disappointment and scorn of their own and other tribes
The other two were originally members from the two of the eleven experts tribe but now they were temporarily appointed to the acting leaders of the two large tribes which already had lost the hope of remaining their status as the one of the large tribes as their leaders were were still in the middle and early stages of the qi realm.
Just like the previous tradition the later was also made because of the necessity when the Misty Mountain tribe forced to move out from their ancestral land they found out the immediate problem unlike their ancestral land the other part of their regions wasn't that rich in resources for their lives or cultivation.
So they forced to break in to a couple of dozen went to form their own territories In their regions, in the following centuries after their population grow they further formed another handful of large tribes for the convenience they also made a rules and further defined how large a tribe should be and what makes it a large tribe.
The large tribes naturally obtained more resources so they made it so if they don't have a one or more peak qi realm experts then they don't have the qualifications to compete with them for equal resources then broken up the large tribes into more small tribes, then made things more useful for them they collected a certain amount of resources preventing them from once again rise up.
But the humans only much later understand how their thoughtless action had huge impact on them, nearly shaken up their position us overlord race of a region. They couldn't fend off the other races from slowly occuping their region also the minor races become more defiant, the humans became alert after this, They try to rectify their mistake by giving tribes certain amount of time and secretly tried to assimilate them into big tribe or appointe newly advanced peak qi expert as the leader but still the large tribes decreased to twenty before six centuries and now they further declined to eighteen.
This six centuries of efforts didn't manage to do anything because the small tribes wouldn't cooperate this matter and wanted to remain independent this was a huge headache for the leading figures this was once again proven difficult problem even after they returned here.
Initially the four become hopefull when they realized they can settle down here and obsorb the small tribes become at least equal in population vise with the peak experts but from the look of it this is going to be quiet troublesome.
"So what exactly are you trying to say! speak more clearly and I advise you, to don't get caught up in those argument Among once again and waste our time we, aren't here for this sort of entertainment or else" Naala instruct them with a frown in her face, it has been going on for more than half an hour. She was getting impatient with all this noise 'It didn't even past a whole day since they returned here now all of them are talking about this! ' she was speechless by their worry.
The large group members turned to look at tall Middle Age Man with thick eyebrows, who sat up straightly as all people gazes landed on him, he looked righteous as he said to the masses "Fellow tribe Leaders and honored guardians of humanity please accept this greetings from Guna" He greeted everyone with enthusiasm in his voice "As we said before, we humbly ask the large tribe leaders from forcefully subjugate us or obsorb us into your tribes"
He turned to looked at his group of people, before turning back assertively said "we ask leaders to give us small pieces of lands in our ancestral land we are willing to pay monthly and yearly tribute to leaders gladly"
A old bald man started to shouting at this words, "Just who do you think you are? Don't cross your line. There is no such a thing as small tribes In the first place, the large tribes broke into smaller tribes, now that we came back to our land there is no need for small tribes to exist we have plenty of resources and I ask why is there such a need for our tribes to exist"
The persons nearby nodded a short chubby man said in deep voice "Exactly, this will bring more problems than ever, remember that we aren't scattered around like before. it's said that our ancestral land one of the best land with resources, if we nurture it and methodically cultivate it then we have nearly endless resources. I don't think it's necessary for me to elaborate this matter any further and all of you might have noticed how this place filled with energy of heaven and earth, don't do this because of your selflessness and fame"
The tall man and his group members were bristled at the word, a old man who sat by the leader spoke up "Who are you calling selfish, do I have to spell it for everyone to hear, You are the one who started it you even shamelessly went to hug their legs just because they are from large tribes"
"Why does the large tribes break in the first place hmm? who was the one feed us and give us resources we have to survive on our own so, what is wrong in this for asking us to live just as independently " he was only stopped when the group leader calm him down.
The tall Middle Age Man spoke up after calming down his friend, "It's nothing but our personal preference we, didn't particularly against them for joining you; don't misunderstand us Honorable guardians please allow us to have this small wish "
Aadhi who was one of the few sitting in the middle spoke up suddenly, "Alright guys, let's leave this matter for another time" he looked at the two groups then waved his hand "You guys should leave for now. there are many things for us to taken care, go do your business and don't forget we are here to pay respect for our ancestor gather your tribe climb up whoever didn't go up"
Everyone turned to looked at Aadhi after the two groups departed, they had strange expression on their face because of his order, no one knows he, would suddenly send them out he sighed looking at their expression "Their childishness started to exhaust my patience, why are they acting like this, they didn't think it through why couldn't they understand a thing" he shook his head.
Vandhi commented "Elder Aadhi shouldn't we go up there today now you rushed them up to climb up " hearing his comment Aadhi made an awkward face, "I think I have forgotten about that should I tell them to wait little longer"
The Old Man spoke up seeing the confused look on the four newcomers, "No need, we should first pay a visit, don't worry they should take some time and preparation, send someone to distract them" he instructed Vandhi the last part, Everyone nodded as they strided out of the tent.
___ ___ ___ ___
A Shadowy figure was slowly climbing up at the mountain, the figure very blurry that some might think it was a trick of raising sun. The blurry figure stopped few hundred meters from the passage it's body was started to disappear further as if it was erased from the reality.
If one was gifted in using dimension skills perhaps they could be aware that the figure simply entered a dimension parallel to the this reality, while locked into this dimension the figure then started to slowly walking up to a particular cave in unhurried movements.
The Figure stopped when it was only few meters away from the entrance, it's not because of anything else but the person inside the cave looked up from the the desk in front of him as if he could feel someone's eyes on him.
The figure watched with the rapid fascination at the person reaction, The figure suddenly disappeared reappeared dozens of meters away from where it has been stood a second ago, the figure eyes glowed in dark blue glow as it studying the expression of the person with intense focus the person turned to looked at the direction of the figure.
'He could see me, No! he must be looking in this direction... But why does it look like he was staring straight at my eyes hmm? yes I'm sure he can see me' The figure started to think rapidly while keep staring at the person, The figure was startled little as the person initiated the conversation "What? you find something interesting again?"
'WHA- Did he talking to me? should I talk to him?' the figure started fidget a little, still decide to talk "You can see me? " the figure asked a question instead of replying him.
The Person showed no visible reaction or reply for few minutes before commented "They are coming up? hmm I see, that's good as well" the figure narrowed it's eyes as it turned look back at the foot of the Mountain.
Seeing that his eyes no longer on it, the figure frowned 'was he avoiding answer my question maybe I should just ask what I want to know' the figure eyes focused on his face as it spoke "May I ask! what is it someone of your level doing in this planet?"
The person tilted his head in confusion before let out a sneer "Let me tell you something, you have no right to insisting me of anything" the person spoke in assertive voice alarming the figure also confusing them.
'Er.... why does he seems little hostile all of a sudden ' the figure thought of something and continue to spoke with him "You see, if I'm not staying in this plain for this few days even I couldn't certainly say I would have noticed but I did notice this changes. I have my reason to be here but I think it's necessary for us to understand what we are after or at least this way we could avoid the conflict with each other. You don't want to someone disturb your plan or whatever you are doing here, right? " the figure asked in same calm tone but there was a edge to it now.
The figure face fell after seeing that the person didn't bother to reply instead once again going back to his crave the wood. A Vein popped in the pale forehead of The figure was, it posture turned to little irritated, and insulted from being ignored.
The person suddenly shouted, "System stop annoying me will you? you didn't tell me beforehand then how is that my problem, just because you thought I can't possibly succeeded in creating that spell you don't bother to explain this previously, this is just absurd" the man face was red with anger.
"You know what, I couldn't simply endure it.... okay how about this, once the wooden figurine fully refined we can use it to test the things what do you say!?" he asked
'Er.... What? Just who is he talking to?' question marks started to appear on the head, as it was trying to process what was happening in front of it, the figure become even more bewildered the next second as the person become even more furious by something else.
"You Darn, evil system I don't give a damn what you think I decide my life, FLUCK YOU! " he shouted, the figure soon find out, there is something unusual about this whole situation, so the figure boldly use it powers, In it's Dark blue eyes there was a strange ripples appeared from the pupils a purple Aura started to spread across the entire eyes.
The eyes slowly studied the angry person little longer more closely and exclaimed "what is this? ah! It's an aura of heavenly treasure....hmm where is it? " the figure's now purple eyes closely studying for the heavenly treasure.
The figure's heart skipped a beat as the figure noticed the person looking in the direction they were standing subconsciously took a step back seeing the angry expression of this man and immediately stopped coming back to it's senses from the subconscious reaction forced to calm down before turn into silent as if it noticed something on the passage.
Soon Fifteen figures came up before the cave and bowed at them in respective manners, "We, your humble servants greet The Lord, please accept greetings" the Eleven people bowed respectively the four experts little bewildered still followed with their own bow.
"Haha, You have came," deep voice of the Lord greeted them everyone trembled feeling as they warmth of the voice aside from the flinch of the new comers who, stared wide eyed at the sealed cave entrance then turned to the eleven experts before them, if it wasn't for the situation some of this eleven people might have enjoyed their shocked expression but unfortunately for them, this wasn't the time.
"Lord they are the people who, advanced when the-" when the Old Man started his explain it was cut off by the Lord's interjection.
"I'm aware!" the indifferent reply come Old Man nodded awkwardly, 'Of course the Lord must have been watching them all along' "Please punish! This, ignorant one My lord" The Old Man made another bow but a strange energy stopped him from doing so.
"No need! Warrior rise up I, have been watching them since they advance, It's a pity If there has been only more experts present that time, we could have more warriors at this level " The eleven stiffened for a second 'was lord disappointed with us' Aadhi thought even more guiltily than them 'Does lord blaming me for questioning his decision the other day' he fidgeted there was one more person having more serious reaction, cold sweats drenched his back.
Inaam was the one who received the biggest impact on how powerful this lord was, only when they returned did he understands how futile his resentment just what might this lead him to; the level of this lord must be very high, No one can simply pluck mountains from somewhere and planted them all around the plain there was even few rivers running how could river exists without a source. His whole world view has been changed didn't harbor anymore resentment, he also felt the purpose of doing this wasn't simple no one waste their energy do useless things.
He certainly wasn't that sort person, besides they all thought he couldn't come out of the seal that was what gave him little courage but seeing this now. He could only come up with two possibilities first he could come out, two he didn't have to come out for even doing this sort of miraculous things, the latter made him more fearful he hide behind the others back trying to remain inconspicuous as possible.
As he thought about this feat he became more certain he, doesn't think purple road realm cultivator was capable of achieving this feat, 'yes! it wasn't possible by the purple road realm cultivator then maybe 'That' level cultivators could do that' he only read the document about that nameless stage. Its said that this was the level the current patriarch managed to attained when the calamity descended to this world or.... Maybe even higher level' his mind churned at high speed when he remember the details, he became more and more afraid.
As if seeing through their awkwardness and embarrassment the voice broke the silence, "Huh, why are you looking so down today?" the Lord asked in jovial tone before asking "I hope you all get rid off the all the weeds in our tribes"
The eleven experts looked at one another then hurriedly nodded their head in unison, and explained in detail how thoroughly they achieved such a result as if it noticing the hesitation the Lord asked "What is it, say it out loud you guys have been fidgeting for quite some time"
The Old Man replied in hesitantly "The plain look..... very changed my lord is there a...." he didn't dare to continued with his question. The eleven people were very curious about this new development in the plain in fact the whole human tribes have been so shocked by this development but couldn't understand why or how this happened; They had been waiting to hear it why the Lord has been did something like this if he wanted keep secret of his arrival and keep a low profile.
"I know you all have been very curious about this, it was just a defense array I have been designed for the plain not much of a big deal. With the increase of heaven and earth energy here it will be beneficial for us if we set up an array like this to hold the energy here In a decade or two it will become a holyland for cultivation" the Lord said lightly.
Everyone's face showed surprise and excitement, as they understand what this mean they admire the Lord even more, the four clueless one are no longer look oblivious to what's going on, their eyes shone with excitement as well 'So, this bunch were acting all secretive because probably the Lord wanted to be not disturbed or hide his existence here. Hmm! wasn't this where patriarch said to be lived it was huge and luxurios of the all caves don't tell me..... wait a minute, they didn't called him patriarch but lord then who is this person'
The four people started to speculate about the identity of this lord while paying close attention to how the eleven interact with the Lord also looking for more clues, they also spoke up when they needed to like how they made arrangements for internal situation with tribe, what are the future plans they have been thinking while the rest were gone for the special task.
All four of the newly advanced experts had a basic understanding of this powerful lord. Although he seemed indifferent he was quite caring and attentive and pretty much nice person to talk about. So when One of the four experts thought of brilliant idea to currying favor with this lord he immediately took it secretly glad the other seems forget about it.
"My lord as we went for the special tas-" the Old Man, was interrupted by this impatient expert who was in hurry to inform this issue to the Lord and get into his good book before anyone else.
"My lord this humble one like to express my concern in your presence, I have been noticed my fellow friends seems hesitating to tell this matter to you fearing they might receive your ire, lord please punish my impudence" he put on a hesitant look.
"OH! there is something like this? how thoughtful of you little one, such a good fellow, I'm listening tell me more about it" the Lord surprised and curious was evident as they asked him, he literally bloated up from this praise he was trying very hard to not show how pleased he was on his face.
He eagerly explained the internal strife about the small tribes and how they separated into two groups to have different opinions on this matter how this put them into an situation, how he thought to leave the decision to the Lord all the details in quite a elaborate manner the others were speechless, When they heard him even told quite few gossips about their motive which might be likely true.
But that's aside everyone had a strange expression on them as if they were looking at retarded person who was hell bent on seeking death, who lost the lost bit of sanity for bit of fame and vanity done unspeakable things.
"Is that so? what do you guy think?" they shuddered as they instantly remember a bad memory at the back of the group a person who has trying his best to remain inconspicuous have much severe reaction hearing that word he stiffened then his body started to trembled like he was about to have seizure any time.
The goofy expert suddenly had an bad premonition as he noticed contemptuous look from the eleven and the unnaturalness of those around him, most importantly he felt there was a pressure around his body, which starting to increase very fastly and suddenly he found his body rise up above the ground his limbs seems froze by the deadly pressure no one dare to move.
"I did indeed notice about this matter and your little meeting this morning, I have been thinking you would make things clear, make them understanding things since you guys bring this matter to myself directly and seems to be in dilemma let me help you" A chilling demonic sort of voice echoed in their minds "I also want to know what exactly made you feel this hesitant, now tell me what do you guys think of this?" the voice was growing colder and colder.
Rest of the people in this group, currently cursing this idiot in their hearts for bringing them into this mess why can't he kept his mouth shut . None of them wanted to answer or give any of their opinion to this lord as it wouldn't be welcome, so they choose to remain silent they didn't want to be next person to hang in the air besides what if?
"Good, good at least you guys have little bit of conscience in you, I know you guys have this craving for power and vanity I previously turn blind eye towards it. Everyone experience hardship after the calamity and have to struggle to survive in this period of time have to broke into dozens of large tribes then further broke into smaller tribes for survival this was something I completely understand"
"That doesn't mean I would tolerate everything else or turn blind eye to that sort of behavior as well, this two are entirely different things. I have made a way for the human race to rice above every other race "
"This sort of thinking weren't good for our race survival in this calamity, have you ever wonder why the power of our race deteriorated this much? why we were became least powerful overlord race from once glorious race? this selfishness was the beginning of everything"
"Remember well, this sort of things are not in our blood once and I, prefer to keep our race that way, this selfishness and greed were very dangerous infestation Easily spread among one another I would squash it whenever I noticed these things so would you, If there was a hundred people like this I kill hundred if it was half the tribe I'll kill them too, even if it's spread to three quarters of the tribe I'll still kill them all decisively so don't make me, got it?" the demonic voice demanding answer and an obedient one at that.
They helplessly nodded didn't hesitate a second, "This is ever remained single glorious tribe, patriarch doesn't die you are under his administration, just because you guys lived however you liked that doesn't mean, you can act like that. Are you guys perhaps trying to rebellion against patriarch and our tradition"
The group shook their head hurriedly, they were also started to feel the crushing pressure on them it slowly started to increase at rapidly.
"Good, you better not, This region and plain belong to our Misty Mountain human tribe" the voice declared they were relieved that the pressure left their body no one care about the unfortunate fellow who crashed face first besides them.