"Come on faster, human. You're slow."
"I'm swinging as fast as I can!" Karni was shouting atop his lungs while the crow was overseeing his training.
Every time he swung his bo staff and made a half circle, Karni teleported. To teleport stably, he had to lock onto a designated space with his spiritual power. So there came the problem. Swinging the staff fast? Easy. Locking onto where to teleport quickly? Not easy at all. He had to be precise and lock down the coordinates.
It's been a month since they've visited the island. Siduo has directly progressed to rank 42 thanks to her Spirit Soul and she gained a much stronger body. Meanwhile Karni remained on rank 41, but his Spiritual Power advanced by leaps and bounds.
Both of them now had teachers to understand the properties of their new abilities better. The crow, Hopper, was more of a 'if you can't do it, you suck' kinda teacher, while the tiger, Solaria, was quite supportive. All Siduo was currently learning was how to manipulate the skill on her soul bone. That was mainly because it was quite hard to practise her new fourth ability, unless she wanted to sink the ship by accident.
Karni was definitely the one who was suffering more during the rest of this trip, but it wasn't without any good times. Due to his rise in spiritual power, he's finally begun progressing in his soul tool creation again. Especially now that the space element became clearer to him.
Karni breathed in, deeply exhausted. The skill to teleport was truly amazing. Well, in truth, he called it Shift. As in terms of what the skill actually did, it was shifting the space between two locations, not strictly teleporting a person into another part of space. It was much more delicate and manual.
Karni looked at the horizon and sighed. He was saved. He could finally see, even though it was still far, a large stretch of land. They'll soon arrive.
The crow flew onto Karni's shoulder. "Apparently, Solaria and I were born there. Though neither of us remembers it. Old Zhou tells us we were thrown away, because we were both mutations, and he took pity on us, allowing us to stay with him."
Karni looked at him. The crow didn't have much nostalgia in his eyes, but there was clearly some interest. The guy probably didn't have any memories of the place.
"Is that why both of you had soul bones?"
Hopper waved his wings. "Of course not. It's because of the strong vitality and the environment we lived in. Just being mutations didn't cause that."
"It did feel like a comfy place to live."
The crow nodded cheerfully in agreement.
"Hop. I'll be honest." Hop was the nickname that the bird told him to use, as a sign of friendship. Siduo called Solaria, Sol.
"Humans have advanced far and wide. Not only that, most of the soul beasts on the continents have been exterminated due to our greed." There was a bit of uncertainty in Karni's eyes. It's not like he had any relationship with the Soul Beasts, but he knew what kind of problems this causes in the future.
The crow looked at Karni a bit surprised.
"Most of the Soul Beasts are in captivity. Only the truly strong ones are still out there, but even they are hiding, as they can't compete with current humans. Not even the Beast God can do that. Most likely, Old Zhou wouldn't be able to either."
While feeling a bit unsure at Karni's claims, Hopper could still feel the honesty in Karni. It wasn't arrogance in those words, but lamenting. Karni didn't know what kind of soul beast Old Zhou was, but he was clearly powerful - and definitely not human.
"The very balance of the planet has been disturbed long before my time."
"Why say all of this?"
"Just to warn you. There is both good and bad in humans. Much like there are evil and good soul beasts. If you ever feel like leaving, I'm more than willing to let you go." Karni was honest. If Hopper didn't like him, it might actually be worse for both of them since they had an equal contract set up.
The crow shook his head. "Old Zhou told me to trust you, so I'll trust you. Don't worry, I'm benefitting from you as well in this partnership." At the end, it felt like Hopper wanted to say more, but he held himself back.
"Well forget all that. Let me back in now. I feel tired being outside after so long. I'll hang out with Hope."
Karni chuckled. "Your names will be confusing to say at times. Hop, and Hope."
"On the contrary. I feel friendship just because of that already." The crow cackled before disappearing.
Siduo approached Karni, also looking at the horizon and Karni asked her a question. "Does your new friend also act like he knows it all at times?"
"No, she's quite nice to talk to actually. It feels a bit weird how kind she is at times."
"So completely opposite characters. Well, at least I'm used to a cheeky person next to me." Karni smiled at Siduo.
"See, you should really thank me sometime, I'm getting you ready for the cruel world out there." Siduo returned a smile, not letting him get under her skin.
"Are we there yet?" A voice, younger than theirs, approached the two excitedly.
"Mm. Should be in about 3 hours."
"Finally! Land!"
Karni and Siduo chuckled. It was a miracle the boy didn't complain more after three months on the sea.
"How's your cultivation going, Jianyu?" Karni asked in interest.
"I've progressed to level eight already. I think I should be able to reach rank 9 soon enough."
"Oh, you're definitely my little brother." Siduo patted his head.
… … …
Three hours later they finally reached the dock. There was a small group of people, about 6, welcoming them.
They didn't really have the time to enjoy the different architecture of the port city, as they were immediately taken to a small bus, big enough for a maximum of 15 people.
The children were allowed to sit on the back seats, as they were the 'cool' seats. Jianyu, of course, took the middle.
The parents sat themselves closeby, while the captain didn't go with them. He stayed with his ship, as he would likely be staying in the city for half a year. He seemed like he knew people here and was familiar with the port town.
Unfortunately, the bus made Jianyu feel very bored. It will be about a 2 day trip to the capital, their destination. It didn't take long for him to choose a window seat, no, the whole two chairs in the corner, so he could fall asleep. Karni and Siduo were squished into an awkward corner.
Aside from the initial awkwardness, the two simply decided to play some games that Karni brought with him. Siduo felt very interested. In her previous life, she's heard of such things, but never had the chance to actually try them out.
In such a way, they weren't too bored, and the two days went by in the blink of an eye. The most fun parts for the children were the parts that they got to stretch their legs.
The highway reminded him of his old world. Where there were constant bus stops for the people to rest in. Despite having very different development, it seems they went into similar directions. It was just the road rules that differed in some aspects. Looking at the highway also made him… sleepy.
… … …
Gold bamboo. Golden Blood. Golden Panda. A wail of absolute desperation. Fear. Internal fear.
… … …
"Ah fuck. Another one?" Karni opened his eyes lazily, still looking at the road. They should be nearing their destination soon.
Siduo noticed his reaction. "What did you see?"
"It was vague this time, just flashing ideas and… fear. But a bit different than usual. It wasn't a worry, it wasn't… I don't know what it was."
"That's interesting." Siduo thought aloud. "This is probably the first vague one."
Karni nodded. "Until now, it was always some specific scene at least."
"Kids, look outside." Jianguo pointed outwards.
The two looked with shining eyes. After two days of exhausting travel, especially so for Jianyu, they finally arrived in the capital of the Star Luo Continent and the Star Luo Empire. Star Luo City. Ironically it had the same name as their hometown.
The family got off the bus and they looked in astonishment. The whole city, while clearly modern, had a feel of the old part of the Star Luo City on Douluo Continent. The only difference being, that the skyscrapers and the royal palace fitted the old style as well.
As they stepped off the bus however, the entourage made a bit of an awkward look towards the family.
"We have to apologise upfront. We understand you're a family, but technically, only the young lady named Wu Siduo and her parents were invited. We'd need special permission to invite young master Wu Jianyu and young master Val Karni."
There was a bit of fury that flashed through Wu Jianguo's eyes. It would've been fine, if they had made plans, but they told them this at the very end?
Karni quickly jumped in. "That's no problem. We'd only ask for one of you to escort me and Jianyu to a place we can stay at."
"Of course, that's the least we can do." The leader of the entourage immediately agreed. They really did feel bad about the situation.
"Well then, I guess I'll see you later." Karni smiled towards Siduo.
"Mm. Take care of Jianyu."
"Of course."
Siduo gave Jianyu a quick hug before they had to hurry off to the royal palace. They were expecting them, so they shouldn't be late.
Jianyu looked a little sad as he was left alone with Karni and a member of the entourage.
"Don't worry. She'll tell you all about it later on. Perhaps she'll even be allowed to invite you in."
The man beside Karni was a little impressed. Karni considered Jianyu being invited as he was of their bloodline, but not himself. The man was aware that the boy's talent was just as good as Wu Siduo's, but he seemed so down to earth.
That being said, the man was looking too much into it. Karni couldn't care less. He just wanted to comfort little Jianyu, since he saw him as a little brother. He's been with him just as long as anyone else from the family after all.
They reached quite a nice looking hotel. It would've likely been an equivalent of a five star hotel back home. They didn't need to register. They had already taken into account that the family would be staying here.
If Karni had to guess, depending on how much talent Siduo showed, she might be staying in the royal palace, or she might simply join them here. Knowing Siduo, should she be given an option, she'll stay with her family. The hotel was only about a five minute walk away from the royal palace anyway. Only VIPs stayed here.
To keep the little boy occupied, Karni asked the man that came with them, if he could show them around the city. Even silently explained it to him about Jianyu being a bit adventurous.
The man agreed without much issue. He was here to serve them anyway. He was also aware that the proceedings at the royal palace would take a while.
They toured the city until the evening, when the escort got a call to return. If they had to describe the feel of the city, it was similar to Douluo Continent, just less advanced.
They returned to the hotel at almost the same time as the rest of the Wu Family. Jianyu quickly ran towards Siduo and gave her a big hug, much to Siduo's delight.
"For a second there I thought you'll stay at the royal palace." Karni smiled.
Siduo nodded. "They did give me the offer, but I refused." She looked at the entourage. "I'll tell you about it later."
The people made embarrassed expressions. It seems like they knew why she didn't want to speak about it in front of them.
The family entered the hotel room. Well, it was more like a penthouse than a 'room'.
They each got their own, actual rooms, within the penthouse. Jianyu chose to sleep with his sister. Karni had his own room and so did the parents. They were left with a free room as well as the common room in the middle to hang out at.
"So." Karni began. "What made you want to stay with us."
"Well, you guys are more fun, you know?" She chuckled, before sighing.
"It's the princess. She's an absolute pain in the ass. I can already see that I'll have to be with her a lot. She's excited to have another girl with her for a change, but she's so infuriatingly spoiled that it's just… If I'd have to sleep there as well, I'd rather just jump off a cliff." She slumped on the common room couch. Everyone in the family heard her.
The parents also scratched their heads while laughing on the side. That princess really was a lot to handle.
"I also have to train with her. They'll be training us together on her request. And while I'm excited to learn to control these martial souls better, I'm also dreading what's to come."
"I'd imagine you two would understand each other. A pain in the ass to another pain in the ass." Karni laughed at her misery.
"You asshole. You think I'd dare to talk to the princess like I do to you? If anything, she talks to me like I do to you!"
Karni just smiled. He welcomed such a situation. At least she knows how he feels sometimes. Well, at least he and she could do a back and forth. Unfortunately for Siduo, she could only take the 'beating'.
It wasn't long before they went to sleep. It was already late. Siduo had to wake up early tomorrow to start her training with the spoiled princess.
… … …
Karni woke up later than usual. He walked into the common room and no one was there, only a simple note was left.
"We'll be taking out Jianyu to have some fun. Siduo's already at the palace. If you need us for anything, call us."
It was written by Siduo's parents. Looks like he was free to do anything he wanted.
He sat on the sofa. What should he do? He wanted to create some soul tools, but he felt like the hotel room is a bit inappropriate for such things. He's not exactly quiet when he's making designs due to his use of his third soul ring.
Should he just go tour the city? Maybe he can think of something to do?
And just as he was thinking about thinking of something, he thought of something.
Tang Sect! He should go to the Tang Sect! The sect here wasn't like it was on the Douluo Continent. It should be out in the open. Easy to find! He quickly stood up and left the hotel.
He didn't even have to ask for directions. The city itself had signposts that pointed to various important buildings in the city. The Royal Library, Royal Academy, Monster Academy, the government buildings and so on. Among those was also a sign that showed the direction of the Tang Sect.
He didn't need long to reach it, and when he saw it, he was just standing there for some time, a bit shocked.
This building was grand. Proud to stand where it was, proud to be out in the open. It was completely different to the Douluo Continent, where they were disguised behind other companies or roles.
The metalwork on the building seemed to be modern compared to the rest of the city as well. It even had some fancy looking technology outside, clearly advertising their level of advancements for everyone to see.
Stepping out of his stupor, Karni decided to enter the building. Surprisingly enough, it was packed full of people. Most of them weren't even disciples of the Tang Sect, but they came to put in requests, deliveries or to reward completed quests. It was a completely different vibe to what he was used to. It was full of life.
He waited in line with a receptionist who was clearly taking admission to missions. The line split into giving them out and receiving them, but it was still packed full.
He waited about 10 minutes before getting to the reception desk. He showed his token, much to the surprise of the receptionist, once she received it. On it was written that he was from Star Luo City, Douluo Continent.
He chose a few 3-star assignments and a single 4-star assignment. The 3-star assignments didn't need too long to complete, about a week or so each. On the other hand, the 4-star assignment usually took about a month.
When creating a blueprint from scratch, one would usually need a few days to truly design something. From the concept to connecting everything together and making it synergise in the best way possible, as well as any additional requests or ideas, it took time.
Of course, once one was familiar with their field of study, and exactly what they wanted, they might even complete it in a few hours. Maybe even less than an hour if they were good. It all depended on how much one already knew about what they were making. Copying a design on another hand, usually wouldn't need more than half an hour, if you knew it by head.
Assignments from the Tang Sect usually needed a few days. The 4-star assignment was longer because of that. Unless, in Karni's case, they were prosthetics. He was very well familiar with them, so much so that, even if it were a custom design that was needed, he'd need only a week to make a 4-star one. Maybe 2 days if it wasn't custom made. Even less if it was a design he already knew, as he'd just have to recreate it.
After taking the assignments, he approached the contribution shop window. There was no clerk here, only monitors for one to surf the shop. He wanted to recheck the balance and see if the cost of the Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon is different than on Douluo Continent.
Much to his sadness, it was the same. Still 3000 contribution points. At the moment, he had around 2000. In about two months at most, he should have the contribution points needed with the assignments he just grabbed.
He asked if there were any assignments needed for prosthetic work.; those he could finish faster, but Tang Sect didn't have many such assignments. He had to go with normal assignments.
He rented a room for seventy contribution points for a whole week and started his work.
… … …
He returned home late. He spent the whole day in Tang Sect. Ironically, he was the last one home, but he didn't look the most tired. That award went to Siduo. She was half asleep on the couch while Jianyu tried to play with her.
"Looks like I won't get my sparring practice with you during our stay here."
Siduo glanced at Karni.
"Sorry."
Karni laughed. "Yeesh. Is it that bad?"
She only made a small nod.
"Practice… practice… even when we had free time… it felt like practice for my brain. Her energy levels are just like that of a toddler."
"You better not call her that once you're there." Ta Siyu shook her head.
"Of course I won't. But ugh. The teachers are good… But it feels like I won't get anything done like this." She was speaking with her eyes closed.
"Enough about that. I don't want to think about that princess at home. Well. In the hotel. I really want to change the topic."
The family laughed. Karni told her about the Tang Sect and the way it was set up here. It was like a lullaby for her. 5 minutes in and she was fully asleep.