Felix’s eyes dilated and then shrunk. With a flick of his finger, he flipped to the next page and his eyes repeated the movement. His fingers moved faster and faster. In mere moments, he reached the last page.

“Another useless book, but its views on diet were interesting.” Muttered Felix, setting the book down to the side

Picking up a brush, he added a few notes to a stack of notes on body cultivation.

Still, being able to read an entire page just like that… Really awesome. I’m not even sure how much faster I am going. Maybe I should time myself.

[Thousand Words, Thousand Pages, One Glance] (Earth 1)

Power: N/A

Comprehension: (1/1)

Stage: N/A

This technique was a black hole for points. I was almost tempted to keep upgrading it, but at this point my mind can’t keep up with the torrent of information. The mental processing portion of the technique is weaker than the visual aspect. I have the feeling that if I upgraded it again, the technique would also acquire a cultivation level requirement. Something to do with the strain on the body... Though perhaps I can investigate getting a supplementary technique for organizing the information in my mind. Or combine it with this one?

Felix broke out of his thoughts and watched as a gleeful Elder Harold flipped through books. His speed far outstripped Felix’s, book after book falling to his avarice. A much grumpier Elder Jackie was reading at a similar pace, though his expression was dropping each time Elder Harold slammed another book down.

“Elders, thanks again for all your help.” Said Felix. “I am a little surprised that you were interested in this technique Elder Harold.”

“Think nothing of it, my boy,” said Elder Harold. “The pleasure is all mine. Besides, the sect will benefit from your efforts in the end. In fact, it already has. I would not be surprised if the effect reverberates out into the war itself. We can only hope you can find what you need in the meantime.”

Never thought of it like that. Makes me feel used. No, Felix, don’t blame people for benefiting from your efforts. He is still literally helping me.

“The thank-yous should come from me, elder. I still feel like I am the one really profiting from all this.” Said Felix, putting a smile on. “By the way, where is Elder Shen? He gave me these books days ago and I figured he would be the one who would be helping me. Not that I am not grateful that you two are helping me.”

“Hahaha! Did you forget we are at war?” said Elder Harold. “Perhaps you have been couped up here for too long.”

“Well, no,” said Felix, feeling his cheeks warm. “But I thought he was going to be one of the elders that would stay at the sect.”

“Think with your head.” Said Elder Harold with a shake of his head. “Many times, it is about the right persons and skills for a task then just power. Unless you have an overwhelming advantage. Those bastards from the kingdom have finally started moving again. Must be a real shit show up there for them to have not attacked at the same time as the empire. In fact, they are both moving more aggressively than I thought they would.”

“Oh. Well, thanks again,” said Felix. “I suppose we can just keep reading?”

“Ahh, music to my ears my boy,” said Elder Harold. “I normally don’t have an excuse to spend so much reading. Oh, how much fun the coming days will be!”

“Will you two shut up? It is bad enough that I must read so many books instead of training. Now you two won’t shut up!” said Elder Jackie, throwing his book across the room.

Elder Harold’s hand snapped out and one of the many bells tied to his red robes let out a soft jingle. The book froze midair and then slowly floated to Harold’s open hand. As soon as it landed, the ringing stop and he glowered at Jackie.

“Brother, how many times have I told you not to damage the books.” Said the bearded elder, rising from his seat. His large hand reached out and poked Jackie in the chest. “I shared my books with you and the disciples in the understanding that they would remain unharmed. What kind of example are you setting by tossing one across the room?”

“Hah, the sect is a joint ownership brother.” Said Elder Jackie, brushing Harold’s hand aside. “These books are all of ours.”

“Half of these books were given by me!” said Harold, his finger finding its way back to Elder Jackie’s solar plexus. “All I ask is that they are treated with respect!”

“Oh please,” said Elder Jackie. “You simply accumulated them because the rest of us didn’t need the actual book after giving them a glance. The only reason you had so many is that we couldn’t be bothered keeping them.”

“Bah, you wish. I spent my hard-earned spoils on most of these.”

“Yeah, most of which are on the first few floors. A bunch of low-grade trash. I’ve had enough of this,” said Elder Jackie. The wiry man turned to see Felix’s scooting his chair away and let out a snort. “Disciple Felix, come see me at my home when you are done. We can start looking at altering your body cultivation to your current needs. Don’t take too long, I may be needed on the front soon.”

Elder Jackie strode past the many stacks of books toward the floor’s exit. He paused in front of the stairs leading down. Looking back, he grinned and gave a nearby stack of books a shove. Like dominos, stack after stack fell and Elder Jackie disappeared.

“Jackie!” yelled Harold.

A large battle axe appeared in the Elder's hands as he rose back to his feet. The man’s already large biceps swelled as his face turned red. Taking a step forward, the floor cracked as he also disappeared. The sound of jingling bells lingering in the room.

Felix looked at the stacks of knocked over books and sighed.

I take back what I said about being helpful… Well, I better organize this mess again.

---break---

Felix frowned down at a scrap of paper and then looked back up to the large waterfall.

It took me hours to clean up that mess and when I finally follow the directions Elder Jackie left, it led me to this.

About two-thirds up the mountain, the waterfall flow wide but only a few meters high. At its base, the water collected into a pond before swiftly flowing toward the lands below.

It just says go to the waterfall. I was expecting a house or something. Wait, don’t tell me he lives outside. Considering how often he is shirtless, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Shifting from foot to foot, he walked around for a while but found nothing. Having had enough, he turned to leave. Then the pool’s surface exploded. Felix stumbled back as a figure shot from the water. Flipping end over end, the figure finished his arc through the air to land on his feet.

What the hell? Oh… bathtub boy. Disciple Han, was it? Not like I didn’t have enough problems.

Han didn’t even seem to notice him but seemed focused on getting the water out of his ears. After a minute of doing so, he walked over to the book laying open on a nearby rock. Paging through it, he stopped and glanced over the words written.

Satisfied, Disciple Han put down the book and began sprinting back toward the pool.

“Excuse me?” said Felix.

Stopping just before the water's edge, Han looked back and raised an eyebrow at him.

“You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.”

“I didn’t sneak up on you.” Said Felix slowly. “In fact, I’ve been standing here for a while now.”

“Don’t lie.” Said Han, shaking his head. “I would have known. I am always aware of my surroundings.”

“Haha… of course.” Said Felix. My Ass! “So, is Elder Jackie’s place under the water? His directions just led me here.”

“Of course not! Having a house under the water is ridiculous.”

“Oh… so where is it then?”

“Behind the waterfall.”

“…”

“…”

“Of course, how could I have not guessed that.” Said Felix. “Behind the waterfall. Cliché cultivation idiots.”

“Cliché?” said Han.

“Ignore that. Just an idle thought.” Said Felix.

“Okay? Well, the entrance to his house is just behind the waterfall. Just jump through it and you will be there.”

“Thanks…”

Felix stepped around Han and jumped to the nearest stone. The surface of the pond were littered with them. With a twist of his foot, he flew forward, hopping from one stone to the next until he stood before the waterfall.

I can’t see through it. Though it is definitely large enough for an entrance to be behind it. So perhaps he isn’t lying.

Felix looked back to see Han giving him a thumbs up. A goofy smile on his face.

I swear I will pay you back if this is a prank. Especially after that trampling BS… I am getting a little vindictive, aren’t I?

Felix stepped into the waterfall. The water washed over him and then he was standing in a well-lit chamber. A simple wooden door was placed into the stone before him. Despite the rapid flow of water behind him, the entranceway was surprisingly dry. Raising his arm, he gave his sleeve a look.

Weird. I’m not even wet.

Shaking his head, he strolled forward and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” came Elder Jackie’s voice.

Pushing the door open, Felix walked into a large chamber. The room was dominated by a long wooden table, and a fire blazed merrily at the other end of the room. In front of the fire and at the head of the table was a large chair. Elder Jackie sat in the chair, shirtless. A long fresh cut across his chest slowly oozed blood. Elder Jackie didn’t look up and only stared at the stack of papers before him.

This is… not what I expected. Weird aesthetic. I also never expected him to have so many paintings.

Wood of an unfamiliar type was used on the walls and floor. Along each of the walls, where there wasn’t a doorway, large oil paintings were hung. All of them were scenes on bodies of water, and by their endless horizons, maybe even a sea. A few of them showed frothing waters and others great spirit beasts of the deep. Some were tranquil, depicting scenes as calm as can be Above the fireplace was the largest of the paintings, showing a massive warship. Felix stared at this painting for a moment before glancing at the still seeping wound on Jackie’s chest.

You deserve it you prick. Messing with my book stacks.

“Disciple Felix.” Said Elder Jackie. “I was expecting you to be here sooner.”

“I would have been,” said Felix, his left eye twitching. “But someone knocked over all my carefully organized books and notes.”

“Ah…” said Elder Jackie, scratching the back of his head and setting down the brush. “Well, accidents do happen. The important thing is that you are here now.”

“Of course…” said Felix, “Your rooms seem a little different from the rest of the sect. Can I ask why?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” said Elder Jackie.

“Yes.”

“…Not much tact. You’re a weird kid.” Said elder Jackie, leaning back into his chair. “Though I suppose that isn’t that strange considering your situation. But you are right Felix, my decorations are different. Not all of us are natives to this world.”

“Wait… The elemental corridors?” said Felix.

“Correct.” Said Elder Jackie, a smile cracking through his gruff exterior. “At least you seem to be listening in your lessons. A few of us elders aren’t from here. How do you think a power arose from nowhere? Rogue cultivators of a certain strength tend to be at least somewhat known. There is only one continent on this planet. Now, we should focus on your issue, Felix. Sit down.”

“But you can’t just hint and then…” Started Felix but met Elder Jackie’s eyes. Sighing, he took a seat. “But you are right. I do have a bigger priority.”

Elder Jackie watched him for a while. Then he rose from his chair, putting on a coat that was previously draped across the back of his chair. He strode toward the fire and stared into its depth. With ever step towards its flickering light, the elder’s shadow had grown. Now it dominated the room and Felix found himself bathed in it.

Alright, this all feels a bit melodramatic. You can take it down a notch Elder.

He noted that even Elder Jackie’s jacket was different from the natives. It almost looked marshal in nature but was clearly different in style from what the empire soldiers had worn.

It really is strange. After this is all done. I need to travel. Can’t know with this soul issue and the system blatantly saying my karma is tied to the sect. But to see where such things come from. The people, the beasts depicted… So many things to see.

“Felix… have you considered giving up?” said Elder Jackie.

Not again.

“…I’m sorry.” Said Felix, his hand clenching. “Could you repeat that?”

“Have you considered giving up?”

“So, I heard you correctly.” Said Felix, “and why would I even consider that?”

“You would be well protected and live a good life. Even with issues caused by you practicing that soul manual could potentially be delayed. You would have all the resources to become an expert herbalist or other artisan. We would certainly sponsor you all the way to core formation. You might even become a well-respected sage across the world.”

“Well, discounting the fact that my soul is screwed after this life.”

“What is your next life to you?” said Elder Jackie with a snort. “I certainly don’t remember my last.”

“Yeah, that isn’t a good argument. However, I already said that I wouldn’t settle. I wouldn’t give up. Not only do I have certain goals I need to take care of, but I also want to gain power.”

“Good. Good.” Said Elder Jackie. He spun in place and stared down at Felix. “What do you know of body cultivation, boy?”

“I would say that I know a decent amount now.” Said Felix carefully. “I have a decent understanding of Essence Saturation and then Essence Forging. I even know a bit about the third large realm, Body Framing. Honestly, I haven’t found much about the fourth large realm, but I didn’t think it was too big of a deal. After all, a good foundation that supports my effort is what I need. Right?”

“In a way. Your holistic approach to your situation needs to be more focused than that. The first large realm is where you get the body adapted to qi. The second is where you lose the most useless parts and replace it with something better. Then the third level is where changes really start. Once again, the purpose is in the realm name. In this realm, your body is turned into a structure designed to enact the intent of the manual. There is much more to it, but it is the fourth realm you need to focus on known. Do you know its name?”

“No,” said Felix.

“It is Body Synchronization.” Said Elder Jackie

“… I have to admit, I can’t get anything from that name.

“Think, disciple, think. What does the name imply?

“I- I don’t know?” said Felix, “Maybe you are synchronizing with the world?”

“No,” said Elder Jackie, letting out a bark of a laugh. “Such a thing can’t be done yet. Think. Think! Cultivation is all changing yourself into something greater. If you compare the first three from qi gathering realms to body cultivation, they are much the same. So, what would that imply about the fourth large realm of body cultivation?”

“It has to do with the soul?”

“Yes! So, what you are synchronizing the soul with?

“…The body?”

“Yes.” Said Elder Jackie.

“Wait… so what does that mean for me?” said Felix. Eyes going wide. “Can I even do that with my current condition?”

“You see my concern.” Said Elder Jackie.

But what am I supposed to do? I thought the different parts of my cultivation could work to support my weird soul. Maybe I need to start doing something more drastic. Demonic techniques or ghost techniques… that is normally a thing, right? I haven’t encountered them in the library yet but surely if ask the elders…

A flick on his forehead had Felix blinking.

“Elder, what was that for.” Said Felix.

“You were spiraling. While this increases the requirements to for the manual, it also means that the impact it could make on your situation is larger. Who knows, maybe a truly great body cultivation manual could solve your issue. It is the best after all!”

“Wouldn’t the uh… person not to be spoken about know of such methods?”

“Yes, I suppose you are right.” Said Elder Jackie, deflating. “Still, it should help. I have some of my ideas listed here.” Elder Jackie handed him a stack of papers that had been resting on the table. “I was going to make you a manual but after thinking about it, I am not sure what the final method needs to be to help you. If your soul fragmented by nature, one method would be to have your body synchronize with different fragments, supporting each equally. However, I don’t even know how to begin counting how many that would be much less creating a manual like that. I also will be going on my own mission soon, but these notes contain all my current ideas on creating such a manual.”

“Is it possible for me to combine more concepts like that in one body? I’m not a hydra after all.”

“Felix…,” said Elder Jackie. “You are passing the line with that word.”

“Oh, sorry Elder.” Said Felix. “But how do I combine concepts into one manual like that.”

“I told you, I don’t yet know. You will have to look for examples. Disciple Xue’s manual is one such example. Another… Do you remember how it is highly emphasized that your cultivation manual relates to either water, earth, fire, or wind?

“Yes?” said Felix.

“Well, there is a reason for that.” Said Elder Jackie. “You must not disclose what I am about to say, even to disciple Xue, though she already knows this. A large portion of the sect’s inheritance comes from the ruin of a sect that focused on these four elements. The manuals we found there were very valuable but at the end of the day, nothing truly special. Then in a dusty closest, as we found a book. It is what convinced us to use the elements we did as the basis of the sect.”

“What was it?”

“A utility technique.”

“…that is a little disappointing.” Said Felix.

“Well, it is halfway between a martial technique and a utility technique. It also combines all four of those elements to creates its effect. It is called [Four Seasons Frame the World.]”

“Wow. Can I see it?”

“You will find it back at the top of the Hall of Knowledge. I imagine it will be illuminating.” Said Elder Jackie. “Now leave me. I will train.”

“But aren’t you going to continue to help me?”

“All I can currently give are in those notes. If I do think of something else, I will tell you.”