Trouble on the First Day

Clay sat on a sofa as he took a deep breath.

*Exhale

Whoever came up with the idea to invent this kind of furniture deserve the highest level of merit.

Clay felt like floating on the clouds he could stay on his position forever. He has no idea how many days has passed but after leaving Division 156, he boarded another spacecraft and was sent to this unknown planet. Similar to his experience upon joining Crescent Moon Sect, he was lead to his own residence. The only difference is that, his residence now is of modern architect and there is even an Artificial Intelligence installed within the house.

For now, he was advised to relax and adapt and tomorrow he will be briefed.

“Computer. Tell me which planet we are at?”

“Greetings, owner. We are currently at Minraca Efrem Base 3.”

Clay thought he won’t be able to activate this feature but it looks like his worries are unnecessary.

“Would you be able to tell me what Minraca Efrem Base 3 is for?”

“Yes, I can. Its primary objective is to assist cultivators who have manifested 1ST Phase of Dao and whose cultivation level is below Ascendant. However as of Article 4 Seventh Amendment, those with highest potential or anyone recommended with at least Authority Level A can enter as well.”

“Ahhh…” Clay had an “ah”-moment as soon as he heard the answer. He can only guess the Magistrar may have one of those Orion Scanner and detected his Dao Comprehension level. Now that he thinks about, he is curious if there are methods to determine a higher level of Dao.

“Is there a method to determine 2ND or higher Phases of Dao?”

“There are limited-use artifacts available to Mother-Class Battleship. Please note that my functions are limited and can only answer general questions.”

Clay does not know if the A.I. will be disabled if he keeps asking questions beyond functionality so he decided to ask basic questions for now.

“Earlier I saw someone practicing Alchemy. Are fluids or potions derived from million-year-old science not accessible within this planet?”

“Yes, they are but it would cost a total of 1,000 True Merit Points when you can gather and concoct them yourself or seek help with a fellow cultivator who is familiar with Alchemy. After all, this base is not designed for contemporary cultivation.”

“And why is that?”

“Unlike with Mages, science can only do so much with cultivators. After the first rank of Ascendance, science can only be used with analysis.”

“You said points earlier. How does one accumulate True Merit Points?”

“There are only two methods of obtaining True Merit Points. The first one is completing mission within Interstellar Exploration Board and the second is available here. You must rank at least top 10 during the competition held every ten years.

One of the teachers is currently approaching your residence. His name is Kolas, a Rank 5 Ascendant. You are mandated to greet his presence.”

Clay was just about to ask another question when his train of thought was disrupted by the A.I. instructions. He immediately stood up and opened the door.

“I am pleased this respected master graced me with his presence. They call me Clay and I have just arrived here today.” Clay bowed and kowtowed with his fist.

“You know I can’t believe it when I heard that a 1ST Phase Dao cultivator came to visit our base. Most of the time, they won’t even show up as they are directly recruited outside so I personally volunteered to conduct your briefing.”

Clay noticed that Kolas did not even return his greeting even entered his residence without being invited to enter.

“It was mere lucky and quite honestly, I would rather cultivate peacefully at my home planet.”

“There is no need to humble yourself. Cultivation is about resources, hard work and lastly, luck. Anyway, briefing is just a formality and you can even ask the A.I. installed within your residence about but I would rather answer them for you.”

Clay calmly observed Kolas’ actions. He could tell that the High-Elven before him is a Half-Step Dao cultivator. Prior to Division 156, he thought that being a 1ST Phase Dao cultivator would not make him especial but after meeting with the Magistrar, he understood they receive a special kind of treatment and he even confirmed this is the A.I. just now.

If this High-Elven is aware of his status, then there should be at least a level of respect but Kolas literally just barged in and sat on his magical sofa. One must know that it would only be a matter of time before he breaks through to Ascendance yet this guy does not seem to be afraid of it.

And lastly, he was just advised that he can ask the A.I. about the content of the briefing which leads to one thing. Clay may not be as intelligent like that One-Handed Professor but at least he knows when people have schemes.

“This senior does not need to be polite. I would rather speak business rather than insignificant rules.”

Kolas smiled as he was elated the human before read his clues.

“Before we get down to business, do you know why, despite you having achieved 1ST Phase yet none of the upper echelons came to recruit you?”

“I don’t know how to prepare tea as I have just arrived but please go on.”

Kolas summoned two cups and placed above two small plates then poured on both of them and handed one to Clay.

“Because you’re a human and not that I’m belittling your Dao Comprehension but after the 6TH Rank of Ascendance, even half-step Dao cultivator of the same rank of any other species can actually defeat you. What I’m saying is that, even if you ask to be accepted as a disciple to any of the Federation Masters, they may reject you for being a human.”

“And what does this do with your proposal?”

“We’re planning to venture out to Astarea Forbidden Zone and there are only a handful of spacecrafts allowed by the Federation and the lowest within those categories is a Luvianga Series. I want you to spend all your True Merit Points and purchase a Luvianga Cat-1. You currently have 10,000 Merit Points and the moment you spend even a single merit, you will lose the best chance to obtain this kind of ship.”

Clay did not immediately respond and sipped his cup of tea. He thought Kolas is another arrogant Elf yet at least he has some descent manner and even poured tea for him. Until now, he has no idea what tea is for for cultivators but it seem to attribute to being respectful or not or even a sign of pride like that Magistrar at Division 156.

“And what exactly do I get in return?”

“Here is the plan. Not everyone knows this but purchasing a Luvianga Cat-1 is actually refundable as long as surrendered within 3 years and mint condition. In situations where it was used, one-third of the gained-rewards must be surrendered to the Federation. While it won’t be given to you, you actually have control as to where it will be allocated to. Temporarily, I am unable to tell you what that reward is but I can tell you it is enough to win the favor of any Masters who you wanted to be accepted into.”

“And if the mission fails?”

“Then I will use my position to have one of these Masters give you a chance to be accepted as their disciples. As for what happens next, you can only blame your inability.”

Clay inwardly laughed. A few seconds ago, Kolas said these Masters may turn his request to become their disciples but Kolas’ answer just now is already an indication nobody would accept him. Indeed, his plan is become a disciple of someone in power but upon learning the harsh truth, all the more he should take advantage of this transaction. As for what happens after breaking through to Ascendant, he reckons he will be joining the ranks of those within Divisions and become a miner like the Magistrar said.

“And if I die during the mission?”

“Then I as the instigator would have his cultivation crippled together with all those Ascendants who have participated. Prior purchase, there will be terms and conditions you can review yourself and you can even ask around if you have doubts. Now that I’ve stated my business, I can only hope for favorable response from you.”

Clay did not show any signs of agitation as he watch Kolas stood up and head towards the door. If everything Kolas stated is true, then there is not really a reason to decline. Besides, is it even a good idea to decline? The moment he declines, he is pretty this guys will make things difficult for him.

The Magistrar said that one needs to complete to gain the support of these superpowers and he is assuming these superpowers are the Masters Kolas just referred to. Since there is no telling if he will be accepted regardless of the outcome of the mission, the fact that he needs to breakthrough is still there.

“Wait!”

Kolas was just about to open the door when he heard Clay.

“It just occurred to me that the reward of having a chance to become a disciple of these Master is quite lacking.”

A vein popped on Kolas’ forehead indicating his sudden irritation. He had been controlling himself this entire time and under no circumstance he would negotiate with a human but for the sake of the mission, he was willing to lower his pride.

“I hope it occurred to you that one of the reasons humans are getting lousy treatment is because of their insatiable greed.”

“Thank you for the kind reminder. What I want are four spatial rings with floating islands in them. Nothing fancy as long as they are habitable and second, I want nine magic beasts with fully formed Heaven Qi Beast Cores. The lowest kind is sufficient. Even a meek rabbit would do as long as it they have Heaven Qi Beast Cores. Agree to it and I will purchase that ship now.”

Kolas was about to threaten Clay but when he heard that Clay is willing to purchase the ship now at the cost of literally nothing, his excitement could no longer be controlled. He summoned a paper-thin ipad together with a jade box walked towards Clay.

“You are one peculiar human, you know that. Place your palm here to confirm you signature and drip a blood infused with your Dao as proof of you express informed consent.”

Clay went over the so called term and had his palm scanned then later dripped a tiny drop of his blood.

“As for the final part, go hunt some beasts and I will send someone to give you medicinal vials to improve you cultivation. The minimum level of cultivation of every captain is at least Nascent level. Then six months from now, someone should deliver the ship to you.”

Clay was suddenly worried when he heard he must be at least a Nascent level. One must know that after breaking through to Core Formation, he woke up 100 thousand years later.

“Is it too late object? The last time I broke through, it took years before I came out of seclusion.”

“You have nothing to worry about. That’s natural for someone who had realized their Dao before breaking through to Core Formation. Given your foundation, six months should be sufficient for you to break through.”