Chapter 19: Omnipresent

"Ah! Beneath the blue skies?!" Zax recited completely stunned. "What does that has to do with the differences between beasts and humans?"

"That is something we beasts understood at the time of war between two species, but is actually related to an earlier event". Kartius began to explain in his own words. "We beasts have attempted to venture back to the world above the surface of the earth thousands of years ago. The few of us who ruled our species braved alone through the one path that leads above the earth. However, as they got close to the surface they started to sense the entities which roamed on the other side. At that time the instinct of our rulers was petrified by the new world and its powers, warning not to stay, to go back once more to beneath the earth. You must understand Zax, unlike humans, to us beast an instinct is an impulse we cannot defy, out rulers had no choice but to stride back and forbade entry to the path".

"Afterwards, occurred the event that changed our perspective of humanity. When humans attacked Valgarel for Earth's Cores, their actions taught us that humans are not confined to their instinct and are free to act on their whims even at the price of unreasonably endangering themselves. Back then, none of the Chaoyue or Zhihui beasts had attained their human form and the Shenghuo never held much of a position in Valgarel. Therefore our rulers could not understand humanity's boldness, only realizing it as the key to open up a safe passage to above ground".

"So beasts stopped fighting with humans to use them as cannon fodder?" Zax doubted his own ears. History lessons in school elucidated that the war stopped for peace. It never expounded that there was more than that. Could it be that what his Master told him was some sort of a secret? But such significant information ... Is it right for him to keep it for himself?

Kartius chuckled. "You seemed to be distressed. Were you unaware of it? Even so, what is there for you to worry about? Has it not been revealed that the Supreme Rulers traveled to the world above ground years back and recently didn't humanity send a new expedition to survey the new world?"

"They did". Zax nodded, his heart that was throbbing in an increasing pace had calmed down, and he understood what his Master was saying.

The Supreme Rulers had made the risk to go beneath the blue skies long ago and if matched with the beasts that attempted the same feat before them, although the beasts sensed the dangers, the Supreme Rulers experienced them and come back. And now, was there not another expedition that was sent above ground? There was, and one of its members was even the son of Supreme Rulers Ariel Dauch. That expedition definitely received severe instruction from the Supreme Rulers with regard to the dangers they must avoid and not lead back to New Earth. The only thing about this expedition that Zax could not tell was if it came back.

"Beasts are not using humans; we simply let you do what you do best, that is, whatever you want on your expense and our slight benefit". Kartius detected that his words sounded as if he alienated his own Martial son for being from a different species. It was not his intention and so he retracted. "Zax, whether beasts or a human, whatever those who rule and lead may decide, never forget that in this world your Martial father has one son!" He said sternly, more so because he was embarrassed than to make his point.

"I'll never forget!" Zax responded earnestly. To learn his Master's stance of their bound from his own mouth stirred Zax's heart with warm gratitude.

"Besides", Kartius proceeded. "Today it's just an old matter. As time passed and we kept learning about ourselves, we beasts discovered that in human form we can sever the shackles of our instinct for a while. Apart from that our clarity also improve and we become more attuned to the paths of cultivation, this is why we stay in a humanoid or human form unless we are in a fight".

" ... Some see it, and sum up the differences between beasts and humans, as if beasts are the servants of Nature and as such we are born with strong bodies and affinity to what it made us. And humans are the progeny of Nature, born with the power to surpass their feeble existence".

'That should suffice'. Laivien approved as Kartius's voice faded.

"Is there something further that you want to ask about us beast and our relations with human?" Kartius till asked.

Zax thought a bit over what he learned. "Why big sis and I were accepted as yours and big sis's Master's apprentices? Did you not care that we were humans?"

Kartius sighed. A voice echoed in his head. 'Are you willing to answer truthfully? Otherwise don't cover it with lies and shatter later his impression of the one that opened up for him the path of Martial cultivation'. Laivien said.

Kartius mind was set. 'Have I not solidified my place as his Martial father? It's fine for him to hear my decision from back then'. He answered back.

"The decision to recognize Martial niece Zetsa as his apprentice is between Martial niece and big brother. As to why I chose you..." Kartius raised his right hand. Turning the palm up, a Black Core was sitting on his hand. "When I found you unconscious in the Essence Cave, this stone was embedded to the mountain wall near you. I initially accepted you because I could not refine this Black Core and learned from Martial niece Zetsa that you, somehow, claimed to have a similar stone in your dantian. It is shameful of your Martial father to admit, but I asked for big brother to allow Martial niece to bring you over so I could uncover the mysteries of the Black Core". Kartius added. "Unfortunately, the Black Cores seem to have their own will, and cannot be refined or taken to the dantian like regular Earth's Core ... Nevertheless, that doesn't matter anymore, Martial son". He emphasized the words 'Martial son', for Zax to feel again their significant and not take for granted his previous shrift.

Kartius's hand sank and the Black Core in it disappeared.

'The other Black Core is in Master's possession!' Zax was stunned. 'The reason Master was willing to accept me... ' Despite the initial selfishness, Zax was adamant in what his bound with Kartius meant for either of them. And was he not the same? Did he not come after his big sister so he could be given a chance for his own dreams and desires?

After nearly three years, both Kartius's and Zax's desires became secondary to their Martial father Martial son bound.

"Let's move on". Kartius said to Zax. "I'll tell you why I decided to send you to the Savage Caves".

"Master!" Zax showed once more his attentiveness.

"There are several variables, but why now and empty handed was because of and for your soul. For starters, due to the modification of the Black Core to the Seven Stages Of Bodily Refinement, the principals of Pain and Destruction could not forge your temperament. You see, by constantly undergoing Pain and Destruction the soul receives the traumatic implications that the body goes through. Remember the pain you felt when you first left the protective formation that surrounds the cabin? Imagine being immersed in such maddening pain over and over again without being able to overcome it until there is no smoky mist that can harm you. The aspect which deals with all of it is the soul and the consequences ... I will only say that it's similar to the savagery of the Savage Caves".