14 Ch 14

Hatzu's days where plain but filled with routine. He awoke often to mountain herbs and meditation. Although he could not cultivate the core anymore, he still consumed pills and medicine while using external cores to strengthen his body. Often, he would walk through the gardens until lunch and eat in the shade of the trees. During the evenings he would sit in meditation dealing with the woes of south star Island.

At first the news spread slowly, and he had little issues. A few months later rebels began to emerge. The majority of incidences Involved Immortal sects. Over several more months those immortals either left the southern star island or adapted to the new rules.

All things that could receive a command should be treated as mortal equals. Those who commit atrocities against other mortals will be treated as fugitives of the nation.

Beyond that he was a simple leader, his methods handed power to his people who appreciated and understood morality. Beloved by his people Hatzu's only roadblock was his cultivation.

He had consumed countless cores but felt his martial skills still slowly dwindling. On this day It was his only thought as he dropped the coins walking away from the chance to hasten his journey.

"Master Hatzu my Immortal master has sent gifts!" a junior cultivator said pulling out a spiritual pouch. As Hatzu turned around he saw the young cultivator pull out three items a stone, a flying beast, and a thin white sword. "These are gifts from the great warrior king of the western dry lands. He heard of a great core formation cultivator who faced a nascent with a single stroke and hoped to send his wishes."

Hatzu walked up to the giant bird and began to release a spiritual pressure. Hatzu had not released his Qi in several months but it was unlike the others.

When Hatzu fused the internal cores, he changed the base core and it never quite replenished with Qi. In exchange its size, purity, and density where not compatible. To avoid this re-occurring he never explained a multiple core method to the others.

The pressure cracked the buildings and ground, the mortals and cultivators all took a bow as the flying spiritual beast cowered his head in respect. He took the sword in his hand and felt his spiritual power felt amplified.

He quickly withdrew his spiritual Qi, put the sword away and marked the animal with a rune. "What is this stone?" Hatzu asked.

"It ss the soul of a multi-elemental Dragon." the junior replied, "a precious gift"

Hatzu began to laugh "My country believes in fair trade, for your life and free passage through this land but it will cost you, although this time the price is only knowledge – do you accept."

Quite scared the junior cultivator brought his hands together and asked, "What can a young cultivator do for you?"

"Give me the technique to seal a spiritual beast soul. Furthermore, tell this master of the west that I look forward to our meeting, but I have no intention of fighting a friend who would bestow such wonderful gifts." Hatzu said positively glowing as he walked away - fiddling with the gem.

Sarah was first to pick up the coins. She held it out to the crowd announcing her intentions; "We should place this somewhere for Master Hatzu."

"You hold on to it for now." Troy said walking over, "although I wish to travel the world, may I hold onto this one?" He asked the crowd before picking up the second coin.

Finally, a little girl walked by picking up the last coin "may I also travel to the Immortal land?" She asked.

"Uhm darling you're still a bit young, I think its best I take this." A young man said patting her on the head, "but I'm sure if you're ask master Hatzu he will bring you along anyway."

With this the crowed chatted for a while and slowly started to dissipate. the junior cultivator still in shock stood there as Troy walked up to him.

"How… how many core cultivators are there?" The junior cultivator fumbled out.

"Perhaps a few million" Troy said walking away casually guessing how many mortals live on star island.