Chapter 02: Maple Town

In the StarHaven lower realm, there is only one large landmass named Haven Continent, surrounded by an Endless Sea and some small islands. The continent is governed by five big empires, each ruling over several small kingdoms under them.

"So, just the typical aristocratic system, huh?" Asty said after listening to Aadi's evaluation of the Starhaven lower-realm.

Currently, they were sitting on a hill, gazing at the walls a little distance away from them.

"What about the power system?" Asty asked, looking away from the walls.

"Well, it's simple actually. This realm, or should I say this whole world, comprises an energy known as Profound Energy, and the people who practice and use this energy are called Profound Artists," Aadi replied.

"So, just the cultivation system," Asty said in a monotonous tone.

"Why are you asking me all this? Just check for yourself," Aadi asked.

"I've sealed almost all of my cultivation so I could truly enjoy this adventure with you. So, I suggest you also do the same, try to live like a normal person, and maybe you could get something unexpected," Asty said, and Aadi almost saw a halo forming above her head.

Only after listening to Asty did Aadi check her cultivation, and he had the urge to smack her head off after what he saw.

'This is what you call normal? Find me that normal person who can literally erase hundreds of Azure Divine Worlds from existence with just a snap of fingers!'

Although Asty had indeed sealed almost all her powers, her existence is special in itself, so how could she be anything normal?

"Anyways, I'm not going into details. Just remember there are five Saint Lands behind each of the Empires and a bunch of sects and academies spread all over the world."

"As for cultivation stages, they are:

★ Foundation Profound Stage

★ Essence Gathering Profound Stage

★ Spirit Profound Stage

★ Origin Profound Stage

★ Earth Profound Stage

★ Heaven Profound Stage

★ Ruler Profound Stage

★ Saint Profound Stage

★ Monarch Profound Stage

And the last one, Divin-"

"Yeah yeah, I don't want info dumps. Let's go." As Aadi was explaining details about the power system, Asty jumped off his shoulder and interrupted him.

'But you're the one asking,' Aadi wanted to yell at her, but he kept it in.

"What are you doing?" Aadi asked as he watched Asty change her overall appearance; though she looked the same, previously she looked majestic like a Beast God, but now she looked like a neighbourhood cat.

"Why am I not surprised?" Asty sighed upon hearing Aadi's questions and said, "Just change yourself too. Do you think these mere mortals will be able to withstand our presence? Especially those eyes of yours, even those old monsters of Celestials will lose just by looking into your eyes, let alone these mortals."

Only now did Aadi understand, so he changed himself into an ordinary 25-year-old young man with plain clothes.

Now, Aadi had sky-blue eyes with an above-average face, and white-silver coloured hair, with a height of 5.9ft. As for Asty, well, she became what she is... a white cat.

Aadi picked up Asty and put her on his shoulder, but she climbed onto his head and said, raising her little paw, "Let the ride begin, my unworthy mount."

Aadi's eyes began to twitch upon hearing this, and he held her face in his hand and...

"It's an RKO out of nowhere!"

... slammed her head hard on the ground.

Asty stood up and growled at Aadi, "YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS HUMILIATION!" She jumped on him, her intentions clear to scratch his face.

Of course, Aadi didn't stay still and counterattacked, and it was at this moment that the 1000-year blood war began.

After 'playing' with Asty a little, Aadi arrived at the entrance gate of the town and entered the town.

As it was only a little town with mostly mortal people living in it, it didn't have much security or checking, so people could come and go as they wished.

However, there was something that attracted Aadi - the big Maple Tree at the entrance.

"So this is the reason it's named Maple Town." Aadi stared at the big tree and mumbled, "But it clearly has Divine aura in it, so why don't the Practitioners have used it?"

"Ignorance isn't always bliss," Asty answered upon hearing Aadi's mumblings.

Aadi hummed in agreement and said, "Well, what's it got to do with us anyway? Let's see around how we can open our bookstore here."

Aadi began wandering around to get familiar with the town.

After around 2 hours, Aadi had travelled and visited all the places of the town and arrived at a half-broken house at the corner of the town.

Currently, Aadi and a middle-aged woman were staring at each other as if they were in an eye-blinking contest.

"Are you sure, boy?" The middle-aged woman, Rose Milan, the owner of the house, asked Aadi once again, "Why do you want this house where even birds won't sh*t? The only good thing this house has is its peaceful environment and that restaurant a little distance from here."

"I'm sure, Aunty Rose," Aadi replied politely. "Besides, I only have money for this, and as I'm going to open a bookstore here, it needs a peaceful environment, so this is a perfect place for it."

"What you say is also true. Fine, since you've decided, just make the payment, and this house is yours from now on." Rose said as she handed Aadi a wooden plate with some characters written on it.

Aadi took the wooden plate from Aunty Rose and handed her a few coins. After confirming the money, Aunty Rose went on her way.

Aadi turned his face towards the house and raised his hand, but before he could do something, two little paws blocked his eyes.

"What is it, Asty?" Aadi asked and put his hand down.

"Normal, remember?" Asty reminded Aadi again. "Money is okay, but you're going to make the bookstore without using your power."

Aadi remained silent for a while, then said, "Fine, I'll do it, but you're with me into this."

"But what can a little and weak cat like me do?" Asty asked innocently.

Aadi just snorted and walked to the house, which was going to be his home from now on.