12. Chrysalis Obelisk

Valeria and I stepped into the Spine Mountains in the early morning sunlight. As we stepped on the soil of the mountain I felt an immense amount of pressure bearing down on me. The pressure was almost enough to stop me in my tracks, but I soon adjusted to the feeling and was able to step forward. 'Hmm, feels like someone is watching me.' The thought passed through my mind as we stepped into the mountains. The pressure was strong but I was able to endure it. The problem was the bloodlust I felt within it. It felt like some very powerful ancient beast was watching me. Thinking of nothing more than devouring me like a snack.

"I feel like we're being watched," Valeria stated as we continued forward.

"I get the same feeling. It's like there is an ancient and powerful beast within these mountains." I replied as I looked around using my Energy Sense, keeping my guard up as we moved forward. As we carefully moved through the pass, I stopped when my Energy Sense picked up a large condensed energy source.

"Let's check over there and see if there's anything, I sense a large source of energy," I said, pointing the way before stepping ahead of Valeria, " I know I don't need to say this. But keep your guard up. I still feel like that creature is watching our every move." Valeria nodded as we moved forward, pulling the short sword and dagger from their sheathes on her belt. I followed suit, drawing out the Blood Drinker from my side and pouring some of my Qi into the weapon. The blade began to give of a very faint red glow in my hand as I kept a steady flow of Qi supplied to it. I happily noticed that it was easier for me to control the flow of Qi in my body after learning the Supreme Dao. I could only imagine what I would gain with more understanding.

[You have unlocked Sword Arts!]

[Your use of Qi has allowed you a better understanding of the sword! You now have the ability to learn sword techniques easier!]

[Your understanding of the sword has increased! Your Qi has become sharper, like the blade of a sword!]

[Qi Infused Strike; Rank: A; You have gained the ability to infuse Qi into your blade, causing large amounts of damage as you strike with your Qi Infused sword. Cost: 15 Qi per second, Deals 50% extra damage.]

I grinned as I pulled my character status up.

[Character Status]

[Name: Sam]

[Race: Human]

[Class: Cultivator]

[Level: 8]

[Exp: 0/12,800]

[HP: 360/360]

[SQ: 750/750]

[Strength: 126 (+10)]

[Dexterity: 126 (+10)]

[Agility: 111 (+12)]

[Intelligence: 121 (+5)]

[Will: 133 (+5)]

[Stat Points: 0]

[Skills/Abilities]

[Advanced Meditation, Passive, Rank: A- Allows you to meditate and absorb the spiritual energy in the world to cultivate. Cultivation level: Spirit Apprentice: 2; Spiritual Qi: 0/75000]

[Advanced Qi Sense, Passive, Rank: A- Allows you to sense and control the Spiritual Qi around you to some extent.]

[Body Tempering, Passive, Rank: A- Through the use of environmental conditions and Spiritual Energy you can temper your body and make it stronger.]

[Piercing Slash, Active, Rank: C- A powerful slash that ignores 15% of the target's armor. Deals 100% Strength damage.]

[Basic Cultivation: Rank: D; Through practice and meditation you have learned to control the spiritual energy and Qi inside your body. You have officially become a cultivator.]

[Qi Infused Strike; Rank: A, Mastery: 0.00%; You have gained the ability to infuse Qi into your blade, causing large amounts of damage as you strike with your Qi Infused sword. Cost: 15 Qi per second, Deals 50% extra damage.]

[Supreme Harmony, Rank: S, Mastery: 0.00%; Through the knowledge you have gained you are able to circulate and absorb Supreme Qi. This allows you to cultivate at a faster rate. While meditating and circulating this way you cultivate 25% faster. You gain one stack of Harmony per minute (Up to 7), each stack of Harmony adds an additional 25% to you cultivation speed (Up to 200%).]

I closed the screen in front of my eyes as we moved forward, spreading out my senses to blanket the area about 5 yards around me. I stopped moving as we neared the edge of a clearing, peering ahead I could see a massive crystal rising from the ground. It was around 300 feet tall and was shaped like an obelisk, it was a dark purple/black in color and there appeared to be small points of light swirling within. Valeria let out a gasp next to me as she saw the obelisk in front of us. I looked over at her before scanning the clearing for signs of enemies.

"Do you have any idea what this is?" I asked as I looked around, keeping my eyes sharp and straining my ears as the feeling of being watched had only increased as we walked towards this obelisk.

"I've only heard stories..." She almost whispered the words, "This is a Chrysalis Obelisk. They are unique treasures that are almost legendary, it is said that if one can study these treasures or better yet, obtain one, their growth potential will become limitless. Though that information is probably false as no one has seen a Chrysalis Obelisk in many years, or at least not that anyone has told. I know I would keep this a secret if I obtained it." Valeria was in wonder at the sight in front of her, she had only heard stories of these Obelisks and yet she was standing mere feet from one now.

"You should check it out, Sam. This could be a huge opportunity for you. I don't know what will happen though so be careful." Valeria was pushing me forward as she spoke, excitement clear in her voice. I chuckled a bit and walked to the base of the massive crystal structure. Suddenly I felt a very strong pressure pressing down on me. I grunted and stood my ground as I stared up at the obelisk.

[You have discovered a Universal Pillar! These pillars contain the power of the universe and are tied to the Laws of the Universe!]