Chapter 02: Maple Town

In the StarHaven lower realm, there existed a vast landmass called Haven Continent, surrounded by the Endless Sea and dotted with small islands. The continent was ruled by five major empires, each presiding over several smaller kingdoms.

"So, just the typical aristocratic setup, huh?" Asty remarked after hearing Aadi's description of the StarHaven lower realm.

Currently, they sat on a hillside, gazing toward the walls in the distance.

"And what about the power system?" Asty asked, glancing away from the walls.

"Well, it's actually pretty simple. This realm—or rather, the whole world—has an energy called Profound Energy. People who practice and wield this energy are known as Profound Artists," Aadi explained.

"So, it's just another cultivation system," Asty replied, her tone flat.

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

"I've sealed almost all of my cultivation so I can genuinely enjoy this adventure with you. You should do the same. Try living like an ordinary person—you might get something unexpected out of it," Asty suggested, and Aadi could almost see a halo above her head.

Only then did Aadi check her cultivation level. He felt a strong urge to smack Asty on the head after what he discovered.

'This is what you call normal? Show me any 'normal' person who could erase hundreds of Azure Divine Worlds with a snap of their fingers!'

Though Asty had indeed sealed most of her power, her very existence was too uniqueand powerful to be anything close to ordinary.

"Anyway, I won't go into details. Just remember, there are five Saint Lands backing each of the empires, along with a multitude of sects and academies spread across the continent."

"The cultivation stages 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 finally, Divin—"

"Yeah, yeah, I don't need an info dump. Let's just go," Asty interrupted, leaping off his shoulder.

'But you're the one who asked,' Aadi wanted to shout but held back.

"What are you doing?" he asked, watching Asty alter her appearance. She looked the same but no longer carried the majestic aura of a Beast God, resembling instead an ordinary neighborhood cat.

"Why am I not surprised?" Asty sighed. "Just change your appearance, too. Do you think these mere mortals can handle our presence? Especially those eyes of yours—Celestial elders might lose just by looking into them, let alone these mortals."

Aadi quickly understood so he transformed himself into an ordinary 25-year-old man in plain clothes. His figure was still lean and looking frail because of the clothes.

He now had sky-blue eyes, a somewhat average face, whitish-silver hair, and stood at 6'2". As for Asty, she became what she truly was… a white cat.

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

Aadi's eyes twitched. He grabbed her face, announcing, "It's an RKO out of nowhere!" and promptly slammed her head to the ground.

Asty sprang up, growling, "YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS HUMILIATION!" She pounced on him, her intentions crystal clear.

Naturally, Aadi didn't stay idle and counterattacked, marking the start of what would later be remembered as the thousand-year blood war.

After 'playing' with Asty for a while, Aadi finally reached the town's entrance and stepped inside.

Since this was a small town populated mostly by mortals, security was light, and people could enter and leave freely. The people were also mostly mundane humans so the town was quite peaceful.

One thing, however, captured Aadi's attention—a massive Maple Tree near the entrance. It towered over the entire Town and from the from the ground it seemed to touch the heavens. The peaceful atmosphere the tree provided relaxed the tired souls and bodies of everyone.

"So this is why it's called Maple Town," he murmured, observing the tree. "But it has a Divine aura, so why haven't any practitioners utilized it?"

"Ignorance isn't always bliss," Asty responded, overhearing him.

Aadi hummed in agreement. "Well, it's none of our concern. Let's see what we can do about opening our bookstore here."

He began wandering around, getting familiar with the town.

After a couple of hours exploring every corner, he arrived at a rundown house on the outskirts of town. Rather than a normal house, it looked more like a haunted house.

There, Aadi found himself in a staring contest with a middle-aged woman.

"Are you certain, boy?" Rose Milan, the house's owner, asked once more. "Why this place? Not even birds crap here. The only good things about it are the peace and that restaurant a little way down."

"I'm sure, Aunty Rose," Aadi replied politely. "Besides, it's all I can afford, and since I plan to open a bookstore, a quiet setting is perfect."

"Fair enough. Since you're sure, go ahead and make the payment, and the house is yours," Rose said, handing him a wooden plaque with some characters carved into it.

Aadi took the plaque, gave her a few coins, and, after confirming the amount, she went on her way.

He turned to face the house, raising his hand, but before he could act, two small paws covered his eyes.

"What is it, Asty?" he asked, lowering his hand.

"Remember, we're staying 'normal.' Money is fine, but you're going to set up the bookstore without using any powers."

Aadi stayed silent for a moment, then sighed, "Fine, I'll do it, but you're in on this too."

"But what can a small, weak cat like me possibly do?" Asty asked innocently.

Aadi snorted and ignored her. He just began walking toward the house that would now be his new home. He was quite excited for this new journey as it had been so many years for his last journey. It was always fun.

"Time for the carpenter Aadi to shine!"