The Price Of Becoming Stronger

Chapter 165 — The Price of Becoming Stronger

The following morning, Aether gathered everyone in the courtyard of the small residence they had rented in Stonehaven.

The previous evening had given them plenty to think about. The competition offered an opportunity to acquire valuable resources, but entering without preparation would be foolish. Astralis possessed a much larger cultivation civilization than Earth, and its younger generation had access to resources and techniques that their group had never encountered.

Aether stood beside a stone table, several purchased manuals and information records arranged across its surface.

"We have a little time before registration closes," he began. "I want everyone to use it properly. We shouldn't enter the competition with the same strength and techniques we had when we arrived in Astralis."

Lyra leaned against the table. "Are you suggesting we spend every day cultivating?"

"Not every day. Cultivation without practical experience can create its own problems. We'll divide our time between training, studying techniques, and gathering information."

Aria picked up the spear manual she had examined the previous day. "I've been thinking about this technique. Its energy concentration method could complement my Starfall Spear, but the circulation pattern is different."

"Don't force the two methods together immediately," Aether advised. "Understand the technique first. Once you know how it works, you can decide whether it complements your existing foundation."

Aria nodded. She appreciated that he didn't simply encourage her to combine everything without considering the consequences.

Lyra opened her own manual. "Mine focuses on explosive movement through thunder energy. It might improve my acceleration, but the technique seems to consume a considerable amount of energy."

"Then efficiency should be your first priority," Aether said. "Speed is useless if you exhaust yourself after a few movements."

Seris had already begun examining the medicinal materials they had purchased. She was particularly interested in a few herbs that interacted with Life Essence.

"The medicinal resources here are much more diverse. Some contain properties that could help stabilize energy circulation and improve recovery. I want to understand how they interact with our cultivation."

"Take your time," Aether replied. "We have no shortage of things to study."

Vaelira remained focused on the Silver Thread Movement manual. Its spatial principles were more advanced than the techniques she had encountered on Earth, but several sections were difficult to interpret.

She looked toward Aether.

"The technique uses spatial compression to reduce the distance between two points. It isn't true teleportation, but it could help me develop more precise spatial movement."

"That sounds useful. Your Voidmoon Physique should give you an advantage in understanding it, but don't rush the practice."

Vaelira gave a small nod and returned to the manual.

Meanwhile, Sylvara, Evelyn, and Elara were examining the regional cultivation records. They had each selected different areas of interest, comparing the available techniques and resources with their existing abilities.

Aether was pleased with their initiative.

He didn't intend to make every decision for them. If they wanted to become powerful cultivators, they needed to develop their own judgment.

After the discussion, everyone began their respective training.

Aether moved to the rear courtyard, where he had enough space to practice without disturbing the others.

He summoned his Origin Energy.

A source check points to for the author's chapter; this copy was made without the author's consent.

A dark sphere formed above his palm, its surface covered in faint silver patterns. The energy inside remained unusually stable despite the different characteristics circulating through it.

His Infinite Origin Physique refined the energy continuously, harmonizing the influences of his integrated physiques.

Aether gradually increased the sphere's density.

The surrounding Origin Energy began flowing toward him.

He separated a portion of his energy and formed five distinct manifestations.

Blackfang emerged first, followed by Ironhide and Grimhorn. The Ironcrest Mountain Tiger and Mountain Bear appeared afterward, their forms still recovering from the energy Aether had previously assimilated.

The two newer shadows remained less energetic than the others, but their structures were stable.

Aether examined them.

"Let's see how much you've recovered."

The five shadows moved into formation.

Blackfang accelerated first, approaching from the left. Grimhorn followed from the opposite side, while Ironhide maintained a defensive position. The Tiger and Bear advanced together, their movements heavier but increasingly coordinated.

Aether issued several commands.

The shadows responded, although the newer two occasionally lagged behind.

He adjusted the amount of Origin Energy supplied to each manifestation.

The result was immediately noticeable.

Their movements became smoother, and the coordination between them improved. Aether could now distribute energy more efficiently instead of supplying excessive amounts to every shadow.

He continued training until the five manifestations could execute a coordinated sequence without significant delays.

The System notification appeared privately before his eyes.

[Shadow Resonance: 57%]

[Coordination Stability: Improving]

[Origin Energy Distribution: Refined]

[Registered Shadow Imprints: 5]

Aether dismissed the manifestations.

The training had revealed something important. His authority over the shadows wasn't simply about summoning more powerful soldiers. He needed to understand how to command them efficiently, especially when fighting several opponents simultaneously.

As his Shadow Authority developed, the army's potential would grow alongside his own.

He glanced at the five shadows before recalling them.

"Not bad. But we still have a long way to go."

Later that afternoon, Aether visited a cultivation library recommended by the Adventurer Association.

The establishment wasn't particularly large compared with the libraries of major sects, but it contained useful public records concerning Astralis's cultivation traditions.

He spent several hours studying the available information.

The cultivation methods of Astralis were considerably more refined than those he had encountered on Earth. Many techniques emphasized the relationship between cultivation stages, energy quality, and foundation stability.

One particular record caught his attention.

It described how experienced cultivators refined their Origin Energy through repeated circulation, gradually removing impurities and improving its compatibility with their physiques.

Aether considered the information carefully.

His Infinite Origin Physique already performed a similar process, but understanding how other cultivators achieved refinement could help him improve his control.

He purchased access to several public cultivation records and returned to the residence.

By evening, everyone had gathered again.

Aria seemed satisfied with her initial understanding of the spear technique. Lyra had identified several problems in her movement method, while Seris had begun categorizing the medicinal materials according to their properties.

Vaelira appeared particularly interested in the spatial manual.

"I think I understand the first circulation pattern," she said. "It should help me stabilize short-distance spatial movement."

"Then tomorrow you can begin testing it," Aether replied.

Kiyomi had spent much of the afternoon following Nyx around the courtyard. The little fox occasionally tried to imitate Nyx's movements, although her smaller body made several attempts rather clumsy.

Nyx watched her patiently.

When Kiyomi stumbled after an unsuccessful leap, Nyx approached and gently nudged her back onto her feet.

Aether observed the interaction with quiet amusement.

"Looks like you've found yourself a teacher."

Kiyomi raised her head at his voice, her golden eyes shining before she hurried toward him.

Aether crouched and gently stroked her silver-white fur.

Nyx approached shortly afterward, settling beside them.

The effects of Origin Bond Resonance were becoming increasingly noticeable. Their energy circulation had improved, and both beasts seemed more energetic than before.

Aether intended to continue nurturing their development.

They were companions, not merely sources of power.

That night, after everyone returned to their rooms, Aether examined his private System interface.

His current cultivation remained at Origin Vein Realm Stage 5. His Infinite Origin Physique had reached 2.50% development, while his integrated physiques continued progressing through their established refinement process.

There were no sudden breakthroughs waiting for him.

He needed more energy, stronger foundations, and deeper comprehension.

Aether closed the interface.

Outside, Stonehaven remained lively despite the late hour.

Somewhere in the city, cultivators were preparing for the upcoming competition. Talented disciples were arriving from nearby territories, and influential factions were beginning to take an interest in the event.

Aether looked toward the distant lights.

He had no intention of remaining an ordinary participant.

The competition would be an opportunity to measure his strength, acquire resources, and establish his first reputation in Astralis.

And if someone stood in his way, he would deal with them accordingly.

For now, however, there was work to do.

His cultivation had only just begun.