Late at night, Sylvia could finally lie quietly in bed, while Talia slept on the wooden floorboards in the same room. Because it was the warm Season of Rising Wind, even autumn wasn't cold, and there was still some lingering heat.
I really experienced a lot today, Sylvia thought, unable to sleep. Closing her eyes, various memories and images flashed through her mind.
What exactly is the Power of essence? How big is this world? How will she establish herself and make a living from now on? Where is the future headed? All sorts of thoughts and questions tangled in her mind.
In the end, she was too tired and fell asleep in less than half an hour, her breathing gradually becoming steady.
...
The night passed peacefully.
In the early morning, the crisp chirping of birds under the eaves woke Sylvia. She rubbed her eyes, her snow-white hair slightly tousled and spilling over her shoulders and neck. Shaking her head, the young girl prepared to stand up to use the restroom, but as her feet touched the uneven, hard-packed dirt floor, she realized something was wrong and suddenly opened her eyes wide.
"Where is this..." Right, this is no longer Earth. Her chrysanthemum-blue eyes slightly narrowed, her voice tinged with emotion.
Alright, alright, better not dwell on memories. What was she supposed to do today? She groped her way up, put on those small leather shoes, and fastened the laces.
The light-colored little leather shoes paired with snow-white socks accentuated the gentle curves of her ankles and calves. Even without further adornment, there was a natural beauty to it. After tidying her dress and hair, Sylvia circled the room a few times but couldn't find anything like a mirror.
Probably there's no mirror here. I wonder what the villagers usually use for grooming. Speaking of which, she was also very curious about what she actually looked like now.
Talia wasn't here. She had clearly slept in the same room last night. Did she get up early and go out? Sylvia wondered as she walked towards the closed wooden door.
Pushing the door open and stepping outside, the bright sunlight was somewhat warm. Some villagers were already up and moving about the village. Compared to last night's perilous battle, today was exceptionally peaceful and calm.
The village square in the distance had already been cleaned, with only a few traces hinting at last night's events. Smoke rose from the chimneys of some houses, likely from cooking. Sylvia walked briskly down the gravel path on the hillside.
After last night's events, many in the village knew of this noble young lady's presence, but today was the first time they truly saw her appearance.
Out of curiosity and reverence for her noble status, most villagers watched from afar as she descended the hillside. It wasn't until Sylvia reached the square again that the auntie who had brought her the pie last night approached.
"Has Miss Tia gotten up? Would you like something to eat?" she greeted the girl. It seemed she was preparing today's breakfast as well.
"Alright." Sylvia nodded and then received the toasted bread the auntie handed her.
The bread was slightly larger than her hand, still warm. It tasted slightly sweet with some coarse bran—it was black bread, but of better quality than the usual kind.
"How is it? Can you get used to it?"
"Mhm, it's delicious." Under the current circumstances, this should be considered good food. Sylvia was quite easy to satisfy.
"I'm glad Miss Tia likes it, hehehe." Seeing this, the auntie broke into a broad smile, probably feeling proud and happy that her cooking was approved by this noble young lady.
While eating the bread, the two talked about the current situation.
"Talia probably went to help with the wounded. I'll call her for you later."
...
"We were busy all last night; many people are still sleeping and resting. We don't have much to offer you here."
...
"Captain Frien is resting in the stone tower at the village entrance. He probably won't wake until noon."
...
"Old man Pangde is probably still arranging the aftermath. How about I take you to the merchant caravan? They should have many interesting things."
Worried the noble young lady might be bored, the auntie took her to a clearing behind the village. This was where the merchant caravan had camped for the night, currently surrounded by a simple fence.
"Henry—"
The auntie waved, calling over a young man from a distance.
"What is it, Aunt?" The honest-looking young man walked over. He was a head taller than Sylvia, with a rather sturdy build, wearing a linen short-sleeved shirt.
"You accompany Miss Tia to the merchant caravan area, help carry things, and don't let those crafty merchants trick Miss Tia when they're selling goods."
"Oh, I understand, Aunt." He rubbed the back of his head, stole a few glances at the silver-haired girl in front of him, then lowered his head again, probably feeling somewhat shy and embarrassed.
"Alright, off you go. Remember to bring Miss Tia back for lunch at noon."
"Understood."
Afterwards, Henry walked ahead, leading Sylvia towards the merchant caravan area. Along the way, people occasionally greeted Henry, but their attention was more focused on the rare noble young lady behind him, amazed by her appearance and demeanor. Some even stared dumbfounded.
Faced with this situation, Sylvia could only lower her head slightly to avoid overly intrusive gazes, occasionally running her fingers through the hair at her temples for a bit of cover.
It would be great if I could buy some head-covering clothing, something like the raincoats from my previous life.
Now she began to look forward to reaching the merchant caravan's location.
Passing through more than half the village, the two arrived at the merchant caravan's encampment. There were already scattered villagers negotiating and shopping.
"I still have two bags of White Wind Root at home. I wonder if you'll take them?"
"We'll take White Wind Root as long as it's not rotten. Are you looking to trade for this spearhead?" A caravan member took out a spearhead made of pig iron.
"That's the one. I'll give you another bag of Black Gravel Wheat. That should be enough, right?"
"Enough, enough. Go get the White Wind Root."
After the negotiation, the middle-aged villager left the caravan area, presumably heading home to fetch the goods.
The girl, having listened to their conversation, now entered the caravan area herself, carefully examining the goods on display. Many were piled haphazardly in bags and wooden crates. The more valuable items were kept inside tents, including ironware, honey, spices, fabrics, and some daily necessities like candlesticks, needles and thread, bath towels, soap, and the like.
Walking among these piled goods, Sylvia looked around with curiosity, her eyes blinking occasionally as bits of information surfaced in her mind.
[Purple Turnip] (Quality: Common) - A common vegetable, stores well.
[Iron Spearhead] (Quality: Common) - Made of iron, can be fitted onto a wooden shaft for use.
...
[Coarse Salt] (Quality: Inferior) - Contains many impurities, unpleasant taste.
...
After looking around, Sylvia didn't find the kind of hooded coat she wanted, so she asked a caravan member.
"Do you sell coats here? Ones that can cover the hair." She gestured simply with her hands.
"You mean those hooded cloaks? Let me look." Shortly after, he dug out a few, but their style and quality were hardly commendable.
[Linen Cloak] (Quality: Inferior) - Sleeves of uneven length, crude stitching, probably a practice piece by some apprentice.
"This won't do." Henry, who had been following Sylvia for a while, finally spoke up, stepping in front of the girl to block the clerk's sales pitch.
Sylvia tilted her head slightly, peering past the gap at Henry's shoulder to examine the clothes. Most were of inferior quality and ugly style, no wonder they were unsold and buried at the bottom.
Moreover, she compared the size of the hood. It would probably have to be tightly wrapped around her head, forming a ball, to cover everything, making it extremely uncomfortable to wear.
"Don't you have anything better?"
"No, sorry, miss. This is all we have." The other party was also helpless; they were quite short on stock lately.
Sylvia turned her gaze to the other goods around, seeing if she could find some alternatives.
"Do you have hats here?"
"Hats? Only straw hats."
After searching for a while, the straw hat they dug out was already crushed and had many burrs. Just as the girl was about to take it to see if it could make do, a familiar voice came.
"Is that Miss Tia? I am Vandersea, the leader of this merchant caravan." A bearded merchant wearing a felt hat walked over, followed by two bodyguards.
"Hello." Sylvia put down the hat, turned, and nodded in return.
His gaze swept around. The clerk who had been trying to sell to Sylvia earlier told Vandersea the situation. He quickly understood, nodding and smiling at the girl.
"Miss Tia is looking for clothes and a hat? These items are indeed not fitting for your status. Please, come with me." As he spoke, he made a gesture of invitation, asking the girl to follow him to the inner part of the caravan where a relatively exquisite wooden carriage was parked. It even had glass windows, giving off an air of sophistication.
Opening the carriage door, he invited Sylvia to sit opposite him, had someone prepare tea, and only then began conversing with the girl.
"I still have a few decent pieces of clothing here, originally ordered by a wealthy family in the city, but transferring them to you shouldn't be a problem. I can find other channels to replenish them in the city later; it just requires a bit more effort." He displayed his generosity.
"Thank you." Sylvia nodded slightly, knowing this merchant surely had more to say; otherwise, he wouldn't have specifically invited her over.
"...I wonder where Miss Tia plans to go afterwards? If it's along the way, I might be able to offer some help." Seeing the girl wasn't responding, he stroked his beard and continued.
"I'm not sure where my family is at the moment. Perhaps I need to go to a larger city first to find channels and methods." The girl twirled a strand of her hair as she answered.
"In that case, I suggest going to the nearby Cinderstone City. It's relatively prosperous, with all trades and professions. I'm also heading there this time." Vandersea intended to use this journey to get closer to this noble young lady. As for why he believed she was nobility—such demeanor, clothing, appearance, and skin condition were impossible for a commoner to fake.
"Thank you for your kindness, but I'm not carrying any money with me at the moment, so I'm afraid I can't repay you for now." Sylvia replied politely.
"That's no problem. Consider it making a friend, don't you think?" This was exactly the result Vandersea wanted. If the girl really offered money, he would try his best to refuse; otherwise, it would be hard to use this to build a closer relationship.
"Thank you." Hearing this, Sylvia also felt somewhat relieved.
If she could go to a larger city, she should be able to find suitable work, repay the money, and as for establishing herself in the future, it would depend on other opportunities.
Just then, a caravan member approached carrying a wooden tray with brewed tea. He placed the tea on the small table inside the carriage, then bowed and left.
"Please, help yourself. This is Musk Mountain Souchong, purchased from the northern Afila Estate. It's a rare fine product in this surrounding area." After speaking, he first picked up his teacup and took a small sip.
Sylvia also picked up her cup. Her eyes moved slightly as a stream of information appeared.
[Black Tea (Musk Mountain Souchong)] (Quality: Good): Summer-picked tea, fermentation degree 82%, mixed with honey. Rich, sweet aroma, slightly astringent. Has a weak vitality recovery effect (influenced by the Season of Rising Wind's 'Blazing Sun' essence).
Seeing the tea was fine, she also took a small sip. The hot liquid flowed between her teeth, bringing a hint of sweetness.
Exhaling softly, Sylvia put down the tea. It's a bit hot.
Vandersea across from her didn't mind the heat, savoring the black tea with satisfaction. The added honey also pleased him, and his eyes narrowed slightly.
Seizing this opportunity, Sylvia chatted with Vandersea about the surrounding villages and towns.
"Besides Basswood Village here, there's a Bee Village about twenty kilometers away. They produce good honey. Then there are the more distant Iron Rock Village and Long Rope Village."
"The nearest town is Riverstone Town. Thirty kilometer west along the road to Riverstone Town is Cinderstone City. It's a city built against the mountains. It was once burned by a great fire, leaving many stones blackened, hence the name Cinderstone City. It's the territory of Viscount Snow."
"Approximately how many people live in Cinderstone City?" the girl asked again.
"An estimated 40,000 or so. No one has counted precisely." As a merchant, Vandersea had some understanding of this. A city's population directly related to market size and goods demand.
Afterwards, Sylvia learned quite a bit about the local situation from him, finally gaining a general understanding of this world.
The Regas Duchy, where she currently was, had a population of over three million, located in the southern part of the continent. Several smaller duchies were scattered around in the fragmented mountainous plains, their strengths varying.
Furthermore, from Vandersea's words, she had deduced some general information regarding essences.
This world possessed various Transcendent 'essences,' which could be understood as a form of specialized conceptual magic. They could transform into one another through specific methods, as well as weaken or strengthen. When an essence was strengthened, the secret arts and abilities utilizing that essence would receive a synchronized boost.
Ordinary people could at most choose one essence to focus their cultivation on and obtain its power. Due to race and origin, the 'Blood Law' essence was a recessive essence engraved within the bloodlines of all living creatures. As long as crimson blood flowed within them, even if they cultivated other essence classes, it would not hinder them from obtaining the power of the 'Blood Law' essence, such as techniques like the 'Breathing Technique.'
However, this compatibility only existed at lower tiers. If the obtained 'Blood Law' essence abilities became increasingly powerful, they would interfere with and affect the cultivation of the primary essence's power.
Similarly, the 'Beast Fang' essence was a recessive essence inherited through the bloodlines of many beasts; 'Dragon Pupil' was the essence inherited by dragon-type creatures; 'Spiral Fish' was the inheritance of aquatic and amphibious creatures; 'Insect Moth' was the inheritance of insect-type creatures; and 'Emerald Honey' was the recessive essence contained within all plants.
Mastering essence power was not restricted; as long as the conditions were right, humans could likewise obtain the power of essences like 'Spiral Fish' or 'Dragon Pupil.' However, compared to creatures with innate inheritance, they required more skill and resources to cultivate.
Those who focused on cultivating a certain essence path gathered together to exchange and learn, which became the earliest schools.
Nowadays, the royal authority across the lands was built upon the 'Castle' essence. Wherever there were villages or towns, formations of the 'Castle' essence were laid out. Their main bodies consisted of pillars, high towers, castles, and city walls—creations built from cornerstones. These structures subtly formed mysterious rituals, allowing the 'Castle' essence barrier to shroud villages and towns, protecting the residents within from being influenced by other essence powers.
If beasts in the wild obtained essence power, they would feel a sense of oppression and discomfort when approaching towns. Consequently, they would actively avoid these places, unless—
"Unless they are driven by a high-tier leader, only then would they have the courage to break into villages and towns." A deep, resonant voice broke in, causing the two in conversation to look up.
"Captain Frien, you've arrived." Vandersea was the first to stand and greet him. The other man, with the sunlight at his back, bent down to enter the exquisite carriage and sat beside him.
Ignoring Vandersea's greeting, Frien nodded slightly toward Sylvia. "About last night, thank you, Miss Tia."
Because of Sylvia's aid, many members of the cavalry had survived. This had allowed him to breathe a sigh of relief, and filled with gratitude, he had specifically come looking for her.
"I only contributed a meager effort," the young girl replied modestly, though she did indeed have something to request of this cavalry captain.
"I saw you using a Breathing Technique during the battle last night, didn't I?"
"That's right, it's one of my current abilities." Aside from the fate structure card, every living being had three slots for [ability cards].
"I want to learn the Breathing Technique for self-defense. I wonder if you could teach me?" Sylvia asked solemnly.
"That... isn't difficult. In fact, I often teach the soldiers and the village militia. After all, it's not some rare thing; many people know it."
"However, Miss Tia, are you sure you want to learn this? Because Tier 1-2 Transcendents only have three ability card slots. If this occupies one, it will squeeze the space available for cultivating other skills."
"Once I obtain the [Breathing Technique] ability, can I not give it up?" Hearing this, Sylvia also began to hesitate.
"You can give it up, but it takes a certain amount of time, and likely requires some potions to assist in mitigating the side effects during the dissolution process."
"I see. In that case, I have nothing to worry about." Sylvia breathed a sigh of relief.
Seeing this, Frien no longer tried to stop her. However, there were some things he didn't say—namely, that the potions required to dissolve a [Breathing Technique] were often quite expensive. But for a noble, that should be a minor matter.
"It just so happens I'll be recovering in the village for a while to prevent that Red Wolf from returning. During this week, I will do my best to instruct you, Miss Tia."
In the following days, Sylvia stayed in Basswood Village. She helped look after the wounded cavalrymen, changing bandages and treating wounds, and then followed Frien to learn the 'Breathing Technique.'
...
The Second Day
In the open space behind the village, several people stood under a tree listening to Frien explain how to train the 'Breathing Technique.' Among them, besides Sylvia, were several other young villagers, including Henry and Talia.
Due to the battle a few days prior, many people felt a sense of crisis and listened exceptionally intently to Frien's explanation on the application of the 'Breathing Technique.'
"Although the 'Breathing Technique' for strengthening the physique is much simpler than some 'Meditation Methods' for training the spirit, it's already quite good if one in ten people can learn it. If you cannot master it, there is no need to be too discouraged." He warned them in advance before the instruction. Based on his past experience, on average, only one in twenty young people could learn it.
"Alright, now follow the rhythm I just described. Close your eyes and gradually adjust your breathing."
...
Sylvia stood in the back row, where she felt more at ease and it was relatively shaded. At this moment, she also began to adjust her breathing, closing her eyes to seek that rhythm and the strange cadence hidden deep within her heartbeat.
The open space fell silent. The eight young people all carefully felt their own heartbeats and breathing, slowly following the steps to adjust their breath so that it gradually synchronized with the rhythm of their hearts. Some kept their brows furrowed throughout the process, unable to perceive any change; some seemed to sense a slight difference but still couldn't grasp it, only able to repeat the effort in vain; and some couldn't even keep their breathing steady, their emotions gradually becoming agitated.
Looking at the few people before him, Frien shook his head inwardly, feeling that not a single one had hope of learning it. If they truly had talent, it would have been discovered long ago. He remembered that the Village Chief had been an adventurer in his youth and already knew the Breathing Technique; he surely would have tried to pass it on to these children on regular days.
Baron Holling's territory had eleven villages, each with about 300 people. In each village, there were about a dozen who could master the 'Breathing Technique.' Subtracting the elderly and those who had gone out to make their way in the world, only four or five remained in the village.
He remembered that in Basswood Village, those who currently knew the Breathing Technique were only two hunters, two security patrollers, a butcher, and then the old Village Chief. This was the accumulation of over a decade in the village. Looking at it this way, if Talia's generation could produce two who knew the Breathing Technique, it would be considered having successors.
As Frien fell into thought and memory, Sylvia's consciousness gradually immersed itself in a peculiar state. The sound of the wind and birds outside vanished, leaving only her own heartbeat becoming clearer and clearer.
A hazy sensation emerged. Although she couldn't see her own heart, an intangible feeling of expansion followed by contraction gradually surfaced. Following that jumping, blurred form, her breathing slowly became longer and her heartbeat slowed.
Every heartbeat became rhythmic, gradually aligning with the pace of her breathing. Intangible and hidden blood-red threads appeared in her mind. These threads seemed to carry an extremely faint blood-red essence, following the flow of blood in a constant cycle.
Bit by bit, these threads continued to spread, reaching into the unknown distance, then twisting and winding continuously, flowing silently within her body until they finally completed a cycle and returned to the starting point.
('Breathing Technique' completion +12)
...
When Sylvia opened her eyes again, there were no other students left in the clearing. Only Frien sat under the tree, and seeing her open her eyes, he stood up and walked over.
"I had them all dismiss first so as not to disturb you." The look he gave Sylvia held a certain joy and surprise.
"Have you studied a 'Breathing Technique' before? I have never seen anyone master it so quickly." In his memory, being able to complete the first breathing cycle within three days made one a rare genius; he had only known one such person in all these years.
This young girl, however, had spent only half an hour to complete the first breathing cycle, and the process had been exceptionally stable without any accidental interruptions.
"I don't know. I don't remember things from when I was little, but I definitely didn't know a 'Breathing Technique' until now." Hearing Frien say this, she also wondered if this body had learned it before.
"Regardless, just practice and repeat more over the next few days, and you will gradually be able to master the first stage of the Breathing Technique," Frien told her expectantly.
"There are also some precautions I must tell you. That is, the first stage of the Breathing Technique places a heavy load and pressure on the body. If you intend to use it, the duration must absolutely not exceed 10 seconds in the beginning. It's best to rest and relax immediately after use, and the total usage time in a day cannot exceed 1 minute."
"That short?" Sylvia was surprised.
"Haha, of course. What did you think this was? This is a means to decide victory or defeat. That is to say, at the most critical moment, if you are just that bit faster, you can instantly determine life or death."
"Here, take this wooden sword." He handed the girl a wooden sword and then pointed to himself.
"Try to strike me."
Grasping the wooden sword, Sylvia tried to attack Frien. As she stepped forward to swing the sword, his figure flashed, evading the blade's edge at a speed the girl couldn't react to. Then, his palm struck like a blade toward Sylvia's neck, finally stopping 2 centimeters away, catching a few strands of her hair.
"Did you see that? Just by being thirty percent faster, I could have taken your life. And the cost? Two seconds of using the Breathing Technique. Now do you still think it's weak or insufficient?" Frien said, grinning.
Only now did Sylvia truly realize how powerful and practical essence power was. Even an ordinary essence ability was enough to make an individual's strength far exceed that of a normal person, reaching the level of one against ten. Yet mastering such an ability was still a very long distance away from becoming a true Tier 1 Transcendent.
That crimson giant wolf was far more terrifying than imagined. Even Captain Frien had only been able to barely contend with it by relying on the village's 'Castle' formation.
[Breathing Technique Lv.0] (Blood Law): An unformed ability, current progress (12/100).
Seeing the information emerge in her mind, Sylvia once again felt a surge of anticipation and motivation, wanting to know what it would be like once she had completely learned the [Breathing Technique].
"Hahaha, are you exceptionally excited? I also have several sets of techniques for the sword and spear. Since I'm free these few days, I'll teach them all to you as well."
"Just knowing the Breathing Technique isn't enough; it must be paired with suitable techniques, as well as the courage and will to fight in the end. You will understand later that only when these are combined do you have a chance to truly set foot on the path of pursuing essence power." As he spoke, he seemed to recall certain things deep in his eyes, his voice full of emotion.
"I understand. Thank you, Teacher." Sylvia bowed respectfully.
—
essence [Blood Law]: The pulse of blood and life, the first sound and surge in the world, the beginning of all flesh and blood life, and the proof of survival.
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Just dump your powerstones, hit me with them....(Bonus chapter for 150 powerstones)