The Exalt Cultivation Fantasy

Act 1: Blue Ocean Pavilion - Chapter 142: Pavilion Master

Attack simultaneously; Oscar had always struggled with this concept when trying to coordinate with his deer anima. However, it wasn't an issue if it was his own body. It only required more concentration to split the Reis into different parts of his body.

The principle of Reis was to be versatile with the physical power that flowed from anything. Oscar laughed at himself for being so blind not to realize that. There was much more to Reis than his inept assumptions.

"Nicely done." Draven applauded. "During our One-Step Duel, we only went so far as to fight with a single outlet for the Reis. The Adamasreis only spreads and contains it, but if we can spread the Reis around, then we should be able to expel it from anywhere."

"But the power is not on par." Oscar clenched his fists that were trembling. The dual punches were weaker than his single punch and did not repel the pressure back as far.

"Power is unnecessary. What is important is the right use for it. Although it wasn't as powerful, you repelled the pressure in two places. This is a good time to rest for a full day." Draven said some unusually kind words.

"How long had I been in here?" Oscar asked. He had lost track of time while in here.

"One week. I got your things from outside."

Oscar frowned; One week flew by in an instant without him realizing it. He only had six months to learn everything he could from Draven. Oscar seemed reluctant to take a long rest with the clock dwindling.

"Rest." Draven spouted a single word, but it held an authority that would not be opposed.

Oscar nodded, sat down, not minding the cold, wet floor, and started meditation. His chains were undone, and Ein returned to invigorate his body. Since Oscar was taking a break from Reis, it was time to train more in Ein.

"That's not resting, but I'll allow it." Draven was about to say more, but he suddenly turned his head up. He dropped a full day's worth of food and disappeared without saying a word.

Oscar remained silent and continued absorbing Ein with the help of the purifying ataerstone.

…….

In the numbing darkness of the depths, Draven stood atop the tip of the spire of the Abyss Prison. His hands were clasped behind his back as he lifted his chin, exuding arrogance. His voice reverberated through the deep ocean in a powerful shockwave.

"Is my Master so ashamed of me that he can only watch from afar?"

The waters remained still after the shockwave of Draven's voice that lasted like a single ripple. There was no response, but Draven turned around and saw a crack forming in the waters. The crack continued to enlarge until it splintered into several pieces to reveal a swirling green vortex.

"Calm down. I thought I had taught you etiquette and manners, but lately, you've become more unhinged." A man stepped forward with faint wrinkles on his brow. He wore simple blue robes without any designs or lining and looked like a normal peasant middle-aged man with a bald head and no facial hair.

However, his green eyes held awe-inspiring power, and the waters themselves were moving not to wet his clothes. He floated down to the terrace of the Abyss Prison, which had a barrier to keep the waters out, and sat down, massaging his legs.

"Lately, my legs have been uncomfortable." The man's ancient voice was soft and uplifting, which made one feel at ease. "There's a saying among the common populace that it is a sign of coming ordeals."

"For one as powerful as you, Master, that sounds like a load of horseshit." Draven appeared by the table and poured out some tea.

"Language!" The man shouted, then shook his head with a sigh.

If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

"So why is the Pavilion Master here to visit the wayward disciple he banished to the Abyss Prison." Draven sat down in a hunched position like a predator waiting to pounce.

The person in front of Draven was his accursed master, the esteemed Pavilion Master of the Blue Ocean Pavilion, Remulus Grant. Despite his poor appearance, he was a terrifying King Exalt who commanded respect and awe from everyone except Draven.

"You know full well this isn't a real banishment." Remulus held the cup between his hands to feel the heat. "Each of my disciples has responsibilities to take up. You're the Warden, Maggie is the Grand Commander, Rob is the Great Elder, and John is the Vice Pavilion Master."

"Why are you here?" Draven relaxed and slumped in his chair. There was not a single hint of the elegance he put up with others. Towards his master, there was no pretense.

"Yes, I was about to get into that." Remulus took a sip from the tea and choked, spitting it out. "Disgusting! What is this tea?"

"That's the tea my new disciple gave me. It's the same tea they have at the Communes of the Outer Hall." Draven laughed.

"The students are drinking this? I'll have to replace that tea. They need something better." Remulus pushed the tea away; his eyes narrowed as the air around him grew heavy and stuffy. "That was what I wanted to discuss with you. Why have you taken a disciple?"

"Oh, I realize something. If Oscar is my disciple, then you are his grandmaster. Master should do something for his grand-disciple, or it isn't proper." Draven ignored Remulus's question and drank more of Oscar's tea from Remulus's cup.

A black orb floated around by Remulus, and he reached inside, taking out a small bottle. He removed the cork and released a sweet aroma, which filled the air. It would make anyone drunk, but these two were beyond the wine's lull.

"Wine made from Gold Shimmer Grapes. Want some?" Remulus brought out two metal goblets and poured the gold wine.

Draven took up the goblet and clinked glasses with his master, downing the entire drink in one gulp.

"You ruin it if you drink that fast. As for your disciple, you are correct. I cannot reject the fact I'm his grandmaster, but let him prove himself in the Ashen Grove."

"I'm sure he'll give you a surprise." Draven returned to drinking Oscar's tea. "I took him in because he's quite interesting, certainly enough to draw the attention of that bastard in the garden."

Remulus's face soured at Draven's uncouth words.

"What kind of deal do you have with him? What could have swayed my great master to allow this unknown foreign power in?" Draven continued his line of questioning.

"The deal we have is one of personal exchange. I can assure you he has no ill will toward our Pavilion." Remulus sipped his wine.

"But what about Oscar?"

"That is a mystery, even to me. He has interacted with other students in the past, but not like this. Part of our deal was that he wanted to be with the students. Perhaps he wants to take in a disciple, and Oscar fits his criteria." Remulus peered into the empty goblet with disappointment. "Your influence is outside his plans."

Draven laughed and shouted, "Well, he can die in a ditch. I'm going back, or are you here to stop me?"

"No. Your will is yours, so long as you are loyal and work for the Pavilion." Remulus opened a new spatial crack. "I had a deal with Elder Saul, but that doesn't include interfering with you. Train your disciple well and watch your manners next time."

Remulus vanished into the crack that repaired itself.

Draven stood up and cleaned the tea and cups meticulously. He looked into the dark depths and hummed to himself. "Master is master, after all. It looks like I don't need to worry about anything."

Time passed as Oscar was a month into his imprisonment. He was within the crushing waters, but his face was more relaxed against the pressure.

'Reis Awaken'

Oscar took in the Reis from every pore of his body; there was not a single spot where the pressure didn't try to crush him. He guided the swirling mass of Reis into his lower abdomen to concentrate it.

"Release!"

He split the concentrated Reis through every fiber of his body and released it all over his body. Unlike a month ago when he only used two fists, Oscar was now capable of unleashing the Reis as an all-encompassing shockwave.

This clashed against the water pressure and held it at bay. Oscar enjoyed the sensation of being freed from the pressure for a short time until it came crashing back. Oscar smirked and waited until his 'Reis Awaken' was usable again and restarted the shockwave.

This cycle continued from pressure building to release and back.

"One minute is up." Draven's voice resounded in Oscar's head.

The black waters drained back into the lake. Oscar fell to his knees and shouted triumphantly, smiling at Draven above and raising his fist high.

"Cheeky little brat." Draven chuckled at Oscar's display, but deep down, he felt a sense of pride for his disciple. "Nicely done. You have learned to split the Reis and release it all over your body."

"Thank you, Master." Oscar bowed.

"What you performed was Ripple Shroud. If you master Adamasreis more to be able to defend with it, this technique will evolve." Draven explained.

"I understand." Oscar focused his hands, and the Adamasreis spread to half his hands. "What is next, Master?"

Draven brought Oscar out of the pit.

"It's time for you to learn a good skill. Let's make you into a Fabricator."