Chapter 38 – Journey to the Blessed Land
After the intense tournament and chaotic days that followed, Flux returned to the inn and did what he did best—ordered an absurd amount of food. He sat by the window, quietly savoring each dish as if he hadn't just fought battles that would've left most Foundation Establishment cultivators bedridden for weeks.
Plates stacked. Cups refilled. And yet, his expression never changed—calm, focused, thoughtful.
The night passed uneventfully. By the time the early light of dawn crept through the windows, Flux was already up, finishing his meal and adjusting his robes. The streets of Mologan City were just beginning to stir when he stepped outside.
He walked slowly, hands behind his back, taking in the sights of the city one last time before departure. As he passed storefronts and vendors, his mind drifted.
"It's time to find the elder who'll escort me to the Blessed Land," he thought, eyes scanning the path ahead.
His destination was a grand estate owned by the prefect of Blue River Prefecture. It took him nearly an hour on foot, weaving through alleyways and open plazas, before a towering structure finally appeared at the end of a tree-lined avenue. The estate was massive, with tall stone walls, intricate carvings on its gates, and guards standing watch in ceremonial armor.
As he approached, the guards immediately blocked his path.
"Stop. State your business," one of them ordered, expression stern.
"I'm Flux," he replied simply. "I was told to meet the elder who will escort me to the Blessed Land."
The guards exchanged a glance, their posture softening.
"So it's you. Please, enter. Wait in the guest room while we inform the Prefect."
Flux nodded and followed one of the guards into the estate. The halls were wide and ornately decorated. Painted screens, polished floors, and a tranquil indoor garden gave the place an air of refined wealth. Soon, he was led to a spacious guest room where a young maid served him tea with practiced grace.
"Thank you," Flux said.
"No problem," the maid replied politely. "If you need anything, just ask."
She stepped aside, leaving him to his tea and thoughts.
A few moments later, two figures entered the room. One was a composed middle-aged man in refined blue robes. The other was an elderly man with silver hair and a calm demeanor, his presence subtly imposing despite his relaxed posture.
The middle-aged man stepped forward with a smile. "So you're Flux. It's a pleasure. I'm Herno Feng, the prefect of Blue River Prefecture. And this here is Elder Hogo—he'll be escorting you to the Blessed Land."
Elder Hogo offered a respectful nod but remained silent.
"I watched your matches," Herno continued with an amused tone. "Quite the performance. You gave the crowd more than a few surprises. Right, Shady Beauty?"
Flux blinked. "…Huh? Where did that name come from? Don't tell me that's another rumor from Ryo."
Herno chuckled. "Ryo Vercu, your companion from the Blue Mist Sect, yes? He seems to have a gift for spreading stories. Don't worry—Mologan City has been abuzz with rumors about you ever since the preliminaries."
Flux exhaled slowly, choosing not to comment further.
"Well then," Herno said, regaining his composure. "As I mentioned, Elder Hogo here will guide you to the Blessed Land. If you wish to stay in the city a few more days, that can be arranged. Or, if you prefer to leave now, everything is ready."
"I'd rather go today," Flux replied. "The sooner, the better."
"Good," Herno said, pleased. "You're not the only one we made the offer to. Xavier Reu came earlier to collect his rewards from the Prefectural Treasury. We invited him as well, but he refused."
Flux frowned slightly. "He did? Why?"
Herno shook his head. "Said the Blessed Land held little of value for him beyond the spiritual qi and plants. He preferred to roam and find his own path to advancement."
"Huh… He's really hard to read," Flux muttered.
"That he is," Herno agreed. "Regardless, since you're ready, there's no need to delay."
They stood and exited the mansion together. Outside, Elder Hogo summoned a flying boat with a flick of his sleeve. It expanded mid-air, hovering gently a few feet above the ground.
"This will be our vessel," Hogo said in a calm voice. "You may board."
Flux nodded. "Thank you."
As he climbed aboard, Herno offered a polite wave. "Farewell, Flux. I wish you great fortune in your cultivation. May we meet again someday."
"Likewise, Prefect. Farewell."
With that, Elder Hogo poured his qi into the boat, and it began to rise. The city shrank beneath them as they took to the skies, the buildings and towers of Mologan fading into the distance.
Flux gazed ahead, the wind brushing past his face.
"The weather's perfect today," he said idly.
Hogo gave a faint smile. "Indeed. Clear skies are a good omen."
As they traveled, the two spoke at length. Hogo answered Flux's questions about the empire, explaining that they were within the Aulurian Empire—one of the largest and oldest empires in the region. They discussed the political structure, cultivation opportunities, and the flow of resources throughout the prefectures.
Night came, and the stars sparkled overhead. Then morning arrived again, painting the sky in gentle orange hues.
Eventually, a thick fog appeared on the horizon, shrouding everything ahead in white mist. Elder Hogo formed a quick hand seal and murmured a few words. A barrier of light formed around the boat, parting the fog as they passed through.
"This fog is part of the protective array around the Blessed Land," Hogo explained. "It has multiple functions—confusion, isolation, and concealment from unwanted guests."
Flux nodded. "This place is heavily protected."
"It must be," Hogo said. "It's not just a cultivation ground—it's a sacred site to nurture the future generation. The Blessed Land is only opened once every five years, used for one year of intense cultivation before being sealed again to preserve its qi density."
Soon, a majestic mountain range came into view, cloaked in radiant light. The spiritual qi in the air was overwhelming—thick, vibrant, alive. Flux felt it the moment they breached the edge.
He inhaled sharply. "So dense…"
Elder Hogo laughed. "That's the reaction every newcomer has. Feels good, doesn't it?"
Flux nodded slowly, eyes fixed on the peak ahead. "It's perfect."
"You're lucky," Hogo said. "You'll be the only one cultivating here this year. Xavier chose to decline, and no other disciples had enough merit to earn entry. It's yours—alone."
The boat descended, landing gracefully in a valley filled with lush greenery and faintly glowing flora.
"You may cultivate anywhere within the Blessed Land," Hogo said as they disembarked. "Just be cautious. Some rare plants are protected by formations. Avoid touching them."
"I understand," Flux replied.
Elder Hogo handed him a token inscribed with intricate runes. "This will allow you to exit the Blessed Land, or summon help if you're in danger. Just pour qi into it."
"I'll remember."
"Good," Hogo said with a final nod. "Then I'll take my leave. Good luck, Flux."
With that, Elder Hogo stepped back onto the flying boat and soared away, vanishing into the mist beyond the mountain range.
Flux stood silently for a long moment, watching until the elder disappeared.
Then, he turned toward the vast, untouched land ahead. Mist rolled across the fields, and the spiritual energy coiled in the air like living threads.
He smiled faintly.
"Time to find a place to cultivate."