Chapter 21:

Chapter 21

Journey of the Damned


The group continued eating their meal. They were enjoying their long awaited meal but Elijah thought of something once again.



Elijah: "Jin you mentioned that if we get the help of the dark elves we can also get the dwarfs on our side. Why is that?"



Jin: "Well it is all because of the ancient alliance made between the dark elves and the dwarfs."



Ken: "An alliance?"



Jin: "Yes it is an alliance one which was made a very long time ago.  Do you want me to tell you the tale?"



Sarah: "Is it interesting to listen?"



Jin: "Oh yes it is very fascinating to listen."



Sarah: "OK then please tell us."



Jackson: "Could you please explain to me about all the races we will encounter first because I am not aware of these other races."



Jin: "Sure for now I will explain about Elves, Dark elves, and Dwarfs."



Jackson: "OK Sure. Please tell me about them."



Jin: "Ah, I see your interest is piqued. Elves are a race unlike any other. Picture beings of ethereal grace, tall and slender, with skin as fair as moonlight. They possess the most distinctive feature—a pair of pointed ears that give them an otherworldly appearance. Every movement they make is like a delicate dance, a symphony of elegance."



Jackson and Ken nodded, captivated by the description. Ken was also very interested because he was always reading books and it will be his first time meeting them in person.



Jin: Jin continued his explanation "But it's not just their physical beauty that sets them apart," the Jin character continued. "Elves are gifted with an extraordinarily long lifespan. They age at a much slower pace than humans, sometimes living for centuries or even millennia. This prolonged existence bestows upon them a deep well of wisdom and knowledge."



Jackson and Ken leaned in, eager to learn more.



Jin: "Elves have a natural affinity for earth magic and water. They are masters of the mystical arts, particularly those tied to nature. They can communicate with animals, control plants, and heal with remarkable skill. Their archery and stealth abilities are renowned, and their love for music, poetry, and art knows no bounds."



Jackson's curiosity deepened. "What about their society?"



Jin: Jin's eyes shone with reverence. "Elven society is a reflection of their connection to nature and their appreciation for beauty. They build their cities in hidden, pristine locations, and their architecture blends seamlessly with the natural world. Elves seek peace and harmony, valuing the protection of their natural habitats above all."



Jackson's brow furrowed. "Are elves always virtuous?"



The elven character chuckled softly. "Ah, my friend, while elves strive for virtue, they are not without complexity. Some tales delve into their darker aspects—moments of arrogance, detachment from other races, or internal conflicts. They, too, grapple with their own trials and tribulations. They are also very faithful believers of Lady Meera



Jackson and Ken nodded, absorbing this newfound knowledge.



Lilly: "What about Dark Elves?"



Jin: "Well Dark elves unlike Elves are dark skinned but it does reduce their beauty and all they strive for is peace and yet they were ostracized by the Elves as they worship the goddess of Darkness Lady Raveena."



Ria: "It is very cruel of them."



Jin: "Well it is all because once upon a time there was a time when both Lady Meera and Lady Raveena got into conflict and it became a very big problem for those two races and both the races got into a conflict."



Ria: "A conflict?"



Jin: "Yes a conflict. It is a very long story so I won't tell you about it now."



Ria: "Okay."



Jin: "Anyways as the numbers of the Dark elves are very few so they lost and they were forced to go away to the WhiteAngel Woodlands and Lady Raveena helped them adapt there."



Ria: "Oh okay."



Jin: "Let's move on to the topic of dwarfs."



Jackson: "Okay."



Jin: "Dwarfs are the race who worships work they like to work and they are kind to those who sincerely understand their workmanship. They do work like mining and smithing, and some of them have a rare talent for rune writing."



Ken: "Oh I see but how did Dark Elves and Dwarfs end up becoming allied."



Jin: "Well the thing is elves always hated Dwarfs because they believed that mining and weapon making and also extracting ores and minerals is harmful to nature.  They were also sometimes attacked by some crazy Elves so the Dwarfs also hated the Elves. When they heard of the conflict between the Elves and Dark Elves they gladly helped the Dark Elves for the sake of revenge but over time both races bonded together and allied."



Ken: "I see."



Jin: "Anything else guys?"
Everyone except for Jin: "Nothing."



They continued eating their meal peacefully and they all enjoyed the meal. It has a heavenly taste to it and made everyone who ate it feel like they were in heaven.



Elijah: "Jin, are you the one who cooked the meal."



Jin: "Of course who else other than me cooks such tasty food."



All the girls: They all thought one single thing 'So darn arrogant.'



Elijah: "Jin, what are we going to do from tomorrow for training?"
Jin: "Did Diore tell you of the existence of other types of energies other than mana."



Apostils: "Yes he did and we also told the remaining three about them."



Jin: "Yes one of them is known as 'Qi'  It is an energy which is a mix of both Yin and Yang."



Sarah: "Never heard of it can you tell us more."



Jin: "Well it is an energy mostly used in a foreign world which is very far away. First I am going to teach you how to manifest it and how to use it and techniques which suit you and how to use them with mana."
Ken: "Is it the same Qi I read in all those Wuxia novels?"
Jin: "Yes."



Ken: "Then is it like cultivation and all those things I read."



Jin: "You guys are going to cultivate but in a different way since you guys already have mana."
Ken: "Can you explain the realms please."



Jin: "Sure mainly for every major realm there are nine minor realms and after reaching and surpassing the ninth level you will get into a bottleneck, but that will be the case if you are normal. You won't have to worry since you guys have mana. Anyway as for the realms



Foundation Establishment: This level marks the foundation of a cultivator's journey. It involves refining and strengthening the body, cultivating inner energy, and establishing a solid foundation for future cultivation.
Core Formation: At this level, cultivators form a core within their bodies, which serves as a source of power and allows them to manipulate energy more effectively. It represents a significant advancement in their cultivation journey.
Nascent Soul: Cultivators in this realm achieve the ability to form a nascent soul, a spiritual entity separate from their physical body. The nascent soul possesses great power and grants cultivators a deeper understanding of the world's laws and principles.
Soul Transformation: This level represents a significant transformation of the cultivator's soul, resulting in increased power and abilities. Cultivators at this stage gain insights into profound truths and may possess the ability to manipulate time and space.
Void Refinement: Cultivators who reach this level can refine their existence to become ethereal and transcendental. They gain the ability to manipulate cosmic energy and may possess god-like powers.
Immortal Ascension: This is the pinnacle of cultivation, where cultivators transcend the mortal realm and ascend to immortality. They become immortal beings with incredible power, longevity, and a deep connection to the Dao, or the natural order of the universe."

Ken: "Wait transcend."

Jin: "You guys do not need to worry about that since it only applies to that world. You guys will just improve further and become more powerful and reach the power of demi-gods and if you dedicate enough and learn different powers and skills you might be able to reach the level of low to mid-level gods."



Elijah: "I understand that but what is Dao?"



Jin: "The term "Dao" refers to the concept of the "Way" or the "Path." It is a fundamental concept derived from Chinese philosophy and religion, particularly Daoism. The Dao represents the natural order of the universe and encompasses the principles and laws that govern it."
Elijah: "You mean…".