Sacred Arts

26. Until We Meet Again

Two days flew by, and it was time for Master Shawn, Master Jacob, Jess and Amon to continue their journey. Masters Shawn and Jacob were in the ascended realm, so they were able to fly, but since Jess and Amon couldn't, the two masters agreed that it'd be best to continue their journey on foot. If the two masters flew, they would be able to make the journey in about a week's time, but since they decided to go on foot, the journey would take double the amount of time. All throughout the journey, Jess and Amon learned a lot more about the world of martial arts and just how much higher their levels of cultivation could potentially reach. "I'll explain to you both the different realms of power that I know about," Master Shawn said.

"First you have the Human Realm that, similarly to every other realm of power, is broken up into three stages." "The mind ranks one through three, the body ranks four through six, and the soul ranks seven through nine." "At each stage, no matter the realm, you are strengthening a core part of your being." "The mind stage is your mental energy growing, the body stage is your physical energy growing, and the soul stage is your willpower growing," Master Shawn added. "Now, specifically in the human realm, at this level of power, you are learning how to channel your energy, control your energy, and utilize it to strengthen your attacks."

"Next is the Spirit Realm, which allows someone to start utilizing their soul power and not just physical strength." "An example of soul power is being able to summon a soul beast's power and into reality to aid you in battle," Master Shawn continued. "After that is the Ascended Realm, which allows someone to begin utilizing their willpower, gaining the ability to fly short distances and comprehend attribute energy." "What's beyond the Ascended Realm," Amon asked intrigued. "That would be the Demi-Human Realm," Master Shawn answered.

"Is there anything beyond that?" Jess asked curiously. "I'm absolutely sure there is, but my knowledge ends at the Demi-Human Realm," Master Shawn replied, laughing. "Not much is known about warriors that have reached the Demi-Human Realm," Master Shawn said. "They are quite rare," Master Jacob added. "I do know they can fly further than us at the Ascended Realm, and they can comprehend at least two types of attribute energies," Master Jacob continued.

"How long does it take to reach the Spirit Realm?" Amon asked. "To be honest, that depends on the talent of the cultivator, but the average person takes three to five years after beginning their cultivation," Master Shawn answered. "Barry was able to reach the first stage of the Spirit Realm at just fifteen years old," Master Jacob said amazed. "Yeah that young man was very talented," Master Shawn chimed in. Eleven days had passed in the blink of an eye, and Amon's group were quickly approaching a mountain that had two paths going around it but in opposite directions.

"OK, here is where we will part ways," Master Shawn said to Master Jacob. "I'll be taking Amon to the Village of The Shadows and you will take Jess to the Amazon village," Master Shawn informed Master Jacob. "Say your goodbyes you two," Master Jacob told the young warriors. "It may be quite some time until you see one another again." He continued. "You stay safe and become very powerful, so the next time we meet we can spar," Jess said with tears welling up in her eyes.

"I will, and you take good care of yourself too." "I know you are going to mature into an even more beautiful and mighty warrior," Amon told Jess, with a sad smile on his face. Jess hugged Amon tightly and Amon hugged her back. "OK both of you, it's time to go," Master Shawn said. Amon watched Jess and Master Jacob walk away until they disappeared from his view before he turned to head in the other direction with Master Shawn.

"What can you tell me about this village, Master?" Amon asked. "The village you are going to, the warriors there are known as the King's Shadow," Master Shawn replied. "They are powerful, and their skills aren't common among cultivators," he continued. "Now I'm unsure exactly why Headmaster Edward chose this location for your training, but I'm sure he must have his reasons," Master Shawn stated, with a confused look on his face. "The village is home to all assassins," Master Shawn added.