Stellar Transformations

+Previously on Stellar Transformations

Qin Yu confronted the bullies of Liu Han Shu with his dramatic shockwave entrance. He display instilled awe onto the onlookers which attracted the attentions of the Liu clan elders. With the elders, clan leader, Han Shu’s father and another unknown guest at his door step, now what will Qin Yu do?

…

“This one is the Liu clan’s clan leader, here to greet Mister Qin. We are unsure, to what fortune, does Mr. Qin wish to do here on this little planet – Amber Moon. If there are anything within my clan – Liu house, can handle, please allow us to do so. On Amber Moon, I of Liu clan at least have some capabilities.”

Qin Yu allowed a faint smile to show on his lips, pointed at a seat on the left side, the kind aimed for guests. “Sit.”

The clan leader immediately sat down.

Qin Yu looked at the leader mildly, “We won’t talk about my business, there is something far more important to discuss than my business. You see, here on Amber Moon, I took on a disciple. But, I discovered that someone dared to insult my disciple, and that someone was his own brothers of his generation. Liu clan leader, about this matter, can you explain to me why this is so?” Standing behind Qin Yu was Shuo Yan, who smiled coldly, eyes flashed with hidden intent. “Oi, scion of the Liu clan, you better wise up. If you listen well and aid my master, then perhaps your clan may prosper, but……if the master isn’t happy with you, then your clan may just die out, unexpectedly.” She hit the bull’s-eye. What Qin Yu needed the most was a star map, he did not care for power.

There are many ways he could go about acquiring this star map, except that Qin Yu chose to use this particular method: manipulation and negotiation with these ‘major’ families. Of course, that would be the climax of this whole discussion.

“Bullying? Hm, how should we go about this?” The clan leader asked no one in particular, then smiled lightly. “This was a problem that arose from internal clan competitions between those children. To this, I promise one thing, and that is those things will never happen again.”

“You swear it?” Qin Yu answered with a short, dry laugh, “I find it hard to believe in your supposed promise.”

Han Shu shifted uncomfortably on his feet, he lowered his head in his master’s direction, and whispered, “Master, the clan leader’s words are quite influential.”

Qin Yu laughed with a hint of sarcasm. “You foolish apprentice, I don’t even know what to say to one like you.” Han Shu was only a twenty-five years old practitioner, who haven’t seen much of the wider world. A man with such tunnel-vision and naivety, would only feel honour at the sudden appearance of the greatest pillars of his Liu family present today. Indeed, Han Shu felt he was drifting and fluttering about on cloud nine, and hearing the clan leader’s promise, he was already convinced. He couldn’t help add his two-cents to aid the elder.

…

“Very well, let this be. Since Han Shu has said the matter is no longer a problem, then let bygones be bygones.”

The clan leader smiled – sly smile, as if this whole ordeal was just a façade. “I noticed that the holy equipment on my own Han Shu is quite extraordinary. It seems it can transform and reshape itself…such wondrous holy equipment, it must have been yours, right? Such equipment, was refined by Mr Qin?”

Qin Yu confirmed it. He knew the reason why the clan leader was paying him such compliments. The proposition of any clan leader was to improve their impression they would leave on him, Yun Lu was not an exception. He must admit, so far the group has been quite sensible, and not bull-headed. “Liu clan leader, weren’t you inquiring about my business here on Amber Moon, right? Well, I do have one affair of utmost importance, I wish to trouble you for. Of course, I will provide suitable……rewards for.”

The fellow’s eyes actually twinkled and hastily asked, “Whatever are the rewards……if I can help, I will certainly do so.”

“No, not to aid me without compensation. I am not one to leave my debts unpaid.” Qin Yu shock his head.

“Well then, If Mister Qin, does not wish to owe anything…” The clan leader’s face brightened, “I do have a small request…I hope you could become an honoured guest allied with our Liu clan.”

“An allied guest?” Qin Yu furrowed his brows. “I am a busy man.”

The clan leader hurriedly added, “Just in name. In name only. If problems arise, and you are free, then you could aid us…But don’t worry, we will not come to seek your aid.”

“If it’s like this…” Qin Yu thought for a moment under the watchful gazes of all the guests, including the unnamed visitor. “Alright. I accept.”

“That’s fantastic. Please, this is a gift for any honoured guest hired by the Liu clan. Every honoured guests are given the same treatment. Please accept this, as a sign of goodwill.” A small assorted goods appeared on the nearby table.

At closer observation, it was a Token of Authority. An opal-coloured, transparent bead. And finally, ten high grade holy elemental stones.

“This token is inscribed with the mark of the Liu clan’s honoured guests. Anyone of the Liu clan are to carry such an item with them. This bead is a ‘voice transfer talisman’ bead, it may not be very expensive but to acquire may be met with some difficulty. These ten high grade holy elemental stones are for the gentleman to train with.” The clan leader had a smile plastered on his face the whole time he gave his explanation.

Qin Yu widened his eyes, and smiled lightly, “This is quite generous.”

High grade holy elemental stones are something Qin Yu did not even care about. He hadn’t even assessed how many high grade elemental stones, he has within his Nine Swords Immortal Mansion. He only knew he had a lot…at least several thousand. But a ‘Voice Transfer Talisman’, this was the only thing he desired.

It’s true that the voice transfer talisman does have an effective range, but on the same planet, no matter how large, is very efficient. If the distance between two planets are close, then it would be barely possible to communicate between them. In the immortal planes, only using the voice transfer talisman can one communicate over long distances, a standard voice transmitter would not work. The range should cover up to two planets.

If one wished to communicate to distances greater than the range of one or two planets, you would need to be inside a greater formation of communications. Only within this greater formation, can one be able to communicate, say, from the immortal realm to the demon realm. With the talisman and the formation, the voice transferred messages could be convey over ‘very’ large distances – practically encompass most of the immortal plane. The only drawn-back was that the formation was very difficult to create.

What he needed right now was precisely this, a voice transfer talisman bead. “Well, since Liu clan leader is so insistent, I will have to accept.” He calmly stored the three gifts.

“Now, tell us about the task, Mister Qin. Any matter of an honoured guest of the clan is a matter of the entire clan. We will seek ways to fulfil the task.” Liu clan leader affirmed.

A small smile flourished on Qin Yu. “To be honest……my senior martial elder wishes to go to the demon real, but lacks a star map. I was wondering if the Liu clan leader could help obtain such detail map of the stars.” As if by design, a helpless expression adorned his face.

The moment the guest heard that the desire was to go to the demon realm, brows wrinkled with distress, which changed to faint understanding. The men knew that Qin Yu had many demon guards, and likely to have some connection to the demon world. So if the elders from Qin Yu’s side wished to go to the demon realm, it wasn’t an outlandish desire.

“This……interstellar map…..is……” the clan leader stuttered, deep in thought, “Mr. Qin, honestly speaking, star maps are very rare and also very precious. These maps are created by interstellar merchants through trial and error, and unlikely to part with a copy of it. These entrepreneurs often record the path most suitable for their goals and shortcuts, often are incomplete. So even finding a detailed copy of a local star map is very difficult.”

He obviously had already thought of this. During the years of turmoil and revolutions on the Qian Long continent, maps, in general, were regarded as priceless treasures. In terms of civilisation stage, the immortal plane has boundless stars and planets, mapping these this boundless space was immeasurably more difficult than mapping Qian Long. Therefore maps were a sight for sore eyes.

“Of the entire Liu clan, we only have one complete map of the Indigo Bay star field. As you may know there are ten galaxies within it, and of that, each has hundreds to thousands of planets with habitants and human activity. Do you know how much this map would cost if given a quote in the current market?” the clan leader spoke rather breathlessly.

“Hm, I do not know. Please, enlighten me.” Qin Yu gestured.

“One million! And that’s only the wholesale price.”

He understood what the elder meant by a million, as in one million low-grade holy elemental stones. In other words, it was one hundred high-grade holy elemental stones, was a very expensive item! “Oh, then why aren’t there any market prices available?”

“Our star map of the Indigo Bay star field, was something my family was very fortunate to acquire a thousand years ago. Even the two other great families of Amber Moon, that Yan clan nor Wang clan, could not have such a complete map of the star fields.” The clan leader asserted with an unyielding expression.

When Qin Yu heard this, he instantly knew that the clan leader holds this map in high regards. Obviously, the fellow wanted him to show more gratitude towards the Liu clan. “Clan leader, what I desire is a detailed map from here to the demon realm. That is pretty much the map of the demon and the immortal realm. Of course, a map of the Indigo Bay star field is already quite good.” At least with the Indigo Bay map, he would fear losing his way while traveling in the Indigo Bay’s boundless space.

With the Indigo Bay star field map, he could go to some planets with more experts. Places where major powers reside, such as planets with Immortal Emperors. Once there, he could obtain the maps of the demon and immortal realms. The chances of that are not improbable.

The clan leader frowned and wore a bitter expression. “Mister Qin, this star map is not under my jurisdiction but the Liu Ancestor. I want to help you make another copy, but this is very difficult.”

Qin Yu already had thought it would play out this way, he laughed lightly in return, “As long as Liu clan helps with this task, I will definitely remember this act.”

The fellow pondered for a second and swallowed visibly, “Very well, I will return and see if I can persuade out ancestor.”

“Clan leader, how can your authority is not on par with the Liu ancestors?”

The respondent laughed dryly, “Mister Qin, you may not know, but in my Liu family there are between ten and twenty elders and around eight honoured guests. They all have one thing in common, which is that they adhere to our Liu ancestor’s commands. What say you, do you think the ancestor’s authority is great or not?”

Finally, Qin Yu understood. “And Liu clan leader does not even feel some envy towards such authority?” Qin Yu asked, playful light danced in his eyes.

“Envy? Why would I be envious? He is the previous generation clan leader and my grandfather. Why would I feel envious?” The clan leader questioned, clear confusion showed on his face. “My grandfather is also the number one expert of our Liu clan. His authority comes with his abilities.”

Qin Yu affirmed, “Alright, our talk shall end here. When clan leader has completed my request, only then we will convene…”

The latter agreed, “Yes, farewell then.” The clan leader stood up and led his entourage, and left the house.

“Getting this star map is really difficult.” Qin Yu sighed and shook his head, “My own prowess is still too shabby. Even now, my soul force is not high enough to refine level 1 golden immortal’s yuanying. At that time, I would be able to open the second layer world of the Atlas of Ten Thousand Beasts.”

The second layer world of the Atlas? What did that entail?

Inside are a horde of demon kings, with one withdrawn, he could release tens or even hundreds of demon kings. With that kind supremacy, he would have an easier time to acquire what he desired. After all, the only power he had that was over the early golden immortal stage was his sword immortal puppet. However, the latter required him to use top grade elemental stones to power.

“I will retreat into meditation. When the clan leader returns, Shou Yan, you should notify me with voice transfer. Anything other than that, do not disturb me.” Qin Yu had already walked halfway to his own room.

A seductive voice was heard, “Yes, master.”

The two – Shuo Yan and Zang Yuan, bowed to their master.

…

When Qin Yu had returned to his room, across the hall, Han Shu and his father had struck up a conversation. Over the past decades, his father – Liu Nian Xu, had been living under the thumb of many people. Whenever he saw another person, he would have to bow very deeply, but today, he has finally regained his right to stand tall.

…

In the first layer of the human stage soul space.

In the vast emptiness and boundless space, at the centre a cross-legged Qin Yu meditated, consciously shifted from one hand seal to the next. With each complete seal, divine powers released from it. His soul force, presently at the human stage, continued to devour energy from the meteoric tear like a pair of ravenous tigers – endless hunger and evolution.

The time continued to move forward, while Qin Yu cultivated.

…

After ten days.

In the courtyard of the house, two people sat in wait. One in blue was a wizen old man, and the other was the Liu clan leader that came several days ago. “Liu clan leader and guest, please wait here.” Shuo Yan then alerted Qin Yu through her mind.

In a short while, Qin Yu emerged from the door of his room. On this day, he wore a broad smile.

“Mister Qin, allow me to introduce to you; this is my Liu clan’s ancestor.” The clan leader hurriedly explained.

As he explained, Qin Yu carefully inspected this new guest, his reaction of only so and so. “Just a golden immortal. Probably about the same level as Hua Yan.” He had already grasped the depth of this individual’s power.

“This one is Liu clan’s Liu Ming Han. Mister Qin has an incredible disposition and power.” Ming Han found that he could not perceive a single wisp of energy from Qin Yu. Ming Han was shocked, he couldn’t even detect any soul energy nor a hint of power either.

Qin Yu had retracted his soul force into his meteoric tear and withdrawn his energies into the core of his small dark star. For Ming Han not being able to detect it was very normal.

“Mister Liu is quite well-versed in the immortal’s way. I do not know if the request I asked the clan leader last time could be allowed?” Qin Yu enquired.

The clan leader turned to Ming Han. The latter replied, “Mister Qin, you might understand that the Indigo Bay map is very precious. The map not only has the common routes to human inhabited planets, but also: uninhabited planets, other special places, and it also has explanations about the stationery Teleportation Array. One example; some planets’ teleportation arrays only allow one way transfers – only in but not out.”

“Only entry but not exit?” Qin Yu starts with surprise.

“That’s right, for those one way teleportation arrays, you must rely on your own abilities to leave.” Ming Han explained, “In short, this map has many insightful information, since……interstellar travel is not a simple matter.”

A light bulb shone within Qin Yu’s mind, he finally understood rarity of a star map. “No wonder a star map was so valuable!”

“Mister Qin, this is a copy of the map in my family’s possession. It was obtained about a thousand years ago, and at my estimates, it was created about ten thousand years ago. In ten thousand years, I presume, the changes of the Indigo Bay should not be too big.” Ming Han carefully handed a Jade slip to Qin Yu.

Is was created ten thousand years ago? From Zang Yuan, Qin Yu knew that a star map made a hundred thousand years ago is still very valuable, let alone one created ten thousand years ago.

Qin Yu did not hesitate in taking the jade slip and storing it into his Blazing Ice ring.

“Mister Liu, clan leader, since the two are so generous to give me this star map, I shall owe you a favour. I do not know what you require, but as long as I deem within my ability, I won’t easily refuse.” Qin Yu already had thought that for the two to give him the map so easily, how could they not have a request of their own?