Stargate Port

Ten days later

After approximately 270 years spent inside the time sphere, Samuel's eyes finally opened. Although it had been an extremely long time for him, the energy boost effect made it seem like a dream. A very productive dream. Because best believe, he finished what he set out to do… sort of.

"This is more than enough for now. Although it's not really a beam, rather being a wave, it does its job. Let me call it 'Withering Wave'. It's not really enough to kill someone, or even a beast, but it will be capable of making their qi turn into normal spiritual qi, effectively disabling their attacks. The consumption of Withering Wave is also a little too big. I can use it for at most six times, after that it will take some time for my qi to replenish. I can only use it in emergency situations. Luckily I anticipated this before creating it. The Withering Beam is relatively passive, so the fact that I created a quickfire, 'cost' affordable attack is so nice. I'll name this one 'Spirit Gun'."

Spirit Gun was born out of the concept of positive time dilation and condensing qi into bullets. Samuel used the time aspect to greatly enhance the formation of the bullets, as well as a temporary increase in digestion of energy. This allows him to shoot hundreds of these qi bullets per use of the attack, in the span of a few moments. And these bullets weren't weak either. Easily being able to penetrate the body of any non-peak superior mortal stage. They can block them, but it will be very energy consuming. Overall it is a very powerful, yet simple technique. 

While Samuel was basking in his own greatness, a knock came from the door.

"Samuel, we're about to dock in Stargate Port. Come meet us at the deck when you're ready"

After developing the body-engraving technique together with Samuel, Merling had developed a great fondness and even respect for him. Just having talent is not worthy of respect, but using it to improve yourself and others, even contributing to the heritage of runemasters, definitely is. In other words, Merling was becoming something of a fangirl.

"No need, I'm ready now. We can go together"

When they arrived on deck they were greeted by the very excited Quinn and Lukas. But they were quickly disregarded by Samuel, as he was captivated by the incredible scene in front of him. 

A port city spanning way beyond what the eyes could see, with a visible city wall standing at above 100 meters tall, engraved with royal looking runes. But as impressive as this was, it paled in comparison to the thousands upon thousands of massive ships, and even more normal and smaller sized ships on the way in and out of the port. Such a scene can only be imagined, but never fully described. Just know it was incredible. 

"All those people arriving are probably here for participating in the entrance exam, or to trade during it. People find opportunities in all situations. Samuel, if you need anything for your cultivation, just tell me and I'll help you pay for them. I know you're poor"

Merling was trying to be hospitable and nice, offering to buy him necessities, but all he did was make Samuel's lips twitch. 'Is he trying to humiliate me by calling me poor. How rude of him. I was even planning to posture in front of the two kids later, but now I can't do that. Damn it'

"That won't be necessary, teacher Merling. After we dock, it will be the time for us to part ways. If fate allows it, we'll meet again. Well, I do owe you two favors, so as long as I don't die we will indeed meet again. By the way, where can I find you when I'm ready to repay my debt?"

Before Merling could even respond, Lukas responded. 

"We are from the Strand family, one of the three great families of the Phoenix country. We have many different family businesses and side branches, but we from the main branch reside in the capital, Blue-Fire City. Quinn give him your badge. If you show this to anyone from our family, they'll take you to meet her. We all live in the same manor, so unless there is some unforeseen circumstance, we will all be there"

Quinn handed Samuel a golden rimmed round badge, depicting a formless, bow-wielding figure. On the back it said, 'Daughter of Bryan Strand.

"Who is Bryan Strand? Your father?"

"He is indeed our father and Uncle Merling's brother. The current head of our family"

"Does that mean you are a rich young miss" 

Samuel started developing some nefarious thoughts of living of a woman. 'She is probably very rich, and she has a high status. Not only that, her family is clearly very powerful. NO! I can't! What is this thought process? How can I, the most talented person to ever live in the entire history of the Shattered Realm, be mooching off a woman?'

Luckily he managed to kill it in its infancy. During their conversation, the ship had already arrived at a private area of the port. There one could see an entourage of people, clearly waiting for Merling and the kids. 

"Welcome Master Merling, young miss Quinn and young master Lukas"