Start of my cultivation journey!

"I am afraid, masters, that you won't have any time to rest after the voyage. Your five day delay was dangerously close to missing the required time of attendance for the participants. We have prepared a carriage that is waiting for you at the gate. It will be driving at full speed, and will reach the destination two hours before the allotted time. Please, this way masters" 

The leading attendant, whose appearance was identical to a stereotypical butler, was curious about who Samuel was, but knew it was not his place to pry. As such he lead the way, treating him with the same level of respect he showed to the rest.

"Thank you, Calvin. I apologize for the delay, we encountered a problem with a vicious group of sea bests on our way over, and got rerouted on our journey. Lukas, Quinn follow Calvin to the carriage. The tournament starts tomorrow, I'll be there to spectate. You need to prepare yourselves mentally on the carriage ride over. Understood?"

"Yes, Uncle Merling"

Merling nodded. "Good luck!"

"Samuel, are you sure you don't want to go with them? Even if you don't want to participate, you can spectate. It can be a good opportunity to gain some experience"

"I am sure. Thank you for offering though. I'll be taking my leave now, until next time"

After saying this, Samuel, without turning his head, walked out of the gate into the grand streets of Stargate Port. 

'My cultivation adventure starts now! Watch out world, the Supreme Overlord of Time is about to rise through the heavens'

…

In a very, very decrepit, wet, moldy and dark dungeon-like cell was a horribly disfigured and bloody figure. Chains seared into his flesh, barely breathing with only two noises produced by him. A light whimpering, that probably hurt more than it helped, and a sickening, disgusting gurgling sound coming from a hole in the person's throat. 

Rattling keys sounded from the other side of the door. Shortly after, it opened. From it emerged a weak glow emitted by the torch held in the hands of a figure. The figure could not be properly seen, but it was clear it was a female. Her feminine voice soon asked, "still not ready to talk?"

The prisoner, as if out of instinct, started to tremble. His wounds aggravating, causing a loss of more blood. In the weakest voice that can ever qualify as a voice, he whispered, "I don't…know anything about…what you are asking", The figure clearly wasn't done talking, he just needed time to 'recharge', before continuing. "I don't even know them. All I know is their family name, where they live and their names. The man is a runemaster, and the kids are just normal talents. I don't know anything more". Clearly exasperated at the situation, he forced himself to talk continuously, at the cost of his physical health. 

"You keep saying that, and I keep not believing you. You arrived on their ship, clearly you know them. So why bother to lie to me, it only makes the situation worse for you. Tell me what I want to know, and I'll give you a healing elixir, new clothes, remuneration and then let you go. Why be so stubborn?"

Indeed, the figure lying so miserably on the floor was Samuel!