Chef in the Apocalypse

Elder Ji continued to explain patiently as they made their way down the winding stairs which took them further into the volcano. Jayce could feel the temperature increase the further they went down, however he was too engrossed in the Elder’s words to pay attention to this.

"There are 9 laws, each with 9 tiers. They are as follows: Earth, Fire, Water, Nature, Metal, Thunder, Space, Time and Darkness."

"Ones talent and affinity with the Laws are determined by the heavens. Take us humans for example, we are able to practice any of the 9 laws, whereas other races are limited to 3 at most."

Jayce’s eyes widened at these words. Was this why Earth was attacked by the other worlds? Were those who were in power afraid of the potential that Humans had?

But if that was the case, then why was this planet safe? He knew too little information to make any solid theories and he didn’t want to out himself in front of these people in case they were already under the enemies thumb.

The worst case scenario would be that the humans on this planet were aligned with the enemies of Earth. If that was true, then there was no way he would be able to secure an army to assist in the invasion 12 months later.

Elder Ji didn’t expand further on the laws after that, choosing to instead introduce the outer and inner disciple areas as they continued to go deeper into the Volcano. Jayce wasn’t really paying attention throughout, his mind filled with complications and theories.

This was one of his bad habits, though Elder Ji didn’t seem to mind too much. From his point of view, everything was probably a little too much to digest considering this youth was a wandering cultivator and had never had formal training.

They finally came across a shining silver gate which blocked the way forwards. Jayce could tell that there was a formation surrounding it based on the oppressive feeling that was emanating from it.

"This is the gate to the Core Disciples lodgings. You won’t be able to get past unless you have a token." Elder Ji said, holding up two tokens in his hands.

They were both silver in color, yet one of them had a gold trim around the edges, giving it a regal look. Surprisingly, Elder Ji handed the token with the gold trim and smiled.

"This is your Core Disciple token. Bind it to yourself by placing a drop of your blood in the center."

Jayce did so, biting the tip of his finger and sending a drop of blood onto the token. Due to his tough skin, it took him a few tries to draw blood, however Elder Ji seemed patient.

He felt a warm feeling run through his body as the token absorbed the blood. It shined a resplendent silver, lighting up the surroundings.

Oddly enough, once the light dissipated, Jayce could feel as if there was something extra in his soul. He probed using his will and suddenly his eyes lit up.

His consciousness was brought to a small storage space which spanned about 10m2 which was even larger than the spatial ring Rubick had given him. It was empty apart from a chest and crimson red robes which were laying in the corner.

"This token will allow you access to everywhere that a Core Disciple can reach and will also keep track of your merit points. Ah merit points are a kind of currency in the sect which you can use for manuals, resources and even weapons." Elder Ji narrated.

"Understood, thank you Elder Ji." Jayce bowed respectfully. The contents of this token and the clothes he was wearing currently amounted to all of his belongings since he had given his spatial ring to Lianna on that day.

"It’s no problem. Well, let’s head in so I can show you to your residence." He said, moving forward towards the closed gate.

The gate swung open once the Elder got close allowing the two passage inside. Once they made it through, Jayce couldn’t help but suck in a breath of air.

His eyes took in the sight in front of him with awe and appreciation. Seeing the rolling hills and lush green grass along with waterfalls and grandiose bridges painted a compelling picture. If it weren’t for the heat and the rocky walls, Jayce would never guess they were inside of a Volcano.

It was as if he had entered an oasis. Even the spiritual Qi within the air was almost 5 times that of on top of the mountains.

Elder Ji seemed a little wistful as he noticed Jayce’s reaction. He had only stepped into this area once he had become an Elder, yet his reaction was similar. Just comparing the Inner disciples lodgings with the Core disciples was enough to make a grown man cry.

"Let’s head down and find your lodgings. Considering it’s late at night, the other disciples should be cultivating." He said, making his way down the stairs.

Jayce nodded, feeling anticipation rising from within. Back on Earth he had been the head of the operation, blindly trying to grow stronger in order to keep everyone safe. He never would have imagined that his life would take such a turn.

Judging from what he’d seen so far, he would be able to dedicate himself to cultivating and gaining resources to grow stronger without any looming threats. However, he would not relax. Not until his world and all of his friends were safe from harm.

He made a resolution to not slack off and do his all to get stronger, using whatever means possible in this short span of 1 year.

His eyes shined as he made the internal vow, before he followed after Elder Ji and headed down the stairs.

After passing a few bridges and heading further into the valley below, the Elder finally stopped in front of a traditional 1 floor residence. Similar to the architectural style of the pagoda’s, they also looked to be Chinese influence.

"Here is your residence. It should have all you need in there already. A maid comes through every 2 days so you don’t have to worry about any upkeep and should be able to focus on your cultivation."

"There are lectures 3 times a week from some of the Elders and even the Sect Master. You are also able to secure 20 spirit stones a week from the missions hall located on top of the mountain."

Elder Ji gave a massive info dump before turning around and heading out. Jayce couldn’t see but the Elder was currently in the middle of a crisis as he spoke of all the benefits Jayce could receive.

’I only got 2 spirit stones a week and had to make do with 1 lecture per month as an Inner disciple.’ His face was twisted but he had no tears to cry.

"Ah. Thank you Elder Ji, I will see you around." Jayce said, giving a bow in his direction.

He turned his attention back to the large red doors of his new home and let out a smile.

"I wonder if there’s a kitchen."