Chapter 3: Clouded
A small, worn-down hut sat on the highest cloud above the Kingdom of Votlu. As the wind blew through it, its walls flaked and broke away from it in small amounts. Countless small holes were spread across it, like an ancient sieve made from mud. On its hatched roof sat an old man. His back was bent. The crooked staff in his hand bore the brunt of his weight. His breath was weak. Drawing in the air into his lungs was a battle as if clumps of dust had clogged his windpipe.
His gaze tore through the clouds and flattened the thousand-kilometre distance between him and Myriad City, the capital of Votlu.
"It seems my plan was about to bare my results," he remarked with an aged voice. "In less than a week, I'll be invincible."
The old man huffed. With a trembling hand, he searched for a ragged cloth within the pocket of his robe. He brought it to his face and wiped away the sweat.
"Just you wait Seven-Star, I'm coming for you," the old man growled. The cloth turned to dust.
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Ast touched down at the centre of the market. He barely had time to gather himself when a crowd swarmed past him. He was tempted to use his qi to create an untouchable space around him but he stopped. He braved the market crowd like any other mortal, pushing and shoving as he made his way to a stall that had caught his eye.
The flood of people gave the market its breath, as they moved from stall to store. The scent of roasted pork and sweat of the common people hung in the air, as thick as bricks. Ast's nose was used to the Academy's cleaner air filled with vitality and qi. He rarely came down the mountain. For the past three years, he'd been at Myriad Star Academy, the amount of time he descended into the bustling city never amounted to five.
The stall that caught his eye had bright blue bags hanging from a pole. Its overall appearance was no different to the other stalls. It was rundown. Two iron poles, rusted and on the brink of collapse, supported the roof from behind. While dry decaying would support its front. A black plastic bag was draped over the simple four-wood frame that made up the roof. Bags, sticks, staves, swords, and food items squashed against each other in the three meters squared space.
Lu Lang, a commoner manned the store. An energetic one he was, constantly shouting out prices, drenching the pedestrians with spit. His enthusiasm was met with a cold shoulder. The people, irritated by his lack of decorum avoided his stall. But the man kept his smile and jovial attitude. Throwing his hands in the air, grabbed a pointing stick and pointed at his wares. Sometimes he took the time to exit the cramped little space to stop the people and Gu them to his shop. Within minutes the man was spent, breathing air like a dying dog.
Ast went against the current and approached the store. When the man saw him coming towards his store, his dying hope instantly brightened as he jogged out of his space and approached Ast.
"Young man, I see that you and eye are fated," the man began almost embracing Ast."You see that bag, I feel it fits your immortal-like bearing. For you alone, I'll drop the price. 5 coppers."
Ast simply followed the man as he guided him to his stall. A pink threaded rose caught his eye. It was squashed between two dolls. The rose felt like something his younger sister would like. And since the school was coming to a close he'd have to go back to his home city. A nice souvenir for her would most likely make her smile. Honestly, he simply missed her. She would be around four by now. If there was one thing he hated about school was this. He had to leave home three years ago in his pursuit of the path. He kind of regretted that he wasn't able to witness her first few years of growth. Joining the sect would only mean he'd have less time to see her along with his parents.
He sighed as they reached the stall. The little makeshift counter was filled with countless badges. Each badge had a poem embroidered on it. He searched through the badges before turning his attention to rose.
"Sir, look at this piece of art," Lu Lang said." Its rendition of what the pick of the path is said to be unparalleled. See this man. He was once an immortal that cleaved into the ocean with a mere sigh. Look at this one. It's a badge personally stitched by the Holy daughter of Glorious Sect. And, this piece of wood was personally touched by Immortal Wen Ying of Myriad mountains. "
The stall owner couldn't keep his mouth as he introduced his items, giving each item a story that would force the parties involved into hiding because of shame. Since when did the Holy Maiden of a sect start stitching? No wonder people simply avoided his stall. The people were afraid of offending the terrifying figures names he dragged through the mud with his fanciful tales.
"Just give me that rose. The pink one," Ast said.
Joy washed over the man's face when he noticed that Ast was buying something. As would be his first customer that bought something since the wee hours of the morning.
"Young Immortal, let me tell you, this rose was once used by an old monster to seal a mighty Leviathan in the depths of Tranquil Death Ocean on the coast of Votlu. It's an immortal artefact, but since you have charmed me with your bearing. I'll give it to you for 3 coppers."
Ast fished for a few copper coins in his ouch and slid it over to the man. The man shivered in excitement when he felt the coldness of the copper coins in his hands.
"May God bless you, young Immortal. Your fate is a strong one."
Ast ignored the verbal swindler and dove into the crowd. His thoughts wandered to Layla. What mistake had he done for her to dismiss him like that? Usually, when they met they were inseparable, regardless of what her father wanted. He placed those thoughts behind him and continued enjoying the market.
Although the countless people swathes of people made traversing through the market without the aid of Qi impossible, Ast enjoyed it. For once he didn't have to worry about the amount of time he wasted. This was the break he never knew he needed. Mr You g was surely wise.
He hadn't walked far when a group of people shoved past him. He didn't bother taking note of the reason and attributed it to the ruthlessness of individuals in the market.
The buzzing of the crowd slowly died out to nothing but faint whispers. Ast barely noticed the difference as he walked. The sound of bated breaths found itself filling Ast's hearing. Oddly enough without the aid of Qi Ast's hearing amplified to insane levels.
"Stop it. Please! What have I done to deserve this!"
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Infinitum22
Infinitum22 This update simply breaks up the previous "Clouded" into two parts to make it much easier to digest.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone