Before I got lost in the details of messages, I used what amounted to an app to have a meal delivered to my room. I went light on Auroch meat, a level two beast, deciding on a stew. The Auroch was a heartier, larger version from the bovine family, the primogenitor for the smaller-sized cattle that were raised for milk and meat that could be ingested by non-cultivators.

I wouldn't be able to safely ingest this tier of meat in any real quantity until after I survived my Heavenly tribulation. The changes that my Dharmic body would be subjected to during this event would also complete the first stage of honing I had been undergoing over this past year.

As I'd noticed during my tour of the apartment, it did come with a kitchenette. A stovetop, cold box, and sink. There was no oven or dishwasher, and the countertop area was almost non-existent. But it would suffice to store a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables I could use for a quick snack.

I made a note to stock the cold box and purchase a crock-pot. There was nothing simpler than having a hearty stew or chili simmering all day, and there might be times when I would become so involved with cultivation or pill production that a stew heavy in Qi would be appropriate and satisfying.

The fallacy that as you advanced, you reached a point where you stopped needing food or water to survive was pure bullshit. Your body did become much more efficient at breaking down the food you ingested, so you might be able to go longer between meals, but even those cultivators that entered closed-door isolation for extended periods used pills that had been created as meal substitutes.

These types of pills condensed the equivalent nutrients, calories, and Qi from a day's meals. They were useful, efficient, and potent enough at the higher ranks that one pill could last weeks. They were so convenient that some cultivators relied on them exclusively for their dietary needs.

I knew that in the future I would need to rely on them, but I would never become the kind of cultivator that eschewed food completely. I could not imagine the day I would not prefer my mother's simple style of home cooking over a pill and convenience. I would use them for closed-door cultivation, but I was too much a hedonist when it came to food. It was one of life's pleasures I was not willing to give up.

"Cix, list the messages in chronological order and include in a header who the sender was," I said once my food order was placed and returning my attention to the computer and the sprites announcement that I had mail.

The computer was advanced enough to react to voice prompts. It wasn't, in reality. I had created a profile and logged in using my Qi, to operate the system, I maintained a steady trickle of that same Qi to keep the system running. My Qi replaced the keyboard, mouse, headphones, microphones, and video functions. I didn't need to talk, I could treat the device as I did my armor or weapons, it responded to my Qi. But I liked the illusion of having a conversation with Elder Cix.

Even if he was only sprite and a virtual assistant.

"You have ten messages waiting. I have highlighted all messages from Patriarch Umbra as well as those that have been tagged as urgent and must-read," Cix informed me as he displayed the messages in email format.

A folder with messages listed by subject, sender, and date received perfectly mimicked anything I might find on Earth. I clicked on the first message, one sent by Patriarch Umbra. The process of interacting with the computer so intuitive and responsive to my thought and Qi that it responded almost as quickly as I made my selection. The header for the message had been simple and to the point, a welcoming message.

The viewscreen resolved and opened another illusion, a recording made from the Patriarch took shape. I was lost in the intricacies of the illusion for a few seconds, my perception identifying how the water element was used to refract light. It was this refraction of light that created images and video. Illusion that had a dimension and depth that made the projection almost holographic.

It made me think about what I would need to do to be able to use this process, perhaps weaponize it. My control of the water element continued to advance, finding a way to project illusion by manipulating the various spectrum of light that passed through the small water molecules I controlled was something to research.

I didn't control light, but I did control lightning, and perhaps I could gain enough control of both elements to add illusions to my repertoire. If I could add illusion to the fog I could now control, I could add a dimension of feints and distractions that could help in both attack and defense.

"Cix, create three files for me, label the first 'To-do', the second 'Cultivation' and the third 'Professions'. In the to-do file, make a note that I need to stock the kitchen, purchase a crock-pot, and meet with Elder Shadow.

"In the 'cultivation' file, add a note to research illusions, expand on that note to look into using lightning as the light source to create illusions.

"In the 'professions' file add the following keywords: illusion techniques, tier two alchemy formulas, beginning array instruction manuals, government models that have been the most successful as well as those that have failed for new Barons establishing their fiefs as well as economic models that have succeeded and failed," I said, prioritizing what I would need to spend my time on in the coming days.

"Run a search on each keyword with the library and create a list of tokens and documents available."

I had a year, perhaps a bit less before my family arrived. I needed to get up to speed as soon as possible. Jade tokens would expedite that process. It was much easier to absorb knowledge using a token, then ingest material using books. But I would still have to put in the work.

"Add a note to the 'to-do' file to find out where the Sect has established formation grounds for cultivators that are attempting their first tribulation," I added. Facing my tribulation and forging that next step on my cultivation path was my top priority. None of my plans would come to fruition if I didn't advance to the Qi Gathering Realm.

There would be no elevation to Baron, no barony for my family to settle at. The plans that Patriarch Umbra had discussed with me. The next step in my alchemical profession. Everything was predicated around my success in surviving.

My meridians, Dantian, and soul ocean had stabilized perfectly after my advancement to the perfected stage of Body Refinement. The tournament had been beneficial in strengthening my foundation. The insights I had gained had been processed, my [Dao of Movement] becoming stronger with those insights. Nothing was stopping me from attempting my first tribulation, and I was hoping with my affinity with lightning, the process would be painless.

"Three text files have been created and updated," Cix informed me. "Library search progressing using stipulated keywords."

"Thank you, Cix. Begin playing the welcoming message from Patriarch Umbra," I ordered.

The illusion of the Patriarch had frozen while I was interacting with Cix. I hadn't been sure if he would be able to process my library search requirements while I was viewing or reading messages. It was nice to know that the computer was advanced enough to allow multiple tasks to run at once.

"Welcome," Patriarch Umbra's voice began, projected without the use of any type of speaker, another innovation of Qi, the air element vibrating to reproduce her voice. "The Emperor, your Sect Elders, and I are honored that you have placed your trust in Four Elements Sect and welcome each of you.

"The construction, staffing, and stocking of our Sect began over a year ago. Today marks the turning point, the point where Four Elements goes from an idea and becomes reality. You will each be instrumental in shaping this new reality.

"You will help to create the culture and traditions that future generations of Sect members will come to rely on. Our trust, this responsibility has been given to you because of your talent. The Empire has faith in you, and I believe that faith warranted.

"I have watched each of your bouts and read all of your files. I don't dare to suggest I know who you are based on such little evidence, but it is a start. That information has helped me to assign mentors, suggest Elders, and issue you Sect positions that will help our community to grow.

"Each of you will be expected to perform the tasks you have been assigned. Of course, you are free to visit Contribution Hall and ask for re-assignment if you find the task beyond your skills.

"Today marks the beginning. A fresh start for all of us. Take this opportunity and make the most of it. Four Elements Sect has been built in a nexus of converging elements. A homogeneous melding of fire, earth, water, and air. There is no other Sect with a confluence of elements like it in our Empire, perhaps in the entire world.

"I hope that our members can learn to harmonize together as well as the elements have meshed in concert with this convergence. I expect that we will learn to work together, no matter our elemental affinity, to forge a Sect that can withstand the capricious whims of a planet at times at war with her people.

"The Hindel has made a great sacrifice to our people. Delph Island is now and forevermore a part of and under the control of Elves. We must make sure that remains true, no matter what planet upheaval, beast tide, or the seditious nature of your fellow man occurs.

"This is our first day.

"The first of many to come.

"Your actions will define the shape and scope of our future. Be proud, step confidently, and be mindful of your place, in our place, as the founding generation for Four Element Sect and Delph Island."