The Growth of a Titan

46  Chapter 46- Complicated Emotions

The change in Seon, Song-Oh, and Son's demeanor was so drastic that Sol was taken aback. His expression changed and a hint of disappointment appeared in his eyes.

Seeing Sol's expression Son said.

"Brother Sol, don't misunderstand, we-"

"Ha!"

Song-Oh suddenly cut Son off.

"Brat, I was wondering what you were talking about, but you suddenly mentioned that accursed Church!"

"Ah! Brother Sol, were you perhaps thinking we harbor the same intentions as the Church?"

"You don't?"

"Brother Sol, how could we? We've heard of the atrocities committed by the Church, they're demons in human flesh!"

Sol kind of relaxed when he saw their stance on the Church's actions.

However, he then asked.

"But is the Eastern Continent not coming here for resources like the Church?"

Son, Seon, and Song-Oh glanced at each other when they heard Sol.

Son then turned to him and explain.

"Brother Sol, our Eastern Continent is vastly different from the Western Continent. We've opened our boards so our three Races can have a friendly relationship with each other. Over the years we've even stopped referring to ourselves, as Arkadians and Sakrians because many children in the younger generation has lineages from all three Races. It just became hard to keep track of. Only the Barbarians with their strange customs insist on still being called Barbarians."

"Brat, we aren't like the Western Continent that raids the Ibbian Mountain Range, the upper echelon of Jianghu has blocked off entry to the Mountain Range so as to limit the number of people that come inside."

"That's right brother Sol…"

Seon continued after Son and Song-Oh.

"Our Eastern Continent has the intention of working with the Ibbian Tribes to exchange resources. We aren't like the Church that wantonly slaughter entire villages."

One thing Sol realized was that Seon and the others keep stressing they aren't like the Church. Sol thought it was strange, but when he deeply thought about it, he figured it stem from their natural hatred for the Western Continent.

"So, Brother Sol, are we still considered friends?"

Son asked this with an amused smile, that caused Sol to blush embarrassingly.

He might have said a bit too much.

But before Sol could speak, the other group from the distance was heard calling for Son and the others.

"Brother Sol we have to go now, but I hope we will meet again."

After that, Son and the others left, and Sol waved at them goodbye.

When he could no longer see their figures, Sol turned to look at the Mountain peak in the distance.

"At the very least, the Eastern Continent isn't as bad as the Western Continent…"

"Those kids are just naive."

"Wah!"

Sol was startled by the sudden voice next to him.

He hurriedly turned to see that his Master was the one who appeared next to him.

"Master, how long have you been there?!"

"I've been following you ever since you decided to skip training and hang out with your new friends."

"That's…"

Sol's words trailed off when the old man glared at him.

"When we get back it looks like I'll have to increase your training."

Sol's eyes immediately widen and his heart shook.

"M-Master, have mercy."

Snort!

"Are you trying to get out of training? So you're rebelling against your Master now, huh?"

"You…You old fart!"

Sol momentarily forgot his fear and he yelled in indignation.

"You've been gone for three months, shouldn't you be ashamed for leaving your defenseless disciple all alone in this dangerous forest?! And you, just how old are you? You totally gave me skewed information about the outside world! You perverted, ancient, old bas-!"

Smack!

Before Sol could continue his angry rant, he was slapped over the head by the old man.

"Damn brat, have some respect for your elders."

The old man then walked off leaving Sol rubbing his head with teary eyes.

However, Sol quickly caught up to him and asked.

"Master, what you said before, what did you mean?"

The old man while walking turned to glance down at his disciple.

After a while, the old man glance back up and said.

"Times haven't changed since cultivation started. There is still bloodshed over resources between the weak, while the powerful harbor all of the resources for themselves."

"But from what Brother Son said, the Six Holy Sects have decided to share their resources with people."

The old man immediately snorted at that.

"Didn't I say they are naive? It's all a facade by those in power. It might look like those Top Powers are trying to help those of lower status, but their true motives always remain in the dark. Do you really resources from the Mountain Range?"

16:03

Sol hearing his Master put it like that, had a thoughtful expression appear on his face.

believe they've barred people from entering the Ibbian Mountain Range so as to protect the natives? Think brat, why would they limit the growth of those below them by preventing them from obtaining resources from the Mountain Range?"

Sol hearing his Master put it like that, had a thoughtful expression appear on his face.

After some time, Sol said.

"They're trying to control the masses, and by limiting their growth it would be easier to do so. They also want to keep the powers below them in check so they don't become a threat to them."

"Good!"

The old man immediately praised Sol.

"By being the force that decides entry into this place, they will be able to fill their pockets with plenty of resources while letting others starve. They're keeping those weak weak, while they grow stronger. I told you that times have not changed, it's just that those bastards have changed strategy and are now doing the same things but under the disguise of doing good. A bunch of hypocrites the lot of them!"

Sol went silent, he didn't know how to feel about this.

"Brat, the one difference between the Western Region and Jianghu is that Jianghu hides their corruption, while the Western Continent openly commits atrocious acts without giving a damn about others' opinions."

"Is Master saying I shouldn't trust anyone from the two Continents?"

The old man glanced at Sol who was wearing a confused expression.

"My disciple, I know you want someone and an outlet to release all your hatred, but there are nuances to conflicts. I need you to understand that. Conflicts and their causes are never black or white. You'll need to understand those nuances to make just decisions. If you don't, then you will bring chaos to this world because of your blind hatred."

'Anger and hatred are often blind.'

These were the words Sol's Father had taught him. They were extremely similar to the ones his Master has just spoken.

However, Sol was starting to become more confused.

It sounded like his Master's words held the same meaning as his Father's. But at the same time, it sounded like his Master was trying to convince him to let go of his desire for revenge because the nuances of conflict complicate things.

Like his hatred will never reach the right person no matter what he did or how hard he tried.

"Master, what am I supposed to do? My village… My Father… and Amon. Every night when I close my eyes I see the face of that man who killed them, and every day my resentment becomes stronger. I feel like if I don't take revenge then their deaths mean nothing."

The old man glanced down at Sol once more and he released a sigh.

While tears were forming in his eyes, Sol felt his Master's hand on his head as they walked.

"I'm your Master, but I don't have the right to decide your future, only you can do that. However, know that whatever you decided to do, I will always be your Master. Whether you want me to be or not."

"Sniffle…"

The old man patted Sol's head comfortingly a few times before he said.

"Now let's go, there's only a year left and I still haven't taught 1/3 of the things I intended."

Wiping his eyes with his palms, Sol asked.

"Master, are you not going to tell me where you've been?"

"Hm, don't ask brat, I'll tell you someday in the future when you've become stronger."

Sol then saw his Master's figure vanish.

He didn't immediately go along with him but instead turned to glance at the mountain in the distance.

Sol's pupils glowed with a dark light.

His gaze then penetrated space and completely ignore the distance between him and the Mountains.

Sol saw the many trees on the mountain as if he was standing only a few hundred meters away from them.

His control had improved to the point where he could use his Omniscient ability without taking off his bracelets.

However, its limitation showed itself here. He could not see past objects that block his view.

Although this was the case, Sol might not have been able to see beyond those Mountains.

After a few seconds, the dark glow faded from Sol's eyes and he said.

"I'll be seeing what's beyond those mountains in a year, so there's no need to rush."

Sol then turned and his figure vanished with a loud swoosh.