The Rise of the Black Plain

Three months flew by since Minos' party arrived on the Artificial Moon.

During this time, Minos and his companions, the first arrivals at this magnificent structure, adapted seamlessly to their new surroundings. They commenced their training regimen, focusing on their journey to the Aether Terminal—the departure point for their spaceship voyage to the galaxy of The Adamant Land.

A few weeks ago, the remaining three companions who were still in Gunaway Refuge completed their journey out of Zocarro. Upon arriving on the Artificial Moon, they experienced some initial challenges similar to those faced by Minos and his two companions. However, with the assistance of the inhabitants of this magnificent space city, they swiftly adapted and began preparing for their departure.

With less than a month remaining before their spaceship journey to the Spiritual World commenced, they found themselves stronger, better prepared, and having already acquainted themselves with other travelers who would accompany them on part of their journey.

Despite the vastness of the place, making it challenging to meet everyone, those destined for the same journey often trained in similar areas, facilitating introductions to their fellow travelers.

The ships departing from the Artificial Moon were not grand spaceships, typically accommodating around 100 passengers at a time. Nevertheless, the journey was worthwhile. These ships didn't merely embark on long, non-stop voyages. Instead, they traversed numerous planets, making stops to drop off and pick up passengers along the way.

The ships in this place boasted remarkable advancements. Even voyages spanning the universe and traversing multiple galaxies, typically took no more than a few weeks round trip.

While Minos and his group's journey to the Spiritual World would require at least 115 weeks, the transit between the Artificial Moon and the Aether Terminal would only take 42 weeks. That meant a single spaceship could complete the round trip in just 84 weeks—less than two years of travel!

With the prospect of a relatively swift journey ahead, the group found themselves more anxious than ever as they finalized their preparations.

...

"How's your training coming along? Think you'll be ready in the next two weeks?" Minos inquired, addressing the robot and the two Spiritual World natives who had spent less time on the Artificial Moon.

"I should be prepared within another 10 days," responded the robot, now at level 103.

"I believe I'll complete my training before our departure as well," remarked one of the level 102 individuals.

Minos glanced at the third member, who nodded in agreement, expressing confidence in meeting the deadline.

"Ruth will be entering seclusion today to attempt her breakthrough into the Divine Journey. Utilize the energy of the Divine Medicine that will surround her to hasten her progress," Minos instructed before leaving the trio.

Minos still possessed one Divine Medicine. While Ruth could advance without it, he preferred she utilize it to ensure she reached level 100 before their departure from the Artificial Moon.

In the Spiritual World, Ruth might need to spend an extended period absorbing the power of the Divine Medicine. However, due to her years of cultivation in Zocarro, her considerably stronger spiritual foundation, and the superior conditions of her current environment compared to her home, she could absorb all the medicine's power within a few days of meditation!

So she already possessed this resource when Minos approached her and planted a kiss on her lips.

"You should proceed. Cultivate to level 100. Once you break through, it will be time to return to the Spiritual World," Minos instructed her, about to be surpassed in cultivation by one of his wives for the first time in over a century.

He had restrained himself for more than seven years; thus, Ruth had this opportunity.

However, he deemed this development very positive. With Ruth's medical skills honed, she could provide significant aid to the forces of the Spiritual World upon their return.

Moreover, her enhanced abilities would facilitate their upcoming journey, ensuring a smoother voyage.

Someone like Ruth at the 10th stage had minimal potential to assist beings on the Divine Journey. However, with her advancement, even individuals two or three levels above her could benefit from her aid!

Minos' other companions viewed Ruth's progress as crucial, watching the black-haired woman with hope-filled eyes as she assumed a lotus position.

Her advancement meant a reduced risk of death for them all!

Once Ruth started her meditation after ingestion of the Divine Medicine, the men of the Spiritual World congregated around her to cultivate, leaving only Minos and the robot on the sidelines.

The robot would soon resume cultivation to prepare for the impending journey, while Minos maintained vigilance over their surroundings, mindful not to provoke any action that could lead him to the Millennium Massacre trial.

He settled down not far from the training area where his group would continue to hone their skills over the next few weeks, gathering books and materials to delve into.

Having exhausted his remaining Qilnats to secure a place for his group to train and lodge at this station, Minos found himself with limited options for passing the time.

He had already acclimated fully to the conditions of space travel along the route his group would undertake, leaving him with nothing to do but wait.

But Minos wouldn't have to wait long. In the blink of an eye, their final weeks in this place would be over!

...

Time flew by swiftly, and at last, the moment arrived for Minos' party to bid farewell to the Artificial Moon!

Ruth had achieved level 100 three days prior when she had marked her transition from the Mortal Journey to the Divine Journey.

Beside her, their companions had completed their preparations and stood ready to embark on their journey through the uncharted expanse of the universe.

As a new day started, they cast one final gaze upon the silhouette of Zocarro, uncertain when they would see it again before making their way to the embarkation port.

Encountering no obstacles along the path, neither during their sojourn nor as they journeyed to their awaiting spacecraft, they soon found themselves boarding the vessel that would be their home for the next forty-plus weeks.

At long last, they were returning to the Spiritual World!