The night passed by quickly.
Selene cultivated her efficiency with her Dao Arts.
It could be said that her general level of Clarity is around the middle level.
She was most efficient with her defensive Dao Art -- Four-Layered Protection.
The other two, which amplified her physique, were not too difficult to use, but difficult to maintain for long periods of time.
This was not the case of Four-Layered Protection.
It can maintain itself for hours after the initial supply of Qi.
Thereafter, she only needs to replenish it when it begins to fade.
Even now, Selene has kept it active at all times.
Both as a way to keep her person protected, and to advance her Clarity of the Dao Art.
Selene had a keen understanding of the first two layers, which defend the mind and senses, respectively.
There was a gentle feeling in her mind at all times.
Her thinking was clear and quick; it was easy to focus on the 'situation' and not 'distractions'.
Similar to how stray thoughts might clutter the mind, the first layer removes these thoughts, allowing the mind to stay in peak condition.
The second layer was like an imperceptible veil.
She could not feel this veil herself, but if someone else were to touch her, they would be met with a retaliatory force.
It was like cloth that encompassed Selene's entire body, one that shreds the hand that tries to touch it.
The other two were more vague.
Selene felt her memories become easier to recall, but that was about it.
This would be due to the third layer, which defends the memories.
While the fourth layer defends the 'self', or as Selene understands, one's Way.
Without much understanding, Selene could not find the true value of these two layers, which could stunt her cultivation journey.
Low-level Clarity. Middle-level Clarity. High-level Clarity. Complete Clarity.
The pinnacle of Dao Art lies in Complete Clarity.
Each Dao Art has their respective standards of Clarity.
The lowest works on the fundamental idea of Dao Arts.
Dao Art -- Four-Layered Protection.
At its simplest, it protects one's person.
One step above, it protects the core values of one's person.
Edifice wields high-level Clarity; her very presence feels insurmountable.
While neither Selene nor Edifice wield this Dao Art at its complete Clarity, Immortal Adamant explained it as absolute protection against Night.
Selene did not understand what that meant exactly, but it sounded like an important remark.
This was also why she cultivated so hard.
Edifice's mere presence feels powerful, like she could resist any threat that opposes her.
Selene wanted to reach this point of Clarity.
If she wielded such protection, who could step on her?
Not only that, but complete Clarity sounds alluring.
Beyond Night's sky, Night was a symbol of hardship and hopelessness, suffering and mire.
Absolute protection against the very world that wishes to stomp on her.
That is half the reason for her cultivation.
The other half?
Retaliation.
...
As the final hours of the night draw near, Selene finds herself tired, resting on the wall of her carriage.
Despite all her efforts, she could not feel a development in her Clarity.
While this brought some dismay, it did not trouble Selene too much.
It took her weeks of dedication to develop from low-level Clarity to middle-level Clarity.
With Edifice's help, of course.
Beyond her own desires, there was also the competition between the other Immortal Seeds.
Selene still had to prepare for that eventual time to come.
Where she would battle against beasts, the opposing Immortal Seeds, a Spirit...
And her own sister, Edifice...
Speaking about her, Selene felt a little awkward about their situation.
Edifice was seeking this State Cultivator's inheritance for herself, but was sharing the gains with Selene.
It was surprising at first, Selene was grateful, but equally confused.
Was she not Edifice's enemy in the future?
Would they not cross swords?
Even if Edifice was helping Selene to help herself, this support was rather significant.
Selene could not understand why Edifice was putting in so much effort to aid Selene's cultivation journey.
Desperation? She needs manpower to fight against the other Immortal Seeds.
However, this is not a competition of manpower, but a political battle too.
One requires the support of the people of the Settlement and the mortal Settlement Lords.
Strength and political backing are both needed.
Selene hardly fulfils one of the requirements.
Political backing means developing connections with other people, which she was not a fan of.
If push comes to shove, Selene could compromise.
Edifice fulfils both of these requirements, with her being a Third Foundation Cultivator and supported by one of the mortal Settlement Lords.
Dwelling on all these thoughts made Selene tired.
Focusing on her Qi, she re-ignited the defensive Dao Art -- Four-Layered Protection.
Her mind cleared, she didn't feel more awake, but her thinking was clearer.
Even with that, she wasn't able to understand Edifice's reason to help Selene drastically.
There was this sensation in her head when she tried to understand it, but Selene could not explain what it was.
Like something was trying to block her thoughts from reaching an answer.
With nothing else to do, Selene rests her head on her pillow.
Not falling asleep immediately, but listening to the world around her.
Letting the soft winds and crackling fire soothe her to sleep.
...
Knocking on the carriage, a woman called out a name.
"Selene! You must get up, it's time to head out!"
It was Dawn calling her name.
After a moment, Selene opened the carriage door with a tired expression.
It was the night of the second tide, the last hour of Rising Hour.
"You've returned...? Have you finished your duties, Dawn?"
"Yes, and I'm not the only one who returned."
Gesturing to the side, Dawn pointed Selene's attention to Edifice, who was talking with the other members of the caravan.
"She's back too, huh?"
"Yes, I am very grateful to your sister~. We finished relocating all the beast groups to their new, temporary habitats."
"That's good to hear. If you are finished with that duty, then...?"
"Yes, it is nearly time for us to leave for this inheritance expedition. However, I must request leave from the Settlement Lord."
Edifice walked over and added to Dawn's conversation.
"We will be heading to the Settlement Lord's complex. Hopefully, when we return, your friend can accompany us to the inheritance."
Edifice's attitude was warm to all, something Selene did not understand.
Dawn didn't seem phased by that warmth, however.
Selene pondered; she never questioned whenever Dawn helped her, but she felt some conflict was thinking about Edifice helping her.
Again, there was a gentle tug in her mind.