At the end of the two months, Skymender had grasped the most basic form of seeing through vibrations. Images occasionally flickered within his mind, showing him a new world. With more practice, his success was inevitable.
He was congratulated by all of the monks. "Congratulations, Skymender. I hope that you can one day see just as well through vibrations as you could with your eyes. Since the world has another person who has mastered this technique, I feel satisfied."
Skymender thanked all of them for their help over the last two months. Without their guidance, he would have taken years to reach this point.
"We are going to journey back to where we came from, before taking another path. Although I invite you to stay with us permanently, I suppose you have places to be. Stay with us until we return to Sunspot Gateway, and we will part."
Skymender nodded. He and the Imperial Scholar were thankful for their help. The Imperial Scholar had learned some new things on this journey.
They departed, taking a long journey back. Around half a year passed, and they returned to Sunspot Gateway. By now, Skymender was far stronger than before. His physical strength was off the charts, especially for his size. It was only natural after dragging the Imperial Scholar through the desert. At some point, the Imperial Scholar had begun to teach him while Skymender was dragging him.
Finally, it was time for them to part from the Western Monks.
Skymender bowed deeply, as did the Imperial Scholar. They did not want to accept it, but Skymender refused to take no for an answer.
He was now able to see even more, occasionally making out the figures of the monks. He bowed to each of them individually, which took a while.
As they left towards the exit of the Sunspot Gateway, Skymender stepped on dirt for the first time in a long, long time.
His vision was instantly magnified. It flickered, but it was much clearer than on the sand. Skymender took a breath, taking in the world for the first time in a long time. He and the Imperial Scholar did not stay long, getting their carriage and beginning their journey back. They had packed up plenty of supplies, enough to take them halfway.
Skymender spent the time going back learning from the Imperial Scholar, and occasionally training the seeing through vibrations technique.
Less than half a year passed, and Skymender turned eighteen years old. He was now a true adult.
"If we rush, we can make it back in time to do another Imperial Scholar Camp, marking your true succession as the Imperial Scholar." The Imperial Scholar said.
Skymender nodded. He looked out into the distance, though he could only see fifty feet around him, and there was no color. He could also not see most things in the air, and the same would be in water.
However, he had noticed that if something was moving extremely fast in the air, or something heavy was falling, he could sense its existence through the seeing through vibrations technique.
Not long later, the Imperial Scholar turned 78. He was well above the average lifespan, and clearly had a bit of life left in him. They continued their journey, eventually reaching the same place they had restocked last time, and without issue, restocked and left. They were on the home stretch.
It was more than a year after restocking that they saw familiar roads, and familiar lands. The Imperial Scholar, now 79, was filled with relief and emotion.
He had never missed these lands of his so much. In his older age, he was getting quite emotional. Skymender, now 19, felt relief as well. They were finally in familiar territory.
After a few weeks, the Imperial Scholar saw large walls in the distance. Skymender sat on top of the carriage, looking out silently. It was only when they were near that he could see the city walls.
Now, he could see the area 200 feet around him. He could do so consistently as well.
It had been a long journey, but they were finally back.
Skymender would remember the Ancient Empire, and he would make sure to pay them back for what they took from him.
Skymender and the Imperial Scholar entered through the gates. The guard stared in shock as they passed through. News spread like a wildfire.
The Imperial Scholar had returned. Skymender of the Sky Barony had returned. This brought relief to many, though mostly because of the Imperial Scholar. Not many knew about Skymender being his successor yet.
Despite being dirty and tired, they did not stop until they reached the Imperial Palace, where they were openly let in. Many noticed the blindfold he wore over his eyes. Only nobles had information on the events. In fact, most of the Empire thought that they were on an important mission.
Skymender and the Imperial Scholar stepped off of the carriage. Skymender helped the aged Imperial Scholar walk around, until they reached the throne room.
The large doors were wide open, and the Emperor had a relieved look on his face.
Most of the Imperial Family, as well as many officials and scholars, were waiting in the room.
"Welcome back, Fei Luzi and Skymender." The Emperor said.
A few formalities ensued, with officials and scholars welcoming them back. They soon left the room, leaving only the Imperial Family, the Imperial Scholar, and Skymender.
The Imperial Family did not speak, but stayed to the side.
"Fei Luzi, your absence has had a great effect. Luckily, we have been able to hold on without you, but I request that you take your spot back immediately."
The Imperial Scholar had a thoughtful look on his face, but for the first time in his life, he truly disobeyed the Emperor.
"No. I am retired. I will host one last Imperial Scholar Camp, condensing everything into the span of a month, before passing on the title." He said.
The Imperial Family was shocked at his direct refusal, but the Emperor smiled widely. "A true successor, huh. Well then, go ahead. Make it quick."