Pursuers
Previously, Leylin held himself back from taking action, not because he was afraid of doing something, but because he didn't want to be inconvenienced.
However, this girl in front of him had something that interested him. Furthermore, once his research was a success, he would greatly benefit from it.
It was only natural, that he now intended to take action.
However, for prudence's sake, he still chose to lay low on the sidelines and observe the strength of his enemies first.
If their might was average, he would definitely not be modest. He would immediately abduct or coerce the girl to follow him and not be afraid of the pursuers.
If they were too strong, he could only give up. In any case, the world was so big, and she was not the only one with a Warlock's bloodline. There might be very few of them on the south coast, but there were definitely many in the Central Continent.
Several days later, the horse carriage entered the district of York City.
This was already along the borders of the Inlan Dukedom. As for the old man, his anxiety had already intensified to the maximum. Most of the time he would stay on the horse carriage, seldom leaving it. He even closely guarded the little girl by his side, as if being afraid of something.
The hazy night had dyed the sky an overcast grey. Only somewhere far away in the horizon was there a little light.
The horse carriage stopped by the roadside, and the weary passengers began to alight, and then sat in a circle around a bonfire for refreshments and rest.
After so many days of travel, the people in the horse carriage also got close with each other. Especially that little merchant, who took out a flute and played an upbeat tune and the beautiful woman beside him followed suit by performing a gorgeous dance.
There were several middle-aged men who took out wine flasks from their sacks and walked forward to the beautiful woman to ingratiate themselves. As for that woman, she chuckled, seemingly not rejecting these suitors.
After the atmosphere reached a climax, the people began to sing and dance. Even the horse keeper gulped down several mouthfuls of strong wine and had a tinge of red at the end of his nose.
Leylin reclined against the trunk of a tree, his hand holding a wine flask from which he drank occasionally. He shot a glance inside the horse carriage and grinned.
Although the sky had already dimmed tonight, the old geezer still urged the carriage driver to move on.
However, travelling in the middle of the night was extremely dangerous. Hence, this suggestion was rejected by carriage driver and all of the passengers.
That old geezer's expression then was really a sight to be seen.
Furthermore, tonight the old geezer had decided to stay within the horse carriage, not even letting his granddaughter leave half a step away from the horse carriage. Ugly rumours had already begun to have gossiped amongst the travellers.
However, Leylin knew that this pair who pretended to be a grandfather with his granddaughter was afraid of pursuers, that's why they hid in the horse carriage. Looking on at the situation, the pursuers were almost arriving too.
No, they were already here. Leylin turned his head, and with the A.I. Chip, he saw several acolytes, who did not hold back their energy waves radiation, hiding in a dark corner.
Looking at the strength of the energy waves, there were all level 3 acolytes.
*Bang!*
A red arrow was released and it directly shot through the brains of a muscled, half-naked man who was dancing by the fire.
"Ahhh!" The blood splattered onto a woman nearby. Her expression turned sluggish, only letting off an ear piercing scream several seconds later.
"Bandits!" "Help!" Various cries sounded in the camp.
As for the carriage driver, he very quickly donned a leather armour and crouched, hugging his head and not moving at all.
The horse carriage providers had a promise with the nearby bandits, that they would only rob the passengers. As for the drivers, the bandits would often let them go scot-free — after all, they would not have much money on them.
However, tonight the carriage driver's plans were in vain.
*Xiu!* Another red arrow was shot, directly piercing through the driver's neck! He clutched his neck with both hands, his eyes popping out and frothing blood at the corner of his lips. His mouth gaped open and close for air as if wanting to enjoy the freshness of the air one last time before he died.
"A sharpening spell added on the arrow? Interesting!"
Beside the chaotic campsite, Leylin was still reclining against the tree. He gulped down another mouthful of wine, his expression appearing indifferent.
At this moment, his lax behaviour was vastly different from the current situation, yet nobody was paying him any attention.
The second arrow obviously caused greater chaos within the camp. Be they man or woman, young or old — they were all wildly running away.
Several minutes later, the campsite that had once had a lively and jovial atmosphere, now only had a crackling bonfire and several wine flasks which had been forsaken.
*Crash!* 3 figures wearing black robes appeared from within the forest.
Leylin's outstanding vision allowed him to see clearly the appearance of this trio.
There were two men and a woman, all of them were of middling years. The woman had applied a very thick layer lipstick, which seemed like she had just drank a mouthful of blood.
These 3 were obviously not students of an academy. Their attire were rather casual, however, there was an image of a dodo-bird stitched on their robes, seemingly a family emblem.
These were the acolytes nurtured by a family.
Some of them from Magi families, who had poor aptitudes, could not be accepted into academies, so they could only be nurtured by their families themselves.
Most of them could not even advance to a level 3 acolyte, so the majority of them remained as a level 1 acolyte or level 2 acolyte.
These 3 who were able to advance to level 3 acolytes, either had good aptitudes or were expelled from an academy or had graduated.
"Miles, come out! We know you're inside the horse carriage!"
The three of them took on a triangular formation to surround the horse carriage, and a silver-haired man laughed smugly.
*Boom!*
What replied him was a burning red fireball.
*Pa!* As the middle-aged man dodged the fireball, the horse carriage suddenly shattered and a black figure with a smaller figure wrapped on his lower body rapidly sneaked past the gap that the middle-aged man exposed.
"Thinking of escaping?" The woman smirked and hurriedly chanted an incantation, casting a speed reducing spell.
A layer of murky green shone on the black figure and his speed dropped drastically.
"Xiu!" The eyes of the third person who held a bow flashed, and immediately he fired another red arrow.
*Pu!* The arrow bore into the left chest of the black figure, drawing fresh blood from it. The black figure groaned and fell to the ground, revealing the face of the white-bearded geezer.
"Run! Why don't you keep running?"
The man, who had been the target of that fireball shot previously, was in a miserable state. Seeing the old geezer on the ground, his expression turned malevolent and he drew out a curved blade, hacking at the old geezer Mile's left leg.
*Ka-Cha!* The old geezer's left leg was immediately chopped off.
"Ahhh!" The little girl fainted immediately after having blood spurting on her.
"Such a beautiful little girl, killing her outright is such a pity!" The man who held the bow licked his lips, revealing a lusty grin. "Why don't you let me have some fun first?"
"It's your call, we still have plenty of time!"
It was very obvious that these three acolytes did not have any regard for the old geezer, Miles, at all. They were extremely relaxed and had their guard down.
In fact, this was the reality. Miles was only a level 3 acolyte and the little girl was not even an acolyte. Such a line-up can be easily destroyed by just sending one level 3 acolyte.
It was only for added assurance that 3 such acolytes had been sent.
When the bowman grinned lewdly, a lazy voice sounded.
"I say, you guys seem to have forgotten about me!"
Leylin flung the flask away and announced himself in a crisp voice.
"You… You actually didn't run away?" The other male acolyte was somewhat shocked. Normally, wasn't the reaction of people, after seeing someone get killed, to run away? Much less to mention encountering magicians of the sorts.
"Just right, I wish to loosen my muscles after pursuing this old geezer. Leave him to me!"
The only female acolyte among them looked at the handsome Leylin and her eyes flashed. Her mouth gaped open and close with the heavy lipstick as if wanting to swallow Leylin immediately.
Right now, Leylin's charm factor had increased significantly after advancing to a Warlock. Along the way, he met many girls who cast flirtatious glances at him. However, meeting this kind of elderly woman, he felt rather disgusted.
"My apologies, but I don't have any interest towards aunties!"
Leylin spoke very 'sincerely', turning the face of this female acolyte red.
"Brat! I will let you feel the most unbearable pain on earth. An hour later, if you don't prostate yourself like a dog in front of me, you will have my admiration!"
The female acolyte looked at Leylin as if she wanted to bite a piece of meat off him that very instant.
"No need for that, if you don't prostate yourself like a dog right now in front of me, you will have my admiration!"
Leylin's eyes flashed icily as he dispelled the concealment spell. An immense force field immediately surrounded the area of the horse carriage.
"Of… Official Magus!" The eyes of the male leader of the trio popped out as he collapsed feebly onto the ground.
"Lo… Lord! Please pardon our accidental intrusion!"
The bowman acolyte, too, no longer had any interest in defiling the little girl. He immediately knelt in front of Leylin, cursing the damned bitch thousands and tens of thousands of times.
"How is it?"
Leylin looked at that female acolyte with a toying expression.
"Lo… Lo… Lo…" The female acolyte also fell to the ground, her jaws trembling, not being able to speak a single word.
"Lord, we are from the Yale family… Our family head is also an official Magus!"
The leader noticed that Leylin's gaze was hostile, immediately bringing up the backing of his group.
"Yale family?" Leylin shook his head, indicating that he did not recognise this name.
Leylin had already scrutinised the large families around the Poolfield Kingdom before and did not recall any Yale family of the sorts.
"A.I. Chip, scan database!"
[Beep! Yale family: Situated in the Denisque Province of the Inlan Dukedom. The family head's name is Sam Yale. Originally an acolyte from the Sage Gotham Hut, he advanced to an official Magus at thirty years of age. Information source: History of Magi families, page 1928!]
An extremely simple introduction. From the information recorded on the A.I. Chip, it seemed like a newly founded Magus family which was completely reliant on a Magus who had shockingly advanced as an acolyte.
It was far from being comparable with the Lilytell family and only slightly stronger than Bicky's family. There was not much backing and easily classified by the Magus World as the nouveau rich.
"Wait! Wait! I have the secret imprint of our family's head!"
Seeing that Leylin was about to take action, the leader immediately shouted and ripped his clothes apart.
Secret Imprint
"The secret imprint?"
Leylin nodded his head and stopped in his motions.
This so-called technique for the secret imprint was a tool that official Magi use for communication.
Every newly advanced official Magus would be able to design a special sign to represent themselves. In future, they could leave their secret imprint behind for communication.
As for some Magi, they would even brand it on their family members or slaves to represent the authority given.
Leylin had crafted an imprint for himself. It was an inverted triangle enclosed in a circle. On the triangle was a black serpent that snaked to the top
As for the leader's chest, an image of blue dodo bird's head was flashing with light.
It seemed that initiating the communication to the head required a tremendous amount of spiritual force and magic power. Just a few minutes later, the leader's face at once became deathly pale.
Fortunately, right before the leader was unable to endure any longer, the blue light shone brightly and a blue dodo bird flew out from his chest, and perched on his shoulder.
"Sulley, is there something you want to see me about?"
The dodo bird seemed not to have noticed Leylin and immediately questioned the leader.
"He… Head, it's like this…" That leader hurriedly whispered to the dodo bird and briefly updated him on the happenings.
The secret imprint had its limitations and could only project the voices without images. Moreover, without the aid of the communications tower, once the distance was too great, even the voices could not be sent across.
"Hello, young expert!" The dodo bird greeted Leylin.
"It's an honour to meet the head of the Yale family, Sam Yale!" Leylin opened his mouth, his voice gruff and hoarse. It was obviously altered with the help the A.I. Chip.
"According to those family members that were dumb enough to offend you, I apologise on their behalf…" The blue dodo bird already flew back into the leader's chest, turning into a tattoo that seemed to be alive.
"They actually dared to offend me, an official Magus. Hence, they must pay the price!" Murderous intent was contained in Leylin's voice.
"They?" The dodo bird paused, before speaking again, "I can act on their behalf and compensate you…"
"Compensation? Leylin hooted with laughter. "Are you mocking me?"
"Not good, run!" The leader did not think that Leylin did not give the head any face in the slightest, as he hurriedly retreated.
"After offending me you still want to leave?"
Leylin's eyes turned bloodshot and several red fireballs were cast, turning the three who could not dodge in time into a pile of ashes.
The might of acolytes, in front of official Magi, were as brittle as paper.
As for the secret imprint which was a communication device, naturally it was unable to transmit any attacks.
By abusing the limitations of the secret imprint, Leylin chose to kill them.
Anyway, his voice was concealed by the alteration of the A.I. Chip, so Sam would never be able to find him.
Keeping these acolytes alive, instead, would easily bring him trouble.
Moreover, he did not wish to remain in the Inlan Dukedom. Once he leaves the place, the other party would not be able to do anything about it either.
Walking towards the grandparent and grandchild pair, the little girl was still unconscious, having several tears on her face.
"Lord…Lord Magus!"
A shocked expression filled the old geezer's face. Obviously, he never thought that this person who rode the same horse carriage was actually an official Magus.
Leylin squatted down and examined the old geezer's wounds
The injury was serious. A commoner would definitely die from this wound. Even if this old geezer was a level 2 acolyte, he could survive for an additional 10 hours maximum.
Of course, Leylin could cure the old geezer but he would lose some of his precious herbs and medicines in the process. Moreover, the old geezer didn't have a Warlock's bloodline so Leylin was very hesitant to treat him.
However, what has to be done has to be done.
"Drink this! It will make you feel better!" Leylin handed a vial of vitality potion to the old geezer. After which, he headed over to wake the little girl up.
"Grandpa Miles!" As soon as she woke up, the little girl shouted, and threw herself at Miles and began to weep in sorrow.
After drinking the potion, the old geezer's face revealed a flash of life. Momentarily, his spirits were up as well. This potion was merely a stimulant. It was much cheaper than the actual cure, so Leylin was willing to expend such a cheap potion.
"Good child!"
Mile stretched out his wrinkled and quivering hands to gently stroke the child's head.
"This… This Lord Magus, could you send her to the Great Canyon Margaret, to where Marian is…."
The old geezer begged Leylin earnestly.
"I can!" Leylin pondered in silence for a moment before nodding his head to agree.
"Many thanks! You will forever be the friend of the Langster family!"
The old geezer grabbed the little girl's hands and instructed, "From today onwards, listen to this Lord Leylin. Remember, you must obey every word, do you understand?"
As if expending all of his energy remaining, blackish red blood flowed from the old man's lips the moment he finished talking.
"I…I understand…" The little girl sobbed silently.
The old geezer smiled, gratified at seeing the girl agree, before closing his eyes for eternity.
"Grandpa Miles! Grandpa Miles!"
The little girl cried in sorrow.
Leylin stood by a side and waited for a dozen minutes. When the girl stopped sobbing, he then asked, "We had better bury your Grandpa Miles! Also, what is your name?"
"Ivy! Sir!" The little girl's voice was hoarse, yet it brimmed with respect.
Although Ivy was not an acolyte, but she, who grew up in a Magus family from childhood, naturally knew what being a Magus entailed.
An hour later, Leylin brought the little girl Ivy and looked at a newly constructed gravestone, making their final tribute in silence.
After the old geezer's disclosure and the little girl's own narration, Leylin finally understood the Langster family's backing.
This Langster family was very small. Rumours have it that they held the inheritance to an incomplete meditation technique.
However, the thinning of the Warlock bloodline and the lack of an official Magus has made the family a lowly rated one in the Magus World.
Two hundred years ago, the incomplete meditation technique was lost in an unfortunate accident.
The limitations of Warlocks were in their bloodline, as they could only cultivate in meditation techniques suitable for themselves. Normal mind runes constructions of acolytes had no use for them.
Therefore, it was unavoidable that this family, which had produced no Magus, had deteriorated over the years.
If not for the few generations of heads standing their ground and accepting a few orphans to undergo acolyte training, it was very likely that they did not even have an acolyte in the family now.
As for Miles, he was one of these orphan acolytes, tasked as a housekeeper of the Langster family.
Just a month ago, the Yale family who was coveting the Langster family, declared war on it.
Apart from Ivy, all of the family members were killed in that war. As for Miles, he fought his way out to bring Ivy away, preparing to seek asylum with a friend of Ivy's parents in the Great Canyon Margaret.
Hence, Ivy who was in Leylin's hands was the final bloodline of the Langster family.
Of course, after knowing this news, there was an indescribable feeling stemming within Leylin's heart.
However, after seeing the Langster family who had Warlock origins deteriorate into such a state, he felt like a fox grieving [1] when the rabbit dies.
Of course, he would not let these emotions fuel his desire for revenge to the Langster family. However, if the despicable leader of the Yale family happened to be in his way, that would be a different story.
"Let's go!" Leylin grabbed Ivy's little hand and set out towards his new destination
He prepared to bring the little girl to the Great Canyon Margaret. It wasn't that he suddenly had a change of heart, but he was planning something else.
First of all, some experiments required Ivy to coordinate with him of her own accord in order to achieve the best results.
After that, the Great Canyon Margaret was one of the areas that Leylin had to go, so it was not troublesome. Furthermore, if Leylin discovered that Ivy had some other uses along the way, he would not hand Ivy over to Marian, for sure.
Leylin did not eliminate any possibilities of doing good within his means to increase his reputation. However, it had to be under the conditions that it would not come across his personal benefits in any way.
Even if someone were to beat him to death, Leylin would not commit such a foolish thing like altruism.
However, if he could accomplish some things effortlessly and obtain a positive reputation, he would be very willing to do it.
From Leylin's perspective, reputation was also a form of resource, a type of benefit.
However, in the hearts of different people, the gravity that people had towards fame versus their personal benefits were different. And in their eyes, the importance of fame was ranked low on their list.
"One more point, I have some interest in your family's bloodline. I require you to coordinate with me on some experiments, do you understand?"
As the sky turned darker, an emerald green field of view appeared in Leylin's eyes. It allowed him to see even better than daytime.
When he spoke, Leylin felt Ivy's hands quiver noticeably,
"As you wish! Lord! "
Ivy replied a good while later with a shaky voice.
"I adore intelligent and obedient children!" Ivy's obedience and maturity left Leylin pleasantly surprised as he originally thought he had to spend some effort to handle her.,
He gently stroked Ivy on the head and carried her in his arms.
"Mas… Master…" Ivy gently called out in a voice as small as the buzz of a mosquito.
"If you cannot see the road clearly in this dark night, I can help!"
Feeling the trembling of the little body in his bosom, Leylin smiled and patted Ivy on the back. With an increase in his pace, the pair quickly disappeared into the darkness.
"This kind of vision… is it that of a serpent?"
Leylin's vision was affected by an emerald green tint.
Even though it was dark at night, Leylin could see everything.
Somewhere tens of meters away, there was a dog-like creature with red heat emitting from its body.
It somewhat resembled heat imaging.
"Turns out that the so-called path of Warlocks is to continuously tap into the origin of the bloodline and the process of remodeling of one's body…
Leylin was somewhat enlightened "Looks like I have to spend more time on my transfiguration…"
[1] [TL Note: (兔死狐悲) If the rabbit dies, the fox grieves. It means to have sympathy with a like-minded person in distress.]
Elemental Essence Conversion
In a somewhat dilapidated campsite.
Erected in the middle of the campsite was a tent made from cowhide, and it had a sturdy look to it.
Beside the tent was a small fire, where bright yellow flames continuously lapped against a metal pot hanging above it.
A broth that contained some pieces of mushroom and beef-jerky was boiling in this metal pot.
Around the fire, there were many pieces of forked branches, which was used to grill several small fishes. There was also some barbecued meat, which frothed with tiny bubbles as the golden-yellow grease continuously dripped down, while the aroma of sizzling meat permeated the air.
The little blonde girl sat by the side, looking at the piping hot food, involuntarily gulping down her saliva.
Thereafter, she turned her head to look to the side.
There, on a patch of grass, a handsome, black-haired man sat cross-legged on a white sackcloth as he practiced meditation.
This person was, naturally, Leylin.
After bringing Ivy along for quite some distance, he initiated a break to rest awhile.
Although Leylin, with his current vitality, would not be tired even after journeying for 7 days and nights, the little girl would definitely not be able to keep up.
Moreover, he had to take out some time every day to cultivate with his high-grade meditation technique.
The meditation technique that he had gotten was the Kemoyin's Pupil meditation technique that was compatible with his bloodline. Adding on to the A.I. Chip's purification of the blood essence, his progress in meditation was extremely fast.
"Eyes are the windows of the soul, by concentrating your sight with the Kemoyin's Pupil, you will rediscover yourself – Norco Curadu Sfar!"
This was what Leylin saw repeatedly at the start of the Kemoyin's Pupil meditation technique.
And now, Leylin shut both his eyes and felt that he was staring right into a pair of vertical pupils that were amber-like.
Darkness with burning flames seemed to engulf his body.
As for Ivy who had been watching Leylin, she realised that a black and red mist emerged from Leylin's body. This mist revolved around Leylin, not dissipating.
The strands of mist began to converge, forming the shape of a small snake, coiling around Leylin, at the same time spitting out its scarlet tongue.
The small snake continuously roved around Leylin, finally coiling on Leylin's face, turning into a strange mask. A wave of darkness energy particles was continuously absorbed by the mask.
A dozen minutes later, the mask shattered, turning into black gases and threaded into Leylin through the seven orifices.
"A.I. Chip! Scan my current data!" Leylin opened his eyes wide and commanded in silence.
[Beep! Leylin Farlier. Rank 1 Warlock, Bloodline: Giant Kemoyin Serpent. Strength: 7.1, Agility: 6.7, Vitality: 8.5, Spiritual force: 28.2, Magic power: 28 (magic power is in synchronisation with spiritual force). Status: Healthy] [Host completed a level of high-grade meditation technique. spiritual force increased by 0.005. Elemental essence conversion: Darkness. Progress: 1%]
"Every time I meditate there will be a definite increase in the spiritual force, it's not bad already!"
Leylin nodded his head in satisfaction.
Increasing the spiritual force of magicians would only get more difficult in the long run. Especially for official Magi, the meditation techniques they used as acolytes were completely irrelevant now. If they did not have high-grade meditation techniques, they could only rely on external resources to increase their spiritual force.
Resources which were able to create an effect on official Magi were extremely rare even on the south coast. Hence, after advancing into a rank 1 Magus, many of the Magi found it extremely difficult to advance again.
Only those who had cultivated with the high-grade meditation techniques would be able to maintain their progress.
However, every level of high-grade meditation techniques was extremely challenging. The first level was still alright. However, after that, every level required tens of hundreds of years.
As for the special characteristics of high-grade meditation technique, they would only get more difficult the further one is. According to Leylin's guess, after the third level, a Magus required thousands of years to advance to the next level!
Hence, many Magi could not advance in time before their lifespan was up, and died from old age just like that.
"A.I. Chip, calculate how long more I need to reach the criteria to advance and become a rank 2 Warlock, given my current progress!"
[Beep! Mission establishing, gather Host's data, simulating conjecture…] [With the Host's current stats, estimated to reach the requirements of advancement into a rank 2 Warlock in 14 years and 7 months!] The A.I. Chip's voice intoned.
"That's quite long! However, compared to those regular Magi who cannot advance in tens of hundreds of years, it seems like my current situation is pretty good!" Leylin's brows furrowed but quickly relaxed.
From the graphical analysis made by the A.I. Chip, the increase in spiritual force that the high-grade meditation technique gives will also begin to slow down after reaching a certain extent. Moreover, the elemental essence conversion progress will only get slower as he progresses. This was the reason stopping Leylin from advancing quickly.
According to the A.I. Chip's estimates and the Book of Giant Serpent implicit divulging, rank 2 Magus advancement criteria was to have a spiritual force of at least 80, and the elemental essence conversion to be over 80%.
These two conditions alone have stumped many genius acolytes before.
The spiritual force requirement was still alright. Whether it was about cultivating in high-grade meditation techniques or finding large amounts of resources which could stimulate the spiritual force, it could still be solved over time.
However, elemental essence conversion was a different story altogether. First of all, if the Magus chose the wrong energy particles, then he would find it extremely difficult to exceed an elemental essence conversion of 50%. To be specific, one has to first choose the energy particle with the highest elemental affinity to get the elemental essence conversion to over 80%.
Moreover, this was only the most basic criteria. To some heirs of large families and true geniuses, they would waste their potential if they advanced with an 80% elemental essence conversion. Only by getting a 90% elemental essence conversion and above, would they face fewer bottlenecks while advancing to become a rank 2 Magus.
These were all mentioned in the Kemoyin's Pupil.
In addition, some regular Magi had to solve the problem of obtaining a rank 2 spell model. If they were unable to find one which complements their rank 1 innate spell, mishaps will occur during the inscribing of their rank 2 spell model, such as having their brains exploding.
Hence, those magicians who used Grine Water with spell models to advance, their path in future would become extremely narrow.
Although his progress was extremely fast already, Leylin still felt somewhat pressured deep down.
He had utterly offended the Lilytell family. This was a large-scale family with the family head existence that could rival the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's chairman.
That was a rank 2 Magus or an expert close to that level!
As for Leylin right now, once he was to meet someone like that, his only outcome would be death!
Advancing into a rank 1 Warlock only let him have the simplest form of self-preservation. To be able to live free in the future in broad daylight, he had to at least be a rank 2 Warlock to be able to handle the pursuers from Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.
After having access to the high-grade meditation technique, Leylin realised that magicians who cultivated with the high-grade meditation techniques also required some resources.
This was because some precious resources could increase the progress of meditation.
There were several ingredients that could complement his meditation — that was mentioned in the Kemoyin's Pupil meditation technique.
Hence, he was somewhat impatient to hurry and reach the Ennea Ivory Ring Tower, situated within the domain of Light Magi.
It had the largest, free trade market and collection centre. Leylin could definitely rely on it to get his resources and improve his progress quickly.
"Lo… Lord… The broth is ready…"
Seeing that Leylin had finished with his meditation today, Ivy hurriedly scooped a bowl of broth and brought it to Leylin.
"You have worked hard!"
Leylin smiled at Ivy and took the bowl.
Ivy looked at Leylin's unfathomable eyes that had endless depths and stared at them blankly, her eyes lifeless.
"This is…" Leylin had a slight shock and immediately reached out a hand glowing in white light as he tapped Ivy's forehead.
"Lord! Just now…" Very soon Ivy recovering, yet she did not dare to look into Leylin's eyes again.
"This is a circumstance of mine which I did not restrain properly earlier. In the future do not be this careless again…" Leylin understood what had just transpired.
It was the result that the A.I. Chip indicated earlier, elemental essence conversion progress: 1%.
When Magi continued to improve their progress of elemental essence conversion, the spiritual force radiated will bring about a strong power which was attributed to the elements.
Ivy losing her bearings earlier was considered as a mild effect.
If Leylin had had an elemental essence conversion of 50% and above, and by not restraining himself, in that situation Ivy would most likely have been attacked by the Darkness energy particles and thus would have become a shrivelled corpse
As for different elemental energy particles, the final elemental conversion would also be reflected differently.
For example: if a Magus chose the Ice energy particles as the attribute to cultivate with, he would be able to freeze the spiritual force of anyone who stares into the said Magus's eyes.
As for those who cultivated in Fire energy particles, enemies who probed their spiritual force would be burnt, even suffering from a backlash.
Leylin cultivated in the Darkness energy particles, which was emphasized more towards the aspect of a person's spiritual force and soul. In later stages, if regular humans were to come into contact with his high-density elemental essence conversion, their soul would immediately perish, their physical bodies decomposing into a shrivelled corpse.
"Sorr…sorry!" Ivy lifted her skirt and bowed, hurriedly moving out of the way.
Seeing that the girl was unharmed, Leylin nodded his head and poured the meat broth into his mouth.
The warm savoury meat broth laced with bites of fresh mushroom excited Leylin's palette.
"This tastes pretty good! I guess you have not eaten yet too?"
Leylin looked at Ivy, now with his eyes back to normal there was no chance of causing unintended harm anymore.
"Yes!"
Ivy softly replied. She helped herself to some dry rations and a bowl of broth. Together with Leylin, they feasted.
Leylin looked at Ivy and let out the slightest sigh of relief.
If this was the past, Ivy would surely be treated like a princess by her own family.
However, this present way of living by roughing it out in the open would surely help her to mature quickly.
"After you are done eating, come find me in my tent. I need a sample of your blood!"
Leylin gobbled his food quickly and said to Ivy.
The underlying reason he saved Ivy was not due to kindness but to use her Warlock's bloodline for his research.
Upgrade
Out in the wilderness, the night was freezing cold. Even the blazing bonfire was unable to dispel the chill in the air.
Inside the tent, however, it was much warmer — enough to make one feel slumberous.
Leylin waited for a few minutes and saw Ivy's silhouette shivering as she slowly got into the tent.
You could tell she was very nervous, her hands clutched tightly to her skirt hems, exposing her pale white ankles.
Fear was inscribed on a pair of beautiful eyes.
But it was as if her body was controlled by someone, as she advanced towards Leylin, step by step.
"Don't worry! It's very simple to take a sample, and it will not cause you any harm!" Leylin said, to try and pacify her.
"Please pull up your sleeve!"
Upon hearing Leylin's words, Ivy hesitated for a moment. She then pulled up her sleeve, revealing a length of her jade-white arms.
"It's going to hurt a little, but don't be afraid!"
Leylin took out a huge needle-like item from behind him and spoke gently to comfort the little girl.
Unfortunately, the little girl started to tremble even more severely.
With the girl's arm in one hand, Leylin stuck the needle into the exposed vein on her arm.
Ivy's face winced when the needle entered her vein as if she was about to cry but still forced herself to stay strong.
After drawing enough blood from Ivy, Leylin sent chased the little girl back to her own tent.
"Why does it feel like I was bullying a little girl?"
Leylin rubbed his chin as he looked at the needle in his hand.
No matter what, it was unsettling being on the receiving end of a "You bullied me" look given by a little girl.
"A.I. Chip, begin the experiment, and prepare the microscope…"
After being in a daze for several seconds, Leylin came to his senses and his expression turned solemn. His slender hands began to move expertly like butterflies treading and dancing through flowers.
Next morning, Leylin saw a pink liquid within the vulcanised tube and his expression looked unclear.
"A.I Chip, scan!" A blue light glowed within Leylin's eyes, falling onto the test-tube.
[Beep! Detected a trace of ancient creature's bloodline in the drop of blood. Pala Night Hawk! Unable to purify further!]
The A.I. Chip ended its feedback, turning Leylin's face darker.
Ivy did carry a trace of an ancient bloodline, a pity that the inheritance of the Pala Night Hawk bloodline ends with her. The traces had already thinned to the absolute minimum and only a bit of aura could be extracted from her blood but it did not have many uses.
"From this density, even if Ivy was completely exsanguinated, or made to bleed some blood from time to time, it wouldn't be enough to even purify a single drop of the pure ancient bloodline."
However, Leylin did not feel particularly disappointed or anything similar to disappointment.
It wasn't that he would be successful with every single experiment of his. However, if one doesn't even try, there will be no chances of success.
He had learnt this lesson back in his previous life.
"Moreover, this bloodline that carries a trace of the ancient creature's aura, adding on with some of the broken magic artifacts pieces I've gotten in the secret plane, they could aid in the modification of the Fallen Star Pendant…"
A notion rose in Leylin's mind.
The Fallen Star Pendant was only a low-grade magic artifact which was useful back in his days as an acolyte. However, for Leylin now it was somewhat of little value.
The A.I. Chip had been given the task of researching the possibilities of upgrading the Fallen Star Pendant, and now it seemed to have borne some fruits.
However, Leylin was a Warlock now, if he was able to add some power of the bloodlines on top of the other ingredients needed for the upgrade, it would definitely achieve a better potential!
"A.I. Chip, establish this mission as a subtask: calculate the possibility of adding Ivy's bloodline into the Fallen Star Pendant!"
[Beep! Mission established, classified in a subfolder under the mission of upgrading the Fallen Star Pendant!]
The A.I. Chip intoned promptly.
Although he was unable to purify the ancient bloodline, but he had obtained an ingredient that could complement the upgrade of the Fallen Star Pendant. So Leylin felt that he had reaped a huge benefit and hence his mood was uplifted, too.
The next morning, he even greeted Ivy during breakfast, which was something that he seldom did. This caused the little girl to be confused and out of sorts. Seeing this scene, Leylin laughed inwardly.
After eating breakfast, Leylin brought the little girl and carried on with the journey.
He even bought a horse carriage while making a stop at a town, putting out the misery of the little girl, who had had to walk all along.
The reason why he did this was not because of kindheartedness. It was because the little girl provided him with blood every day, and while Leylin brewed some potions to replenish the blood, her mental state did not seem very well as her face was as pale as dead people.
After purchasing the horse carriage, Leylin led his life even more leisurely. He would journey when the sun was up, and at night, he would continue to extract the essence from the Pala Night Hawk bloodline to upgrade the Fallen Star Pendant.
"Dawn's Peak! According to our speed, we should be able to reach the Great Canyon Margaret tomorrow!"
Leylin pointed to a mountain which peak was amongst the clouds as he spoke to Ivy behind him.
"… "Ivy looked at the landmark in front of her and clutched her knees in silence.
His eyelids hung low, not knowing if it was because of the fears of what the future would bring, or because of bewilderment.
"The ingredients gathered are now sufficient. I will upgrade the Fallen Star Pendant tonight!" thought Leylin.
Naturally, he controlled the pace of the journey, so he was able to obtain enough blood right before reaching the Great Canyon Margaret tomorrow.
In the middle of the night.
The surroundings were dark and serene, and from time to time the sounds of insects and howls of wolves could be heard.
Ivy was in a deep sleep within the tent beside the horse carriage.
As for her who was in deep slumber, her eyelids twitched continuously, as if dreaming of a nightmare.
Seeing her in this manner, Leylin heaved a sigh of relief and returned to the horse carriage.
"A.I. Chip, simulate the start of the experiment!"
Leylin set up an illuminating spell and lit the interiors of the horse carriage.
In the middle, several wood boxes were set up in a flat platform with some apparatus displayed on it.
In the middle of all was a silver grey cross, with several fragments of jewels on it.
This was the original shape of the Fallen Star Pendant. Ever since he had advanced into a rank 1 Warlock, he had rarely used it.
The Fallen Star Pendant's physical and magic defense were both valid for at most 20 degrees. As for any rank 1 spell cast by an official Magus, it would exceed these limits.
Hence, Leylin would think of methods to raise the capabilities of the Fallen Star Pendant, hoping for it to be of use again.
[Simulation for experiment over, success rate to be 87.9%.] After a flash of blue light, the A.I. Chip reported a string of data back to Leylin.
Right now, the A.I. Chip could simulate most parts of the experiment and produce the success rate. This meant that as long as Leylin followed the steps given by the A.I. Chip, he could attain the same success rate that was indicated.
As for those magicians who painstakingly gathered ingredients yet not knowing their success rate, the A.I. Chip's capabilities showed that it could save Leylin a huge amount of resources.
So much so that this capability could even be employed during an advancement.
If the A.I. Chip's success rate was too low, Leylin could give up on the advancement and amass more resources before trying to breakthrough. This was much better after comparing this with other magicians who try to breakthrough in the dark and even suffer from a backlash.
"First of all, it's to separate the ingredients for the magic artifact!"
Leylin looked at the other items placed on the platform.
There was half a dagger and a broken arm. These spoils of war were obtained by Leylin during the bloodbath in the secret plane. Although some time had passed, the arm still shone with a silver light, completely concealing the fact that it was a human arm made of flesh.
"Silver-Claw Saurun actually imbued his magic artifact into his own arm, what a crazy fellow!"
Leylin picked up the silver arm and placed it within a golden funnel, setting it alight at the bottom.
A golden yellow flame continued to swirl in the funnel, turning the funnel red.
The blazing temperature continued to radiate from the hand. Once Leylin noticed the change, he began to drip some blue fluid, drop by drop, onto the arm.
The blue liquid fell onto the arm, turning into red immediately, extending it towards the whole arm.
The temperature increased yet again.
Leylin was ecstatic as he placed a transparent beaker below the funnel.
*Pitter-patter**Pitter-patter* Droplets of silver liquid continued to drip down.
Very soon, this liquid filled up half of the beaker.
Leylin's right hand rapidly gathered some powder and jewels and tossed it into the beaker, while his left hand reached for a metal wire and stirred the beaker.
The powder and jewels melted immediately upon entering the beaker, and the silver liquid began to turn muddy.
A dozen minutes later, there were two obvious layers in the beaker. On top was a liquid the colour of flesh, and at the bottom, it was a layer that was pure silver in colour.
...
After being busy for a while, Leylin looked at the several ingredients laid in front of him with a gleeful expression.
The formerly mentioned dagger and silver arm had not turned into two blocks of black and grey metal as they shone with lustre.
As for the Fallen Star Pendant, it was now submerged within a beaker. The beaker was half filled with pink blood with the scent of orchids
"Keliesiding Guraweier Alongsuo…."
Leylin chanted an incantation as he made a cut on his finger, dropping a dark red drop of blood into the beaker.
*Bang!*
Once the dark red blood entered the beaker, it immediately had a chemical reaction.
The pink coloured gases continued to rise and the blood began bubbling.
Threads of red liquid continuously climbed onto the Fallen Star Pendant, turning the original silver-grey colour into a dark red colour.
After the blood in the beaker completely evaporated, the Fallen Star Pendant turned into a dark red cross.
"What's next is to modify the runes inscription!"
Leylin's expression turned extremely solemn. This was the most crucial step to upgrade the Fallen Star Pendant!
Angler Town
[Modifying the Fallen Star Pendant's runes inscription, increasing illusory runes to make Host compatible with its control.]
A.I. Chip sounded at this very moment.
Blue light flashed across Leylin's eyes, and many transparent patterns began appearing on the surface of the Fallen Star Pendant.
Next, all he needed to do was to proceed with the modifications according to the transparent patterns on the Fallen Star Pendant.
And the A.I. Chip could assist Leylin during his inscription process, so there would not be any mistakes.
Using a pair of tweezers to fish the Fallen Star Pendant onto a white cloth, Leylin took out a solid inscription pen and started to finely carve on the surface of the cross.
At this point, his hand was like a steel sculpture — it was as steady as possible, without even a single tremor.
This required an enormous amount of attentiveness and endurance and consumed a lot of time and energy.
As time passed, beads of sweat started to drip from Leylin's forehead.
[Fallen Star Pendant's runes modification is a success! It has newly added reinforced runes, energy dissipation runes, extension runes…]
As he listened to A.I. Chip's reminders, Leylin revealed a smile.
Immediately, he picked up another inscription pen from beside him. It had grooves on its body and was just as solid.
"Next, I shall fill in these carvings!"
Leylin lit two beakers and proceeded to melt the raw materials he had separated earlier from the magic artifacts. Those beakers now contained only liquids.
Subsequently, Leylin followed a fixed proportion and mixed the two liquids together.
Leylin played with the grooves on the pen and it split open, revealing a hole to pour water into.
Immediately, he poured the concentrated silvery black liquid into the body of the pen.
Fine runes started to twinkle and flicker around the inscription pen, producing an enchanting radiance.
With a face of satisfaction, Leylin pushed the pen nib against the tracks of the inscriptions carved earlier on, repeating the process again.
But this time, the pen left silvery black liquid in its trail, filling every notch of the inscription.
After finishing the last stroke, Leylin sized up the completely reformed cross and nodded his head with satisfaction.
"Activate!"
Leylin used the ancient Byron language and read out two words.
*Pong* A cylindrical beam of gray light began to emit from the cross. Threads of silver light were moving along the rune inscriptions that Leylin had carved earlier.
As the silvery gray rays kept blending, they got brighter and eventually engulfed the Fallen Star Pendant in it.
When the rays completely vanished, the Fallen Star Pendant had changed in appearance entirely.
It only retained the shape of the cross but was bulkier than before.
Also, it had changed from a silvery black colour to a shade of dark red.
On the surface there were numerous fine and detailed rune inscriptions, causing the original fragments of gems to be concealed beneath it.
Leylin then took the dark red Fallen Star Pendant, noting its weight was heftier than before.
[Beep! Fallen Star Pendant's upgrade is now successful with those middle-grade magic artifacts! Current Physical Defence: 24, Magic Defence: 25!] A.I. Chip sounded again, bringing Leylin the good news.
"Physical defence rose from 13 to 24, and magic defence rose from 15 to 25! Not bad, really not bad!"
This range almost surpassed the Scales of Kemoyin's defense. It was almost equivalent to gaining another innate defensive spell. Leylin was naturally very pleased.
But there were a lot of other magic artifacts that have better innate spells. The would have another increase in power and defense in the future.
As for the Fallen Star Pendant, unless he finds even more precious materials to upgrade, it would be difficult to increase its defensive characteristics as per Leylin's requirements.
Hence, in the long run, concentrating on his own innate spells was more dependable.
"In the south coast, acolyte ranks use beginner grade magic artifacts. Level 1 Magi use middle-grade magic artifacts and the occasional beginner grade magic artifacts. Only the extremely powerful level 2 Magi have the capability to get hold of high-grade magic artifacts!"
Leylin thought of the information he saw from the Book of Giant Serpent.
Although the era of the great Magus Serholm was somewhat distant, the general distribution of power and culture throughout the south coast could be seen.
Now that the Fallen Star Pendant had been promoted to a middle-grade magic artifact, it's effective for Leylin as a level 1 Warlock. This, of course, put him in a good mood.
...
The Great Canyon Margaret spanned across the Inlan Dukedom and several nearby kingdoms. It was also a place that was necessary to travel through to enter the Ennea Ivory Ring Tower, controlled by the Light Magi.
Of course, this was only with regards to Magi.
Ordinary citizens of this dukedom seldom step out of the kingdom, from their birth until their death. Even their mercenaries only received missions within the kingdom.
Mercenaries and wandering bards who had travelled the vicinity could use the experience they gained to flaunt or gain respect.
"Great Canyon Margaret is filled with danger. Even a hastened journey takes several months…"
Leylin slightly frowned as he thought over the information about the Great Canyon.
Transportation in the Magus World was inconvenient, causing a great deal of inconvenience for magicians who travel far and wide.
Of course, he had another choice — he could ride in an airship.
But unfortunately, not only was this mode of transportation costly, there was only a fixed number of dates per year for its departure. Furthermore, there were stringent requirements for passengers. They needed a local family or an organisation to be their guarantor.
Leylin was already on the wanted list of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. So naturally, he wouldn't wait for the airship and had to rush by foot.
"Your parent's good friend, that Aunt Marian, where does she live?"
Leylin asked Ivy, who was behind him.
"Angler Town beside the Great Canyon!" Ivy said in a low voice.
Leylin nodded. This girl's blood had greatly helped him. Besides, there was no clash in the itinerary. Under such circumstances, he didn't mind lending a helping hand.
"Well then! I will first send you to Angler Town to find your Aunt Marian!"
Leylin told Ivy.
"L…Lord! Is it okay if I followed you around?"
After what Leylin said, Ivy stayed silent for a moment before asking this question.
"Oh? But why? I did not treat you very well!"
Leylin was surprised. When he crossed over, he was from nobility, a respected Magus acolyte. He'd never taken care of anyone before. Ivy even suffered a small illness on this journey. Things would have taken a bad turn if Leylin wasn't a Potions master.
Moreover, every now and then, Leylin had to take from Ivy a big tube of blood. He simply could not comprehend why this girl would still want to continue following him.
Maybe, I was too charming? Or was she so oppressed that twisted feelings began emerging?
Leylin let his imagination run as he rubbed his chin.
"Is this for revenge?" But, he soon figured out what the girl had in mind.
Ivy lowered her head, obviously tacitly agreeing.
"Ivy you should be aware that due to the genetic constitution of your family, before you can find the lost meditation technique, you'll never be able to be an apprentice. Even I can't do anything about it!"
Only because Ivy and Leylin were inheritors of the same ancient bloodline, he felt that he should clarify it with her.
"I know! But I request from you to get me vengeance! For this reason, I'm willing to suffer any consequence!"
The little girl made her last effort.
"My apologies. Magus advocate fair transactions. And regardless of your wealth, health or spirit, it is not enough for me to deal with another official Magus!"
Leylin did not hesitate to reject the girl's plea.
Upon hearing Leylin's ruthless yet very real words, Ivy's shoulders trembled, hugged her knees as she sat in the carriage and fell silent.
Soon, the carriage entered Angler Town.
This was obviously a Magus gathering area. There were little, almost none, ordinary people, and the architecture of the buildings around portrayed a gloomy style that appeared cold and weird. Even the atmosphere was filled with a moist putrefying stench.
"This kind of place doesn't seem very good!"
Leylin frowned. According to his experience, these kinds of dangerous district beside the major transportation road, dwells those who harbors bad thoughts, Magus who have nowhere to turn to. Simply put, wanted criminals!
Leylin felt bad for Ivy. They followed the street and eventually got to the number plate Ivy had reported before.
Appearing in front of Leylin was a dilapidated two-story loft. Black wooden planks on the verge of collapsing revealed a decadent atmosphere.
The first floor had been converted to look like a grocery store. But it didn't seem to be doing very well, and the people who entered were but a few.
Parking the carriage at a side, Leylin pulled Ivy's hand as they entered the grocery store.
"Marian! Is Marian here?" Leylin yelled out. He did not attempt to conceal the energy fluctuations in his body as the road to Angler Town was unimpeded.
"Respected Magus Lord, how may I serve you?"
Before Leylin could finish his words, an obese middle-aged lady with a greasy grey apron and thick makeup made her way out, expressing humility and flattery.
If it wasn't for the level 3 acolyte's aura she had on her body, with this kind of image, she looked exactly like an unkind housewife.
"Is this Marian?" Leylin asked Ivy who was standing at a corner.
"Yes… Yes!" Ivy nodded her head. Leylin finally understood why Ivy was so unwilling.
By the looks of it, Ivy's parents probably did not have anyone else to turn to back then. Hence, they allowed their housekeeper to send Ivy to Marian.
"This is Ivy! Any impression?" Leylin pulled Ivy in front of him.
"John's daughter?!" Marian's face changed slightly. "About the Langster family matter, I feel sad…" Marian said as she squeezed out a few drops of tears.
"…Back then, I just happened to pass by and the housekeeper begged me to bring her here…"
Leylin briefly spoke about the cause and effects.
Upon hearing that she has to offer shelter for Ivy again, Marian's face completely turned embarrassed, as if things were already difficult for her. Leylin reckoned, if he wasn't around, Ivy would have already been chased away.
"Since it is what the Lord wants, then alright!" She replied with an ugly smile after struggling for a long time.
Broken Axe Pub
Leylin rushed the carriage forward, wandering aimlessly around the streets.
He thought about Ivy and how she looked like a little puppy that was being abandoned. Even now, the sight felt a little bit laughable.
Magi always advocated voluntary transactions.
The way Leylin saw it was that while Ivy provided him with blood, he brought Ivy on the journey to this place. He even demonstrated his might to find her a place to sleep for the near future. This should have been enough to pay her back for her contribution.
In regards to bringing her along on the journey, Leylin felt that he didn't have the spare time to take care of such a cumbersome being.
Not to mention, if there was no suitable Warlock meditation method for her, Ivy would never be able to become a level 1 acolyte.
Warlock meditation methods were straining on blood vessels. Just like Leylin's Kemoyin's Pupil meditation technique, it was limited to only Warlocks who came from the bloodline of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent or its subspecies.
Other Warlocks and Magi would not be able to practice this technique even if they had the Kemoyin's Pupil technique. It could only serve as a reference for them.
While thinking, Leylin rushed the carriage and arrived at the heart of the town.
As he went deeper into town, Leylin saw that the average strength of passersby were greater. At the heart of the town, he saw a few level 2 acolytes and even a few other official Magi.
All of the official Magi here wore cloaks and mantles, and their faces were covered by a face flannel— almost as if they did not want anyone to recognise them.
In general, Magi who'd risk passing through the Grand Canyon Margaret rather than riding the airship were usually individuals who had been classified as criminal scum who were on the run.
Some of them had offended local forces and had been forced to flee. Others simply had to flee to save their lives because someone hankered after something they possessed.
As a result, abruptly using detection spells here was often the cause of a huge battle.
Leylin looked at the crystal watch that he was wearing, whose hands were showing five past noon.
The sky slowly darkened, and the pedestrians present on the road lessened.
Approaching the centremost pub, Leylin knocked on the somewhat rotten door.
*Dong Dong!* A dull noise reverberated throughout the somewhat empty street, even drawing the caws from a couple ravens.
"Who are you?" The wooden door quickly opened, and a long-haired man with sparse wispy hair appeared, sizing Leylin up.
"I wish to pass through the Great Canyon Margaret and I hear that I will be able to find a means of transportation nearby…"
Leylin used a shroud to cover his face. The voice that emanated from within sounded somewhat gruff.
"Great Canyon Margaret? Are you a Magus Lord?"
The old geezer patted his head, and immediately opened the wooden door, "Greetings, Sir! What you say is correct; the Broken Axe Pub is the only place where you can find the Seated Lupin Wolf…"
This old man was just an acolyte, but it was obvious that he had seen the world, and that he knew both how to read a situation and how to protect himself.
Leylin nodded his head and walked into the Broken Axe Pub.
He had already enquired before coming; the Great Canyon Margaret was always surrounded with terrifying sandstorms and it required several months to traverse it.
Also, there were a lot of hidden dangers in areas of the canyon. Being filled with dangerous swamps full of poisonous insects and the like, even horses could not be used in there.
Even Magi had lost their lives in some of the most dangerous spots!
Hence, forming a group and riding the Seated Lupin Wolf was the only way to get across the Great Canyon Margaret.
This particular pub was extremely quiet, up to the point of it being somewhat eerie.
Under the dim lighting, long chairs were placed along some partitioned rooms and sofas in the surroundings.
The little cubicle had three walls. Only the side facing the bar was wide open, as if the cubicle was a recess into the wall.
In the hall, several magicians sat in groups, drinking different coloured alcoholic drinks from time to time.
Leylin sniffed the aroma, and made out that the alcoholic content was extremely low, only meant to taste good, and not to induce drunkenness.
The magicians in the lobby were mostly level 3 acolytes. There were also several official Magi.
Leylin came in front of a horseshoe-shaped counter, sat down, and watched a bartender in a black western-looking suit.
"Sir! Do you want an 'Ice Mountain Beauty'? Many magicians love this drink!" The bartender smiled and asked.
"I'll have a cup! How much is it?" Under the dim lighting, Leylin's tone sounded lazy.
"3 magic crystals!"
It was a very steep price that normal acolytes would definitely not be able to afford. Moreover, only the currency of magicians was accepted.
Leylin nodded his head nonchalantly, tossing a middle grade magic crystal to the bartender. "I'll just have one cup! Furthermore, I wish to employ a Seated Lupin Wolf. Give me the information I require, and the remainder will be yours!"
Without a word, the bartender accepted the magic crystal. His hands moved swiftly, shaking the silver mixer on his hand, and drawing a few shiny arcs in the air.
"Sir, are you preparing to travel across the Great Canyon Margaret? Although the sandstorms have stopped, there have been rumours of a pack of Kary Vultures having seized the route leading towards the single necessary replenishing point. How about forming a group before setting off?"
The bartender shook the mixer in his hands as he explained to Leylin.
"Kary Vultures?"
Leylin's brows furrowed. This was one of the mystical creatures in the Magus World. In its mature stages, a Kary Vulture was comparable to a level 3 acolyte. As for the King Kary Vulture, it had an existence equivalent to a rank 1 Magus.
If there really was such a group of Kary Vultures occupying the single route towards the canyon leading to the supply point, a traveller's plan to cross the canyon would be compromised.
"All of these things that you have said were told to you by someone else, no?"
Leylin did not answer and stared at the bartender, before suddenly speaking up.
"Yes! Several official Magi have already formed small groups, and they're lacking a few members. Hence, they had to stay in this area, and entrusted me to find a suitable member for them…"
The bartender smiled as he placed a drink with large amounts of ice on top and alcohol below to Leylin. It looked like a mountain of ice.
"Your 'Ice Mountain Beauty', Sir!"
Leylin raised the glass. There was a layer of thin frost around it, and even the alcohol inside had somewhat frozen over.
The refreshing cocktail entered his mouth, and the chill even spread from his throat to his four limbs.
The ice cold feeling subsided, and a fiery sensation followed. At first, it was extremely faint, but the heat grew stronger and stronger, even overcoming the previous iciness.
This feeling of freezing and burning was extremely strange, indeed worthy of its price of 3 magic crystals.
"Good wine! It has been a while since I've had such good liquor!"
Leylin slightly closed his eyes for a moment, exhaled a breath of contentedness, and said to the bartender.
"It is an honour to have satisfied my customer!" The bartender bowed slightly.
"Very well!" Leylin gulped down another mouthful of the 'Ice Mountain Beauty' before saying, "I wish to meet with the group before considering joining them or not!"
"Of course. In fact, the group was formed by solo travellers, so they have been staying here…"
The bartender smiled and nodded his head…
Half a month later, many acolytes respectfully and sincerely sent off six figures riding big black wolves out of Angler Town.
The Seated Lupin Wolves were matte black in colour, with a patch of red fur on the crowns of their heads. There were also two golden yellow rings on their forelimbs, which were securely linked to their necks.
Each wolf was over 5 metres tall and 2 metres wide. Their appearances looked extremely vicious, and every step they took spanned the distance of several metres, so their movements were extremely quick.
Moreover, the Seated Lupin Wolf's back had two hump-like bulges, which were suitable for travellers to rest.
These Seated Lupin Wolves were provided by the Broken Axe Pub at the rate of five hundred magic crystals per wolf. After reaching the destination, the travellers would release them, and they would run back to where they came from.
At this moment, Leylin was seated comfortably on the back of a wolf. He rose and fell on the strong and healthy back with his eyes half closed, seizing the opportunity to rest.
Even though he was travelling on the Seated Lupin Wolf, traversing the Grand Canyon Margaret would require at least two months. The route also had a lot of dangers, so it was necessary that he conserve his energy and physical strength.
With the introduction of the bartender, he had several meetings with the small group before deciding to join them.
It would be very difficult for a lone magician to face the vile environment of the Great Canyon Margaret, and even break the watch of those Kary Vultures.
Moreover, Leylin confirmed that the other party members were in the same situation as him, forming a party at the very last minute, so he was not afraid of them colluding against him.
Even with Leylin's entry, the group members felt that their safety was not guaranteed.
After having waited for an additional half a month, it was only the previous day that another official Magus had joined them, and the group had decided to set off.
During that half a month, Leylin had been dwelling within the pub while keeping a low profile. It could have been that the Yale family and the Lilytell family had ran out of leads, so they had not decided to search here, enabling Leylin to avoid a huge battle.
Thinking about this, Leylin took a look at the members of his group.
Due to fact that the group was only a temporary one, in addition to the wariness of the magicians, more than half of the group members' faces had been concealed. Only an old, white-haired geezer and a voluptuous female magician did not conceal their countenances.
Other magicians were the same as Leylin, with half of their faces wrapped, and appearing cold and detached.
All of these magicians emitted the energy waves of a rank 1 Magus. The Great Canyon Margaret was too dangerous for any acolytes, so apart from any special circumstances, acolytes seldom chose this route.
The roasting sun shone with a comfortable warmth onto his body, causing Leylin to crave a good sleep.
As the surroundings turned dark green, the short shrubs bowed down to the Seated Lupin Wolf as they passed. This caused Leylin to think that he had arrived at the grasslands of Chernobyl Islands.
The Great Canyon Margaret was extremely vast, spanning across several kingdoms.
Moreover, rumours had it that originally, there was no great canyon and that in fact, it had been formed by two unknown, high ranked Magi fighting.
Looking down from the sky, the Great Canyon Margaret seemed like a wound created on the body of the south coast.
However, Leylin still expressed his skepticism towards such a myth. Breaking apart half a continent should have required at least a rank 7 or 8 Magus. In the recorded history of the south coast, there had been no mentions of Magi of such ranking having ever appeared.
Even if they had come from another continent, why would they have specifically chosen this place for their battle?
Seated Lupin Wolf
No matter what the legend said, due to the double influences of topography and magic radiation, the Grand Canyon Margaret suffered from strange geographical conditions and an ever-changing natural climate.
In the Great Canyon Margaret, various terrains such as grasslands, mountains, forests, marshes, and deserts could be seen.
Moreover, one moment, there might be rain, and in the next moment, a terrifying thunderstorm.
As for the enormous intermittent sandstorms, they were a calamity that even official Magi had to escape from.
Fortunately, the large scale sandstorms had their specific timings, so this passage was not completely out of the question.
Advancing through such an environment was a severe test for a Magus' physical body and spiritual force.
As for the Seated Lupin Wolf, it was a unique species that grew up within the Grand Canyon Margaret.
As if undergoing evolution and modification through radiation, the original species of mountain wolves, in the span of a long time, had evolved into an organism that was completely capable of adapting to the terrain and climate of the Great Canyon Margaret.
As for the magicians on both sides of the Great Canyon Margaret, they captured, tamed, and transformed these wolves into a necessary tool for traveling through the Great Canyon Margaret.
According to Leylin's guesses, behind the Broken Axe Pub, there were definitely one or more large Magus families that had joined hands. If not, they wouldn't be able to reap in such sizable benefits from this huge territory.
*Pu*
The sturdily built Seated Lupin Wolves continuously dashed across the grassland, bounding forward from time to time to avoid the obstacles ahead.
Their sharp canine teeth and claws were enough to deal with most of the wild creatures, saving the magicians from having to cast spells, and letting them rest.
*Rumble*
In a split second, the initially bright sky was covered by clouds, and snake-like lightning rolled across the sky, sounding out rumbling thunder.
The most mysterious thing was that on Leylin's side, the weather was still fine. One side of the sky was clear, while the other was ominous, filling it with a type of indescribable aesthetic beauty.
"It's a thunderstorm! Pay attention and avoid getting wet!"
The leader, an old geezer, spoke from the forefront.
A vote had passed in the party, finally choosing the two who would show their faces as the temporary leaders.
"Damn!" Leylin's ears twitched as he heard a female traveller from the front complain.
However he did not bother with her, only drawing out a large tarpaulin from the sack on the Seated Lupin Wolf and draping it over his body.
*Hu Hu Hu*
The speed of the wolves was extremely quick, so after a dozen minutes, they entered the region of thunderstorms.
The cold wind was whizzing, mimicking knives slashing against everyone's faces.
*Pitter-patter* Not long later, bean-sized raindrops fell, rapidly turning into a heavy downpour.
Under the rain, the grassland had now turned into a marsh.
The muddy ground hindered the footsteps of the wolves. As for those blind spots, they were littered with the traps of quicksand. Once someone was to step into one, they would very soon be swallowed whole.
*Pu*
The wolf Leylin was riding on sounded a long hiss, and immediately, its four wolf paws gave out white light.
Streaks of light began to form within the white dizzying glow. When the rays of light began to disperse, a thick coat of wolf fur could be seen above their paws.
When the fur was spread out, it resembled a hoof.
*Ta* *Ta* The wolf proceeded on water as if it was flat ground. The speed of the entire team got faster.
"A creature formed from a combination of nature and magic, truly magical!"
Leylin sighed in admiration as he gently caressed the wolf's hump in front of him,
At this instant, the wolf hair on the hump gathered and became similar to a layer of skin, sticking onto the surface of the wolf. It had a layer of oil, causing it to resemble a raincoat.
Rain continued to roll off the body of the wolf, and not a drop remained on the wolf.
"This is only an ordinary mount. Hearsay indicates that within the Light Magus region, endless other magical mounts exist. Some were natural, and were captured from the wild, and others were manmade, causing them to be bizarre and exotic." Leylin's eyes began to display an expression of yearning.
With the speed of the wolf, they were able to make it before dark. Leylin and his party finally managed to rush out of the torrential rain zone and entered a stone forest.
"Tonight, we shall rest here. Pitch your tents and leave the wolves around the perimeter. Don't forget to feed them!" The female magician yelled.
Upon hearing that, the magicians restrained and fed their mounts. They also began to pitch their tents in the stone forest.
Very soon, a circle of black tents was seen assembled closely together. The Seated Lupin Wolves were circling around the tents, laying low, as if keeping vigil.
In a special tent, Leylin finished his meditation and looked at his status.
[Leylin Farlier. Rank 1 Warlock, Bloodline: Giant Kemoyin Serpent. Strength: 7.1, Agility: 6.7, Vitality: 8.5, Spiritual Force: 28.3, Magic Power: 28 (Magic Power is in synchronisation with Spiritual Force). Elemental essence conversion: 1%. Status: Healthy]
The progress for a magician was always a gradual one. After so many days of meditation, Leylin's spiritual force had only increased by 0.1. However, compared to the Magi who do not use high-grade resources to simulate their spiritual force growth, Leylin only had to persevere in meditation every day in order for his spiritual force to grow. This pace was considered overpowered!
As for the elemental essence conversion, not only it was one of the requirements to advance to a rank 2 Magus, it was another crucial method to increase the might of rank 1 spells, so it could not be neglected either.
Leylin had already somewhat discovered the Warlock's flaws.
As a small branch of the ancient magicians, not only did Warlocks have to unearth the power of their bloodline, they also could not neglect on their cultivation as a magician.
This meant that the advancement requirements for Warlocks were the same as those for Magi. Moreover, they had the limitations of their bloodline.
Even when a rank 1 Warlock would have reached the advancement criteria, if the concentration of his bloodline was not high enough, then the advancement would most likely fail, or not have an innate spell after their advancement. According to the A.I. Chip's simulation, this was very possible!
This was indeed the case if given more thought. If the path of Warlocks was that superior, the whole Magus World would have been predominantly Warlocks and not the currently observed situation.
However, with such severe conditions for advancement, once a Warlock managed to break through, their might would often surpass that of a Magus of the same rank!
For Leylin, his personal advantage made it more suitable for him to walk the path of a Warlock.
After he finished meditating, Leylin got up and left the tent.
"Wu wu!" A Seated Lupin Wolf, which was laying beside Leylin's tent, whimpered, slightly lifting its tall stature.
"Eat this!" Leylin took a large blue cod from his sack and fed the wolf.
The Seated Lupin Wolf growled with excitement and raised its giant red tongue that had white moss to gnaw on the fish.
As the tongue swept past Leylin's right hand, he could feel a warm, moist sensation.
Although the wolf could hunt for its own food, only specific kinds of foods could keep up with their daily intake as a beast of burden.
"Hello, Lancey!"
The tent beside Leylin's opened and a provocative and revealing figure walked out. Leylin rubbed his nose as he made his greeting.
During the allocation, he was assigned to be a pair with this woman.
"You're here to feed the wolves too?" Lancey nodded her head, as she took out some cod to feed the wolf beside her.
Each and every move of this woman had a sense of loneliness behind it. Leylin felt that this was a woman with a story to tell.
Of course, every magician who wanted to travel through the Great Canyon Margaret had a story behind them.
Although Leylin did not know why this female Magus wanted to escape to the Light Magi domain, he was sensible enough to not ask.
"Listen! I hear the slight hymn of the wind! Look! The white clouds which are freely floating in the skies~"
At this moment, a rock beside the two of them trembled. A sprite, which was fully brown in colour and was wearing a Scottish costume, suddenly emerged and played its harp while singing.
Looking at the rock sized sprite, Lancey covered her mouth as she gasped.
"It's the Brownstone Singer! I heard that they were extinct! I never thought that I'd see one here…"
Before Leylin could speak, the old geezer leader came out from the tent, while exclaiming in admiration when he saw the sprite strumming on top of a rock.
"Brownstone Singer?" Leylin recalled the data regarding these creatures. "It seems to be one of the rumoured creatures that possess mysterious abilities, but don't have much attack strength!"
"What adorable creatures!" Stars seem to shine in Lancey's eyes, and she could not resist the temptation to try and touch them.
"The energy waves that they emit are so weak— I wonder how they survived till now?"
"Let me capture them and slowly conduct my research!" A large bloke who heard the banter walked out with a disdainful expression.
*Hu* Following his demand, a layer of stone skin appeared on his hands as he tried to grab the sprite.
"You, stop!" Lancey frowned, but his words obviously did not carry much effect.
The large bloke did not even stop and immediately grabbed the Brownstone Singer. The sprite stared blankly, before crying out and turning into mud yellow light dots, which disappeared in the hands of the large bloke.
"This… what just happened?"
"The Brownstone Singer is a creature that is naturally formed from nature. They are able to harmonise with the earth energy particles within the air. Magi who do not have an elemental essence conversion of 80% or above would not even be able to touch them!"
The old geezer leader said.
"Moreover, they are really timid! After getting scared off by you, they might never come back!" Leylin added on.
Upon hearing what Leylin said, the old man was astounded as he looked at Leylin. "I cannot believe that you actually know such information, which has been neglected by many!"
"I just happened to come across it while reading an ancient compendium…" Leylin replied modestly.
At this moment, the discussion had aroused the curiosity of the others Magi from the camp and brought them here.
"There's still a little bit more!" Leylin looked at the huge bloke with a pitiful gaze.
"Legends have it that those who have been touched by a Brownstone Singer, regardless of their gender, would get pregnant!"
Limestone Wasteland
"Are you kidding… Argh…"
The huge bloke had a sinister smile, but soon after he gave a miserable shriek.
The surrounding Magi also cried out in surprise, as if they'd seen something unbelievable.
Right in front of them, the huge bloke's belly began to slowly swell, taking the shape of a bulge.
Thinking back to what Leylin said earlier, Lancey was fearful yet relieved that she did not touch the Brownstone Singer like she wanted to.
Looking at the big bloke freaking out and hurrying back into his tent, drinking and consuming all sorts of items with medicinal properties, smiles were seen hanging on the faces of all the people at the site…
After appreciating the spectacle, they rested for the night and carried on their journey the next day.
The huge bloke had also recovered, but his complexion did not look very good.
Where magicians were concerned, to induce an abortion or to do a caesarean section, it was a small and simple operation that even one man could handle.
The effects of the Brownstone Singer might be frightening to a normal person. But for magicians, it was more of a practical joke than something to be feared.
"Due to the Grand Canyon Margaret's topography, it became a paradise for many exotic creatures. Legends have it that you can still find trails of those that were said to be endangered or extinct here…."
Leylin secretly thought, as he saddled the Seated Lupin Wolf, and watched the surroundings slowly changed into an ash-gray rocky forest.
If it wasn't because of Grand Canyon Margaret's complex and ever-changing topography, and the huge sandstorm encircling it for a good part of the year, this canyon would have long became a natural resource mine for the magicians.
As time slowly passed by, the ash-gray rocky forest around Leylin and the others became shorter and shorter. Eventually, their surrounding only had fragmented small stones, resembling a barren land.
"Limestone Wasteland. We've already merged into the standard route. In the next ten days or so, we'll be more at ease. But following this will be the frightful Golden Desert, where the Kary Vultures gather. Everyone should maintain their energy, and prepare for the upcoming battle…"
The lead, an old geezer, yelled uninterrupted, as he rode a Seated Lupin Wolf that had a few strands of white beard on its face.
"Limestone Wasteland? A.I. Chip, bring out the map!" Leylin slightly lowered his head as a projection that only he could see was emitted.
On a simple map, there were general markings of the danger zones within the Grand Canyon Margaret. In the center, there was a twisted green route, that was linked from one side of the map to the other.
'Kary Vultures Gathering Place' was marked with an eye-catching red font, that was in the center of the green line which they have to pass through.
On the other two sides of the route, there were other extremely dangerous zones marked scarlet, which indicated that they cannot be traversed.
This only meant that making a detour was impossible.
If Leylin and the rest want to safely get across the Grand Canyon Margaret, the only way was to banish the Kary Vultures obstructing the route.
"Limestone Wasteland!"
Leylin found the range of the Limestone Wasteland on the blue map. It was a big ash-gray region.
Small words were written beside the region: "Limestone Wasteland! Verified as having an extremely low level of risk, and no high-energy life form was ever seen…"
Obviously, the Grand Canyon Margaret was explored by countless magicians on both sides and this was the best route to take to get across the canyon as it held the least risk.
As expected, once they entered the Limestone Wasteland, Leylin felt the Seated Lupin Wolf's muscles and fur slightly loosen up, as if entering a relatively relaxed state.
"The concentration of energy in the air here is very less as if the air has some kind of leakage and causes the energy within it to be vaporised."
Leylin snapped his fingers and a small ball of flame appeared on his palm. It trembled in the breeze as if it could be extinguished at any time.
If it were outside of this area, this small flaming wisp would be burning brightly, several folds brightly than now and its power would have been 1 degree or more.
"AI Chip, calculate this flame's power."
[Beep! Mission objective noted. Analysing the target. . . .completed! Flame's power is 0.4238 degrees.] The AI Chip outputted the required data very quickly.
"As expected. The energy concentration in the air has been reduced. To cast spells here with complete power will cost even more strength than if cast outside of this place…"
Magicians and magical beasts all use the energy particles within the air to perform all sorts of unimaginable and marvellous magic. If the energy concentration in the air was less, the power of the spell cast will also be reduced.
Moreover, if a living being stayed in this place for a long time, it might undergo mutation.
As for those beings who knew magic, they would abhor these kinds of regions.
"This type of area, the Limestone Desert, looks like it was caused by a war between two highly-ranked Magi, as stated in the Book of Giant Serpent!"
Leylin now begins to believe the legend; the Grand Canyon Margaret was created by two great Magi during their battle.
But the Limestone Wasteland's desert-like appearance was a good thing for travellers like them.
At least, there was no need to worry about random, exotic species ambushing them along the way. They could rest and conserve energy.
This tranquil life lasted fifteen days.
Along the way, there experienced some bad weather and other situations. But it was not an issue for Leylin, who was a well-prepared magician.
The night before they were to walk out of this Limestone Wasteland, the old geezer, who was leading them all, and Lancey, gathered the six Magi .
"Starting tomorrow, we will be out of the Limestone Desert, and entering the Golden Desert!"
Under the illuminating flame, the old geezer's wrinkled face showed uncertainty as his pair of pupils shone.
"At the heart of the Golden Desert, the third supply spot that we will pass by has been occupied by the abominable Kary Vultures. The reason why we formed small teams, was mostly for this! Now, it's time to make the final decision!"
The old and tiny geezer looked around: "Will we kill the Vulture King as mentioned before, or merely expel them?"
"What else? Of course, we kill it!" The huge bloke who was teased by the Brownstone Singer took the lead and voiced out first.
"Materials made from the Vulture King can be sold for sell tens of thousands of magic crystals, and bar owners from both ends of the canyon will give extra rewards. Is there anything better than this?"
This was mentioned by the bartender from the Broken Axe Pub, who gave this small team an impromptu mission —— Kill the Kary Vulture King, do not let it leave alive!
Once this is done, not only will the materials obtained from the Vulture King belong entirely to the group, the pubs on both sides will also give a generous amount of magic crystals as a reward.
Because of the existence of the Kary Vultures, it had caused issues for cargos that were transported back and forth the canyon. It seems that the people involved can no longer tolerate it.
And the Kary Vultures were very vengeful creatures. If the Vulture King wasn't killed, it would gather more of its kind and hunt down any visible Magi.
The impromptu team Leylin was with, had a short discussion at the bar and agreed to the bartender's proposal.
After all, official Magi all lacked resources. They couldn't afford to miss any opportunity to accumulate more resources.
What the old geezer had put forward, was only to make a final confirmation.
"Of course!" "Well, did we not agree on this before?"
The huge bloke's words caused a resonance, and Leylin gently agreed. As long as it was appropriate, he did not mind giving his vote and gain some magic crystals.
"Great!" The old geezer smiled till the wrinkles on his face gathered together, resembling a chrysanthemum.
Seeing him like this, Leylin reckoned the Vulture King had an important material that the old geezer needed. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so into this.
"Good! Then I'll delegate tasks to everyone accordingly. The Kary Vultures are very cunning, their ability to fly makes battling them extremely troublesome. Those of you who know rank 1 flying magic ..."
The leader old geezer started to deploy everyone.
Contrastingly Leylin remained uncommunicative; he did not voice out his expertise. He ended up with the role of assisting the attacker.
The old geezer's arrangement was quite fair. In accordance with the principles of "work more, get more", every magician was assigned a job within their capabilities and developed a detailed plan.
However, during the planning, the flying magicians who were tasked as attackers and responsible for intercepting had the privilege of selecting the spoils of war.
And the old geezer just had a showcase of his strange flying magic.
Flying was still a relatively rare ability amongst the rank 1 Magi. Not only is the specialised rank 1 flying magic rarely seen, it is also not practical.
Not unless they managed to obtain a few magic artifacts that could aid flying, like Bosain.
But, as far as rank 1 Magi were concerned, only middle-grade magic artifacts would be deemed useful. For example, that item in Bosain's hand — the liquefying metallic ball, called 'Bright Silver'. Although it was very useful for one at the acolyte level, for an official Magus it would have very low power and be considered to be very weak. The most important factor, speed, of that artifact had not reached a suitable standard and to use it to assist with flying would only be seen as a joke!
It was still rare to be able to master the rank 1 flying magic like that old geezer leader.
A pair of pale green wings grew on the back of the old geezer. When he soared into the sky, Leylin keenly felt the currents and particles in the wind fluctuate. Evidently, the old geezer was a Magus who specialized in Wind element energy particles.
[According to the quantity of energy particles dispelled from the target's, determined to be of Wind element. Essence element conversion is 15-20%!]
A fine beam of blue flashed across Leylin's eyes.
The A.I. Chip could now judge other magicians during sudden bursts of energy, to determine the general stats of the opposite party.
But to get the most accurate data, it would still have to break through the protective force field of the target.
Unless he met a tenacious enemy, Leylin would never do something like that.
Before a rank 1 Magi's force field can be broken, the moment Leylin uses A.I. Chip to break through into the opponent's protective force field, it's as if Leylin had used his hands to peel off the other party's clothes. It would definitely lead to some extreme hatred from the other party. Leylin did not wish to make more enemies.
Or maybe he could wait for the A.I. Chip to upgrade again, and then he could break through into the other magician's force field without him noticing.
Leylin kept calculating in his heart, as he looked forward to such an ability.