Feeling the terrifying power, everyone was shocked to the core, crying out in disbelief: "That armor is top-quality gear! Even a high-level magician would struggle to destroy it. What... what level are you?"
"How could a magician of this caliber be near Notting City?"
The members of the Temple of Wisdom were stunned, unable to believe their eyes.
Dean Bruce's eyes narrowed as he realized that the spells weren't targeting him, confirming his suspicion that this was all part of an act. With that assurance, he decided not to hold back any longer. He stomped his foot, instantly casting The Compassion of Heaven and Earth.
Of course, to showcase his power and ensure Lina Jones remembered him, Dean Bruce shouted, "Such petty tricks, how dare you show off in front of me? Break! The Compassion of Heaven and Earth!"
Zheng—
Even with just a portion of his mana, amplified tenfold by his understanding, Dean Bruce unleashed an overwhelming aura.
The surrounding woods and trees began to tremble, and the trees closest to him rapidly grew, their branches and leaves forming barriers that intercepted the incoming moonlight sword energy before it could strike anyone.
Clang, clang, clang!
The sound of the moonlight swords clashing with the leafy barriers rang out sharply, reverberating in everyone's ears, leaving them in awe.
But it didn't end there—more branches and leaves extended, wrapping around the attackers and the deadly moonlight swords, and then flung them far away.
A soft green light descended, enveloping and floating around each person, as if a pair of warm hands were gently caressing them, healing their wounds and easing their pain.
"What... what kind of magic is this?"
Aside from Nicholas William and Alita Miller, everyone present was unfamiliar with The Compassion of Heaven and Earth, and they were all astounded by its incredible effects.
"Oh my god, how can this magic have so many effects? This... this must be high-level magic! Maybe even an Ultra-High-Level spell!"
"How could a master of such powerful magic be hiding in a place like this? Even the headmaster of the junior magic academy probably only knows a few advanced spells!"
In an instant, the way everyone looked at Dean Bruce changed—they were now filled with a mix of fear and respect.
"Argh, such power! Damn it, you win today, but we'll be back. Let's go!"
Alita Miller pulled out a scroll and tore it open. In an instant, a thick smoke erupted, filling the entire forest and obscuring everyone's vision.
After the smoke cleared, Alita Miller and her group had vanished without a trace, leaving only Nicholas William and Lina Jones with their respective followers.
Nicholas William dismounted and hurried over to Dean Bruce, bowing respectfully. "Student greets Teacher. Thank you for your powerful magic, which has opened my eyes. I now realize that my current understanding is insignificant. I will work hard to improve and strive to comprehend even more advanced levels in the future."
Hearing this, Dean Bruce couldn't help but twitch slightly at the corner of his mouth. Who told you to keep focusing on that one spell?
With your talent, you should be learning a variety of spells!
Thinking quickly, Dean Bruce spoke softly, "Not quite. Your approach is mistaken. Mastery of magic requires consistent accumulation over time, not just relentless practice. From what I observed, your understanding of The Interrogation of the Soul is already quite deep. In the future, a little practice will suffice, and you'll be ready to learn new magic."
Nicholas William's heart soared with joy—he hadn't expected to receive such praise from his teacher!
Meanwhile, the members of the Temple of Wisdom looked at Dean Bruce with a mixture of surprise and admiration.
Lina Jones, being the designated saintess, was accustomed to such situations and didn't show much surprise. She stepped forward, bowed to Dean Bruce, and said, "Lina thanks Teacher Dean for your help. Without you, we might not have survived today."
She paused for a moment, then took out a ring from her pocket and offered it to him. "Someone of your strength likely has no need for the items we carry, but we can't go without showing our gratitude. This ring contains various medicinal herbs, as well as the crystal cores and flesh of second- and third-tier beasts, which can be used for crafting potions or sold for money. I hope you will accept it."
Dean Bruce didn't hesitate to accept the ring, smiling calmly. "It was just a small effort on my part. You don't need to worry about it. Besides, I have great respect for the Goddess of Wisdom, and I'm happy to have been able to help you."
Hearing this, Lina Jones and the others from the Temple of Wisdom couldn't help but smile, their gazes toward Dean Bruce becoming even more friendly.
Noticing their reaction, Dean Bruce couldn't help but smirk.
With modern persuasion techniques, handling this group is child's play for me.
Give it some time, and I could have them so charmed they'd be willing to sell themselves while thanking me for it.
After a moment of hesitation, Lina Jones removed the pendant from around her neck and handed it to Dean Bruce. "This is my pendant, Teacher Dean. Whenever you have time, please visit me at the Temple of Wisdom. I will ensure you are received with the highest honor."
"Thank you once again! We must continue our journey, so we'll take our leave now."
With that, Dean Bruce didn't hold them back, watching as they departed. He then turned to Nicholas William and curiously asked, "How did you know there would be a battle here?"
Though this place wasn't far from Notting City, the earlier battle shouldn't have been enough to reach the city itself.
Nicholas William shook his head and said, "Someone left me a note. Although I couldn't be sure if it was genuine, I couldn't risk letting a designated saintess die near Notting City, so I gathered my men and rushed over."
He paused, then added, "My father will be coming soon as well, to ensure everything is absolutely secure. But now that you're here, Teacher, the situation has already been resolved. It's perfect timing—my father can meet you when he arrives."
"…"
Dean Bruce raised an eyebrow, surprised that his first meeting with the city lord would happen under such circumstances.
"By the way, Teacher, you mentioned teaching me more magic? What level of magic will that be?"
Nicholas William's eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked at Dean Bruce.
Dean Bruce smiled and said, "I never teach anything lower than high-level magic. The spells I'll teach you will only be more powerful than The Interrogation of the Soul."
"If The Interrogation of the Soul is already so powerful, then a stronger spell…?" Nicholas William was thrilled. "Being able to study under you is the greatest honor of my life! Teacher, you're practically a deity to me!"
Nearby, the cavalrymen couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy and jealousy in their eyes.
If only they could have a powerful teacher like Dean Bruce—perhaps they wouldn't have ended up as mere guards and soldiers!
As Dean Bruce pondered what new magic to teach, he let Nicholas William lead the way back to Notting City.
Before long, the sound of hooves echoed again. A figure clad in deep blue armor, riding a blood-red warhorse, led a cavalry contingent of over a hundred riders, galloping swiftly from the distance.
A powerful aura radiated from the figure at the forefront, drawing Dean Bruce out of his thoughts.
Seeing the figure, Dean Bruce raised an eyebrow, immediately guessing his identity—Billis William, Lord of Notting City and father of Nicholas William!
"Whoa!"
The warhorse stopped precisely in front of Dean Bruce and Nicholas William. Billis William's gaze was intense, like a burning flame, fixed firmly on Dean Bruce.
Nicholas William quickly dismounted, bowing respectfully. "Father, this is my magic teacher!"
Nodding slightly, Billis William said, "Thank you for teaching my son advanced magic. Without you, today's events could have caused enormous trouble. Why don't you do me the honor of visiting my residence tonight? I'll ensure you're received with the highest respect, and it will give me a chance to express my gratitude properly!"