Chapter 33: Level 9

The moment Aikesi stepped out of the cultivation room, autumn sunlight slanted across his face, carrying a lazy warmth. He stood at the doorway for a moment, letting his eyes adjust to the long-unseen light. Half a month had passed, a full half-month without stepping out that door; every day, Kaman had placed the meals at the door, knocked, and left. The cultivation had reached a critical moment, allowing no distraction whatsoever.

In the courtyard, Kaman was sweeping up fallen leaves. A sudden autumn wind rose, and several plane tree leaves spun down, landing precisely on the ground he had just swept. Hearing footsteps, he turned his head. The instant he saw Aikesi, the man froze in place.

Aikesi stood there, no different from half a month ago, his clothes neat, his expression normal. Yet Kaman felt something was different. He couldn't say exactly where the difference lay. If Aikesi half a month ago was a deep pool, calm and waveless, bottomless; then the Aikesi of now was a mountain, towering and upright, making one involuntarily feel awe.

"Congratulations, My Lord." Kaman put down the broom and bowed deeply. His tone was more respectful than usual, and his waist bent even lower.

Aikesi nodded and walked down the steps.

Kaman hesitated for a moment, then couldn't help but ask, "My Lord, did you... break through?"

"You can tell?"

"This humble one doesn't understand cultivation, but I do have some eye for it," Kaman said with a smile. "When My Lord stands there, the feeling one gets is like... like a sword drawn from its sheath, its sharpness fully exposed. Before, My Lord was very strong, but the momentum was internalized; now it radiates naturally. Although this humble one is merely an ordinary person, having served many cultivators, I can still see this change."

Aikesi looked at him with some surprise. Kaman indeed possessed keen observation; to perceive these things without any cultivation power showed this man had a delicate mind and was good at reading expressions.

"I did break through." He did not hide it.

The smile on Kaman's face deepened. He bowed again: "Congratulations, My Lord. Congratulations, My Lord. This humble one will prepare some food. My Lord hasn't eaten properly in half a month; you must replenish yourself."

"Nothing too lavish; something light will do."

"Understood."

Aikesi crossed the courtyard and headed for the garden. Along the way, he felt the circulation of Magic within his body. Level 9 and Level 8 were indeed different; it was not merely an increase in quantity, but a qualitative leap. Magic flowed through his meridians with unparalleled smoothness, as if a stream merged into a river, surging endlessly. With every breath, the surrounding Fire Element was naturally attracted, forming a faint red glow around his body. He had tried his best to suppress it, but having just broken through, he could not yet achieve complete control over its release and containment.

In the garden, Old Tom was watering the Fire Flame Flowers. These were varieties he had carefully cultivated; larger and redder than ordinary Fire Flame Flowers, their petals layered upon layer, shimmering with a satin-like luster under the sunlight. Old Tom had tended these flowers for decades; every single plant was like his child.

Hearing footsteps, Old Tom looked up. Seeing Aikesi, he also paused, then said cheerfully, "My Lord looks very spirited today."

Aikesi smiled but offered no explanation. He squatted by the flowerbed and reached out to touch one of the Fire Flame Flowers.

The instant his fingertip touched the petal, the flower trembled slightly, its petals closing a bit, as if responding to his touch. Immediately, the entire Fire Flame Flower plant began to tremble; the flowers turned toward him, the leaves swayed gently, emitting a faint rustling sound.

"Eh?" Old Tom leaned over in surprise, his eyes wide open. "How did this flower... I've grown Fire Flame Flowers for decades and have never seen anything like this."

Aikesi withdrew his hand, lost in thought.

Fire Flame Flowers are extremely sensitive to the Fire Element. Having just broken through to Level 9, the Fire Element aura within his body was far more intense than before. Although he had tried his best to suppress it, the flowers still sensed it. It seemed he still needed some time to adapt before truly achieving complete control.

"It's nothing." He stood up. "Perhaps the flowers are just blooming perfectly."

Old Tom looked at him half-believingly, then at the Fire Flame Flowers that were still trembling slightly. He scratched his head and asked no more.

At noon, when eating, Kaman brought up several light dishes, a bowl of porridge, a plate of pickled vegetables, and a plate of sliced fruit. Aikesi had eaten dry rations for half a month. Although with his cultivation, going days without food was no problem, hot meals were ultimately far superior to dry rations.

Halfway through the meal, he suddenly spoke: "Kaman, I may need to take a long trip."

Kaman, who was waiting nearby, was slightly startled by this: "Where is My Lord going?"

"The O'Brien Empire."

"Over there..." Kaman hesitated, "Over there seems unsettled recently. I heard several duchies along the border are causing trouble, and the O'Brien Empire's army has already moved in. Is My Lord going there on business?"

Aikesi shook his head: "Just to take a look."

He offered no further explanation.

Kaman asked no more. He had not served Aikesi for long, but he had already figured out this Lord's temperament. Aikesi was not the type who liked to explain. If he said "take a look," then he truly meant just that.

"Then I will help My Lord prepare the travel gear," Kaman said. "The weather is getting cooler; the north is colder than here. We must bring a few thick coats. Will My Lord ride a horse or take a carriage? If taking a carriage, I will arrange..."

"Ride a horse," Aikesi said. "Keep it simple; no need for too many things."

"Understood."

Over the next few days, Aikesi began organizing preparations for this journey.

First was that staff, formally accepting him as its master. Using the Blood Refining Method, he dripped his own vital blood onto the staff shaft, imprinting a mark with his spiritual power. The instant the blood drop fell onto the staff, it was rapidly absorbed. The staff shaft grew slightly warm and emitted a faint hum. The Magic Core at the staff's tip lit up, flashing red light, as if flames were dancing within it. Aikesi could feel a strange connection established between himself and this staff, as if it were part of his own body. From now on, only he could use this staff; anyone else holding it would find it mere scrap iron. If someone tried to force its use, they would not only fail to unleash its power but also suffer backlash.

Then there was that bottle of Moon Essence Liquid, kept close to his person. This item could save his life in critical moments; it could not leave his side.

As for pills, those accumulated over the years through signing in, plus those distributed in the ruins, were enough for a while. He also went to the market to buy some ordinary healing and antidote potions, just in case. The shopkeeper selling the medicine was a shrewd middle-aged man. Seeing Aikesi buy so much, he even gave a waterproof and fireproof leather pouch, perfect for holding the potions.

"Guest, you must be going on a long trip?" the shopkeeper asked while packing. "Looking at what you've bought, these are all essentials for travel. Which direction are you heading? If going north, you must be careful; things have been unsettled there recently."

"Thank you for the reminder." Aikesi took the leather pouch.

"You're welcome, you're welcome. Take care, Guest." The shopkeeper cheerfully saw him to the door.

Items for survival were the most important.

The Ice Barrier could be used only once per day. The Teleportation technique had five marked points: the Earl Mansion, the Ernst Institute, the ruins of Fenlai Cheng, the outer perimeter of the Magical Beast Mountain Range, and the Magic Guild of the Yunluo Empire. In case of danger, he could retreat at any time. He specifically checked the coordinates of each marked point again, ensuring no errors. Although the Teleportation technique was useful, if the coordinates were off, one might teleport directly into a rock or mid-air, which would be fatal.

He went to the outer perimeter of the Magical Beast Mountain Range again, setting up new coordinate points in several hidden locations. In case of danger in the O'Brien Empire, there must be a place to retreat to. Although the Magical Beast Mountain Range was dangerous, its terrain was complex and easy to hide in. He chose several spots: a hidden cave, behind a huge rock, and a hollow in an ancient tree a thousand years old. Every coordinate point was carefully verified to ensure absolute safety.

When everything was ready, a week had passed.

On the night before leaving, Aikesi went to Huerman's residence.

Huerman was overjoyed to see him, pulling him to drink. After three rounds of wine, Huerman's wife brought up several small dishes, smiled a greeting, and withdrew. Only the two of them remained in the living room, the candlelight flickering, the scent of wine filling the air.

"Have you really decided?" Huerman held his wine cup, his smile fading somewhat.

Aikesi nodded.

Huerman sighed: "I knew you couldn't stay idle. How long have you been in Didu?"

"Almost two months," Aikesi said.

"Alright, I won't try to dissuade you." Huerman raised his wine cup. "Be careful on the way to the O'Brien Empire. It's not as peaceful as the Yunluo Empire. The O'Brien royal family is notoriously aggressive. Although your strength is great, you must remain low-key and avoid trouble. People there love to fight; a single disagreement could lead to a fight."

Aikesi smiled: "I know."

"Good to know." Huerman took a sip of wine and added, "By the way, if you go to the O'Brien Empire's Didu, you can visit their Arena. It is the largest Arena on the entire continent. There are gladiatorial performances every day, even duels between Level 9 experts. However, the entrance fee is terrifyingly high; one match can equal an ordinary person's annual income."

"Level 9 experts dueling?"

"Yes, the O'Brien Empire loves this. They worship martial prowess and consider gladiatorial combat the noblest form of entertainment. Some experts do it for money, some for fame, and others purely to hone themselves. If you are interested, you can go watch. But do not enter the ring; people there love to fight. If someone challenges you, it will be troublesome."

Aikesi nodded and made a mental note.

Huerman went on rambling about many things: local customs, not to pick fights with soldiers casually, and that if trouble arose, one could seek help from the local Mercenary Guild. After saying a great deal, he finally raised his wine cup:

"In short, remember to come back alive. I'm still waiting to hear your stories from over there."

Aikesi clinked his cup against his.

The wine was drunk until midnight before Aikesi rose to take his leave. Huerman saw him to the door, patted his shoulder, said nothing more, and simply gripped his hand heavily.

The night breeze was somewhat cool. Aikesi rode back; the streets were empty, with only patrolling soldiers passing occasionally. Hoofbeats struck the bluestone pavement, emitting a crisp sound that carried far into the silent night. Passing a shop still lit, the owner was packing up to close; seeing him ride by, the owner cast a curious glance.

Aikesi paid no mind and continued forward.

Back at the Earl Mansion, Kaman was still waiting. Seeing him return, Kaman stepped forward: "My Lord, the travel gear is all prepared. Change of clothes, dry rations, water skins, flint, and some sundries. Please check if anything is missing?"

Aikesi followed him to the side hall, where a bundle lay on the table. He opened it and looked; the items were packed very neatly, sorted by category. Kaman was meticulous; he had even prepared a sewing kit, plus a small packet of salt and seasonings, saying that if game was hunted on the road, it could be roasted and eaten.

"You've worked hard," Aikesi said.

"My Lord speaks too highly; this is what I ought to do," Kaman said with a smile. "My Lord, be careful on the road and return early. Old Tom was muttering yesterday, saying that since you left, the Fire Flame Flowers in the garden aren't as spirited."

Aikesi paused for a moment, then smiled.

Early the next morning, Aikesi rode out of Didu.

Kaman saw him off at the gate, and Old Tom stood nearby, waving to him. Aikesi looked back once, waved, and spurred his horse away.

Outside the city gate, the road stretched north.

The early autumn wind carried a chill, feeling comfortable on the face. In the farmlands on both sides of the road, farmers were harvesting crops, a scene of bustling activity. Golden wheat waves rose and fell in the wind; as sickles swung, bundles of wheat were stacked neatly. Children chased and played on the ridges, their laughter carrying from afar. A few bold children saw him ride by, stopped, waved at him, and shouted something. Aikesi couldn't hear clearly but waved back anyway; the children laughed even louder.

Aikesi slowed his pace, watching this scene.

Such a life, simple and peaceful. No pressure of cultivation, no dangerous ruins, no life-and-death struggles. Rise with the sun, rest with the moon, year after year. If he were not a transmigrator, if he had not obtained this Sign-in System, perhaps he would have lived such a life too.

But since fate had pushed him here, he could only keep moving forward.

The road ahead stretched out, its end unseen.

The outline of Didu shrank behind him, gradually, until it finally disappeared below the horizon. Aikesi withdrew his gaze and urged his horse to accelerate.

Hoofbeats were crisp, heading north all the way.

The sun gradually rose higher, and more travelers appeared on the road. There were merchant caravans driving carts, farmers carrying farming tools, travelers carrying bundles, and messengers riding swift horses. Everyone hurried, rushing toward their respective destinations.

Aikesi moved forward with the flow of people, neither hurried nor slow.

After walking about an hour, a fork in the road appeared ahead. One road continued north, leading to the next town; the other road went west, toward the direction of the Magical Beast Mountain Range. Aikesi reined in his horse at the intersection and looked at the boundary marker by the roadside.

Hoofbeats struck the new road, and a feeling Aikesi couldn't quite describe surged in his heart. Ahead lay an unknown land, unknown customs, unknown opportunities and challenges. He did not know what he would encounter, but it was precisely this unknown that made the journey interesting.

The scenery by the road gradually changed. Farmlands became fewer, wastelands more common. Occasionally a few households could be seen, mostly dilapidated thatched cottages; emaciated dogs squatted at the doors, barking when people passed. Children ran barefoot in the mud; seeing a mounted traveler, they stopped and stared blankly.

Aikesi reached into his bundle, pulled out a few copper coins, and threw them to the children. The children scrambled to pick them up, looked up to thank him, but he had already ridden far away.

In the afternoon, he passed through a small town. Called a town, it was actually just one street, with a dozen or so shops scattered on both sides. Stalls selling food lined the street, steam rising. Aikesi's stomach was a bit hungry, so he dismounted and found a stall to sit at.

The stall owner was a fifty-year-old old woman, quick with her hands and feet. Seeing him sit, she immediately served a bowl of hot soup. The soup was boiled from bones, with a few vegetable leaves floating on top, smelling quite fragrant.

"Where does the guest come from?" the old woman asked with a smile.

"Didu."

"Oh, that's a long way," the old woman said, looking at him in surprise. "You came alone on horseback? Did you encounter any trouble on the road?"

Aikesi shook his head: "All peaceful along the way."

"That's good, that's good," the old woman said. "The road north has been unsafe lately; I heard bandits are appearing. A few days ago, several merchant caravans were robbed, and many people died. If the guest continues north, you must be careful."

Aikesi nodded and thanked her for the warning.

After a bowl of hot soup went down his throat and he ate two flatbreads, his body warmed up. He paid and asked the old woman: "Heading north, how far is the nearest town?"

"By horse, you can reach it before dark," the old woman said, pointing in a direction. "Keep going straight; when you see a stone bridge, cross the river, then walk another half hour and you'll arrive."

Aikesi thanked her, mounted, and continued on his journey.

When the sun tilted west, he indeed saw a stone bridge. The bridge was an old stone arch bridge; the bridge surface was pitted and covered in moss. Below the bridge flowed a small river, the water clear to the bottom, where swimming fish could be seen.

After crossing the bridge and walking another half hour, a town appeared ahead. Larger than the small town he had passed before, it had city walls, and the city gate was still open. Aikesi rode into the city and found an inn to stay at.

The innkeeper was a shrewd middle-aged man. Seeing him arrive on horseback, dressed neatly, he knew he was a wealthy patron and greeted him eagerly. Aikesi requested a superior room, ordered some food, and asked the waiter to take the horse away to be fed.

The room was reasonably clean. Aikesi put down his bundle, pushed open the window, and looked out. Outside was a street; the sky was growing dark, and fewer pedestrians were on the street. In the distance came a few dog barks, mixed with children's crying and women's scolding.

He closed the window well, sat cross-legged on the bed, and began his daily cultivation.

Night deepened; outside the window, it became completely quiet.

Early the next morning, Aikesi continued on his journey.

Thus, day after day, heading north.

The towns passed became more numerous, and the scenery grew increasingly desolate. Farmlands turned into grasslands, grasslands into deserts. The temperature in the air dropped lower and lower, the wind colder and colder. Aikesi changed into thick clothes and continued forward.