CHAPTER 496: 003 FOURTH-ORDER LEGACY

The number of attendees was small and their skills were lacking; in Carl’s eyes, each one was flawed. Yet, to become a Wizard and a lone Wanderer in the perilous environment of the Magic Forest was no small feat. Indeed, it was quite challenging. The items brought out for trade, however, did take Carl by surprise.

Soon, seeing that no one else had anything useful to offer, Carl simply stood up and excused himself, yielding his place.

He walked with his hands behind his back to the backyard, where someone was already waiting for him. It was the only mysterious Wizard among the traders whose strength Carl couldn’t clearly discern. The figure wore a black Wizard Robe and a white ram mask and was delicately examining a flower.

"Chaos Blossom."

"It is said to be a seed brought from other worlds by the stars. Consuming it slightly enhances one’s sensitivity to the stars."

"Although it’s a low-level magic plant, having such an extensive patch is quite rare."

"The servants planted it as a pastime," Carl said as he walked closer. "My friend, if you’re interested, I’ll have someone send you some seeds when you leave. These flowers are easy to grow."

"Never mind," she waved her hand and introduced herself, "I’m Bellamy Jane, but you can call me Jane."

Jane? A female Wizard?

Carl quickly searched his memory and, confirming he had never heard the name before, nodded. "Pleased to meet you."

"I wonder, my friend, why did you call me out from inside? What is it for?"

"It is naturally for trade," ’Jane’ shrugged, casually tossing the flower back into the bushes. "Mr. Conni, I am very interested in the materials you possess for building Wizard Towers and would like to acquire a set."

The most attractive items at this trade meet were, of course, the materials Carl possessed—enough to build two Wizard Towers! However, since the other traders had insufficient resources, he had not yet been able to trade them away.

"No problem," Carl began. "Since I’ve brought them out, I naturally intend to trade. I just wonder what you plan to exchange for them?"

"Wizard heritage!" ’Jane’ spoke earnestly. "A complete Wizard heritage, allowing one to cultivate up to the Second Circle, and it even has some insights into the Third Circle."

"Uh..." Carl’s expression turned odd. "Second Circle?"

"Indeed," ’Jane’ nodded. "Though Mr. Conni is only a First Circle Wizard, your Knight Path has reached the Second Order, granting you a lifespan of five hundred years."

Five hundred years...

"You will definitely become a Second Circle Wizard, and that’s why the Wizard heritage I hold is very important for you."

She herself was a Second Circle Wizard and possessed the pride typical of one. She considered Carl her peer due to his five-hundred-year lifespan, convinced he would surely reach the Second Circle barring any unforeseen accidents.

"Well..." Carl spoke slowly, "my friend, you misunderstand my intention. Although a Wizard’s heritage is important, I am not lacking one."

"Especially Second Circle heritages!"

"Ha..." ’Jane’ let out a chuckle upon hearing this. "You’re referring to the heritages of the four major families from the Dream Market?"

"It’s no surprise Mr. Conni eliminated the four major families and obtained their heritages, but not all heritages are equal," she explained, pacing with her hands behind her back. "Becoming a Second Circle Wizard not only means mastering Second Circle Magic but also understanding the knowledge of the Star Realm and transforming one’s Meditation Method."

"How to more rapidly use the Star Realm’s energy to increase spiritual power, how to leverage smaller forces to manipulate witchcraft... This knowledge and experience are things those who haven’t reached the Second Circle wouldn’t understand. A Second Circle heritage lacking this depth isn’t very valuable."

Indeed? Carl raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t realized there were so many intricacies in cultivating to become a Second Circle Wizard, which explained why his own progress had been so slow lately.

"I have learned something!" Nodding, he continued, "However, just these alone are not enough to exchange for a set of materials to build a Wizard Tower. You could choose some particular materials instead, if you wish."

"I want the materials for a complete Wizard Tower," ’Jane’s’ voice deepened. "What do you propose?"

"As you mentioned, I will become a Second Circle Wizard sooner or later, so eventually, I will learn of the experiences you speak of," Carl stroked his chin. "If we are to trade... it must be for a complete Third Circle heritage, and it must include no fewer than two Three-rings Witchcrafts. Only such a deal will suffice."

If he were a First Circle Wizard, a complete Second Circle heritage would certainly be tempting, but he was already a Second Circle Wizard. The allure was vastly reduced. If she had one, that would be better, of course. If not, he could always find others to trade with; there was no need to rush.

"HMPH!" ’Jane’ snorted upon hearing this. "You think highly of yourself. You know, in the entire Magic Forest, there are not many families with a complete Third Circle heritage."

Carl was well aware of this. The four major families of the Dream Market all had the means to cultivate Second Circle Wizards, and the Cape family even possessed Three-rings Witchcraft. Unfortunately, none of them had a complete Third Circle heritage.

"Then there’s nothing to discuss," Carl shrugged. "I don’t mind."

’Jane’ hung her head, seemingly deep in thought, before finally speaking slowly, "I actually do have a Third Circle Wizard’s heritage in my possession, but... I’m afraid you might not dare to take it."

"Oh!" Carl said. "Let’s hear it?"

"On the Kalim Continent, there are Four Major Forces. Besides the Six Rings Tower near here, there are White Teeth Castle, the Secret Cultivation Association, and Rose Academy," ’Jane’ began. "The heritage I have comes from the Secret Cultivation Association."

The heritages of the Four Major Forces are strictly forbidden from being disseminated. A First Circle heritage might still have a chance of leaking, but a Third Circle heritage... Regardless of how it leaked, if discovered, one would definitely face relentless pursuit.

"This heritage not only includes Third Circle knowledge but also touches upon some Fourth Circle information, meaning you could even potentially advance to become a Four-Circle Wizard using it," ’Jane’ said with a slight chuckle. "Others might fear the Secret Cultivation Association, but you’ve already offended the Six Rings Tower, so offending another one seems rather insignificant."

Her words were not false. Though ’Jane’ possessed this top-notch heritage, she herself had never practiced it, merely treating it as accumulated knowledge. She didn’t even dare to sell it, fearing it would attract trouble. The man before her, however, seemed quite suitable. He had already offended the Six Rings Tower; offending the Secret Cultivation Association as well probably wouldn’t faze him—it was like having so many lice that one simply stops feeling the itch.

Carl stroked his chin. "What aspect is the heritage focused on?"

"Natural School," ’Jane’ responded. "Fire Element!"

Disappointment showed in Carl’s eyes. His Meditation Method was of the Natural School’s Water Element. Switching to the Fire Element wasn’t impossible, but it would definitely take a long time, and many aspects of witchcraft between the two elements were incompatible.

"Conni," ’Jane’ spoke temptingly, "this is a heritage that leads directly to the Fourth-tier. If you miss this chance, you might never encounter it again."

Carl’s expression froze.

「On the second floor of the Wizard Tower.」

"Master," Evgeny comforted softly, "it’s alright. It’s normal for very few to come to the first trade meet."

"Once our reputation grows, surely more people will come, and better items too."

"I know," Carl waved his hand. "You can go down now."

He wasn’t distressed by the trade meet’s lack of success; he was just contemplating other issues. After Evgeny left, the second floor became empty.

He let out a silent, light sigh.

Carl composed himself, sat cross-legged in the center, and connected his spiritual power with the Wizard Tower. His sensory range immediately expanded.

He ultimately purchased that Fourth-tier heritage. As compensation, he also obtained considerable cultivation experience for Second Circle Wizards from ’Jane’, which was perfect for some experimentation now.

Huh? A scene on the outskirts of the Dream Market caused Carl’s eyebrows to twitch slightly.

Black Wizards!

It was two Wizards who had just left the trade meet, ambushed by several attackers hiding on the periphery of the market. The attacking Black Wizards were not weak and were well-prepared, instantly putting the two who were ambushed into grave danger.

Should I intervene? Carl pondered thoughtfully. His rules only applied within the Dream Market; theoretically, he had no obligation to intervene outside it. Forcing an intervention might make people wary. However, this was his first trade meet, and few people had attended; he relied on these few for promotion. If two were killed, there would be even fewer people to spread the word.

Just as he hadn’t decided whether to intervene, the situation on the ground suddenly changed.

One of the two being besieged suddenly exhibited the strength of the First Ring Middle Stage and consecutively unleashed several powerful witchcrafts. The ambushing Black Wizards were forced to retreat repeatedly.

"Go!"

Having gained an advantage, this person didn’t flee alone but rather magnanimously waved to his companion behind him, signaling for them to escape first.

The response he received... was a stab in the back!

PFFT!

First Ring witchcraft—Rapid Stream Flames!

The flames, like a rapidly bursting fountain, erupted from his companion’s hand, piercing right through his heart.

"You..."

THUD!

The body fell, eyes filled with resentment and anger.

"HMPH!" The companion showed disdain, swiftly searched the body, exchanged glances with the few Black Wizards, and then vanished with a flash.

He turned out to be in league with the group of Black Wizards who had appeared, which explained how they could ambush them so precisely.

Carl, seated in the Wizard Tower, shook his head in speechlessness at the sight. The turn of events was sudden; everything happened too quickly, ending before he could even react.

In the Wizard World, trustworthy companions are too few. The people you trust might stab you in the back at any time.

However... the witchcraft that man just used, why does it feel familiar? Who was it again?

Thinking briefly, Carl’s eyes lit up.

Fire Demon Viers!

He hadn’t forgotten that, shortly after he had advanced to Wizard, a Vortex Spirit Butterfly had appeared nearby. A group of One-Circle Late Stage Wizards had fought fiercely for it. Carl, caught in the chaos, had nearly died at the hands of Fire Demon Viers.

This grudge, of course, had to be avenged!

Fire Demon Viers was already a top-tier expert among Late First Ring practitioners back then. Even if he wasn’t a Second Circle Wizard now, he would surely be stronger.

So... was that man his disciple?

Even after figuring it out, the man had already gone far; catching up was no longer possible. But judging by the methods that man had revealed, he likely wouldn’t stop at this one deed; he would probably return in a few months for the next trade meet.

At that time...

"HMPH!" Carl snorted lightly through his nose, closed his eyes, and sank into his cultivation.