Chapter 4: Sorcerer

The followers mocked Downton, even quickening their pace, pulling and tugging at the postmen's clothes

"Hey, thirty silver coins, if you don't speak, I'll take it as your agreement!" Grandet dropped thirty silver coins, and without waiting for the traveling merchant's response, like a rabbit struck by an arrow, he grabbed the totem wood carving and ran away

How much is it?" Downton did not show any signs of liking it, his expression was indifferent, preparing to haggle.

At first glance, who could guess that he is the wealthiest man in Morning Mist Town? This fellow's stinginess is indeed the greatest in the Western Region

The postmen glanced at Downton, unsure of why he was so certain

The postmen are unwilling, but what can they do? If a fight breaks out, the only ones who will suffer are themselves

Their existence allows any life potential to be enhanced to varying degrees through cultivation, and those who are truly strong can even, with a mere wave of their hand, move mountains and fill seas, pluck stars and seize the moon

The Western Continent is home to five great mysterious legends. Among them, in addition to the traveling merchant clad in a black robe, the most famous are the Headless Horseman and the Postman Marlon. There are countless versions of their stories, all of which parents use to lull their children to sleep

"Oh, the bodyguard has arrived!" Little Grangtai mocked Duren, "I heard you were fired from the post office, how is it? Would you like to come work at my family's shop? Don't worry, as long as there is 'bone' food from my family, you won't be lacking!"

Downton frowned; this fellow was like a piece of sticky toffee, always looking for trouble whenever he saw him. He had initially thought of just walking away, but he had not read that particular text and was reluctant to part with it.

What if it is bought by little Grangetown? The postmen are not interested in the books, but they are curious about Downton's judgment

Do you think the nickname of "Scrooge" for Grelond is just for show? He is the type who would refuse to take a carriage to the capital just to save a single copper coin; how could he allow his son to squander money in front of him?" Downton casually explained while flipping through the pages of the book, becoming increasingly satisfied with what he read.

Compared to the extravagant leather armor worn by Little Grelot, Grelot was dressed in a linen robe worth no more than fifty copper coins, with the area around his backside worn to a pale hue, rendering him utterly shabby.

"Not worth it!" Durin persuaded his friend, knowing that Downton's compassion had once again overflowed.

Old man! Little Greed's tone was gloomy, feeling embarrassed, as he did not want to speak to the old man in front of so many mercenaries

In the magical continent of the Western Lands, there exists a variety of magical energies, such as arcane energy, elemental energy, natural energy, and divine energy, collectively referred to as magical power

Downton's sister Elaine is a student at St. George's School of Magic. If he had used all the tuition and living expenses he saved for his sister to purchase magic stones and potions to refine his body, he would have advanced to the Soul Stage and become a magic user a year ago. Duren is advocating for his friend.

"Big brother, are there any opportunities to get rich? Please take care of your little brother!" Justin's eyes lit up, his tone slightly flattering as he pleaded, "I am a first-tier soul mage!"

With a bang, Tang Dun felt a sharp pain in his head, as if it had been stuffed into a meat grinder, all his memories being pulled away. Yet in the next moment, his body felt perfectly fine, as if it had merely been a fleeting illusion

After surpassing the Soul Stage, one enters the War Stage, during which the soul seed within begins to sprout, gradually growing into a towering and flourishing Soul Tree, and then progresses to the Judgment Stage, where blossoms abound

Alright, thirty gold coins, be prepared to gather at the south town entrance at dawn! Robinson changed his mind; this kid seems to be a potential asset. As a businessman, it is only natural to observe and see if he is worth holding onto.

A few youths led by him followed behind, provocatively staring at Downton

Downton turned around and quickly walked to the stall, picking up the illustrated books and classics.

At this stage, any spellcaster can summon a magical servant, and their talent undergoes its first evolution. Therefore, the Judgment Stage is also a level that creates a watershed in strength

As the son of the foremost merchant in Morning Mist Town, seventeen-year-old Grelantai felt himself superior to others. Apart from the mayor's son, those boys of the same age should behave like the domesticated Siberian bear hunting dog, wagging their tails to please him, yet there were always a few individuals who failed to recognize their place

"No way!" Justin flatly refused, "I heard there are ghouls lurking around, and I certainly don't want to be eaten!"

Oh, the fox from the western region is a coward without any guts

This is a large hunting dog known for its ferocity in the Northern regions, inherently imbued with a savage and bloodthirsty nature. It is capable of grappling with a brown bear, and is worth at least 10,000 Kindelans; if it is purebred, its value is even higher

Why

"Not a shred of magic, this is definitely not magical equipment, not worth a single copper coin." Grelentai struck his son's wrist with his hand, spitting as he spoke, "If you don't put it down, go back and meditate. If you don't reach the third level of the soul in half a month, I will break your legs."

It should be the code of a certain country. Justin glanced at it and saw some legal provisions, stating, "Not much use, there are plenty of such books in the library"

Am I too tired lately?" Downton wondered

The young man burst into laughter, and 'the bone' refers to that hunting bear dog; the satire of Little Grelot is self-evident

Old man! Little Grelot wanted to say more, but was kicked on the thigh, frightened into silence, and hurriedly left.

Downton ran home quickly and brought back ten gold coins to purchase the codebook

Go! Downton will not be deceived; he knows that Little Gradgrind is trying to provoke his side to incite conflict, and then he will have a reason to beat everyone up

And - picture - book "He? No way!" Robinson decisively denied upon seeing Downton's intention

"Let's go, don't pay attention to them!" Justin pulled Downton along.

Robinson shrugged his shoulders with feigned regret; in fact, he did not wish to hire too many people. For this expedition, the fewer who knew about it, the better.

Hmph, within three seconds, you must put down the classics!" Downton muttered, his steps unceasing, yet he silently counted the seconds in his heart

"Fifty gold coins, I'll do it!" Duren took a swig of ale, clearly this decision put him in a difficult position

Ten gold coins, no more!" Downton made his offer once again. If the other party refused, he would give up, after all, the value of this book was only around seven Gilderands.

"The Fox of the West? Why not me?" Little Grangetown also knew that was the nickname the postmen used for Downton, but he was simply jealous; he felt that only he deserved such an impressive title

Talent is a gift from God to His people, a wondrous ability

Deal! The traveling merchant lowered his head again

"What happened?" Seeing the appearance of Little Gremlins, Duren and his companions approached, deeply concerned that Downton might suffer losses

The postmen appeared somewhat reserved; the individual before them, named Robinson, is a celebrity in the town. He began his apprenticeship at the age of six, made his debut at twelve, starting with three silver dollars, and within eight years, he amassed a fortune of two hundred thousand.

The traveling merchant slightly raised his head and met Downton's gaze

"Is ten Jindelan acceptable?" Looking at the travel merchant's tattered robe, Tang Dun suddenly lost the desire to haggle and expressed his utmost sincerity!

"Haha, aren't you the Fox of the West? If you have the ability, come and take this book from my hands. Then I will give you double the Kindelan!" Little Gerontius took out a money pouch and tossed it onto the blanket, knocking over a beast tooth pendant. He was deliberately provoking Tang Dun, thinking that if he could beat him up in the tavern, it would definitely embarrass him

"Hello, aren't you a bookworm? Don't you want this book anymore?" Little Gerontius regarded Downton as a rival, naturally investigating his affairs, especially since he had a sister who was quite alluring.

Certainly! Robinson gazed at the dancing girls on the high platform, took a sip of red wine, and without any hesitation, displayed his generosity

"I hired them to gather potions at Crow Hill Cemetery, are you sure you want to go?" Robinson retorted

Woof, woof, the white hunting bear dog, standing a full 1 meter tall and nearly 2 meters long, sensed its owner's anger, lowered its front body, barked wildly, and assumed an aggressive posture

One must be promoted to the Soul Stage to be qualified to be called a Mage, for only by condensing the Soul Seed can one choose a suitable magical profession for further study based on their talent and aptitude

"Durham, what have you thought about it?" A young man casually sat down beside the table and greeted everyone.

The postmen suddenly realized, and immediately felt an overwhelming sense of envy; they too desired this ability of reasoning

Further ahead lies the Dragon Slayer stage, yet such powerful individuals are few and far between in the entire Western realm. Of course, there are even more profound realms beyond this, but for ordinary civilians, not only have they never seen them, they have not even heard of them.

Several mercenaries stepped back, staring at the hunting dog bear, a glimmer of greed flashing in their eyes

The newly attired Goblin, clad in a fresh ogre outfit, straightened his back and casually flipped through the ancient texts, yet his eyes did not glance at Downton, displaying an air of disdain.

On the yellowed pages of the parchment, black characters are inscribed, dancing like dragons and phoenixes, rolling like clouds, filled with an artistic beauty, akin to an elegant and magnificent sonnet of fourteen lines, evoking an irresistible flow of emotions, much like a timeless sculpture carved by a master, where each character seems to embody the essence of a thousand years of classical heritage

You wasteful child, what kind of worthless book are you buying, trying to infuriate me!" Grelant hurriedly snatched back the money bag, jumped up like a ball, and slapped little Grelant on the head.

"One hundred gold coins!" A hoarse voice emerged from beneath the cloak, sounding as if sandpaper were rubbing against metal, nearly piercing the eardrums

The postmen were astonished; in their view, Downton was evidently more reliable than Durham

"Alright, let's go drink," Justin said, pulling Downton along as he found a spot to sit down and snapped his fingers to call the waiter

Downton seemed not to hear, not even turning his head. He certainly desired it, but if he were to reveal this, given the malicious nature of little Gradgrind, he would undoubtedly buy it to undermine him

"Downton, are you going?" Duren still felt uneasy, believing that having Downton accompany would increase the safety factor a bit more

"Why don't you go and rob? You are not the legendary mysterious traveling merchant. A worthless book, and you dare to ask for so much money, enough to cover more than half a year's living expenses for me!" Justin exclaimed, persuading Tang Dun, "What do you need to buy this thing for? It can't even be eaten!"

"I cannot sense any magical energy fluctuations from you; you have yet to condense your soul seed and awaken your talents, correct?" Robinson himself possesses considerable strength, and the excuse he provided is also irrefutable.

The person before me is clearly a scoundrel disguised as a traveling merchant, engaging in deceit and trickery

As for the commoners in Downton, they are nothing more than ants in the eyes of Grantly, not even worth a glance.

After spending 10 gold coins, Downton could only gnaw on cheap black bread and drink plain water. As for the remaining gold coins, they are reserved for his sister's tuition and will not be touched under any circumstances

The path of cultivation begins with the exercise of the body and the tempering of the will. As one grows stronger and the will becomes more resilient, through meditation, one gradually becomes aware of the magical energy fluctuations that permeate the air. Subsequently, one strives to absorb this magical energy, and after accumulating it to a certain extent, a quantitative change leads to a qualitative transformation. The magical energy will condense within the body into a seed of the soul, simultaneously unlocking one's innate talents.