The Path to Immortality: Starting with an Analysis of Basic Concepts

Chapter 439 Generous Leo, Confident Andrei, Beginning (Please Subscribe)

The "Mysterious Cat," a single strike that instilled fear and dread in countless people!

When did Andrei become so strong?

With a thought flashing through his mind, Andrei's gaze fell on the horse-shaped blue brand on his right arm, and he suddenly realized.

It must have been the "mythical beast" that helped him through some unknown means.

Overjoyed, Andrei immediately fed the "Phantom Beast" a few mouthfuls of "life energy" before turning his gaze back to the "Mystic Cat".

Monsters are incredibly destructive, but they are also incredibly valuable.

Its hide can be made into leather armor that resists "life energy", its flesh can enhance the knight's "life energy", and its nurtured core can be used to nourish "elves".

Andrei immediately emptied the water bag, placed it on the ground, grabbed the black cat, and positioned its wound against the opening of the water bag. Gushing blood, gleaming with a dark light, flowed into the water bag.

"With the flesh and blood of the 'Mystic Cat,' the chances of Monte and Pope gathering 'life energy' will definitely increase significantly—"

As he pondered this, his fingers groped inch by inch along the corpse of the "Mysterious Cat," and soon he found a hard object on its lower abdomen.

"Could it be the core of the heart—?"

Andrei's breath hitched. He forced down his joy, drew his "Carbon Steel Greatsword," channeled "Life Energy" into it, and pressed it against the man's lower abdomen.

The "Charcoal Steel Greatsword" is crafted entirely from "charcoal ore" derived from the magic of the "Black Charcoal Dragon".

Although it is just an ungraded "magical weapon" without any special abilities, it is much sharper than ordinary weapons when activated by "life energy".

Without any magical protection, the "Mysterious Cat" managed to cut a wound about the length of a thumb with a little effort.

Andrei reached inside, and upon touching the hard object, he immediately sensed the abundant magic it contained. His eyes lit up with surprise, and he carefully took it out.

"It's the core!—"

Under the sunlight.

A multifaceted crystal, as black as ink, shimmered with captivating brilliance.

"Ha ha--"

Looking at this precious "core," Andrei could no longer contain his joy and burst into laughter.

The core is less than the size of an infant's fist.

However, the pure magic it contained was dozens of times greater than the total amount of "magic crystal sand" he found in the "elf room".

This solved his immediate problem.

In his arms, Zhu Yu quietly peeked out, glanced at the Xuan Cat's Heart Core, and nodded in satisfaction.

According to his estimate.

This core can increase his magical power by at least a hundred times.

"We need to get Andrei to hunt down more 'monsters'—"

The thought of wishing for something to happen flashed through my mind.

However, he was not in a hurry. No matter how strong Andre was, he was still just one person. Once Andre established his family and trained more knights, his power would grow stronger, and then he would naturally not lack "magic crystals".

Looking at Andrei, who was laughing loudly, his dark gray pupils gleamed.

During these seven days of contact.

He successfully deciphered the knightly magic that Andrei had been practicing.

Its main purpose is to train and stimulate the potential of the body. When the progress of physical training is small, "magical crops" are consumed to stimulate the body and integrate them with one's own life force to form a special "life energy".

In other words, the people of Lingxu have special physical bodies and naturally strong, inhuman vitality, which allows them to withstand the test and step into the extraordinary realm.

Take the lowest level of serfs as an example.

He looked pale and thin, as if a gust of wind could blow him over, but as long as you give him a piece of wheat cake, he will instantly transform into a tireless perpetual motion machine, able to clear land all day long.

That's it.

These serfs could even make babies at night.

It can be said.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the people of Lingxu are born like cattle and horses.

At the same time, Zhu Yu also discovered that Andrei had entered the extraordinary realm, but there was no trace of cultivation methods in his body. He was just constantly squeezing out his life force to strengthen his "life energy" and become a high-level knight.

It's a pity he doesn't have the "Spiritual Ruins" method; otherwise, he could have deduced and optimized it.

However, there is no magic method.

Zhu Yu deduced two knightly secret techniques, one offensive and one defensive.

He planned to wait until Andrei planted the "iris" before sending him the two knightly secret techniques he had deduced in a dream.

Enhancing its strength is one aspect.

More importantly, he wanted to use this opportunity to try and gain some control over Andrei's family.

of course.

Success is best, but failure is also acceptable.

At worst, we can just train someone else. With the talent "Dragon's Might," Andrei's current strength is not enough to stop him.

A flurry of thoughts flashed through his mind, and Zhu Yu retreated back into the bamboo tube, waiting for the grand feast that evening.

Meanwhile, Andrei, who was laughing while holding the "Black Cat," did not notice that in the grass not far away, a pair of eyes revealed disbelief and deep-seated fear.

The person who had come to their senses carefully retreated.

He took a long stride and ran towards the camp surrounded by dozens of simple wooden huts. He arrived at the camp quickly. Instead of going to the luxurious wooden huts around him, he went to the outermost edge, in front of a dilapidated wooden hut next to the windbreak forest.

He gasped for breath, supporting his legs, and addressed the burly man in the doorway—a man holding a knight's sword, wearing half-armor, and with a stern face—" "Lord Blackrock Knight—"

Before he could finish speaking, the door opened a crack, and a pale, slightly overweight young man dressed in ornate aristocratic attire peeked out. He cautiously looked around before raising his hand to interrupt, "Has that 'Black Cat' left the camp?"

The servant respectfully addressed him as "Sir Leo," swallowed hard, his expression a mixture of surprise, fear, and reverence, and replied, "Sir Leo, 'The Black Cat' has not left the camp—"

Sir Leo's already fair face turned deathly pale, his skin trembling uncontrollably. Then, the servant announced, "The 'Black Cat' has been slain by a powerful knight—"

"Slayed—" Sir Leo paused, his eyes widening, then yanked open the wooden door and strode forward, his large, fat body looming over the servants, his voice rising eight octaves.

"What did you say? The Black Cat was killed?! Are you sure the Black Cat was slain by a knight?!"

The servant dared not wipe the spittle from his face, bowed his head respectfully, and replied, "Sir Leo, I saw it clearly. With just one sword strike, the 'Black Cat's' head was chopped off—"

As he spoke, he excitedly gestured and waved.

Sir Leo instinctively took two steps back, touched his neck, and then his face lit up with ecstasy. His mouth opened slightly as if he wanted to say something, but then, for some reason, his expression suddenly changed, his face becoming uncertain.

It can kill the "Black Cat".

Nine times out of ten, he is an "Earth Knight".

Such a person would not be an ordinary person even in the Kingdom of "Haburg".

Even his father, "Count Thornland," wouldn't easily provoke him.

It came from a remote and desolate place.

Nine times out of ten, it's for the purpose of opening up territory and becoming a "noble" of that territory.

Sir Leo quickly figured out the reason. He paced back and forth, and as if thinking of something, his previously uncertain expression gradually turned into excitement.

After standing still, he clapped his hands, looked at the bowing servant, and said in an unquestionable tone, "Take me to see that—well, the powerful 'Knight'."

"9

"Yes, sir, please follow me."

The servant respectfully agreed and stepped forward to lead the way.

The Blackrock Knight led his horse and summoned the few remaining guards, who escorted Sir Leo and his servants as they hurried toward Andre's location.

at the same time.

After packing up "Black Cat", Andrei hesitated about whether to return to the camp. With one knight and a dozen guards dead, their strength was greatly reduced, making it a good opportunity to make a fortune.

Just as he was hesitating, he suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves. He quickly went up to a high place and looked down. He saw more than ten horses running towards him in the distance.

I only glanced at it.

Their gazes involuntarily fell on the obese young man surrounded by the riders, not because they were attracted by his appearance, but because of his magnificent attire.

For a fleeting moment.

Knight Andrei felt a bit of something burning in his eyes, and his gaze was somewhat intense.

"These are the clothes a true nobleman should wear—"

He did not run away.

Based on his years of experience, he observed that among these people, only the burly knight beside the nobleman had any real strength. Even if he couldn't defeat him, he could still steal a horse and escape.

However, to his surprise...

The group of knights dismounted fifty meters away from him and stepped closer. The young nobleman at the head of the group first performed an elegant noble bow and said with admiration, "Leo Thornland."

"Knight of the Earth, I salute you."

Upon hearing the words "Earth Knight," the other knights looked at Andre with reverence, and led by the Black Rock Knight, they all bowed to him with their hands on their chests in greeting.

"Earth Knight? —"

Andrei's eyes were blank. When did he become the "Knight of the Earth"? He suddenly thought of the "Black Cat" he had killed, and suddenly he understood.

Not knowing his purpose, he did not explain, but said in a deep voice: "Andrei Iris."

Leo quickly searched his memory but found no information about the "Iris" family.

"An earth knight bestowed with the title of 'little elf' and sent to the frontier to reclaim wasteland—"

His mind raced, and his smile deepened. Knowing that knights wouldn't understand the intricacies of noblemanship, he said directly, "Honorable Sir Andre, to repay your kindness in slaying 'Black Cat,' Leo is willing to offer the reclaimed land of 'White Water Ravine,' along with one hundred serfs, enough farming equipment for two hundred people, three thousand catties of grain, five cavalry, three bolts of cloth, and a cartload of medicinal herbs."

He paused, then said earnestly, "I only ask that you lend a helping hand when Leo needs help in the future. Leo will then offer a reward."

7

Sir Leo's sincerity touched Sir Andre.

Having agreed to meet again the next day, Sir Andrei, in high spirits, rode the dwarf horse gifted to him by Sir Leo back the way he came.

Sir Leo and his party also returned to the camp.

en route.

Black Rock Knight suddenly spoke up: "Knight Andre is not the 'Earth Knight'."

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Sir Leo nodded, took out a sapphire-encrusted necklace from his chest, and looked at the faint blue horse-shaped mark on it, his fat face piling up like a flower.

"But he is a powerful 'Phantom Beast Knight'."

""

The Black Rock Knight was taken aback, remained silent for a few moments, and then said, "No wonder he was able to kill 'Mystic Cat'."

Sir Leo tucked the necklace back into his chest, muttering in confusion, "'Phantom Beast Knight,' I wonder which noble family it comes from. They shouldn't have let it leave, strange—"

The next day.

Led by Sir Andre, a group of over a hundred people arrived at the camp established by Sir Leo.

Sir Leo, however, had apparently been informed beforehand and was waiting in front of the camp.

They exchanged pleasantries.

Sir Leo briefly explained the exploration area to Knight Andre, informing him of the territory he would be exploring, the trade resources, and so on.

The Andre family watched Sir Leo and his party leave.

When its whereabouts are no longer visible.

Lady Arya turned around, looking at the dozens of wooden houses, the large tract of land cleared in the distance, and the wasteland along her way that would also be cleared into her own land. Her face creased with a smile.

"Sir Leo is such a generous nobleman; imagine how much grain that could grow!"

The three Monte siblings were also very excited, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Sir Andrei glanced at his family, a smile playing on his lips, and then summoned the only two literate men and women among the serfs.

The two were immediately promoted to housekeepers.

One group, led by Lady Arya, inventoried the family's belongings, including grain and utensils, while another, led by Monte, registered the information of the serfs.

Knight Andrei then went to the luxurious three-story wooden house in the very center, took a quick look around, and carried the box containing the iris "magic crop" to the backyard.

A field that has been carefully cultivated.

He carefully opened the wooden box, took out an iris that looked a bit rusty but was still blooming with beautiful colors, and buried it in a hole.

They drew another bucket of water from the well to irrigate the area.

Finally, he took out the bamboo tube from his bosom, tilted it gently, and Zhu Yu crawled out of it, lying on the petals of the "iris flower," feeling the warmth and intimacy emanating from the earth.

His mind stirred slightly, and several strands of magic power within him were consumed.

Sparks of light flew out from his body and landed on the "iris flower," instantly merging into it.

On the outside, its withered leaves and petals visibly turn green and vibrant. Inside, the root system spreads out and penetrates deep into the ground.

Andrei's face lit up with even more joy, and he hurriedly took out the "iris" seeds he had bought in advance and began to plant them one by one.

In a very short moment.

He planted 1,800 iris seeds on one acre of land, came to the edge of the field, squatted down, and looked at Zhu Yu expectantly.

With a slight thought, Zhu Yu infused magic into the "Iris Flower" itself.

next moment.

Tiny green lights, like fireflies, danced out and flew in all directions, disappearing into the ground.

The specks of magic floating in the air converged.

Tender shoots sprouted from the once barren fields, and in just a few breaths, they grew to the height of a thumb, their emerald green color as beautiful as jade, a truly delightful sight.

Andrei was overjoyed. Seeing the weak Zhu Yu, he hurriedly took out the "magic sand" ground from the "mysterious cat" core from the box.

Watching him devour the food, a smile appeared on his solemn face. He stood up, his gaze fixed on the distant wasteland covered with weeds and bushes, his eyes burning with intensity.

"The Pioneer Knights' Territory—"

Plant the iris "magic crop".

Andrei then got busy leading the serfs to clear land, patrol the territory, drive away wild animals, and plant barley.

Everything was in perfect order.

If you look down from the sky, you can see it.

Centered on the camp, the yellowish-brown land spreads outward in a fan shape, crossing the river and constantly encroaching on this plain.

Zhu Yu also took the opportunity to pass on two knightly secret techniques to Andrei.

Because he did not display anthropomorphic intelligence.

Andrei, who was becoming a nobleman for the first time, mistakenly believed that this was taught to him by the gods through "Zhu Yu," which made his self-confidence even more so.

Having tested the power of the knight's secret techniques, he kept thinking about finding a magical beast to try them out on.

Zhu Yu's status in his heart rose sharply, far surpassing even the "mythical beasts" that had not yet been born, second only to his family.

in this way.

Time passed day by day.

With the "Mysterious Cat" core replenishing his power, Zhu Yu's magic power steadily increased, and the "irises" grew larger day by day. The magic power they gathered could be extracted by him through divine sense, allowing his magic power to increase even faster.

Immortal Tomb and Spirit Ruins.

The Green Lotus Tower, the Underworld, and the Three-Story Upside-Down Tower.

Zhu Yu's mind and consciousness withdrew from the "Spiritual Ruins," a slight smile appearing on his face. "Dragons, elves, mythical beasts, magical beasts, knights, interesting—"

After a few moments of contemplation, his expression suddenly changed.

"Are you ready?!"

>

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.