Invitation

As a qualified Spellcaster, one must not only be able to read, speak, and chant in multiple languages but also understand various hand seals used during casting to accelerate spell formation and stabilize their structure.

Similarly, knowledge of different materials, geographical environments, and history is a mandatory course for Spellcasters. It can be said that Mages learn more and more diverse subjects than any other profession.

They are linguists, historians, geographers, biologists, and even alchemists, apothecaries, and so on.

Inside the small wooden cabin, Jialan was carefully observing a tube of white potion. This potion was concocted using "Moonlight Grass" purchased from the town's tavern as the main ingredient.

It was named Moonlight Potion, a potion that could temporarily increase Mana. With it, several more spells could be cast on the battlefield, making it very useful for Jialan.

Suddenly, his expression shifted, and he looked towards the outside of the cabin. A Spellcaster's exceptionally high Mental Power could cover a range of thirty to forty meters even without casting spells. He detected someone approaching his small wooden cabin.

Footsteps could be heard from outside, approaching from a distance, the soles of boots striking the frozen earth with dull thuds. The footsteps stopped abruptly in front of the door, followed by a few faint rustling sounds of clothing as the visitor tidied their appearance. After a moment of silence, three restrained knocks sounded on the door panel.

"Respected Lord Mage, Soldier Ike greets you!" a deliberately lowered male voice pierced through the wooden door, sounding exceptionally clear in the cold wind.

A response quickly came from inside: "What is it? Ike, come in and talk."

"Yes, thank you for seeing me." Ike's voice carried an undisguised nervousness.

He stomped his foot forcefully, his boot heel striking the bluestone slab in front of the door with a low sound, sending snow and mud scattering. He tucked his leather helmet under his left arm and subconsciously smoothed the wrinkles on his uniform's front, despite the marching stains still clinging to it.

This was his first time stepping into a Mage's residence. In the entire military camp, only the rigid and stern Captain and a few Squad Leaders had had the honor of visiting another Mage's dwelling. Although the meeting was said to have lasted only half an hour, it was enough to make all the soldiers envious to this day.

Ike took a deep breath, and as he pushed the door open, he even felt his heart rate quicken. This would undoubtedly become the most boast-worthy topic in the tavern later on.

"Apologies for the intrusion, Lord Mage." As the old hinges creaked, Ike stepped inside, bringing a gust of cold air with him. He quickly closed the door behind him, as if afraid of letting even a wisp of cold wind in.

The Mage Jialan looked up, appraising the uninvited guest.

The young soldier's figure cast a tall silhouette in the candlelight, and the melting snow on his fur boots left dark marks on the floor.

The edge of the helmet he carried was still frosted with ice crystals, and the single-handed sword at his waist swayed gently with his movements, the leather scabbard making faint scraping sounds against his chainmail. His face, reddened by the cold wind, had tightly pressed lips that betrayed his forced composure.

"The Captain sent me to deliver a message," Ike said, placing his right fist over his chest in a standard military salute, his voice involuntarily lowering a few more decibels. "A person claiming to be a member of the Hurricane Mercenary Group has come to seek an audience. Would you be willing to meet them?"

Jialan immediately understood. It seemed they were going to hunt that Ice Leopard.

"You can go back first. Tell the Captain I will be there shortly."

Ike secretly glanced again at the furnishings inside the Mage's room. Even though he couldn't see clearly, it still made him feel quite excited.

After giving another farewell salute to the Mage, he eagerly braved the severe cold and hurried towards the not-too-distant military camp to report the completion of his mission to the Captain as soon as possible. As for whom he would brag to afterward and how he would brag, those were not things he could consider at the moment.

After Ike left, Jialan packed several spellcasting materials and various potions into his Spatial Bag. After making some preparations, he left his small wooden cabin and headed towards the military camp.

Kendy Lawrence was the highest-ranking officer of this border military camp, commanding over a hundred soldiers stationed there. In his early forties, his beard was already half white. He was rigid in character, resolute, and diligent.

When he first heard that Jialan was going to help the mercenary group hunt the Ice Leopard, he was initially opposed. The camp only had this one Spellcaster, and if anything unexpected happened, he wouldn't be able to account for it to the military.

However, when he learned about the effects of Nishang Grass from Jialan, he began to waver. That was a spiritual herb that could allow a Spellcaster to advance. Jialan's increase in strength was also an increase in the entire camp's strength. In the end, he agreed.

To be safe, he dispatched his two most capable personal guards to accompany Jialan, ordering them to ensure Jialan's safety. One of these was the soldier named Ike who had delivered the message.

The sky was filled with gloomy, leaden clouds. A gust of north wind blew, and raindrops mixed with small, grayish-white snowflakes began to fall.

The rain and snow were fine, making the road muddy. The temperature had dropped very low. A faint light flickered on Jialan's body, making him almost invisible in the rain and snow unless one looked carefully.

"We'll arrive after turning the next mountain ridge," the plump Tavern Owner said with a smile, turning to Jialan.

After two days of travel, Jialan, his two companions, and over a dozen members of the Hurricane Mercenary Group, which was the organization the plump Tavern Owner belonged to, finally arrived near the Ice Leopard's lair.

The road ahead became even muddier and more rugged, forcing everyone to abandon their horses and proceed on foot. Some sections were narrow and dangerous, often hugging sheer cliffs where horses could not pass.

An Assassin from the Hurricane Mercenary Group scouted ahead, while Jialan and his two companions were in the middle of the group. Initially, the Tavern Owner worried Jialan wouldn't be able to keep up with everyone, but he later realized Jialan wasn't as frail as other Mages and his speed had also increased.

As evening approached, a mountain range appeared ahead, stretching across their path. The Assassin suddenly stopped and let out two short bird calls, and the entire group quickly concealed themselves.

"We're here!" the plump Tavern Owner pointed to a cave beneath a large rock ahead and whispered to Jialan.

Jialan nodded. Under everyone's gaze, he softly chanted a few words, casting the auxiliary spell "Mental Revelation" on himself, and then closed his eyes, his Mental Power slowly probing into the cave.

The stone cave was about three to four zhang in diameter, winding and deep inside, overgrown with ferns. In some places, fragments of ore were even exposed.

After a few turns, the space inside suddenly expanded, revealing a pool of clear spring water. Beside the spring, a plant glowing with faint light swayed gently on the stone wall. As Jialan's Mental Power surged in, a snow-white leopard lying on a large rock suddenly opened its eyes.