Level Nine

The moment Akes stepped out of his cultivation chamber, the autumn sunlight slanted across his face, carrying a touch of lazy warmth. He stood in the doorway for a moment, letting his eyes adjust to the long-absent light. It had been half a month—a full half-month without stepping out of this door. Every day, Kaman would place his meals at the threshold, knock, and leave. Cultivation had reached a critical juncture; he could not afford the slightest distraction.

In the courtyard, Kaman was sweeping up fallen leaves. A sudden autumn breeze stirred, causing several paulownia leaves to swirl down and land right on the ground he had just cleared. Hearing footsteps, he turned his head, and the moment he saw Akes, he froze.

Akes stood there, looking no different from half a month ago, his clothes neat and his complexion normal. Yet, Kaman felt that something had changed. He couldn't quite put his finger on what. If Akes had been a pool of deep water half a month ago—calm, waveless, and bottomless—then the current Akes was like a mountain, standing tall and imposing, naturally commanding a sense of awe.

"Congratulations, my lord." Kaman set down his broom and bowed. His tone was a bit more respectful than usual, and his back was bent lower.

Akes nodded and walked down the steps.

Kaman hesitated, but couldn't help asking, "My lord, have you... broken through?"

"You can tell?"

"This humble one doesn't understand cultivation, but I have at least that much of an eye," Kaman said with a smile. "When you stand there, my lord, it feels like... like a sword unsheathed, its edge fully revealed. Before, although you were strong, your aura was restrained. Now, it radiates naturally. Though I am just an ordinary person, I have served many cultivators, and I can spot such a change."

Akes glanced at him with some surprise. Kaman's observation skills were indeed sharp. To notice such things without any cultivation base meant this man was meticulous and skilled at reading people.

"I have broken through," he did not hide it.

The smile on Kaman's face deepened, and he bowed again: "Congratulations, my lord, congratulations. I will go prepare some food. You haven't eaten properly for half a month, my lord; you need to replenish your strength."

"Nothing too lavish. Keep it light."

"Understood."

Akes crossed the courtyard and headed toward the garden. Along the way, he felt the circulation of magic power within his body. The ninth rank was indeed different from the eighth; it was not just an increase in quantity, but a qualitative leap. Magic power flowed through his meridians with perfect smoothness, like a stream merging into a river, surging endlessly. With every breath, the surrounding fire elements were naturally drawn in, forming a faint red glow around his body. He had tried his best to restrain it, but having just broken through, he could not yet achieve perfect control.

In the garden, Old Tom was watering the Flame Flowers. These Flame Flowers were a variety he had carefully cultivated, larger and redder than ordinary ones, with layers of petals that shimmered like silk in the sunlight. Old Tom had tended to these flowers for decades; each one was like his own child.

Hearing footsteps, Old Tom looked up, saw Akes, and also froze for a moment before saying with a chuckle, "You are in high spirits today, my lord."

Akes smiled without explaining. He crouched by the flower bed and reached out to touch one of the Flame Flowers.

The moment his fingertips brushed the petals, the flower trembled gently, its petals curling inward as if responding to his touch. Immediately after, the entire Flame Flower began to quiver, the blooms turning toward him, leaves rustling with a faint, dry sound.

"Eh?" Old Tom leaned in, surprised, his eyes wide. "How is this flower... I've been growing Flame Flowers for decades and have never seen anything like this."

Akes withdrew his hand, lost in thought.

Flame Flowers were extremely sensitive to fire elements. Having just broken through to the ninth rank, his internal fire aura was far more potent than before. Even though he had tried to restrain it, the flowers had sensed it. It seemed he would need some time to adapt before he could truly control his aura at will.

"It's nothing," he stood up. "Perhaps they are just in full bloom."

Old Tom looked at him with half-belief, then at the still-trembling Flame Flowers, scratched his head, and didn't ask further.

At lunch, Kaman served a few light side dishes, a bowl of porridge, a plate of pickles, and a dish of sliced fruit. Akes had been eating dry rations for half a month; although his cultivation meant he could go days without food, hot, fresh meals were still far better than rations.

Halfway through the meal, he suddenly spoke: "Kaman, I may be going on a long journey."

Kaman, who was waiting nearby, was slightly startled: "Where are you going, my lord?"

"The O'Brien Empire."

"That place..." Kaman hesitated. "It doesn't seem peaceful there lately. I heard several duchies on the border are causing trouble, and the O'Brien Empire's army has already moved in. Are you going there for business, my lord?"

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

He didn't offer further explanation.

Kaman didn't press him, either. He hadn't served Akes for long, but he had already grasped this lord's temperament. Akes was not the type to offer explanations; if he said he was "going to take a look," then he truly meant just that.

"Then I will help you prepare your gear, my lord," Kaman said. "The weather is turning cold, and it's colder in the north than here, so you'll need some thick clothing. Will you be riding a horse or taking a carriage? If a carriage, I will make arrangements..."

"A horse," Akes said. "Keep it simple, no need for too much."

"Understood."

Over the next few days, Akes began to organize his preparations for the trip.

First was the staff; he officially claimed ownership. Using the blood-refining method, he dripped his own essence blood onto the staff, channeling his mental energy to leave a mark. The moment the blood hit the staff, it was rapidly absorbed. The staff grew slightly warm and emitted a faint hum. The magic core at the top lit up, red light flickering as if flames were dancing within. Akes could feel a strange connection forming between himself and the staff, as if it were a part of his own body. From then on, only he could use this staff; in anyone else's hands, it would be nothing more than scrap metal. If someone tried to force its use, they would not only fail to unleash its power but would also suffer a backlash.

Next was the bottle of Moonlight Spirit Liquid, which he kept close to his person. This item could save his life in a critical moment and could not be left behind.

As for medicinal pills, what he had accumulated over the years from daily check-ins, combined with what he had divided from the ruins, was enough to last for a while. He went to the market to buy some ordinary healing and detoxifying potions, just in case. The shopkeeper was a shrewd middle-aged man who, seeing the large quantity of his purchase, threw in a waterproof and fireproof leather pouch, perfect for carrying the potions.

"The guest is going on a long journey, I presume?" the shopkeeper asked while packing. "Judging by these items, they are all essentials for travel. Which direction are you heading? If you're going north, be careful; it's not very peaceful there lately."

"Thanks for the warning," Akes took the pouch.

"You're welcome, you're welcome. Safe travels, guest," the shopkeeper said with a smile as he saw him to the door.

Survival items were the most important.

The Ice Block could only be used once a day, and he had marked five points for Teleportation—the Earl's Mansion, the Ernst Institute, the ruins of Fenlai City, the outskirts of the Magical Beast Mountain Range, and the Magic Guild of the Yulan Empire. In case of danger, he could retreat at any time. He carefully checked the coordinates of each marked point to ensure there were no errors. While Teleportation was useful, any deviation in coordinates could result in him teleporting directly into a rock or mid-air, which would mean certain death.

He made another trip to the outskirts of the Magical Beast Mountain Range to set new coordinate points in several hidden locations. If he encountered danger in the O'Brien Empire, he needed a place to retreat. Although the Magical Beast Mountain Range was dangerous, its complex terrain made it easy to hide. He chose several spots—a hidden cave, behind a massive boulder, and the hollow of a thousand-year-old tree. He double-checked every coordinate point to ensure nothing could go wrong.

Everything was ready after a week.

The night before his departure, Akes went to Holman's residence.

Holman was overjoyed to see him and pulled him in for a drink. After three rounds of drinks, Holman's wife brought out a few side dishes, greeted them with a smile, and withdrew. Only the two of them remained in the living room, the candlelight flickering and the aroma of wine filling the air.

"Are you truly decided?" Holman held his wine glass, his smile fading slightly.

Akes nodded.

Holman sighed, "I knew you wouldn't be able to sit still. How long have you even been in the Imperial Capital?"

"Almost two months," Akes said.

"Fine, I won't try to talk you out of it." Holman picked up his wine cup. "Be careful on your way to the O'Brien Empire. It's not as peaceful as the Yulan Empire over there. The O'Brien royal family is notoriously overbearing. You're strong, but keep a low profile and don't go looking for trouble. The people there are combative; they'll start a fight over a single wrong word."

Akes smiled, "I know."

"Good if you know." Holman took a sip of wine and continued, "Oh, and if you go to the capital of the O'Brien Empire, you should check out their Colosseum. It's the largest in the entire continent. They have gladiator performances every day, sometimes even duels between level nine experts. But the entry fee is terrifyingly expensive—a single match costs as much as a commoner earns in a year."

"Level nine experts dueling?"

"Exactly. The O'Brien Empire loves that sort of thing. They worship martial power 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're interested, go take a look. But don't step into the arena yourself; the people there are aggressive, and it would be a headache if someone challenged you."

Akes nodded, making a mental note of it.

Holman rambled on about many other things—local customs, not getting into conflicts with soldiers, and finding the local Mercenary Guild if he ran into trouble. After a long list of advice, he finally raised his cup.

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

Akes clinked his cup against his.

They drank until midnight before Akes finally rose to take his leave. Holman walked him to the door and patted his shoulder; he didn't say much else, just gave it a firm, heavy squeeze.

The night wind was chilly. Akes rode his horse back, the streets empty save for the occasional passing patrol of soldiers. The horse's hooves struck the bluestone road, creating crisp sounds that carried far into the silent night. Passing a shop that still had its lights on, the owner was tidying up to close; he cast a curious glance at the man riding past.

Akes paid no mind and continued forward.

Back at the Earl's Mansion, Kaman was still waiting for him. Seeing him return, Kaman hurried over, "My Lord, your luggage is all prepared. Fresh clothes, dry rations, water skins, fire starters, and some odds and ends. Would you like to see if anything is missing?"

Akes followed him to the side hall, where a bundle sat on the table. He opened it to find everything packed neatly and categorized. Kaman was meticulous, having even prepared a sewing kit and a small pouch of salt and spices, saying that if he happened to hunt any game on the road, he could roast it.

"You've worked hard," Akes said.

"You are too kind, My Lord, this is only what I should do," Kaman said with a smile. "Travel safely, My Lord, and come back soon. Old Tom was muttering yesterday that since you left, the Flame Flower in the garden hasn't looked as spirited."

Akes paused for a moment, then chuckled.

Early the next morning, Akes rode out of the Imperial Capital.

Kaman saw him off at the gate, with Old Tom standing beside him, waving. Akes looked back once, waved his hand, and spurred his horse into the distance.

Once outside the city gates, he headed north.

The early autumn breeze carried a chill that felt pleasant against his face. In the fields on both sides of the road, farmers were busy harvesting their crops. Golden waves of wheat swayed in the wind, and with every swing of the sickle, bundles of wheat were neatly stacked. Children chased each other along the ridges, their laughter carrying from afar. A few bold children stopped to wave at him as he rode by, shouting something. Akes couldn't hear them clearly, but he waved back, making the children laugh even harder.

Akes slowed his pace, watching the scene.

Such a life was simple and peaceful. No pressure of cultivation, no dangerous ruins, no life-or-death struggles. Work at sunrise, rest at sunset, year after year. If he weren't a transmigrator, and if he hadn't obtained this Sign-in System, perhaps he would have lived a life like this too.

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

The road ahead stretched out, with no end in sight.

The silhouette of the Imperial Capital shrank behind him until it finally vanished below the horizon. Akes pulled his gaze back and urged his horse to pick up speed.

The sound of hooves was crisp, heading north.

The sun climbed higher, and the number of travelers on the road increased. There were merchant caravans pulling carts, farmers carrying tools, travelers with packs on their backs, and messengers on fast horses. Everyone was in a hurry, rushing toward their own destinations.

Akes moved with the flow of people, neither fast nor slow.

After about an hour, a fork in the road appeared ahead. One path continued north toward the next town; the other led west, toward the Magical Beast Mountain Range. Akes reined in his horse at the junction and looked at the boundary marker by the road.

As his horse stepped onto the new path, a complex feeling welled up in Akes's heart. Ahead lay an unknown land, unknown customs, and unknown opportunities and challenges. He didn't know what he would encounter, but it was precisely this uncertainty that made the journey interesting.

The scenery along the road gradually changed. Farmland became scarce, and wasteland grew more frequent. Occasionally, he would see a few households, mostly dilapidated thatched huts with scrawny dogs crouching at the doorways, barking at passersby. Children ran barefoot in the mud, stopping to stare blankly at the traveler on horseback.

Akes fished a few copper coins from his pack and tossed them over. The children scrambled to pick them up, looking up to thank him, but he had already ridden far away.

By the afternoon, he passed a small town. Calling it a town was generous; it was really just one street with a dozen scattered shops. There were food stalls on the street, emitting wisps of steam. Feeling a bit hungry, Akes dismounted and sat down at one of the stalls.

The stall owner was a woman in her fifties, quick and efficient. Seeing him sit, she immediately brought over a bowl of hot soup. The soup was boiled from bones with a few vegetable leaves floating on top, and it smelled quite fragrant.

"Where are you coming from, traveler?" the woman asked with a smile.

"The Imperial Capital."

"Oh, that's a long way," the woman said, eyeing him with surprise. "Traveling alone on horseback? Didn't run into any trouble on the road?"

Akes shook his head, "The road was peaceful."

"That's good, that's good," the woman said. "It hasn't been very safe heading north lately; I've heard bandits are out. A few caravans were robbed a few days ago, and quite a few people died. If you're continuing north, you'd better be careful."

Akes nodded, thanking her for the warning.

After finishing the bowl of hot soup and two flatbreads, his body warmed up. He paid the bill and asked the woman, "How far is the nearest town heading north?"

"If you're on horseback, you should reach it before dark," the woman said, pointing in a direction. "Just keep going, cross the river when you see a stone bridge, and it's another half-hour's ride from there."

Akes thanked her and mounted his horse to continue his journey.

As the sun slanted to the west, he indeed spotted a stone bridge. It was an old stone arch bridge, its surface pitted and covered in moss. Beneath it flowed a small river, clear enough to see the fish swimming in the water.

After crossing the bridge and riding for another half-hour, a town appeared ahead. It was larger than the previous one, with city walls and open gates. Akes rode into the city and found an inn to stay in.

The innkeeper was a shrewd middle-aged man. Seeing him arrive on horseback and dressed in clean clothes, he recognized a wealthy patron and greeted him enthusiastically. Akes requested a superior room, ordered some food, and had the waiter take his horse to be fed.

The room was reasonably clean. Akes set down his pack and pushed open the window to look out. Outside was a street; as the sky darkened, the number of pedestrians dwindled. In the distance, a few dogs barked, mixed with the cries of children and the scolding of a woman.

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

The night deepened, and the world outside the window fell completely silent.

Early the next morning, Akes continued on his journey.

Just like that, day after day, he traveled further north.

The towns he passed became more frequent, while the scenery grew increasingly desolate. Farmland turned into grasslands, and grasslands turned into deserts. The temperature in the air dropped lower and lower, and the wind grew colder. Akes changed into thicker clothing and continued forward.