Chapter 153: Sacred Technique - Angel's Spear

Chapter 153: Sacred Technique - Angel's Spear

Dark Market.

After gathering supplies in the Magic Forest for several days, Karl returned to the Dark Market once more.

"Ah..."

Ironsmith Gando paused in his work, his gaze involuntarily shifting to the pile of meat before him.

"Young man, your curiosity is indeed insatiable, but I have nothing to tell you about the deities."

Admittedly, over the centuries, countless individuals had come before him, but only a few left a lasting impression.

Karl was undoubtedly one of them.

It wasn't just his strength.

The key was that he always brought a large amount of meat, which was a huge temptation for Gando, who desperately needed to replenish his nutrition and resist the force that threatened to consume him.

But when it came to the deities...

He truly had nothing to say.

"Elder," Karl bowed slightly, "I came here this time to inquire about where I can obtain a Sacred Technique."

"Just point me in the right direction, and these lean meats are yours, Elder."

Everyone who came to the Dark Market would pay their respects to this great third-rank existence.

With his perception, he could undoubtedly sense a person's strength.

If anyone on the market could provide Karl with useful information, this man would be the first.

"Sacred Technique?" Gando pondered for a moment before replying, "The treasure vaults of the Dukes, the underground chambers of the Church of the Bloodthirsty Roses, the core areas of the Sanctuaries, and several Forgotten Cities should all have them."

"..." Karl's mouth went dry. "Are there any other places?"

These places not only had Sacred Techniques but also various rare items, including Great Providence. However, Karl knew he couldn't possibly enter them.

"Hehe..." Gando chuckled, his thick hair swaying as he fell into deep thought, "Let me think... Let me think..."

"Hmm!"

"There's a man named Flame Knight who might have some leads. You can ask him."

"Oh, right! Flame Knight Graindeck, but the Sacred Technique he possesses may not be suitable for you."

"Hmm?" Karl looked up, "Are there Sacred Techniques that are suitable or unsuitable?"

"Of course," Gando shrugged, "Most Sacred Techniques are bestowed by deities upon their guardians, corresponding to the techniques they practice."

"Just like the Sacred Technique granted by the Sea God, it's almost impossible for a guardian of the Fire God to master it. Even if it's from the same deity, Sacred Techniques may not be universally applicable. However, most guardians can cultivate Sacred Techniques, but... they won't be able to reach a very high level of proficiency."

Karl understood.

The same applied to spells.

Wizards of the Natural School could also master Shadow Spells, but not as proficiently as those from the Shadow School.

Certain special spells required specific prerequisites.

For example...

The shapeshifting spell of Bloodline Wizards.

Karl wondered what Sacred Technique would be suitable for the Colossal Breath Technique. Did he have to go to the Sanctuary? As these thoughts raced through his mind, Karl bowed and spoke, "I'll go and inquire about it right away."

Karl had wandered through the three streets of the Dark Market countless times, becoming intimately familiar with the goods sold at each stall.

Among them, the most well-informed was undoubtedly the merchant, Meren.

"Flame Knight Graindeck?"

Meren, a thin and elderly man from Duke Olaf's territory, shook his head lightly upon hearing the name, "He was here in the market just the day before yesterday, but he's left now."

"He's left?" Karl's expression changed slightly, "Where did he go?"

"To Free Harbor." Meren pointed outside, "The lord of Death City has issued a proclamation, offering three drops of Demigod's Blood as a reward for investigating the location of the Demon God in Free Harbor."

"Hmm?"

Karl was taken aback, "Isn't it supposed to be two Supreme Spell Seals?"

In the center of the market stood a tall, thick stone pillar, engraved with various tasks.

The task of investigating the Demon God in Free Harbor had always been listed on it, but Karl remembered the reward being Supreme Spell Seals.

Given the involvement of a Demon God, the danger was immense, and it was almost certain death for a Great Knight.

A mere two Supreme Spell Seals held no appeal to those in the market, so no one had taken on the task.

However, it seemed that things had changed.

"It was changed the day before yesterday," Meren shrugged, "Many people have left the Dark Market in the past few days to take on this task. If I had the strength, I'd join in the excitement too."

"Demigod's Blood!"

The so-called Demigod's Blood was the blood of the Dukes.

It could enable a Great Knight to break through and become a Legendary Knight.

The Death Knight by Lady Miyava's side was a Great Knight who had received her blood.

Theoretically, three drops of Demigod's Blood could create three Legendary Knights, which was countless times better than Supreme Spell Seals.

However, the lifespan limit of a Legendary Knight was only two hundred years, which was enough to drive a Great Knight crazy.

No wonder Lady Miyava was in a hurry.

As long as the Demon God in Free Harbor remained unresolved, the fish harvest in Death City would not satisfy her.

Without enough food, the population couldn't increase.

But Lady Miyava couldn't easily leave Death City, so she had others investigate the Demon God's location.

Knowing the Demon God's position meant a quick solution to the problem without significantly weakening their strength.

The Dark Market was conveniently held in Death City, gathering top talents from all over, increasing the chances of finding an answer.

'Hmm...'

'Due to the rules of the world, the Demon God couldn't possibly be a Second Rank. As long as its location is known, Miyava, a Second Rank, could quickly resolve the issue.'

'But...'

'You couldn't have come earlier or later. I've just finished gathering supplies in the Magic Forest, and now you're drawing everyone away.'

"Huff!"

Karl took a deep breath, suppressing the frustration in his heart.

Don't worry, I have another idea!

"Meren!"

"Yes?"

"I recall you're organizing a small trading event in a few days, inviting people from all over."

"That's right."

Meren nodded.

"Help me spread the word," Karl said, narrowing his eyes. "I'm collecting Sacred Techniques. If anyone brings me one, I'm willing to trade it for ten thousand pounds of lean meat."

"No!"

"Twenty thousand pounds!"

The Magic Forest lacked everything except for an abundance of beast meat. Since he couldn't find a specific target, he decided to cast a wide net.

As long as the bait was enticing enough, he was confident that he'd catch something, especially since he was offering a genuine trade.

"What?" Meren's face paled, and his voice trembled as he repeated, "Twenty... thousand pounds?"

He suspected his ears were playing tricks on him, as the number seemed too incredible to be true.

"Yes," Karl said, his expression turning solemn.

"Twenty thousand pounds, no less!"

As he spoke, he waved his hand and retrieved a pile of lean meat from his storage space, filling the empty space.

"This is a down payment. If the trade in a few days satisfies me, I'll give you a ten percent commission."

"There's no limit to the number of Sacred Techniques!"

Ten percent? Meren's eyes widened at the sight of the mountain of lean meat before him, and his mouth hung open in shock. His eyes gleamed with fervor.

"No problem!"

He clenched his teeth and shouted, his gaunt body trembling.

"Mr. Karl, please rest assured. I will make sure the trading event in a few days meets your expectations, no matter what."

"It's just Sacred Techniques, and it's just Flame Knight Graindeck, right?"

"If necessary, I'll go to Free Harbor right now and drag him back here if I have to."

"Mmm." Karl nodded. "I hope you won't disappoint me."

"Absolutely not!"

Meren waved his hand.

"Mr. Karl, I'll get to work right away."

...

After leaving Meren's shop and returning to his residence in the market, an unexpected visitor arrived.

"Yes?"

A timid voice sounded at the door. "Is this Mr. Karl's place?"

"It's me!"

Karl, who had just picked up the book "Psychic Energy and Its Influence on Star Realm Flight," looked up at the sound.

A little girl, around ten years old, stood at the door, looking hesitant as she gazed at the dilapidated room.

"Come in."

Karl gestured.

The Mage's Hand swept through the room, clearing a space and suppressing the rising dust.

"The place is a bit crude, but it shouldn't affect our conversation."

The little girl watched as the invisible force swept through the room, as if a group of transparent beings were busy at work, and her mouth hung open in awe.

How amazing!

Karl observed her with interest.

The little girl had red lips, white teeth, and delicate skin. Her eyes sparkled with innocence, and she even carried a faint scent of milk.

Her elaborate clothing couldn't hide her youthfulness, and even as she tried to appear mature, she couldn't conceal her childishness.

Based on her aura, she seemed to have cultivated a Breathing Method, but her strength wasn't impressive. Karl wondered why the Carnivorous Flower at the market entrance had allowed her to enter.

Or perhaps...

Karl asked, "Little girl, where are your parents?"

"I came here alone, without any adults," the little girl pouted, slightly annoyed.

"Alone?" Karl's eyes flickered, and he slowly put down the book in his hand.

"Yes, alone." The little girl's face paled, and she unconsciously took a step back. "But my family will be here soon, so you mustn't think of harming me."

"Alright!" Karl shrugged.

"You came here to see me. Do you need something?"

"Yes!" The little girl composed herself and nodded vigorously. "I want to ask you to help me and my brother and sisters leave the city and take us to a safe place."

"Leave the city?" Karl tilted his head. "Are you natives of Death City?"

"Yes." The little girl nodded.

"But we've already paid the redemption money, and after we wash our bodies, we can leave the city."

To leave Death City, one needed either a pardon from the city lord or to pay the redemption money.

After paying the hefty sum, they could bathe in the Purification Pool to lift the city's curse.

The cost was exorbitant.

Even a moderately wealthy family might not be able to afford the redemption for a single person.

"It seems your family is quite wealthy." Karl nodded, curious. "Why did you come to me?"

"I've heard of your name." The little girl spoke up. "The legendary knight of Free Harbor, the mysterious alchemist of Swift City. Your strength is formidable."

"I don't deny that." Karl shrugged.

"But I'm curious. If your family has enough money to pay for your redemption, why didn't you hire guards?"

"And if you wanted to find me, why did you send a child to do it?"

"I'm not a child!" The little girl's cheeks puffed up, and she mumbled, "We've offended someone, which is why we have to leave. Even if we hire guards, it might not be enough."

"My family has sought help elsewhere, but I think it might not be enough, so I came to find you."

"I understand." Karl nodded. "You came here secretly without your family's knowledge. I appreciate your trust in me, but I don't accept such commissions."

"Why?" The little girl's face turned anxious. "I can pay you money."

"It's not about money." Karl shook his head. "It's about time."

"Your family is wealthy, and your status in Death City must be high, yet you're forced to leave. The person you've offended must be powerful, and aside from the city lord, only those Death Knights could be behind this."

"I'm not afraid of Death Knights, but if you want to ensure your safety, you'll likely stay far from Death City and head to the Duke's Domain. Even at the fastest pace, it'll take more than a month, and we don't have that kind of time."

The little girl's perspective, her mouth hung open in astonishment, much like when she witnessed the Mage's Hand manipulating space.

"How do you know all this?"

Karl sighed. If he couldn't guess this, he might as well have not lived for so many years.

"I can pay you."

"No..."

"Sacred Technique!"

"Hmm?"

Karl's expression froze, and the words he was about to say got stuck in his throat. He looked at the little girl in surprise.

"Sacred Technique?"

"Yes!" The little girl nodded.

"It's a Sacred Technique!"

"Do you know what a Sacred Technique is?"

"I do!"

The little girl spoke up, "It's a martial art bestowed by the gods for the use of the Holy Temple Knights. Only Legendary Knights can cultivate it."

Karl stroked his chin, "Interesting. You have a Sacred Technique?"

"Yes, I brought half of it with me." The little girl took another step back, hugging her side, and eyed Karl cautiously.

"You have to promise to escort me, my brother, and my sister to a safe place, and only then will I give it to you."

"Heh..." Karl nodded, "Let me see it first."

"You have to promise first."

"I need to see if what you have is a Sacred Technique. Besides, you brought half of it for me to verify, right?"

The little girl tilted her head, hesitated, and then nodded, "I guess so."

"Then let me see it!"

She untied the side of her garment and took out a wooden board, placing it on the table carefully.

She had sewn the item into her clothes, showing some thought.

"Swish!"

Karl waved his hand, and the wooden board flew into his hand.

On the palm-sized wooden board were inscriptions from the era of the gods, protected from the ravages of time by a special energy.

Karl's eyes flickered as the inscriptions on the board were imprinted in his mind, analyzing their content.

Angel's Spear!

It was indeed a Sacred Technique!

Sacred Techniques could be understood as an advanced form of martial arts.

Among martial arts, the killing moves were called Combat Techniques, and Sacred Techniques also had their killing moves.

This particular Sacred Technique was composed of over a dozen unique killing moves, collectively known as Angel's Spear.

Ultimate speed!

Strange angles!

Unimaginable moves!

Complex, violent, and mystical techniques of exerting force, pushing Battle Aura, physical body, and the spirit of knighthood to their limits—it was indeed a Sacred Technique.

Although incomplete.

But he could discern that each killing move on the board was far more powerful than the Combat Techniques he had learned before.

'No wonder it's a legacy from the gods!'

'In the memory of the Asvattha tree, even Second and Third Rank Holy Temple Knights and Guardians were still cultivating Sacred Techniques, indicating their formidable vitality.'

'What a pity!'

'This Sacred Technique focuses on speed and burst, not suitable for someone like me who cultivates Colossal Breath.'

Karl put down the wooden board, deep in thought.

He never would have guessed that the first Sacred Technique he might acquire would come about like this.

"Well?"

The little girl approached cautiously and asked, "Is it a Sacred Technique?"

"This Sacred Technique was obtained by our family by chance. Only two of us know about it."

"Hmm." Karl opened his eyes and asked, "What's your name?"

"I'm called Joti. You can call me Joti."

"Hill?" Karl's heart stirred. "There's a woman known as Butterfly Lady, named Janiss Hill, I think. Is she related to you?"

Joti's eyes widened, "You know my grandmother?"

Karl shook his head. He didn't know her, but he had heard of her.

A long time ago, in that black city, those who wanted to escape would seek the help of Butterfly Lady.

The Hill Family!

One of the most prominent families in Death City, they were involved in various businesses and had a channel for transporting people. They had connections in nearby cities.

Butterfly Lady was a woman who married into the family, so she took on the Hill surname.

"Going to the Duke's Domain is definitely out of the question."

Karl thought for a moment, "Have you considered going to Swift City?"

"Swift City?" Joti frowned and shook her head, "It's too close to Death City. Our family's enemies might take revenge, and it's not safe there. The followers of the Demon God are also nearby; I don't want to go there!"

"What a pity." Karl handed the wooden board back, "If you were going to the Duke's Domain, I couldn't help you, but for Swift City, I can lend a hand."

He continued, "Swift City is safer than you think. The lord of Death City is also dealing with the Demon God's issue. You can go back and consider it. I'll be at the market these days; you can find me anytime."

Several days later, Meren didn't bring good news. Instead, the auction was postponed for a few days.

This was normal.

To attract people, there needed to be enough time for the news to spread; otherwise, it was easy to miss the opportunity.

Joti, the youngest daughter of the Hill family, sent a letter through a messenger.

After reading the letter, Karl pondered for a moment, then gathered his things and headed towards the market entrance.

Second Floor, Stone Mountain Tavern.

Cathedral Acolyte Lev stood behind the window, watching the figure walking away calmly below.

A smile appeared on his face.

"Seventh Elder."

"Karl has left."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end