https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-71-Letters-and-Preparation-for-the-Assessment/13536274/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-73-Plot-Teasers-and-Launch-Announcement/13536276/
Chapter 72: Blakeexotic Race Exchange
Chapter 72 Blakeexotic Race Exchange
Fortunately, the leap in spiritual energy from an elementary apprentice to a mid-tier apprentice wasn't as glaringly obvious as the leap from an ordinary person to an elementary apprentice.
Unless he actively demonstrated his power, even a Full Mage would struggle to discern his true strength unless they deliberately used spiritual energy to probe him. This gave him the possibility to conceal his abilities.
"After all, in this dog-eat-dog world, revealing one's sharp edges too soon is never wise."
The market bustled as usual. Apprentice cultivators wove through the stalls, their haggling voices and hawkers' cries creating a cacophony of commerce.
Luo En strode directly toward the medicinal ingredients district. He first replenished his most scarce supplies—Moonwort and Velvet Pollen—before adding foundational materials like Dawn Dew Grass and Fire Serpent Scale Powder.
As he finished paying, his eyes caught an apprentice leading a shaggy-furred beastwoman on a leash. A sudden thought struck him:
"With the Potion Master Exam successfully passed, I'll likely apply for an Independent Workshop soon. Then I'd probably need some servants to assist with daily tasks."
The candidate apprentices from human kingdoms weren't reliable—most harbored their own agendas, and theft or leaks of his research couldn't be ruled out.
"A Slave Trading House seems like a sound choice", he mused. "Exotic slaves marked with Contract Marks at least guarantee basic loyalty and diligence."
"I recall an exotic slave exchange operating on the eastern side of the market. Might as well check it out."
...
Andie stood in a secluded open area surrounded by crumbling stone pillars, their surfaces etched with weathered runes.
This had once been a mage's experimental site within the Black Mist Jungle, now abandoned but transformed into his ideal location for secret cultivation.
He closed his eyes, his body swaying gently to a specific breathing rhythm.
A layer of Burning Oil had been evenly applied to the key points of his meridians, staining his skin bright red from its contact, yet his expression remained eerily calm.
As the third breath neared completion, Andie withdrew a small vial from his robes containing a dark red liquid—the very "Blood Potion" Luo En had crafted for breakthroughs in knight cultivation.
Without hesitation, he downed the potion. Instantly, searing heat surged through his body, colliding violently with the concoction in a volatile chemical reaction.
"Ahh!"
The golden-haired youth let out a muffled growl, dropping to one knee, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles whitened.
His entire body trembled violently, clearly enduring immense pressure.
The meridians coursing his body swelled with energy, pushed to their breaking point.
"Boom!"
No actual sound occurred, yet internally it felt like a silent explosion had detonated.
Torrents of power shattered the bottleneck that had plagued him for so long, flooding every corner of his being.
His body underwent a subtle transformation.
Muscle fibers tightened into dense cords, his bones emitted faint vibrations as if realigning themselves.
His skin glowed with a healthy sheen, his very breathing steadier and more powerful.
"Finally..." He exhaled sharply, his face alight with joy and relief. "I've broken through!"
Rising to his feet, he reveled in the new currents of strength flowing within.
"I should return and clean up first before rushing to tell Luo En the good news!" he thought.
But when he returned to his quarters, he found a letter conspicuously placed outside his door—clearly left by someone who knew his residence.
The elation froze on his face as he recognized the wax seal bearing the insignia of the Falu Ke Kingdom.
Frowning, he cautiously opened the envelope.
"His Royal Highness, Prince Andie:
Lady Xin Xi Ya has inquired multiple times regarding your visit. We must express the royal family's disappointment at your absence.
As the Thirteenth Prince of Falu Ke Kingdom, you're expected to fulfill your basic obligations.
Kindly present yourself at Lady Xin Xi Ya's tower by the start of next month without further delay..."
The wording remained formally courteous, yet the subtext carried undeniable authority.
The color drained from Andie's face.
He understood the letter's true meaning—the royal family was losing patience. They intended to deliver him to that cruel female apprentice as a new plaything.
"Damn it..." He cursed under his breath before regaining composure.
He quickly drafted a reply:
"Respected Lance:
Thank you for reminding me of my duties. I must share exciting news—I've achieved a major breakthrough in knight cultivation, reaching the Third Stage.
According to royal tradition, this qualifies me to begin preparations for the 'Bloodline Awakening Ceremony,' a required step before becoming a full knight.
The ceremony requires a month of secluded cultivation beforehand..."
Such an excuse would be difficult for even the most stringent royal advisor to refute directly.
"At least it buys me a month", he sighed, sealing the letter.
Now that he'd taken this crucial step, his determination to become a full knight solidified further.
Completing one final breakthrough would free him from being offered as a male concubine.
And all of this owed itself to Luo En's potion support.
Without those carefully crafted Blood Potions, he might have lingered at this bottleneck for months—or longer.
"Luo En... I never expected you'd be the one to change my fate", he murmured, complex emotions flickering in his eyes.
...
Meanwhile, while the sky still bore early hues, Luo En set off toward the Slave Trading House on the market's eastern edge.
After settling payments for the Mana Shard Fragments and storing his materials safely, he headed toward the market's eastern sector.
This district contrasted starkly with the bustling material sales area. Low, dim buildings lined the streets, the air thick with a pungent mix of sweat, blood, and exotic spices.
The signboard reading "Blakeexotic Race Exchange" hung precariously above a sagging wooden post.
Greenish oil lamps cast eerie glows across the trading house entrance, illuminating the grotesque faces of two Half-Beast guards crouching nearby.
Luo En glanced at the muscular Half-Beasts but walked straight toward the entrance.
The two guards, initially poised to intercept strangers, immediately straightened with respect upon spotting his apprentice badge.
They lowered their scarred, brutish heads, clearing a path.
"Honorable Apprentice, welcome to the Blakeexotic Race Exchange", a short, chubby man greeted with sycophantic enthusiasm, his key ring jingling with every hurried step. "We happen to have several fresh shipments of 'merchandise' that might greatly benefit you."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
