Chapter 36: Pursuit of Immortality

Chapter 36: Pursuit of Immortality

Zither Moon Town, nestled at the base of Zither Moon Mountain Plains, lay along a dusty road. Five weary horse riders approached.

"Alright, we'll enter Zither Moon Mountain Plains via Zither Moon Town. Before that, we'll visit Leylin's Place," Ron explained. He owned a property there, mainly for conducting experiments and gathering local information through his network.

Jayden dismounted and examined a badly damaged map. He had temporarily altered his appearance to avoid drawing attention.

"This is the border area. It wouldn't be surprising if there were members of Sage Gotham Hut Academy here, so we must be cautious."

"We're aware of that," Bosain said impatiently.

They reached a small mansion, where two guards promptly intercepted them.

"Open the gates! It's me, Freed," Ron commanded.

"Young Master!" Freed and Garvin bowed and opened the gates. Other acolytes, observing two Grand Knights serving a Level 3 Acolyte without family backing, were astonished.

Inside the mansion, Dexter greeted Ron, and the travelers were escorted to their rooms.

Anna, the housekeeper, bowed to Ron and went about her tasks silently.

"Is everything ready?" Ron inquired without turning to face her.

"Yes, Young Master," Anna replied confidently.

Ron proceeded to the master room, revealing a secret entrance. He activated protective barriers, creating a secure space for experimentation. Ron had prepared his servants for his return and the subsequent events.

"Tooshii Naoe jaoo!" Ron cast a spell, creating invisible protective barriers around the room and other acolytes' accommodations. He knew Feng Meng had caused a disaster while advancing, so he set up additional protections.

In each room, barriers activated, separating the acolytes from the outside. It was a safeguard for his wealth and privacy.

Outside, acolytes were alarmed, not knowing what was happening in the neighboring rooms. However, they soon realized they were trapped.

"What is this, Leylin? Open it!"

"Damn you!"

"Do you know who you're messing with, bitch?"

"Open the door!"

The acolytes' cries and insults filled the air, but their protest was short-lived. Vials broke in each room, releasing potent anesthesia. Within moments, they were all weakened.

Bosain, however, resisted the effects. Ron knew Bosain was a walking treasure trove, not easily subdued.

"Young Master Bosain," Ron's voice echoed in Bosain's room. Since the rooms were isolated, the acolytes had no knowledge of what occurred next door.

"You bastard! Do you know who you're messing with?" Bosain angrily bellowed as he attacked the barrier. It remained unyielding.

"Young Master, forgive me. I am merely following orders. I have signed a contract to work for the Lilytell family, and I am solemnly bound to protect you. I was informed that your travel plans had been compromised, and an official magus from Sage Gotham Hut Academy is on the way to capture you. A rescue team from your family is coming, and we need you to remain here."

Bosain hesitated, not fully trusting the story but unable to dismiss it entirely.

"Who leads the rescue team?" Bosain asked, testing the veracity.

"Clayde Lilytell from the Academy's Enforcement Squad."

Hearing this, Bosain calmed down, realizing the information was likely accurate. The Enforcement Squad's details were shrouded in secrecy, not even disclosed to teachers. Moreover, the strength of the protective barrier suggested it was not set up by an ordinary Potioneering Acolyte.

"Alright, but get me out now."

After delivering his message, Ron ended the communication. He was busy setting up a spell formation.

The barriers around the rooms were capable of withstanding a Rank 1 attack. Only Bosain, with his Rank 1 spell scroll, could break them. Now that Ron had pacified him, Bosain was unlikely to use his life-saving treasure to escape. Even if he did, Ron had other contingency plans he hoped not to employ.

On the floor, Ron inscribed a mysterious spell formation. The runes writhed like snakes, converging on a scarlet red light. A spell formation took shape, with a black stone platform at its center, etched with an intricate pattern.

"The bloodline transfer formation is finally complete!"

"Bring the bodies," Ron ordered.

Gleen and Fraser carried Shaya and Roth, still unconscious due to the anesthesia.

"A.I. Chip, transfer the knowledge of 'Saint Knight' to me."

[Beep! Transferring 15%...45%...75%...100%! Transfer complete!]

The A.I. Chip successfully upgraded Ron's Grand Knight techniques, now named the 'Saint Knight' stage. In this stage, 72 Meridian Points were created through formations to absorb Life Force and break through the physical barrier. Ron intended to use his Dantain to create these Meridian Points, linking them to his body. Success would elevate his bloodline refinement to a new level.

Before experimenting on himself, Ron decided to test the technique on two Level 3 Acolytes, treating them as "lab rats."