Moonlight passed through the withered branches, scattering into broken fragments as it slanted onto the ground.
The bark peeled away.
The tree trunks twisted.
In this Sorcerer world influenced by the Netherworld, such grotesque sights were everywhere. Gray mold spread across the landscape, and flocks of crows cawed mournfully as they circled above.
At times, the sky seemed to ripple like a living being.
As if an enormous entity twisted within.
Roaming.
Moving slowly.
The breath of death enveloped every living thing.
âThe plan is going smoothly.â
âI am steadily progressing toward becoming a Second-Ring Sorcerer.â
âIf everything proceeds as expected, I can continue advancing. However, the effects of the Soul Collector are ultimately limited.â
âIn the later stages of the Sorcerer system, besides focusing on soul strength, oneâs personal understanding of truth becomes even more crucial.â
His voice was blurred beneath the moonlight.
Standing by the window, Xu Xi gazed out at the withered forest and the eerie, blood-colored scenery, contemplating his future plans.
His plan wasnât complicated.
First, he needed to strengthen himself to ensure survival in this perilous Sorcerer world.
Then, he would proceed with his researchâstudying death, studying souls, and ultimately, studying truth.
As for the realm of the Seven-Ring Legendary SorcererâŠ
Xu Xi wasnât overly optimistic.
For him, reaching the Five-Ring Sorcerer level in this simulation would already be an excellent outcome.
âThis world⊠is deeper than it seems.â
Xu Xi looked outside, where the dense aura of death swirled in the darkness, accompanied by piercing wails that seemed to twist everything in a bizarre distortion.
Flowers remained flowers.
Grass remained grass.
Humans remained humans.
Yet, under the relentless erosion from the Netherworld, the constant influx of death energy was subtly altering everything.
âSorcerers, the Netherworld, summoning, ritualsâŠâ
âIf my guess is correct, the Sorcerer who called upon the Netherworld a thousand years ago must have done so to break through their limits.â
âA Six-Ring Sorcerer? Or perhaps a Seven-Ring Sorcerer?â
âThereâs no information confirming where that Sorcerer is now. Thereâs a high chance theyâre still somewhere in the Sorcerer world.â
His fingers tapped lightly on the bedside table.
Lifted, then fell again.
Xu Xi stared at the crisscrossing branches of the withered forest, lost in deep thought.
There was no doubt that Sorcerer was powerful. Though the chances of encountering them were slim, it was always wise to remain cautious.
BesidesâŠ
Even without considering that unknown, formidable Sorcerer,
This world was still filled with countless threatsâundead calamities, resurrected liches, skeletal dragonsâŠ
âThings are starting to get interestingâŠâ
âI wonder⊠just how far I will go in the end.â
Under the blood moon, Xu Xi clicked his tongue.
Compared to the magic worlds ruled by gods,
This chaotic Sorcerer world felt even more surreal, its future unpredictable.
Creakâ
Creak, creakâ
A sound interrupted Xu Xiâs thoughts.
It came intermittently, repeating itself. It was the subtle shifting of the mansionâs front door.
Whoever was pushing it open seemed afraid of disturbing him, moving ever so slowly, cautiously stepping into the house.
âYou can just push it open, Sylvia. Iâm still awake.â
Xu Xi spoke, his voice carrying through the mansion by the power of a spell.
The hesitant creaking stopped, and the door opened normally.
âMy apologies, Master Sorcerer, for disturbing your rest.â
The sound of iron boots echoed through the hallway.
It was Sylvia. She had just returned from slaying undead outsideâher routine, and also the belief she held firmly.
In truth,
Lately, since Xu Xi needed soul fire, he had been hunting down many undead himself, making Sylviaâs patrols somewhat unnecessary.
Yet in her heart, she never stopped worrying about those who lacked strength.
Whenever she had spare time,
She would visit different villages, keeping an eye on the movements of the undead.
âItâs nothing to worry about, Sylvia. Itâs just a small matter,â Xu Xi said as he stepped away from the window, motioning for her to sit.
Her armor was heavy, tightly encasing the skeletal form beneath.
To support such weight,
Xu Xi had crafted a special chair through Sorcererry, ensuring it could bear Sylviaâs presence.
They sat across from each other, discussing his research results and the recent changes in undead activity.
âMaster Sorcerer, are you leaving soon?â
âMm, just about.â
âI seeâŠâ
Sylvia removed her helmet, revealing her pale skull and the emerald-green flames flickering in her eye sockets. In the darkness, they glowed vividly.
Her fingers intertwined,
Unconsciously rubbing against each other, betraying her nervousness.
In the end, all of her unease melted into quiet acceptance.
âA month⊠really passed by so quicklyâŠâ
Lowering her head, in a position where Xu Xi couldnât see, the light in her green eyes dimmed.
She didnât want him to leave.
Like a greedy character in a story who never had enough,
She longed for more time together.
She longed for normal conversations.
But that wasnât possible.
The Master Sorcerer had his own goals.
The fact that he had stayed for a month was already a stroke of fortune.
Besides, she too had her own responsibilities.
Patrolling the former lands of the Crowfield family,
Protecting the helpless and unfortunate,
Ensuring the dead would not disturb the living.
Their paths were neither crossed nor parallel.
Parting was inevitable.
Sylvia sat silently, accepting this reality. Then, she offered her blessing.
âI wish you a safe journey, Master Sorcerer.â
She wanted to smile.
But without flesh, her skeletal face could not form such an expression.
So instead, Xu Xi saw the flames in her soul flickerâa different kind of smile.
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âThank you, Sylvia.â
Xu Xi smiled, acknowledging the goodwill of the undead girl.
He flipped his wrist,
And took out a Death Spirit Mushroom.
With a flick of his hand, he set it alight.
This type of mushroom, when stir-fried, would release a rich, aromatic flavor,
Originating from the Death Spirit Realm.
When fully cooked, it became edible for the living,
But when burned in its natural state, it emitted a fragrance that comforted the dead.
âSo fragrant.â
Still clad in armor, Sylviaâs mood visibly lifted.
She inhaled deeply,
And her eyes instinctively narrowedâ
Reminding Xu Xi of a cat intoxicated by catnip.
âMaster Sorcerer, do you have any plans? Like, where youâll go next?â
In the stillness of the bedroom, Sylvia posed her question.
âNothing special. Just continuing my training, strengthening myself.â
Xu Xi spoke slowly,
Using simple words to explain the world of Sorcerers to the undead girl before him.
Moving forward,
He would continue his exploration.
Growing stronger, seeking truthâuntil his life burned out.
âWowâŠâ
That magical vision of the future made Sylvia exclaim in wonder.
âThen⊠if you become truly powerful, what will you do?â
She followed up with another question.
Xu Xi didnât answer immediately.
Tilting his head slightly,
He gazed at the twisted branches swaying outside the window.
âPerhaps⊠Iâll try to save this world that is already beyond cure.â
Sick?
The world?
Sylvia, who had received noble education since childhood and prided herself on her knowledge,
Was momentarily stunned.
The silent night carried the scent of decayâ
The final remnants of souls rotting away.
Not just of living beings,
But of the world itself.