NOVPUB
Chapter 62: 002: Power of Life and Exotic Realm
This session of meditation seemed exceptionally long compared to the past. It took several minutes before Lynch slowly opened his eyes.
"Such intense spiritual power... So this is what it feels like to be a Mid-level Apprentice?"
The first sensation Lynch felt was fullness. His spiritual power had never been as abundant as it was now, almost inexhaustible.
He closed his eyes to take a look at the Spirit Vortex.
After years of hard work, the Spirit Vortex, once the size of a thumb, had expanded to roughly 5 centimeters in diameter, and in just this brief moment, it suddenly swelled to nearly double its size, now as large as a fist. It resembled a miniature galaxy.
Lynch opened his eyes and checked the visually intuitive data panel for confirmation.
Spirit: 8.6.
"Tsk tsk!"
No wonder his spiritual power felt unprecedentedly inflated. His Spirit Attribute had previously been only 5.1, barely breaking into the 5 range. But in just a short while, it had skyrocketed to 8.6—a growth of 3.5 points, more than a third increase!
To think that it took him years just to break through to the "3-range" of Spirit when he started meditating...
"Such overwhelming spiritual power!"
8.6 Spirit was equivalent to spiritual power rated at 86. Lynch never felt his spiritual power to be so abundant before. It gave him a sense of security he’d never felt previously, no longer worrying about depletion from casual use.
Now that spiritual power was addressed, let’s discuss other changes, namely the most significant difference between Low-level Apprentices and Mid-level Apprentices—
Life Force.
Upon advancing to Mid-level Apprentice, Lynch’s data panel displayed a new entry:
Life Force +30.
The distinction between Low-level Apprentices and mortals was largely in physical strength. While Low-level Apprentices might live longer than mortals, their extended life spans depended on forcibly enhancing their bodies with magic potions and materials—like supplementing zinc when deficient, or calcium when lacking. In essence, their lifespan remained bound to the mortal limitations.
But advancing to Mid-level Apprentice changed everything.
Starting with the Mid-level Apprentice stage, every step on the Wizard’s Road would grant increases to Life Force—a unique energy exclusive to the path of Transcendence that allowed wizards to live longer than ordinary people.
With continued augmentation of Life Force, wizards could passively delay aging, maintain cellular activity indefinitely, and survive for as long as they existed.
The ultimate pursuit of wizards—truth and eternity—includes "eternity," which refers to Life Force.
"30 points of Life Force... Does this mean I’ve gained 30 years of life?"
Lynch recalled reading a book which stated that when Elementary Apprentices advanced to Mid-level Apprentices, they typically gained an additional 30 years of lifespan—this likely corresponded to the 30 points of Life Force here. It couldn’t be a coincidence.
"What sort of mysterious energy is this?"
Lynch found himself deeply curious. Wizards had various intricate methods to prolong their lifespans, and other ways of extending life existed—though they all adhered to the basic logic and fundamental rules governing this world.
But Life Force was different. It seemed entirely detached from standard rules, unreasonably granting additional years, defying logic in an astonishing way.
"A worthy subject for study."
Shaking his head, Lynch temporarily set the question aside. It was clearly not something that could be understood in a day or two. All things required a gradual, step-by-step approach—focusing on what mattered at the moment was key.
With this thought, Lynch’s face lit up, confidence radiating as he regained his posture on the chair and activated the Undying Bird’s Feather once more.
With such significant gains in spiritual power, wouldn’t he be wasting an opportunity if he didn’t dedicate himself to cultivation?
...
Before returning the Yuri Cross Sword, Lynch planned to visit the Wizard Market.
The Wizard Market near Crescent Bay was a transient one—it lacked a fixed location and was organized anew each time, with the hosts issuing announcement in advance to draw Transcendents interested in trade from nearby regions. It was somewhat reminiscent of Earth’s rural fairs.
The next market would be held in three days, so Lynch spent these days wandering the city, exploring and enjoying the Exotic Realm during breaks from cultivation.
As an earthling, Lynch found this Otherworld’s human settlement quite enchanting.
The streets offered various local delicacies, such as special sweet cakes made from wheat, topped with sesame seeds and honey, and slightly upscale eateries served exotic dishes like peacock and heron meat.
At the slave market, one could purchase brawny men, typically prisoners from rival forces or wildlings without citizenship in the Seven Kingdoms. Occasionally, young women appeared, though they were quickly acquired by brothels.
Brothels were the favorite destination of male apprentices visiting the Human World. The young, beautiful, and rigorously trained female slaves there were adept at pleasing men, often keeping apprentices confined to the beds till their last copper coin was spent.
As for Lynch, who prided himself on maintaining purity, he had no intention of losing his virginity in such places. However, since the brothel staged large theatrical performances, he decided to drop by for a look.
What could he say? He left slightly disappointed.
Although advertised as theater, the performances felt more like low-budget live-action films—a chaotic display of scantily clad men and women jumping around with a barely polished script, the majority of scenes essentially erotic.
The only memorable aspect of the show for Lynch was its name: "Knight and Wizard," supposedly about the legendary Great Knight Grant Gwodis of the neighboring Ramos Duchy.
Another spot that caught Lynch’s attention was the Duel Arena. Resembling architectural styles of ancient Roman amphitheaters, it frequently hosted fierce matches where organizers brought in lions, tigers, and other beasts, pitting them against warriors from all over. Victors could claim handsome prize money.
The raw, bloody clashes easily fueled adrenaline and sensory thrill, making this the most popular entertainment in town—filled to capacity with both commoners and nobles alike.
Unfortunately, Lynch visited during an off period. The arena had canceled recent matches for unknown reasons, with no announcement regarding their resumption.
After two days of wandering and feasting, the third day arrived—the start date of the Wizard Market.
Early in the morning, Lynch unfolded the Magic Map he had purchased back at the Tower. As the market date arrived, the map revealed the specific location of the event.
The market’s hosts were none other than Golden Carriage, a renowned Wizard Organization specializing in commerce within the Ancient Ruins.
"The nearest market entrance to me is River Town?"
Seeing the coordinates and emblem gradually manifest on the map, Lynch immediately removed his glasses, changed into lightweight hunter gear, draped his cloak over his shoulders, transforming his look into that of a wandering ranger. Finally, he adjusted his hood before leaving the inn to begin his journey...
