In the southern region of Chanay Continent, under the blue sky and white clouds, a sorcerer rode an insect beast, slicing through the midair, leaving only a golden streak, rendering all the creatures below incapable of catching up.
“Randall, aren’t you really going to the East Capital to find your most proud disciple? He’s quite famous and has quite a status now.”
“We’ll talk about it later. He has his business to attend to, and I have mine.”
“Look, you’re not waiting to become a Level 2 Sorcerer before you go, are you? You’re being too sentimental. What’s wrong with basking in your disciple’s glory? It’s not like you’ve never done it before.”
“Enough, Golden Beetle, my mind is made up.”
The figure was none other than Randall, who had left Mongna Ant Land Cottage, along with one of the Nine-Colored Bugs, the Golden Beetle General, a man and a bug who had departed Moon Pincer Peninsula and were now en route to the southern area.
After a long journey, they had reached a remote location to the southwest.
Randall had a clear destination in mind.
Three days later, a city situated on the outskirts of the mountains came into view.
“Pengdala City, we’ve finally arrived.”
Looking at the ruggedly styled city walls, Randall’s face, marked with horizontal flesh, showed a smile. As the Golden Beetle General drew closer, he leaped down from his mount, causing a tremor upon landing on the ground.
The Golden Beetle General rapidly shrunk its body and perched near the collar on his shoulder.
Pengdala City was just a medium-sized city on the southwestern frontier. Due to its remote location, there weren’t many people or caravans at the city gates, and naturally, not many sorcerers.
After a simple check-in, he led the Golden Beetle through the city gates into the city’s interior.
“Are you sure it’s this place? This city is far less impressive than the ones we’ve been to before.” The Golden Beetle murmured in his ear as they took in their surroundings.
“There’s no mistake, I had a very enjoyable conversation with the Enchanter Fanta. He has no reason to deceive me.” Randall’s eyes flickered with doubt; the place didn’t seem to be supported by a sorcerer’s power.
However, he was certain he was in the right place.
Like many other cities, Pengdala City had a district specifically for sorcerers’ services.
The Pipidite District had a different architectural style from other areas, with shops like the Flame Potion Store, Enchantment Workshop, Magic and Adventure Tavern, Magic Trading House, and inns.
Taverns were hubs of information, and Randall walked into the only one.
Since the trend of Bloodline Alteration became popular, people with various appearances were commonplace. Randall’s bear-like stature was not out of the ordinary and did not attract much attention.
“Do we really still have hope to become sorcerers?”
“Of course, there’s hope. An announcement has been posted in South Capital. That marvelous Formation is called ‘Black Magic Wind Fire Array,’ created by Master Marichadon. It can help any apprentice ascend to an official sorcerer, no matter their potential. All you need is a million magic stones to visit the Enchanters Guild.”
“How fortunate we are, in our times, to have Master Marichadon with us.”
Randall had just sat down at a table when he overheard four middle-aged apprentices discussing something not far away. One of the older apprentices still seemed skeptical, his anxiety clearly visible in his expression.
His companion, however, was full of confidence, yearning to gather the magic stones and go to the South Capital’s Enchanters Guild, chasing that light of hope they thought they had already lost.
For those who brought this light of hope, they firmly believed that he was an Enchantment Master.
“Ivan is truly remarkable. Even in such a remote place, his great name is celebrated,” the Golden Beetle also listened and remarked softly.
“Indeed, in the eyes of many apprentices who have lost hope, he is the warm light of the sorcerer.” Randall echoed the sentiment.
During their travels in the last city, they had inadvertently heard the news. Initially, Randall thought it might be someone with the same name, but once that eye-catching Formation name was mentioned, identical to the one he knew, he couldn’t help but believe it.
He had only just learned that his disciple had become famous throughout the world.
It was because of this news that the Golden Beetle General had urged him to change his route and head to East Capital, to seek the support of his well-to-do disciple.
However, Randall had his own thoughts and convictions.
After sitting in the tavern for over an hour, Randall’s friend, having heard the news, hurried over.
“Haha, Randall, my friend, you’ve finally arrived,” Fanta Snow approached quickly and embraced Randall warmly.
“My friend, we meet again,” Randall also smiled. “I must say, your territory is far too remote from Moon Pincer Peninsula.”
“A bit, a bit, but that’s no problem for you, is it?”
After a good meal and warm hospitality from Fanta, the gap brought by time between friends dissipated greatly.
Soon, Fanta led him out of Pengdala City.
“Not within the city?”
“Sorcerers’ gathering places are often like this, they prefer not to settle within the city. Just follow me with peace of mind. I assure you, you’ll like it there. It’s a fantastic place for Insect Control Masters.”
The two of them then entered the vast mountains, flying for a while before arriving at a rift in a mountain valley. With a gesture from Fanta, they descended along the rift.
Upon entering the rift, Randall discovered to his surprise that the underground fissure was quite extensive, with traces of man-made excavation, traps, and many branches and diverging paths.
After moving forward a bit further, they arrived at an even larger and narrower underground crevice.
The crevice was filled with a unique black fog, and especially below the crevice, the heavy black fog veiled the depths, rendering them invisible. At first glance, it resembled some profound Abyss Valley, causing an indistinct trepidation in one’s heart.
“How’s that?” Around them, there were things emitting a fluorescent glow, illuminating the smile on Fanta’s face.
“It indeed seems like an excellent place for rearing insects. The scent of the black fog seems very close to that of the Black Beard Chapter,” Randall looked around interestedly, feeling his spiritual power become slightly more active.
“Right? I told you this place is a holy ground for practicing the Black Beard Chapter. You won’t regret coming here,” Fanta said, his smile broadening as he saw Randall’s approval.
“I heard you have a Level 2 Sorcerer disciple who also practices the Black Beard Chapter. Why not call him over as well? I can recommend him to join the organization too.”
“He’s different from us; his love for Enchantment far exceeds that of Insect Control. He might have even switched Meditation Methods,” Randall said with a wry smile, shaking his head.
“No, he won’t.”
“What?”
“I mean, changing Meditation Methods is not so easy,” Fanta explained patiently, a mysterious glint in his eyes. “If he wants to change, he must find a method that can continue the characteristics of the Black Beard Chapter and match the level.
You must understand, the Black Beard Chapter is a complete Advanced Meditation Method that one can cultivate up to Level 4 and beyond, with other unique aspects. There are very few other Meditation Methods that meet these requirements.”
“I see. I’ll talk to him about it after I’ve settled in.”
Thinking of his disciple’s current achievements, Randall felt somewhat indifferent; others might not be able to change, but that didn’t mean Ivan couldn’t. However, he did not want to offend his friend’s kindness and gave a vague response.
“That’s the spirit. We welcome any sorcerer who practices the Black Beard Chapter,” Fanta said as he led him toward the central area.
“By the way, what’s the name of our organization?”
“Black God Society.”
The two rode on their respective flying beasts, as the black fog below surged and occasionally, the gigantic shadow of an insect would materialize, flitting through the pitch-dark Abyss Valley.