"A minor trick utilizing magic, not worth mentioning."
Leon's tone remained flat. For him, this truly wasn't a feat worth boasting about.
In fact, from a purely quantitative perspective of energy "amount," Roland's Aura cultivation was even slightly more abundant than Leon's current level, and theoretically could achieve something similar. But as thought before, a knight's "Aura" and a mage's "magic power" were two fundamentally different forms of power, like pig iron versus hundred-fold refined steel. A steel knife could split a branch with a light application of force, whereas a lump of pig iron, no matter how large, would only shatter itself upon impact with a tree trunk.
Therefore, even though Leon was only at the initial stage of stabilizing his magic core, he could precisely infuse magic power into a soft, vulnerable oak leaf, temporarily granting it extraordinary hardness and penetrating force, allowing it to slice past Liana's cheek like an arrow shot from a powerful crossbow and embed itself into solid oak. Roland's Aura, however, might barely be able to project a few inches outward before rapidly dissipating. This was the difference in the "quality" of energy.
"For you, it may be a basic technique, but to the likes of us, it is a skill of such exquisite refinement it borders on the miraculous."
Roland sighed with emotion. He no longer used terms like "young friend" or "sir," but switched to the more respectful honorific "you." Having spent half his life in military campaigns, holding high position and authority, deep down he had always yearned for true power, though he knew his own aptitude was limited, making it difficult to attain.
In the northern kingdoms, those who could cultivate Aura to the "projection" level, called "Sky Knights" or "Grand Knights," were as rare as phoenix feathers, each a significant figure capable of influencing the situation in a region. Given his own status, it was difficult to obtain personal guidance from such a person. Now, to encounter someone so young who displayed abilities similar to, or even more refined than, that level, made Roland feel that most of his life's experience seemed pale in comparison.
A thought stirred within Leon. He asked, "The 'Sky Knights' you mentioned, can they also accomplish something similar?"
"Naturally. Strong individuals who have stepped into the realm of 'Sky Knights' can project Aura away from their bodies, striking enemies from over a dozen paces away. It is not mere legend." Roland nodded, then quickly realized something, looking somewhat puzzled. "Since you possess such skill, you are unaware of this? This is considered common knowledge within our knight and warrior circles."
Hearing this, Leon pondered inwardly. So it wasn't just simple life energy utilization, but a formed system of "Aura" capable of projection.
To condense that relatively loose life energy to a degree where it could leave the body to injure likely required reaching at least the level of an "Elementalist" within the mage system—that signified a new height in understanding and control of elements, allowing more free manipulation of external power.
From this perspective, the so-called "Sky Knights" roughly corresponded to Aura cultivators at the "Elementalist" level. Moreover, judging by Roland's tone, such individuals seemed quite rare.
Understandable. In this world of generally low magical activity, cultivating the relatively primitive and crude Aura methods, to forcefully break through to the "Elementalist" level, likely required exceptional talent, perseverance, and opportunity—impossible for them to be everywhere.
Even knowing such existences existed, Leon felt no fear within.
Not to mention his cultivation was rapidly recovering. Relying on the "Root Forging Art" and his past life's experience, returning to the "Elementalist" level was not a distant prospect. More importantly, a mage's methods were far from limited to energy projection. Rune studies, alchemy, barrier arts, summoning arts... the comprehensive strength formed by numerous knowledge systems was far beyond what a combat technique cultivator focused solely on raising energy levels could easily match.
Thinking this, he shook his head slightly. "I truly am merely a traveler seeking magical knowledge. What I used earlier was basic guidance of elements. The Aura and Sky Knights you speak of, I am indeed hearing of for the first time. Perhaps you have misunderstood."
"A traveler seeking magical knowledge?" Hearing Leon emphasize this identity again, Roland was genuinely confused. With his experience and status, he had also heard rumors about "mages," "alchemists," or ancient reclusive sects, knowing they possessed certain hard-to-understand powers. But the skill of "making flowers fly and leaves plucked injure" was, in his understanding, one of the signature abilities of a "Sky Knight," sufficient proof of an extremely high level of refined control over one's own power.
Could it be that he truly wasn't a "Sky Knight" achieved through Aura, but had obtained similar, or even more refined, abilities through... another path?
Roland decided to set aside his doubts for now. Regardless, the ability displayed by this young man before him was real. Even if he wasn't a knightly powerhouse in the traditional sense, he absolutely possessed awe-inspiring capital. And he was so young, his future potential immeasurable. His own family happened to have a granddaughter of a suitable age... Certain thoughts of an elder, Roland was not immune to them either.
His expression became even more amiable, carrying a sincere smile. "Regardless of what knowledge you pursue, or what power you possess, it is of no consequence. By the way, judging by your accent, you also seem to be from the Northlands?"
"Correct, I come from the borderlands. I lived there for seventeen years. This time, I came to Grayrock City... to handle some matters and broaden my horizons." Leon nodded, then remembered they hadn't formally exchanged names. "My name is Leon. As for my teacher... my teacher is a traveling sage."
"Borderlands, Leon..." Roland and his granddaughter exchanged a glance; neither had heard of this name or origin. Suppressing his puzzlement, he asked instead, "Then, Mr. Leon, is your teacher currently in the Northlands as well?"
"My teacher is no longer in this kingdom, perhaps not even on the continent beneath our feet." Leon's tone was calm, carrying a distant quality. The whereabouts of the Azure Sage were certainly not something the current him could know.
Roland, however, misunderstood, thinking the teacher's "absence" had another meaning. He couldn't help but feel a pang, sighing with emotion, "The world is ever-changing; parting is a constant in life. To have taught a disciple like you, your teacher can be well content. I, Roland, have lived nearly seventy years in vain. The old friends and comrades who fought side by with me in those years have mostly returned to the embrace of the Earth Mother. Although I cultivate Aura, holding on a few more years than ordinary folk, I ultimately failed to break through that boundary. I estimate it won't be long before I go to join them."
As soon as the words left his mouth, he was seized by an uncontrollable fit of violent coughing. His face instantly flushed red, and his breathing became labored.
"Grandfather!" Liana, who had always been cool and self-possessed, now had clear anxiety and distress in her voice. She quickly stepped forward to support Roland, gently patting his back, her eyes slightly reddened. That icy mask shattered completely, revealing deep concern beneath.
"It's... it's nothing... an old ailment. It'll pass in a moment." Roland waved his hand weakly, trying to calm his breathing, comforting his granddaughter.
Leon watched quietly from the side, then suddenly spoke. "This is an old injury from forcibly activating Aura you hadn't fully mastered in your early years, damaging the origin of your heart and lungs. Over many years, the stagnation has become entangled with your organs."
"Oh? You are also versed in medicine? You can tell that at a glance?" Roland was genuinely astonished this time, his coughing temporarily halting.
Liana abruptly looked up at Leon. Hope instantly ignited in her sapphire-blue eyes. She eagerly explained:
"My grandfather was a royal knight in his youth. During a campaign to clear out a swamp lizardman nest, in order to cover the retreat of wounded comrades, he forcibly surpassed his limits using the 'Frost Wolf Aura' explosive technique he hadn't fully mastered, which damaged his heart and lungs. The conditions in the war zone were crude at the time, and he couldn't receive timely, effective treatment. The injury left a chronic problem. It's an internal injury caused by Aura backlash. Ordinary potions and medicine are almost incapable of curing it. For many years, he could only rely on some expensive alchemical potions to barely suppress the pain and delay the发作."
"Mr. Leon, since you are a traveler seeking ancient knowledge and saw the root of Grandfather's injury at a glance, then... do you have a method to cure him?"
Her beautiful eyes fixed tightly on Leon, filled with undisguised hope and entreaty.
As Roland's most beloved granddaughter, Liana knew better than anyone how much her grandfather suffered with each recurrence of his old injury. Those alchemical potions could only temporarily relieve it, not eradicate the root cause. She had accompanied her grandfather to visit several reportedly skilled physicians, herbalists, even reclusive druids. The replies were mostly similar: the injury had been delayed too long, entangled with his life essence, not curable by ordinary means.
But this youth named Leon before her had displayed ability that defied common sense and had pinpointed the injury's origin with a glance, allowing a faint spark of hope, long cooled, to rekindle within her.
"To be frank, our Crest family holds some influence in the Northlands. As long as you can cure my grandfather's old injury, any request within our family's capability, the Crest family is willing to fulfill." Liana looked directly at Leon, her tone resolute, the decisiveness of a Northlands noble daughter now fully revealed.
Hearing this, Leon fell silent for a moment. He was not a pure altruist, but Roland's injury stemmed from protecting comrades, and the man's bearing had earned him some goodwill. Moreover, establishing a good relationship with a family of considerable influence in the Northlands was not a bad thing for him, a "returnee" who was new here, short on funds, and in need of vast resources.
"Curing this injury is not too difficult for me," he spoke slowly. Seeing the light instantly brighten in the eyes of the three across from him, he paused, then added, "However, some preparations are needed. How about this: give me two days. After that, I will go to treat the Sir. What do you think?"
"Of course, that's fine!" The guard Rex beside them couldn't help but respond excitedly. Even the usually cold-faced Liana couldn't suppress a slight upward curve at the corner of her mouth, like the first thaw of an icy lake.
Leon couldn't help but take another look at her. This proud young noblewoman was indeed much more vivid and radiant when smiling than with a cold face.
"We trouble you to take the trouble." Roland, after all, had weathered storms. Even though delighted inwardly, he maintained composure on the surface. He first instructed the guard: "Rex, note Mr. Leon's residence. You will be responsible for transporting the sir when the time comes." Then, turning to Leon, he said solemnly, "Mr. Leon, just have Rex notify us when the time comes. Additionally, during your stay in Grayrock City, if you encounter any inconvenience or trouble, feel free to let Rex handle it. My Crest family still has some face in this Grayrock City."
"Very well." Leon accepted frankly. He indeed needed some conveniences now, and the other party clearly wanted to express gratitude and a desire to connect. A mutual exchange, perfectly acceptable.
...
Leon returned to the vicinity of his rented cabin in the carriage driven by Rex. The carriage appeared simple, but the two horses pulling it were exceptionally fine, and the wood and metal fittings of the carriage compartment exuded uncommon quality, clearly of considerable value. In Grayrock City, to possess a carriage of this standard and such a professional guard spoke to the influence of the Crest family.
But this wasn't the main reason Leon agreed to their transport.
"That Sir Roland, his speech and demeanor carry the steadiness of one who has experienced the battlefield and a subtle authority. In his youth, he must have been among the best of the kingdom's knights, and of no low status." Returning to the cabin and closing the door, Leon pondered. In the memories of his past life, he had always held a measure of respect for soldiers who adhered to the knightly code and had fought to protect. Since fate had brought them together, and the other's injury was curable, lending a hand could be considered fulfilling that sentiment.
Naturally, he wasn't versed in this world's orthodox medicine. But for a mage to cure illness, what need was there for silver needles or herbs?
A dose of magic potion containing life energy was enough to regulate the physical body and expel stubborn ailments.
The reason he didn't treat on the spot was precisely because he needed time to concoct a suitable potion. Moreover, observing the slight stagnation and dissonance when Roland circulated his Aura, the Aura cultivation method itself seemed to have some defect, or at least didn't match his heart and lungs weakened by the old injury, causing the injury to linger, even potentially worsening slowly with Aura cultivation. He planned, while concocting the potion, to also deduce and improve the other's Aura circulation pathways.
"The trouble is, it costs money again." Leon sighed helplessly, feeling his money pouch let out a mournful cry.
The medicinal ingredients needed to treat Roland's injury weren't extremely rare or precious, but they were certainly not roadside weeds. Leon went to the market again, carefully selecting, spending another small sum. What he was concocting was one of the most basic, yet most practical, potions in magical alchemy:
"Basic Healing Potion."
This potion could gently replenish life essence, promote flesh and blood regeneration, and expel harmful energies (such as accumulated, disordered Aura). It had good effects on the vast majority of non-curse, non-instant fatal injuries and states of weakness. For ordinary people without supernatural power, it could even slightly extend lifespan, expel illness, and strengthen the body.
Adding the word "Basic" was because the potion Leon could currently concoct might not even achieve one-tenth the effect of a true "Healing Potion."
He had no choice. The main materials for concocting a standard "Healing Potion," like Moonlight Grass, Sun Moss, or Silverleaf Fern over ten years old, were almost impossible to find in this remote Northlands city. Even using other herbs with similar properties as substitutes required considerable age and quality, their price certainly not something the current Leon could afford.
"A Basic Healing Potion should be enough to regulate his old injury. If not... then this Sir will have to pay for better materials himself." Leon shook his head, no longer dwelling on it.
For the next two days, he even temporarily set aside meditation by Silent Lake, spending most of the time holed up in the small cabin,专心 dedicated to concocting the potion for Roland and deducing improvements to his Aura method.
Relying on the insight of a past life sage, deducing this relatively crude Aura operation method wasn't much more difficult than solving a simple geometry puzzle. He quickly found several pathway nodes that could be optimized to make it gentler and more suitable for Roland's current physical condition.
The potion concoction process tested his fine control over his currently meager magic power and his grasp of the substitute herbs' properties. He had no cauldron, no standard alchemical tools. He could only use a variant of the "Elemental Convergence Array" again,配合 coordinated with mental power guidance, to slowly extract the effective components from the herbs and guide the sparse water elements and life energy in the air (more from the herbs themselves) to fuse and purify.
During this time, Madam Susan sent two more messages via messenger, inviting him for meals at her home. Leon declined politely each time, citing immersion in studying some ancient texts or slight physical discomfort. With consecutive refusals, he could almost imagine the slight disappointment or puzzlement Madam Susan might feel, but he truly had no attention to spare at the moment.
That afternoon, the pale green potion, emitting a faint, soft glow, finally took form in a small earthenware bowl, releasing a fresh, slightly bitter herbal scent. The deductions for the Aura improvement were also complete, briefly recorded on a few sheets of rough papyrus.
"Finally done." Leon let out a soft sigh, feeling somewhat mentally fatigued but inwardly settled. He had the messenger boy, whom Rex had left waiting at a nearby tavern for news, go inform the other party that he could go treat Sir Roland that evening.
Almost immediately after the messenger boy left, someone knocked on his door again. It was an unfamiliar young servant, respectfully delivering a handwritten note from Madam Susan. The wording was earnest, once more inviting him to definitely come for dinner that evening, and mentioning that Sir Horn had recently received some new information about southern academies that might be beneficial to him.
Holding the note, Leon rubbed his temples with a slight headache. This time, it seemed difficult to refuse again.