Chapter 195: Chapter 138: Level 2 Death Priest

But Iz didn’t need to demonstrate that he had grasped a second Root Magic.

"Not even a little bit?"

"Right. Not even a little bit."

’Tch... so unassailable, are we?’

Lu Cang couldn’t be bothered to discuss the topic any further.

’Iz probably wasn’t lying to me. It was just annoying to think that he’d grasped Root Magic so much faster than I had.’

So he changed the topic. "What did you talk to An Zheng about yesterday?"

"We discussed a few things about the Root Source. And those missing records you mentioned—I helped him recall some things."

"Oh..."

"So, how is he now?"

"His condition is quite poor. He has reached the end of his life and has, in fact, already used many medicines to prolong it."

"But the backlash he suffered from pursuing the Root Source was also severe. The effects have essentially canceled each other out, so he’ll barely manage to live out a normal lifespan."

"Even Kumironi can’t extend his life any further. He actually asked for her help last year, but the small extension she managed was undone when the backlash from the Root Source caused his body and mind to collapse."

"Now, he’s just hanging on by a thread."

’How truly pitiful.’

’He was a Level 8 Mage who could command the wind and rain, yet he’s been reduced to this state.’

’Do all high-ranking Mages become so miserable when they grow old?’

"If things stay as they are, he probably has two or three years left to live. But if he insists on pursuing the Root Source again and fails to grasp it, I suspect... that will be the end of it."

Lu Cang asked, "Iz, what do you think he’ll do?"

Iz replied, "He’ll probably keep trying to break through."

"Witnessing the ultimate Root Source is an obsession for every Mage. He’s already made it to the final step; he’ll definitely want to see the view from up there."

"What does it matter if he lives a few years more or a few years less?"

The two continued their conversation.

Chi Cheng had also arrived, a steamed bun in his mouth.

So unassuming.

Lu Luwei arrived next. As light as the wind, she landed abruptly on the ledge of a nearby fountain, sitting on the edge with her legs dangling in the air.

"I seem to recall someone saying they would go house hunting with me yesterday."

Lu Cang laughed awkwardly. "Lu Luwei, but I’ve already found one." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Lu Luwei snorted. "I bought a residence outside the Imperial Palace. There’s just a wall between my place and yours."

’That’s somehow terrifying.’

’Have I been targeted?’

’I feel like an arrow could fly over the wall at any second.’

’And... doesn’t that mean she was watching yesterday when I was taking a bath and giving orders to the maids?’

’This won’t do. I definitely need to set up the anti-snooping Restrictions right away.’

Lu Cang had originally figured he’d set up the Restrictions for the entire house in a couple of days, since it was only his first day there and he hadn’t done anything particularly private.

He never expected someone to be spying on him on the very first day.

Seeing Lu Cang clutch at his clothes to cover himself, a blush flashed across Lu Luwei’s face.

"Who was looking at you!"

"I didn’t say a thing, Lu Luwei."

"You... Hmph."

Lu Luwei just snorted and said no more.

Kumironi arrived right after.

"Phew—I’m finally done with matters at the Life Church."

"I so want to resign from my post as High Priest. There’s just so much work to do."

To be fair, things would have been quite peaceful if not for the Death Church stirring up trouble.

But the Death Church’s recent activity had forced Kumironi to step in and handle things personally.

"But it’s been resolved now, hasn’t it?" Iz said.

She had rushed to the Church this morning to complete the final handover; from now on, others would be fully responsible for the work that followed.

Barring any major incidents, the matter should no longer require her attention as High Priest.

"Yes, it’s finally settled."

Obades was the last to arrive, strolling over unhurriedly.

He arrived at exactly the appointed time: 8:00 a.m. sharp.

The assembly was complete, right on time.

And so, they officially set off.

This was the first time Lu Cang had officially gone to conquer a Dungeon with Iz and the others.

After all this time in the Legendary Adventurer’s Guild, this was the first time all the members were going on an adventure together.

...

The Dragon Rhinoceros Carriage charged steadfastly through the deep snow.

The greatest advantage of a Dragon Rhinoceros was its ability to adapt to all sorts of terrain and harsh environments.

It gave travelers a place to rest, no matter the environment they were journeying through.

The group gathered in a circle, and Kumironi took the lead. "At present, our intelligence on the Cave of Desperate Wails is still nil."

"Lu Luwei, we’ll be relying primarily on you for scouting this time."

Lu Luwei replied, "Yes, I know."

She was currently a Level 5 Archer and a Level 5 Observer.

She had advanced both Professions almost simultaneously, unlike Iz and the others, who either didn’t multiclass or only took on a convenient Profession like a Level 3 Gatherer.

Lu Luwei’s path was to develop two Professions in tandem.

Besides, Observer was indeed a very suitable secondary Profession for an Archer.

The synergy was no less than that between a Decryption Scholar and a Mage.

"The Cave of Desperate Wails will likely be filled with evil creatures, wraiths, and Undead-type beings. Light and Divine Element attacks should be the most effective way to counter the creatures inside."

"Additionally, a Death Priest’s Death Spells, which specifically target souls, will also be remarkably effective."

"Lu Cang, Iz, so we’ll be relying mainly on your Magic Element attacks."

Lu Cang nodded and glanced at Iz.

’My current strength is probably still a far cry from Iz’s.’

"Tier Six Dungeons generally have very complex structures, accompanied by numerous Restrictions and puzzles... Lu Cang, your decryption abilities will be crucial."

Lu Cang listened intently.

There wasn’t much more to discuss in terms of tactics; Kumironi was just giving them a reminder.