Archwizard K’s Journey In The Cultivation World

Case 112: Carnation’s path.

Cloning was a branch of golem arts that struggled to be popular.

In the age of efficiency and convenience, it was akin to a fizzled-out dream of some old peeps, unable to take off even after centuries. This could be attributed to many reasons, namely the sheer difficulty of creating and operating a clone.

Not only was crafting a body convincing enough a tall task, but making it seem alive was an even taller task. At that point, people would comfortably choose alternatives over cloning.

Of course, some did perfect the art, but their number was no greater than ten.

Kierra had never really shown interest in it. If she did, it would be for in-bed activities purposes, and she didn't care enough to pursue it anyway. The reason she started looking into it deeply now was because of its potential to upset Eon's plans.

Undoubtedly, the god's greatest weapon against Kierra was divine power. With that, he could erase Kierra's ability to use magic altogether, resulting in an immediate and overwhelming loss for the wizard.

But what if she could create clones to mitigate that?

What if she could make the clones mana-independent so that Eon couldn't 'imprison' all of her at the same time?

This idea required the absolute isolation of mana, meaning the standard method of connecting oneself to the clones using mana threads wouldn't be possible anymore. And so far... Kierra has been successful at it.

Utilizing some space magic techniques, she was able to isolate her clones completely.

The evidence?

Well, 'Kierra' was able to write all of the theories down and exercise some complex magic formulas on the side as well. 'Kierra' took a satisfied look at her work before closing her eyes.

'With this, I'll be able to...'

Somewhere far away.

Kierra was boarding a magic train that flew in the air. Her crimson eyes absentmindedly gazed out the window, admiring the beauty of nature.

''We're almost there.'' She said softly.

''Mghm...''

In her arms, a sleepy woman purred, not quite rubbing her eyes since she was still wearing her blindfold. Unceremoniously, she pulled the blindfold up and rubbed her eyes anyway.

It was early morning.

Kierra and Kang Shuren had been traveling since the night before.

''You promised that you would take me around the continent!''

It wasn't quite that dramatic, but Kang Shuren indeed broke into Kierra's bedroom right around the time she was bedding Bai Qing. Fortunately, the trains ran all day, so they were able to catch a late one.

Their destination?

[Next stop: Leviathan's Tomb. Next stop: Leviathan's Tomb.]

[Please use the red door to exit.]

Leviathan's Tomb—a city built around the ancient remains of the underwater giant who dominated old civilizations. It was brought down and onto shore by a group of warriors whose names remain engraved in history books nowadays.

The people who settled there were the ones who suffered from the monster the most. They build houses attached to the beast's giant rib bones, hanging platforms under its spines, and placed the headquarters right inside its skull.

Thousands of years had passed, and now, the city was thriving.

''Woah...''

Standing before the exit door, Kierra briefly told Kang Shuren the history of Leviathan's Tomb. Seeing the woman bobbing up and down excitedly, the archwizard couldn't help but chuckle,

''Save that enthusiasm for later. You haven't seen anything.''

True to that statement, the moment Kang Shuren set her foot on the ground, her mouth couldn't even be closed.

The train stopped right on top of a hill, and when peered through the few trees that were in the way, one could spot the sparkling, blissfully blue ocean. The waves gently tapped in, washing the luminescent foam into shore. Not far to the right, a colossal, seemingly endless set of skeletons sat, bearing thousands of structures on its frame.

''Let's go.''

Kierra held Kang Shuren's hand, dragging her on the road toward the city. Even as the feet moved, the eyes couldn't leave.

The sun hadn't fully emerged yet.

Along the flickering street lights, the two quietly walked.

''...''

Finally recovering from the shock, Kang Shuren fixed her gaze forward. Beyond the piece of cloth, she saw Kierra's back. Somehow, it was dreamy, with each step she took light and almost floating.

Ever since she was a child, Kang Shuren had been obsessed with heroes' tales. The main character went on adventures, traveling the world as they defeated evil and grew to become the best version of themselves so that, in the end, a perfect, happy ending could be achieved.

She thought the figure of the heroes was dazzling.

Perhaps because of that, she wanted valor, fame, and spotlights.

She wanted to travel the world just like the heroes did... but it was all too difficult. Being the precious daughter of a reputable sect, she wasn't allowed to go on risky endeavors—not without a powerful cultivation base.

Perhaps that was the only reason she cultivated.

But at that point, it was all too monotone anyway. In addition to the boring meditations and martial arts lessons, she also had to study politics and history. One could say she was dragged back to reality.

She thought her dreams would eventually fizzle out—until Kierra appeared.

She, who brought a fresh breath into her life.

She, who stood glamorously above anything else.

And she, who extended her hand to the dreaming woman.

''Hoh... what do you think?''

Without her, she wouldn't have been able to witness this sight.

Her eyes scanned the towering pillars of bones, ones that rose past even the clouds. Beyond that, thousands of light—magical light as if a sea of fireflies resided. Then, her attention was brought to a slab of quartz sitting not far away.

[Here to honor the heroes who brought the monster of terror to its rest]

''...''

Without her, she wouldn't have been able to witness this story.

This story, and many more.

'Calm down, heart.'

Unimaginable excitement.

''Hm... shall we visit the museum first? They have many reenactments of these feats, I remember.''

As if reading Kang Shuren's mood, Kierra suggested.

''Um!''

Ascending on one of many escalators, Kang Shuren gripped her lover's hand tightly.

Walking around the floating platform, her head turned wantonly, observing the city's early morning activities intently as though engraving on her heart. This excitement continued and was amplified during their trip to the museum, where she learned vivid moments of the warriors' journey.

Kang Shuren's heart beat like it was going to explode.

An intense urge—a burning desire stemmed deep within her. A desire to sprint out and set to the sea, finding treasures and fighting monsters, helping the weak, create bonds of friendship... like these heroes.

Fortunately, holding hands with Kierra helped to calm it down.

Nevertheless, she couldn't completely stop the enthusiasm. Even as she toured the sky city and met with the locals—no, perhaps it made her even more eager.

''Kierra... I think I know what I want to do now.''

''Tell me.''

The wind gently blew.

Despite the scenery changing, their hands never separated. The sunset's light soaked the ocean, reflecting warm rays.

''I want to go on an adventure. I want to explore the continent, meet people, hear stories, legends, and... I want to craft my own tales.''

In the end, she turned to the archwizard, who shot back a reassuring look.

''Sure.'' She replied. ''I'll be there with you.''

''Thanks.''

A smile.

Another reason to protect this beautiful world had appeared.