Leilin didn't know that someone was already planning to deal with him, but he still galloped onward, driving his carriage.
Only after five days passed and signs of human habitation began to appear around him did he finally breathe a deep sigh of relief.
Although Wizards had always looked down upon ordinary humans, much like humans look at ants, it was undeniable that these very mortals formed the constant basis from which Wizards arose.
Therefore, even though experiments on human bodies were frequently banned yet never truly ceased—being openly practiced at the Black Bone Forest Academy—all Wizards tried their best to avoid densely populated areas when they acted, to prevent causing mass casualties, lest they face the collective rejection of all Wizards.
"After reaching the next city, I can rest a bit!" After five consecutive days of travel, both Leilin and his horses were utterly exhausted.
He slowed the horses' pace slightly, taking in the surrounding scenery.
Sparse fields stretched out on both sides, and not far away stood a large windmill mill.
A clear, shallow stream flowed beside the fields, with some unknown fish drifting lazily within.
Seeing this scene, Leilin suddenly relaxed.
"Quiet, peaceful human world! How long has it been since I felt this kind of tranquility?"
"According to the map, the nearest city should be Grey Stone City!" Leilin looked at the map displayed by the Chip.
"This area is still too close to the Academy. Although there's a Wizard gathering point nearby, it's too dangerous whether I want to sell potions or gather information!"
"Besides, I have a bad feeling!" Leilin frowned, looking back in the direction he had come from.
"I killed that Treant. Will the enemy let me off so easily?"
*Ding! Mimicry Spell analysis complete!*
Just then, the Chip's notification sounded.
"Excellent!" A look of pleasure crossed Leilin's face as he quickly scanned the description of the Mimicry Spell.
"Mimicry Spell: Zero-level Spell. Effect: Can slightly alter facial muscle structure. Duration: One day. Consumption: 1 point of Spiritual Power, 1 point of Mana."
This was the specific Zero-level Spell Leilin had chosen, designed to disguise his identity.
"But is it only changing my appearance?" Leilin pondered. "Many Wizards identify others through spiritual fluctuations or even on the level of the soul. Of course, these are matters for after becoming an official Wizard; it's unlikely I'll encounter such means now."
"Chip! Is it possible to optimize the Mimicry Spell to add an effect that masks Spiritual Power fluctuations?"
Leilin asked.
*Ding! Task established. Optimization target defined. Beginning simulation analysis...*
After about ten seconds, the Chip's response came back: "Optimization possible. Requires 7 points of Spiritual Power. Time cost: 14 days and 5 hours. Requires additional advanced knowledge: Spirit Research, Annihilation Rune."
"Seven points of Spiritual Power? I can achieve that in a few years. But knowledge related to Spirit Research and Annihilation Runes won't be so easy to obtain!"
Research into the soul and related matters had always been the most mysterious part of the Wizard world. Although the Black Bone Forest Academy claimed to be at the forefront and had achieved many research results, it likely only had a surface-level understanding of the principles. Moreover, Leilin was still only a Second-rank Apprentice and couldn't access this kind of content.
"For now, the Mimicry Spell is enough!" Leilin looked around and drove his carriage into a small grove of trees.
A short while later, when Leilin emerged again, his appearance had completely transformed.
The youthful face had matured considerably, with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a common, unremarkable look.
He now wore a weathered leather armor, and the scabbard for his Cross Sword looked somewhat old and worn.
Leilin was already tall and well-fed, having been close to an average adult's height before. Now, he looked like a lean, experienced mercenary.
Leilin walked to the side of a stream, examining his new face in the water. "Hmm! Not bad! It even alters the vocal cords, allowing me to change my voice."
His voice had become deep and hoarse, completely different from the soft, youthful tone he'd had before.
"For now, I'll enter the city with this face." Leilin nodded, then took out a brown paper packet. Inside was a white powder.
"Odorless powder from the Subterranean Blindworm! Just one gram can completely erase a creature's natural scent!" Leilin said softly.
"I don't have a good method against detection via Spiritual Power, but in the mundane world, I should go all out. With both my face and scent altered, ordinary methods won't find me!"
Leilin looked at his carriage again, thought for a moment, and discarded most of the extraneous items. Only the boxes containing potions, spell books, and raw materials were secured onto two of the horses.
"Let's go!" He approached the last horse, which carried no load, untied its reins, and gave it a sharp lash.
*Neigh!* The large black horse whinnied and galloped off into the unknown.
Next, Leilin sprinkled a red powder all over the carriage, then applied the Subterranean Blindworm's odorless powder to the two remaining horses before mounting one and riding away.
Shortly after Leilin departed, black smoke began billowing from the woods, soon followed by a roaring blaze.
Continuing along the main road, signs of human presence grew more frequent. After about an hour, Leilin saw the silhouette of Grey Stone City.