Departure

The back door of the classroom slid shut silently, cutting off the light between the room and the corridor.

Jiang Lin stood outside, Little Black resting on his shoulder.

The afternoon sun slanted through the high windows, cutting bright blocks of light across the polished stone floor.

Jiang Lin did not notify anyone else. He walked out of the gates of Saint Brilliance Magic Academy alone.

The afternoon sun of Clearwater City spilled over the tidy streets, which were crowded with pedestrians.

Jiang Lin did not linger, heading straight for the magic commercial district in the city center.

The last time he had gone to the Blood Realm, he had purchased potions in this area, though he still hadn't finished them all.

Based on the information gathered from the library, his shopping list was clear:

High-tier cold-weather gear: Constant-temperature enchanted clothing, boots, gloves, and masks capable of resisting extreme cold below minus fifty degrees. Ideally, the lining should be made of magic materials that automatically regulate temperature and block "law-based cold erosion."

Ice resistance and energy supplies: Long-acting ice-resistance potions (lasting at least six hours), high-energy compressed food (such as special nutritional pastes and concentrated energy blocks), and high-efficiency healing potions (specifically for frostbite and ice-attribute damage).

Navigation and survival tools: A magic directional compass or celestial positioning instrument unaffected by polar magnetic interference, high-potency magic signal flares or communication scrolls that work even in blizzards, and sturdy ice axes and snow-walking aids.

Items for handling spatial anomalies: This was the key and the most difficult part. Magic accessories or scrolls capable of stabilizing a small area around the user, resisting or warning of spatial turbulence. Such items were usually expensive and rare.

Jiang Lin first walked into a large-scale equipment shop named "Elemental Equilibrium," its sign engraved with the emblems of ice and fire.

The interior was filled with a dazzling array of items, from ordinary cold-proof fur coats to armor shimmering with magic light.

He walked directly to the high-tier custom section and explained his needs to an experienced-looking dwarf clerk:

"I need a set of personal cold-weather gear for traveling deep into the core of the Northern Ice Field. I require the highest level of cold resistance and temperature regulation, with extra resistance against ice magic and law-based cold."

The dwarf clerk sized up Jiang Lin, noting his bright hair, golden eyes, and incredibly handsome face.

Despite Jiang Lin's restrained aura, his striking appearance and the Saint Brilliance Magic Academy uniform he wore ensured the dwarf did not dare be dismissive.

"Customer, we have the gear you described in stock, but the price is not small.

"The lining is woven with northern ice silkworm silk and mythril thread. The constant-temperature runes were drawn by a master-level enchanter, and the outer layer is treated 6th-rank ice field demonic rhino hide, which effectively isolates extreme low temperatures and partial ice element erosion.

"The set includes undergarments, a jacket, trousers, boots, gloves, and a mask with a breathing filter. The total price... is eighty gold coins."

Eighty gold coins was a fortune for an ordinary family, but for a student in the elite class of Saint Brilliance Magic Academy—especially one like Jiang Lin with scholarships and previous "task rewards"—it was within an acceptable range.

He did not haggle and simply nodded.

"Fine. I want the best. Also, do you have a similar quality style that focuses more on being lightweight and flexible? I need two sets as backups."

The dwarf's eyes lit up, and his attitude became even more enthusiastic.

"Yes, yes! We also have a style woven from wind dragon lizard skin and magic fibers. It weighs only sixty percent of the rhino hide set. The cold resistance is slightly weaker, but it's enough to handle minus forty degrees and offers excellent flexibility. One set is fifty gold coins."

"I'll take one of each."

Jiang Lin was decisive.

One for primary use, one for backup, just in case.

After paying one hundred and eighty shining gold coins, Jiang Lin stored the two sets of equipment into his spatial ring.

The dwarf clerk respectfully handed him a VIP card and mentioned that he could receive discounts if he needed other adventure supplies.

Next, Jiang Lin visited several well-known potion shops and magic item stores.

At the "Eternal Potion Workshop," he spent eighty gold coins to buy forty bottles of long-acting ice-resistance potions (eight hours each) and twenty bottles of special frostbite healing potions.

At "Arcane Oddities," he paid a high price of one hundred and twenty gold coins for a "Space Stability Amulet."

The amulet was shaped like a crystalline snowflake with a tiny space-attribute magic crystal embedded in its center. According to the shopkeeper, it continuously emitted a weak spatial stabilization field and would automatically activate a protective shield for about ten seconds upon encountering strong spatial disturbances—enough for the wearer to escape or take countermeasures.

This was almost the best item of its kind that could be purchased in Clearwater City.

Directional compasses and signal scrolls were relatively cheap, though they still cost a dozen gold coins.

As for high-energy food, Jiang Lin made a large purchase at the largest comprehensive supply store in the commercial district, "Traveler's Pack." Compressed nutritional pastes of various flavors, high-calorie dried meat, and magic water skins (capable of self-purifying and maintaining water temperature) filled a corner of his storage space.

By the time he stepped out of the last shop, the setting sun had painted the buildings of Clearwater City in gold.

Jiang Lin touched his spatial ring and estimated the expenses. This shopping trip was the most expensive one he had ever made.

But looking at the array of supplies in the ring, he felt much more at ease.

A worker must first sharpen his tools if he is to do his job well.

Next was the matter of identification and the route.

Jiang Lin did not return to the academy but instead turned toward the temple in Clearwater City.

The temple in the twilight was towering and solemn, its white stone structure glowing softly under the setting sun.

Jiang Lin showed his identity as a gold badge member and entered the temple interior without hindrance, requesting an audience with the Temple Master.

Inside a quiet reception room, Jiang Lin met the Temple Master again, who possessed a gentle but unfathomable temperament.

"Little friend Jiang Lin, it has been a long time. Your aura has become even more solidified."

The Temple Master smiled and gestured for Jiang Lin to sit.

"Judging by the news, your experience in Emerald City was quite legendary.

"It looks like you successfully passed the assessment?"

Jiang Lin nodded, removing the 【saint concealment rune】 within his body to let the other feel the brand of the apostle's heart.

The Temple Master nodded with satisfaction.

"I knew you would have no problem.

"After all, with your exaggerated talent, it would be difficult not to become an apostle of god.

"I also heard that since you returned, you've caused quite a stir at Saint Brilliance Magic Academy?

"Even that old fellow Algernon specifically mentioned you to me."

Jiang Lin was not surprised that the Temple Master knew about the events in Emerald City. After all, when he had first received the apostle task, it was the Temple Master who had helped him out of a bind.

But what Jiang Lin hadn't expected was that his actions at Saint Brilliance Magic Academy had been reported by the principal.

Fine, Principal, I thought you were a serious man, but I didn't expect you to secretly run to the Temple Master to talk about me...

Jiang Lin bowed respectfully.

"The Temple Master overpraises me. I simply shared my cultivation method with my classmates.

"I have come here today to ask for a favor."

The Temple Master laughed.

"That cultivation method of yours... is a bit extreme...

"Tell me, what is the matter?"

Jiang Lin then spoke:

"I intend to head to the Northern Ice Field today. I will be passing through other human kingdoms on the way, so I need an 'Adventurer Pass' or similar document that allows clear passage through various countries to minimize unnecessary trouble.

"I have no experience traveling abroad before this, so I am not very clear on the process.

"Since the temple is a mainstream power among the human kingdoms, I wanted to ask if the temple could help me process this. I am now an honorary gold badge knight; I wonder if this status can be of use."

The Temple Master looked somewhat surprised after hearing this.

He hadn't expected Jiang Lin to come to him for such a matter.

He lightly tapped the armrest of his chair.

"The Northern Ice Field... its environment is harsh, far beyond any dangerous land within the Saintas Kingdom. With your current strength, traveling alone is extremely risky. Are you sure you want to go?

"Besides, I remember the National Youth Adventurer Competition is in just over a month. Won't you be participating in that?"

"I am certain I want to go."

Jiang Lin answered without a moment's hesitation, his golden eyes filled only with determination.

"The path of cultivation is like rowing against the current. A towering tree cannot be nurtured within a greenhouse.

"As for the national competition, I have received a recommendation to skip the preliminary rounds. I've calculated the time; if I return promptly, I can participate normally."

The Temple Master nodded.

"Then do your principal and the others know you are going so far away?"

Jiang Lin nodded without thinking.

"Of course they know. I have already asked for leave."

Well, Master Antonio said he would help him ask for leave, so he shouldn't need to go in person...

The Temple Master gazed at him for a moment before nodding.

"Very well. When you pass through temple kingdoms, your temple identification will be valid. As long as you don't do anything outrageous that leads to your identification being revoked, there generally shouldn't be any major issues."

He asked no further questions and took out a blank document and a small seal from a drawer.

Magic essence flowed through his fingertips as he quickly wrote on the document and applied the special temple seal.

"This is a 'High-level Paladin Training Recommendation Letter' issued by my Clearwater City temple.

"It has my personal signature and the temple seal. In most temple kingdoms, it will prove your identity and request that the various countries along the way provide necessary convenience.

"Of course, the extent of its effectiveness depends on the attitude of the local temple or official institutions."

The Temple Master handed the prepared document to Jiang Lin.

"Additionally, I will give you a small item from my personal collection."

He took out a palm-sized metal plate, silvery-white and carved with simple holy runes.

"This is a one-time-use 'Holy Light Beacon'. If you are in a desperate situation, you can activate it by injecting holy light energy. It will release a highly visible holy light signal lasting for one hour, along with a weak spatial coordinate. If there is a high-level clergyman within a hundred miles, they might sense it and provide aid. Remember, there is only one chance; use it wisely."

Jiang Lin solemnly received the recommendation letter and the Holy Light Beacon with both hands, thanking him:

"Thank you for your help, Temple Master. I will keep this kindness in my heart."

The Temple Master waved his hand.

"No need for formalities. Since you are an honorary member of the temple and an apostle of god, I should help you for both public and private reasons.

"I hope you have a safe journey and return soon."

By the time he left the temple, night had already fallen. The lights of Clearwater City were beginning to glow, and the streets remained lively. Jiang Lin had no leisure to enjoy the night scenery; he walked quickly toward the Court of Space in the city.

The Northern Ice Field was far away. The fastest way was to first reach a major town on the northern border through a teleportation array, then transfer to other transportation or travel through the border on foot.

He purchased a ticket for a long-distance teleportation array to the kingdom's northernmost fortress city, "Linfeng City."

The ticket was expensive, but the time saved was far more valuable.

Standing within the teleportation array about to start, the surrounding magic runes lit up one by one, and space began to ripple slightly. Jiang Lin took one last look back at the brilliant lights of Clearwater City and the direction of Saint Brilliance Magic Academy.

There were classmates to whom he had brought light, teachers who held high expectations for him, and an academy life full of reform that had only just begun.

Similar to his journey to Emerald City, since there was no direct teleportation array between Clearwater City and Linfeng City, he needed to transfer through the array in the Royal Capital.

Queuing once more, Jiang Lin did not waste this time, instead directly activating his breathing technique.

However, because sitting down in such a place would be too conspicuous, Jiang Lin stood where he was with his eyes slightly closed and began to actively manage his breathing technique.

Though the efficiency was lower than when sitting cross-legged, it was still higher than passive operation.

Thus, Jiang Lin raced against time to cultivate.

At the same time, Jiang Lin was planning his schedule for the future.

The system task 【Trial of Blood (II)】 had been left unfinished.

He would wait until he reached the limit of Rank 2, which was Level 30, before activating the teleportation.

That way, the task on Planet Teluofuto would be safer.

His mount, "Shadow of Blood," could no longer keep up with his current strength.

It was still hovering at the level of twelve or thirteen.

Although it had the ability to fight across ranks while in his clone form, it was not a long-term solution.

He would have to wait until he reached Planet Teluofuto and lifted the restrictions of 【Blood Demon Summon】 to let it swallow its fill at once.

Only then could it keep up with his combat power.

And today, he had just broken through to Level 22.

He was only eight levels away from Level 30.

According to his original speed, it would take about forty days.

Traveling might hinder his efficiency, so he estimated reaching Level 30 within a month and a half.

He would see then whether to complete the 【Trial of Blood (II)】 task before looking for Sword Saint Loren, or find Sword Saint Loren first and then complete the trial.