Chapter 155: The Path

Chapter 155: The Path

Lily was busy in the swamp. After observing these insects and understanding them a bit better, she had many new ideas.

These insects had a simple language and called themselves Nag. Before reaching maturity, they had a habit of cannibalizing their own kind. Although the Flying Catkin Swamp was vast, there was not much space suitable for growth and development. In the cramped space, they fought and killed each other, with only the strong and clever surviving.

In their youth, they were no different from ordinary insects, scattered throughout the swamp. But as they grew, the power hidden in their bloodline gradually awakened, and their intelligence kept increasing. Eventually, they grew into a true Nag and returned to their colony.

The Insect King’s submission was an opportunity for Lily. She had always wanted to go out, but was limited by the conditions, making it impossible to go on a journey.

At first, she was limited by her own power, but as her power grew, she realized the trouble of having no people. What could she do even with great power? She could seize a piece of territory and occupy it, but then what? Without anyone to share it with, it all seemed meaningless.

She understood Bran more and more; what good was it for a person to have so much? So Bran began to look for people who could accept his gifts: Danny, Xirui, and her—Lily.

When did Bran start to change? Ever since he had Huahua, he seemed to have a goal. First, it was for Huahua’s survival, then he fought for a place for Huahua to eat. And then? He wanted the people who cared about him to live better, so he gradually came back to life.

Bran had planned everything for her. Although he did it discreetly, by now Lily had started to realize. From taking over the Wizard team in the Northlands to managing the Mountain Villa, she had already understood Bran’s intentions.

But she didn’t want this; she didn’t want to be a character manipulated by others, even if it was for her own good. Thinking this through, she even started to get angry! Bran didn’t want to be controlled by others; he even risked completing the Trial to escape his parents’ control. And what about him?

This jerk! Lily gritted her teeth.

Bran chose to go south, so there weren’t many directions left for her to choose from. If she wanted to expand, she could only go west. Cross the magnificent wall of the Western Territory and enter the lands of the Demon Clan.

She couldn’t risk the lives of her people easily. Now these insects—the Nag—gave her a better choice.

Looking at the obedient Insect King before her, Lily patiently began to communicate with it. Before carrying out her plan, she at least needed these insects to understand some simple commands.

She started with construction in the swamp, building a simple road from here to the grassland. During this process, she could constantly observe and adjust her plan. She also needed to discuss with her people and pick a suitable time to release the insects outside the Western Territory.

She waved a hand at the sky, and a Snow Falcon landed…

…

Angie was swinging a kitchen knife and an iron hook on the Training Ground. Against her small frame, these weapons looked huge and heavy. These weren’t originally her weapons; they were given by Bran to her mother. For her mother—Heavy Axe—these weapons were just right, but in Angie’s hands, they looked a bit ridiculous.

Fortunately, she had inherited her mother’s strength, as well as her appetite. To the relief of both parents, she also had her father’s tall and straight figure.

After entering the castle, her mother demanded that she keep these weapons with her at all times. She also said this was the secret to how she became a strong Warrior back then. Her father, who was present, unconsciously shook his head, secretly glanced at her mother’s robust build, and then pursed his lips at Angie. Even though her mother had always been proud of her own build, she pretended not to notice at that time.

Her father wasn’t home often; he was either at the castle or in the Western Territory. Her mother often boasted that she was also a powerful Warrior, and that she had snatched her father back home. But as a powerful Warrior, one had to bear corresponding responsibilities, so her father took on the tasks for both of them. Her mother said that when Angie grew up, everything would be free, and she would pick up her battle-axe again. Similar words had been repeated since she could remember, annoying her endlessly, as if she were just a burden.

It was agreed when her parents brought her to the castle for training that once she became partners with a Little Fairy, she could return to her own home—Sancha Town.

She was lucky and quickly became partners with a Little Fairy, but she found that the Little Fairy was more interested in her weapons. When she told her mother about this discovery, her mother smiled proudly but refused to say anything.

However, the plan changed. Her parents said the environment here was better, more suitable for her growth. She was left at the castle, while her parents happily ran off.

Most of the first batch who became partners with Little Fairies also stayed here. Under the envious gazes of other companions, they endured stricter training.

Not many days after the news of Lily going deep into the swamp came back, her mother, Heavy Axe, appeared before her.

She had grown up, but she didn’t see a hint of relief in that bandaged figure, only deep self-blame. Several uncles also came along. After visiting their children, they left. They were going to the Western Territory to guard that magnificent wall.

Exile—self-exile! That was the thought that popped into her head at the time.

Angie felt helpless. If she were a Great Wizard like Lily or Bran, she could take her mother’s and uncles’ place in completing the redemption. But she had no choice, so she could only train hard, hoping to become a powerful Warrior as soon as possible.

Before her mother left, she told her a secret about the weapons in her hands. This let her know that Wizards might be powerful, but they were not unbeatable, and Warriors were just as irreplaceable.