Chapter 227: Moving Forward

Chapter 227: Moving Forward

Bran returned, causing little stir. Northland City operated as usual. Some people had more smiles on their faces. Others felt unease.

For example, Pachu. For example, Earl. No matter how important Danny was to Bran in rumors. No matter how many people witnessed that loyal ceremony. Only Grand Sorcerer Bran could decide the final outcome.

So after hearing the news, they led the Wizards to City Manor. This time, they followed every rule carefully. Everyone was cautious from standing positions to notifications. Pachu and Earl stood at the front on separate sides. Behind them were the White Robes and local Wizards.

The sense of ceremony was strong. Because as long as they held the meeting through ritual procedures, it meant Bran recognized their status. This was very important. Any mistake could affect the legitimacy of identity and position.

Although it wasn’t the first time visiting City Manor, everyone felt tense. The many Wizards grew extremely alert under high tension. Time flowed slowly. Footsteps and announcements seemed stretched over time.

Pachu saw someone appear at the door. That person’s mouth moved for a while before any sound came. The noise sounded strange and heavy. Pachu found it hard to understand at first. Then the other gave him a surprised look and stepped aside with a gesture of invitation.

This made Pachu relax. The strange feeling vanished. Wind blew by. It carried scents of flowers and buzz of insects. Everything seemed so beautiful.

Rarely, Bran wasn’t sitting under the tree. Instead, he waited for them in the study. Pachu and the others entered. Danny still sat in the main seat. Bran sat beside and behind Danny. His eyes seemed half-closed. He looked indifferent to their arrival.

Fortunately, Bran cooperated. After going through the whole routine, they faced a clearly impatient Bran. Pachu and the others tactfully left. Outside City Manor, their backs straightened. Their attitudes became confident. Even their damply wet coats couldn’t hide their spirits.

These Wizards had barely left. The Delegation asked for an audience right after. Bran had no mood to deal with them. He found a random excuse and sent them away. He wanted them to understand: since Danny was seated as City Lord, she alone could decide matters here.

…

Baz was old and wise. He didn’t actively run over to bother anyone. If the rumors were true, nothing in the city could hide from Bran. He believed Bran would give an answer. Whether Bran agreed or not.

Besides, he also had much to do. He had grown fascinated with this magical city. This city was alive. It had life and could slowly heal its wounds.

The Delegation fools were blinded by greed. They were fooled by Northland City’s appearance. They ignored many odd things and showed off their stench of money everywhere.

The Wizards seeking knowledge were blinded by power. They took everything as normal.

Those who lived here long weren’t surprised. They thought it was the Great Wizard’s ability. But a while ago, Bran wasn’t here at all. So who commanded all this? The place overflowed with spirit. Many mysterious things were nurtured here.

While observing the plants, he shifted a small stone under a tree. Two days later, the stone returned to its original spot.

Baz still hadn’t gone madly old. His mind stayed sharp. His body was too weak to carry his thoughts. He understood everything in his heart. It reflected differently in action.

He thumped his stiff back and walked toward the city outskirts. Comparing and observing, Baz discovered such an interesting thing near death’s door. With this to pass time, the waiting days weren’t unbearable.

…

After Bran returned, Ancient Tree felt relaxed. Rarely free from city cares, he could finally enjoy the sun. He wanted to hear about Bran’s travels. But after becoming a smudge of fog, Bran reacted slowly. He often spaced out and stared blankly somewhere. When he zoned out, Huahua napped too. That spoiled the fun!

So, Ancient Tree decided to take a walk and visit Shajia. He glanced around. He saw Bran and Huahua weren’t watching. He extended vines to scoop up Water Pearl and Mist and headed out.

After confiding in Ancient Tree, Shajia slowly opened her heart. That made her much brighter. Sometimes, Ancient Tree visited at midnight. He gave her small gifts over time—supposedly simple toys made by Great Wizard. They might be designed for Ancient Tree. Like a tiny mirror that felt small in his vines…

Shajia did attend lessons with the White Robes. But she mostly worked in the fields. The field harvest met basic needs without much extra income. Every household in Northland City had land and grew crops. Vegetables here sold for cheap.

In spare time, Shajia also swung her sword around. She relived old feelings and recalled times with her father. Her father wanted her to be a Knight. Lately, she thought of picking that up again. She envied the White Robes for their power and status. But also felt some resistance.

Her resistance to Great Wizard weakened. Still, she wasn’t ready to yield.

Heavy footsteps in the distance caught her eye. She looked up and spotted Ancient Tree coming her way. He waved a vine at her.

Shajia stopped her work and ran toward Ancient Tree with excitement.

Up close, Shajia asked, “I heard Great Wizard returned. Why aren’t you with him?”

Ancient Tree pointed vexedly at his head. “He’s thinking, so I didn’t disturb him.”

Then he shook his top and made a sweeping glance. He lowered his voice. “I’ll show you two treasures.”

Saying this, Ancient Tree pulled Water Pearl and Mist from his top. He held them before Shajia and released them.

Shajia saw the floating, quivering Water Pearl and Mist. She looked curious. “What are these?”

“Fruits, fruits condensed from power.” He gestured at the Mist. “This is Bran’s power manifestation.”

Mentioning Bran, Shajia couldn’t help pointing at the Mist. That touch made her strange force react with Mist. The Mist erupted with great power and flung her back. Then the Mist scooped Water Pearl and flew off…