Chapter 276: The Outsider

Chapter 276: The Outsider

Xialuo only felt envy, envy that Zoya could truly integrate into Bran’s life. In the eyes of people like them, Zoya seemed more like a legend. Her experiences and choices were somewhat too unexpected. Multiple temperaments were mixed together, actually producing a strange, irresistible attraction. It was like when offering advice to oneself, she revealed a casual, carefree manner, but the admonition that followed immediately made one feel solemn.

When with the Northlanders, Zoya was full of wildness; yet when with her few friends, she appeared gentle and graceful. Many could not resist this attraction and gradually became infatuated, even deeply entangled. This included her, and also Prince Mavi of the Qiuling Kingdom.

At first, approaching Zoya had some purpose, but later it became an inability to resist this fatal attraction. Every major and minor event in the city would be eagerly reported to Zoya. When it came to tale-telling, Mavi acted even more enthusiastically, which gave her good cover.

Xialuo liked Northland City. Here, she possessed many rights she never had before, without having to fulfill corresponding obligations. The people from the Delegation had been staying in Northland City, providing her with much assistance. Food, clothing, shelter, and transportation went without saying; even some rather excessive requests would be tried their best to satisfy.

This city gave her confidence. From being brought here as a gift in nervousness by the Delegation, to now looking down on and ordering the Delegation around, she couldn’t help but feel the pleasure of revenge.

Life in Northland City let her see and recognize many things. She knew her personality was annoying, and she was trying to change. But some habits were long-formed; she didn’t even know exactly what caused displeasure, which inevitably made her feel depressed. Whenever this happened, the Delegation became her target for venting.

These people finally recognized her value as a Wizard. So, facing her little revenges, they mostly tried their best to soothe and comfort her.

Letters from home gradually increased. For a time, she couldn’t tell how much sincerity was in them, so she mostly discarded them aside. Only during some holidays would she politely send back a few greetings, which would then lead to another round of inquiries about her well-being.

If she had known it would be like this, why did she act that way in the first place?

Xialuo knew she was somewhat behind. When others were picked and chosen by the White Robes and had their own teachers, she could only watch with envy. The White Robes kept everyone busy, building their Settlement, and even found an excuse that left no room for argument: “testing one’s character.”

Xialuo really wanted to curse. Making girls work like men was just looking for trouble! Even if she wanted to work, she didn’t know how to start. So, when Xirui destroyed the White Robes’ Settlement, her schadenfreude inevitably showed a bit too much. Later, when the White Robes roamed freely in Green with the other Wizards, she became one of the few who stayed behind…

This time, Zoya specifically named her to come along on the trip, which truly lifted her spirits. Not just for the upcoming guidance, but also for some indescribable emotions.

The journey along the way was an ordeal for Xialuo. Zoya took her, avoiding populated areas, constantly hunting various beasts along the path. Most of the time, Zoya just watched her run around exhausted.

The changes along this journey were also obvious. Now she could calmly sit on the ground and use blood-stained hands to tear at food. Moreover, she felt her power growing.

Their arrival greatly disappointed the Dragon Rider. After insincere polite exchanges, only Eileen remained by their side. Even Eileen’s gaze towards them was full of suspicion.

Zoya ignored people’s attitudes and signaled for Eileen to take them to see the seaside. In the end, it was Eileen who couldn’t hold back, “Why didn’t he come?”

“There’s too much happening at home. Both Huahua and the Ancient Tree are at critical stages. Bran must be their Guardian at this moment.”

Eileen gave a little sarcastic remark, “So, disregarding safety, he sent you here instead?”

Zoya didn’t pay attention to Eileen and instead looked out at the sea, “What about that Monster you mentioned, the one who dared to impersonate us?”

Eileen pointed north, “We encountered it over there. Shall we go now?”

Zoya shook her head, “What about the place where that Monster exerted its power?”

“It’s also there.”

Zoya stopped walking, looked at Eileen seriously for a long while without speaking. Then she instructed, “Xialuo, go fetch our horses.”

Seeing this, Eileen also moved to fetch her own mount but was stopped by Zoya, “You don’t need to come.”

Eileen hesitated and asked in return, “What’s wrong?”

“You’d better take care of yourselves. Don’t follow me anymore.”

Eileen became somewhat irritated, “What exactly is wrong?”

“Eileen, I thought you would at least tell me some truth. I am a Wizard, a far more powerful Wizard than you imagine. You said many things in your letters, but if it were truly as you described, even the residual Mana would be enough to affect the weather.”

Zoya pointed into the distance, “The sky there is clear and blue, and there is nothing unusual in the Mana. As for what’s different, there is indeed a Wizard hidden in the seawater nearby. Even though he has turned into flowing water, the operation of his abilities has instead exposed him through the glow of his Mana. In my eyes, the Mana light there is like a lamp in the night.

But this kind of power is not on the same level as the world-shaking might you described at all.”

Eileen opened her mouth, but finally sighed and said nothing more.

Zoya looked at the sea, frowning slightly. The Mana there was somewhat strange, clearly lacking vitality. In Northland City, there were Wizards from various places; even the weakest Wizard’s Mana would not show such lifelessness.

That really was an outsider.