Carl shook his body, his muscles and bones emitting slight, brittle sounds.
Suddenly, his body seemed to shrink, becoming shorter and sturdier. His features and facial structure also grew more rugged.
He rubbed between his eyebrows, silently reining in the fluctuations of his spiritual power.
By the time he had changed into a robe and hung a Longsword at each side of his waist, he was utterly transformed.
He had changed his appearance entirely, inside and out.
Even if an acquaintance stood before him, they would never be able to recognize him.
"The Bloodline Wizards' transformation of the human body, combined with the Secret Skills of Knight Martial Arts, made changing one's appearance quite convenient."
Picking up the package from the table, he took a wide-brimmed hat to cover his face and stepped towards the outside of the island.
The outskirts of Black Swamp.
The last time he was here, this place was just a small village with signs of expansion.
In just a few months, it had changed drastically.
New buildings rose from the ground, streets stretched before his eyes, and manor houses were under construction.
The streets bustled with traffic, a never-ending stream of commodities from various places flowing into the Swamp Alliance.
A village? Now, it was already a bustling town, still evolving towards becoming a city.
Given time, it might well become as prosperous as Signo City.
After all, Wizards are known to be wealthy, each one a lavish spender.
I wonder how much land Heidi has bought. Considering the situation, this investment should yield a rich profit, though it will take time!
Touching his chin, Carl looked upwards.
In the midst of the new residences stood a distinct building, its high-peaked roof a symbol of the Master of Dawn. The tolling of a bell echoed, bringing tranquility to the soul. A church!
The Church truly spares no corner where people gather, setting up churches even near Wizard strongholds.
The light of the Divine... is far too dazzling!
Faith was being spread to the very doorstep of the faithless, yet the people of the Swamp Alliance said nothing.
This showed that even with a Second Circle Wizard in residence, the Church felt no fear whatsoever.
The Church must have beings as powerful as a Second Circle Wizard. Perhaps even more powerful ones!
Shaking his head, Carl proceeded to his destination.
Near Black Swamp, there was a narrow, shadowy street dedicated to transactions between Wizards and ordinary people.
"Antidote Potion, ten Gold Coins a dose!"
"Beast Repellent Pills! No more worries about mosquito bites when you're at home or traveling! No more concerns about beast attacks in the jungle!"
Those conducting business here were usually Attendants of Wizards, selling items crafted by their masters.
Some items common in the Wizard World could fetch a high price in the mundane world.
Of course, there were also those like Carl, Wizard Apprentices who dealt personally but typically disguised their appearance.
Carl found a spot and displayed his goods one by one. Three Potions. Two weapons.
Soon, a figure swathed in a cloak came to his stall and casually picked up a Potion.
"Correct." Carl nodded. "One bottle contains three doses, priced at one Magic Stone."
Potions that could enhance spiritual power were rare, and the Light of Wisdom's effects were particularly outstanding.
Other Potions went for one Magic Stone for five doses. Selling his at three doses for one Magic Stone wasn't expensive.
This was also the market price he had gradually figured out.
"It seems you're the mysterious Pharmacist they talk about." The customer nodded, pulling out three Magic Stones. "I'll take all of them."
Carl accepted the Magic Stones, concluding the transaction.
He came here every month to trade for Magic Stones and purchase Potions. Otherwise, his capital would never suffice.
Gradually, he had gained some reputation.
While waiting for customers, Carl took out a High-quality Beast Pill and swallowed it, refining it with the Furnace Method.
His stomach churned, and the pill transformed into a warm current that spread throughout his body. His Constitution slowly improved.
"How much for this sword?"
"Seven Magic Stones."
"It's a Demonized Item, imbued with the Petrification Skill. Once activated, it can easily shatter the opponent's weapon."
"But it's too heavy, not suitable for a Wizard Apprentice to use."
"It was meant for Knights anyway."
"Can you make it cheaper?"
Carl sat cross-legged on the ground with his eyes closed. While explaining his goods to others, he didn't neglect his cultivation.
After much haggling, the customer sighed reluctantly. "Seven Magic Stones it is. I'll buy it!"
"Deal!" Carl opened his eyes.
During this period, his analysis of the serpent had deepened his mastery of the Petrification Technique. This, in turn, had also improved the grade of the Demonized Items he crafted.
Not long after, he successfully sold the second weapon.
Oar strokes disturbed the water. The powerful force propelled the boat through the Swamp's mire at an astonishing pace.
After selling his goods, Carl didn't linger in the market but directly returned by the way he had come.
He mentally calculated his earnings. Two hours at the stall had earned him seventeen Magic Stones. After deducting the initial cost, his net profit still exceeded ten Magic Stones. Enough for his upcoming expenses...
Hmm? His spider sense triggered an alarm.
His eyebrows twitched, and Carl's body suddenly leaped into the air.
The boat beneath him exploded. Blasts of Fierce Flame shot out, and the intense heat even caused the mire in the Swamp to melt.
Carl landed. Before he had time to observe his surroundings, a torrent of Fierce Flame rushed towards him.
Behind the Fierce Flame, a figure wielding a great axe descended silently.
The axe weighed hundreds of pounds, yet it seemed as light as straw in the man's hands. Its sharp blade glinted with a cold light.
Because of the Fierce Flame in front, no one could see this.