Wizard: Starting from Escape from the Thorn Garden

Chapter 165 Heading to the Central Continent

But he held fast to a sliver of clarity, his crystallized heart providing a constant source of power and support, the medicinal power of "Starry Morning Dew Marrow" protecting the origin of his soul, and his understanding of the rules of "dreams" allowing him to better stabilize the chaotic thoughts in the storm of his mind.

Time lost its meaning at this moment.

It could be a fleeting moment, or it could be eternity.

As the mental storm gradually subsided and the qualitative change neared its end, a brand-new [Core of Reincarnation Rules], ten times more complex and profound than before, slowly rotating and radiating a four-colored chaotic luster, seemingly containing the birth and death of countless worlds, was clearly formed in Kate's mental sea!

Deep within its core, a miniature, iridescent, crystallized heart can be faintly seen, serving as the driving force and crucial anchor point for the flow of all rules.

His mental strength was no longer a simple numerical value, but had undergone a complete leap, transforming into a higher-level [Second Ring Mental Strength] containing the power of rules.

At the same time, his body is undergoing earth-shattering changes under the feedback from the crystallized heart and the core of rules.

Flesh, bones, and meridians are all being strengthened and modified, becoming more in line with the laws of nature, and lifespan is greatly extended.

I don't know how much time has passed, maybe half a year, maybe less.

In the quiet room, the violent energy fluctuations around Kate finally subsided completely.

He slowly opened his eyes.

The colors in his eyes were no longer simply shifting, but had transformed into a profound and incomparably deep chaotic hue, as if it could penetrate the essence of all things and reflect the mysteries of reincarnation.

His aura was vast as the sea, yet harmonious and restrained, reaching a new level of resonance with the rules of heaven and earth.

Second-circle wizard, successfully promoted!

With a slight thought, his spiritual power rose at his command, vast and pure, with a control precision far exceeding that of the past.

Within the core workings of the cycle of reincarnation, the four forces of life, death, space, and dreams operate with effortless grace, transforming at will.

Inside his chest cavity, the crystallized heart beat powerfully, providing him with endless energy and vitality.

Kate slowly raised her hand, a wisp of energy infused with the four colors of the law flickering slightly at her fingertips, radiating a chilling pressure.

A slow, gentle smile curved his lips, a smile of satisfaction and confidence that came from finally reaching the summit after overcoming countless hardships.

"The area within the Second Ring Road, so this is it—a vast and boundless expanse!"

His voice was calm, yet it carried a power that seemed to resonate with the very rules of the world, gently echoing in the quiet room.

After nearly a year and a half of preparation and struggle, he finally stepped into the ranks of intermediate wizards and embarked on a new starting point on the path of power.

The Heart of Reincarnation, which incorporates the rules of dreams, has limitless potential for the future.

After successfully advancing to the second circle of wizards, Kate secluded herself in the treehouse's quiet chamber for a full month.

During this month, he did not simply consolidate his realm, but rather re-examined, sorted out, and integrated all his power systems from a completely new perspective and height.

The second ring road represents a qualitative leap compared to the first ring road.

The capacity and condensation of the spiritual sea have increased several times, and the perception and control of rules have reached an unprecedented level of precision and subtlety.

After merging with the rules of "dreams", the Heart of Reincarnation became increasingly harmonious and profound.

Life, death, space, and dreams—these four rules no longer flow in distinct lines, but have truly begun to "cycle" and "coexist."

He could clearly feel that the life force could penetrate and nourish more gently through the bridge of "dreams," and could even influence the target's subconscious and promote its self-repair.

The power of death, by taking advantage of the concealment and distortion of "dreams," becomes even more unpredictable and difficult to defend against, striking directly at the deepest fears of the soul.

Under the reflection of "dreams," the power of space has a more precise grasp of the boundary between reality and illusion, and the ability to flicker, restrict, and even perform rudimentary "spatial weaving" has become more adept.

The newly formed, crystallized "Heart of Dreams" became the core hub and amplifier of the entire cycle of reincarnation.

It not only greatly enhances Kate's mental resistance, illusion abilities, and telepathic communication abilities, but also projects the power of the other three rules in the form of "dreams," forming bizarre attacks that are both real and illusory, and impossible to defend against, or constructing a stable and secretive mental connection network.

His actual combat strength far exceeds that of an ordinary early-stage second-ring wizard, and he can even put up a fight against some senior second-ring beings.

"The realm of the second ring is indeed vast." Kate slowly opened her eyes, and the four-colored light in her eyes gradually settled, transforming into a restrained and profound luster of wisdom.

He felt the surging yet effortless power within him, and his heart was filled with satisfaction and confidence.

But what followed was a clear realization: the Southern Region, the land where he grew up, was offering him fewer and fewer resources and opportunities for experience.

The threat of the undead in the Eternal Night Canyon has been temporarily quelled, the crisis in the Tranquil Forest has been completely resolved, and while the Evergreen Barrier is good, it mainly provides some basic cultivation resources and a relatively stable environment.

He needs higher knowledge, more intense challenges, and a broader stage to continue tempering his reincarnation mind and move towards a higher realm.

The answer to all of this undoubtedly points to the core of the wizarding world—the Central Continent.

It is a place where the most powerful forces, the most vast knowledge base, and the most powerful beings of wizarding civilization converge, as well as—the most brutal competition and opportunities.

His mentor, the Sage of Life Elune Greenleaf, is actually located in the "Ring of Life" in the central continent.

That is the holy land in the hearts of all life-type wizards.

"It's time," Kate thought, her mind made up.

His first task was to contact his mentor.

He took out a green, leaf-shaped communication runestone that emitted a gentle life force—it was left to him by his mentor Elune before she left, for use in emergency or important matters.

Kate slowly infused it with a trace of spiritual power containing the aura of the second ring and the unique fluctuations of the Heart of Reincarnation.

The runestone glowed with a soft light, and the veins on the leaves seemed to come alive, swaying gently.

After a short wait, the gentle yet slightly surprised voice of Instructor Elune came from the runestone, as if it were resounding directly in his heart: "Kate? Your aura—second ring? And so stable and deep, with a peculiar—reincarnation aura?"

It seems your achievements during this period have far exceeded my expectations.

Kate replied respectfully, "Mentor, I have been fortunate enough to be promoted."

During this seclusion, the disciple had another extraordinary encounter in the Eternal Night Forest, merging with a trace of the "Dream" rules, and achieving a slight breakthrough in the Heart of Reincarnation.

"I deeply feel that while the Southern Region is desirable, if I wish to attain higher realms, I fear I will need to travel to the Central Continent for training. Therefore, I hereby inform my mentor and earnestly request guidance."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the rune, as if it were sensing and deducing something, before a voice came through that carried both approval and a hint of seriousness: "Very good, Kate. Your speed of progress and your degree of integration with the rules have indeed exceeded my expectations."

The path of reincarnation is difficult, yet you were able to explore it to the second ring on your own and integrate into the rules of "dreams," which demonstrates your potential and understanding.

The Central Continent is indeed a better choice.

"Welcome to the Ring of Life. I will prepare the appropriate identity and permissions for you."

However, the Central Continent differs from the Southern Region. There, the power dynamics are complex, powerful individuals abound, competition is extremely fierce, and danger lurks beneath the surface. You must be fully prepared.

"Once you've finished dealing with the trivial matters in the Southern Region, you can use the intercontinental teleportation array at the Evergreen Barrier to teleport directly to the outer reception hall of the Ring of Life. Someone will then guide you there."

"Yes, thank you, mentor!" Kate replied confidently.

"Okay, take care on your journey. I look forward to seeing you at the Ring of Life."

Instructor Elune's voice carried a hint of anticipation, and then the runestone's light dimmed.

After finishing her conversation with her mentor, Kate breathed a sigh of relief.

Next, it was time to say goodbye to my friends in the South and handle various matters.

He first contacted Evan and Elena, who were still training on the front lines of the Eternal Night Canyon, through a communication bone rune.

A few days later, the three reunited in a quiet pub room at Evergreen Fortress.

"What?! You're going to the Central Continent?!"

When Evan heard Kate's decision, he almost jumped up, his face filled with shock and reluctance, but it quickly turned into sincere admiration and envy. "Good heavens! The Second Ring Road! It's only been a short time! You're a monster!"

The Central Continent—I've heard that any passing wizard there could be a first-ring wizard, second-ring wizards are as common as dogs, and only third-ring wizards can really tug at your brow—tsk tsk.

Although his tone was exaggerated, his eyes shone with longing.

Kate's pace undoubtedly inspired him as well.

Elena was much calmer, her silver eyes sparkling as she carefully sensed the unfathomable aura emanating from Kate. She said softly, "Congratulations, Kate. Your path is destined to be extraordinary. The Central Continent is your true stage."

Evan and I will continue to work hard, hoping that one day we can go there and meet you.

Her tone carried a hint of melancholy, but more so of blessings and unwavering determination.

Kate looked at her two longtime comrades-in-arms and felt a pang of reluctance: "Thank you. The experiences in Eternal Night Canyon and Tranquil Forest wouldn't have been possible without your help."

The Southern Region is our foundation, and it holds limitless possibilities. I believe that with your talent and hard work, advancing to the second ring and heading to the Central Continent is only a matter of time.

These resources are a small token of my appreciation; I hope they will be of some help to you.

As he spoke, he took out two pre-prepared dimensional bags and handed them to Evan and Elena respectively.

Inside were carefully selected cultivation resources suitable for the two of them, including a large number of magic stones, some rare materials obtained from the Tranquil Forest, and some cultivation insights he had compiled based on his own experience, all of which were quite valuable.

Evan and Elena didn't refuse too much. They understood Kate's personality and knew it was a friend's gesture and investment.

"Don't worry, Kate!" Evan patted his chest vigorously. "By the time you come back next time, I'll definitely be in the Second Ring Road! Maybe I can even protect you!"

Elena smiled slightly. "Take care, Kate. Be careful in the Middle Kingdom."

The three raised their glasses, everything was understood without words.

Friendship doesn't fade with distance; it only grows stronger as each person matures.

After saying goodbye to Evan and Elena, Kate arrived at Green Vine Workshop.

When Terriel saw Kate, she immediately greeted her respectfully. Under her management, the workshop had expanded considerably, and business was booming.

"Lady Kate, you've emerged from seclusion!"

Terriel sensed the abyss-like aura emanating from Kate and became even more respectful.

"Terry, you've had a tough time all these years."

Kate looked at the well-organized workshop and nodded in satisfaction.

"It is my honor to share your burdens," Terrell said, bowing her head.

Kate pondered for a moment and said, "I am about to leave the Southern Region to cultivate in the Central Continent. My return date is uncertain."

Terrell's body trembled slightly, a hint of surprise and disappointment flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure: "Congratulations, sir, on stepping into a wider world."

Kate continued, "The workshop is a vital resource and information hub for me, and I cannot easily relinquish it. I have decided to entrust you with full control of the workshop."

He took out a pre-prepared magic contract and a control core runestone.

"This contract grants you the highest management authority over the workshop and the right to distribute most of the profits."

All you need to do is periodically send me a portion of the profits and any important intelligence you collect through specific channels.

How you run the business is entirely up to you. I have faith in your abilities.

This represents a great deal of trust and delegation of authority.

Terrell suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with disbelief and excitement.

This means that she has gone from being a manager to becoming the actual owner of this workshop with huge potential, possessing wealth and a certain status.

"My lord—I—" Terriel's voice choked with emotion.

"No need to say more," Kate waved her hand. "You deserve this trust. I hope that when I return next time, I will see a more powerful Green Vine Workshop. Perhaps one day, it will be able to open branches in the Central Continent."

Terrier took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and solemnly accepted the contract and runestone. He knelt on one knee: "Terrier swears by his soul that he will not fail in his duty, Master! He will manage the Green Vine Workshop well and become Master's most reliable support and eyes and ears!"

Kate helped her up, gave her some details and contact information, and left some resources for emergencies.

After finishing her work at the workshop, Kate visited Mentor Glenn and Mentor Liria to thank them for their care and guidance and to inform them of her whereabouts.

His two mentors expressed their support and blessings for his decision, and also gave him some points to note and advice regarding the Central Continent.

Finally, Kate communicated with Grom, who was far away in Skullcrushing Canyon, through a special channel for one last time.

He relinquished some of Grom's core control, granting him greater autonomy, but left behind the deepest spiritual imprint and means of communication.

He was ordered to lead the war gang to infiltrate and develop, to gather intelligence on the undead faction, and not to contact them unless in an emergency, but to await further instructions.

After doing all this, Kate returned to the treehouse.

He did one last check of his belongings.

Ample magic stones, potions of various grades, a large amount of spellcasting materials, spare spell artifacts, and most importantly, the residual energy of the [Rainbow Life Fruit] obtained from the Tranquil Forest, [Starry Dawn Dew], fragments of the [Dream Core], amber tokens, and other treasures.

His condition had also been adjusted to its best, his initial stage of the second ring was completely stabilized, and the Heart of Reincarnation was operating in perfect harmony.

Standing by the window, gazing at the familiar evergreen fortress scenery outside, Kate was filled with emotion.

We started here, grew up here, and now we are leaving here to go to a more distant unknown.

But there was no hesitation or wavering in his eyes, only anticipation and determination for the future.

The path of reincarnation is long and arduous, but if you persevere, you will reach your destination.

"It's time to go."