It was one o'clock in the morning when Xia Bolai and Luosen arrived on the outskirts of Silvermoon City.

"Huff...huff..." Xia Bolai was panting heavily, and it took him a while to catch his breath.

"I'm exhausted! My legs feel like they've lost a circle from all that running," he complained.

Luosen was faring slightly better, at least outwardly, but he too was completely spent. To keep up with Xia Bolai, he had constantly boosted himself with Windwalking spells. Although Windwalking was very energy efficient, after sprinting for over 6 hours straight, his mana was nearly depleted.

Since it was so late, the city gates of Silvermoon City had long been closed, and the lights across the city had almost entirely gone out, settled into the stillness of midnight. But due to the urgent military situation, Xia Bolai paid no heed and went straight to the base of the city wall to call up to the gate guards after catching his breath.

Meanwhile, Luosen, disregarding the dirt on the ground, plopped down on the muddy earth beside him. "Uncle, I'm gonna rest a bit," he declared, without waiting for a response. He closed his eyes and entered into the meditation of the Lord of the Cosmos.

By now, he could maintain the meditation for up to 40 breaths. If he meditated halfway through when his mana was exhausted, he could restore about 70% of his mana. Note that he could only meditate for half the time, and only do it once every 12 hours.

If he meditated to his limit, he could completely replenish his mana, but it would make the thoughts in his brain boil over, rendering him unable to cast any spells afterward. Therefore, after 20 breaths, Luosen opened his eyes again.

Just in time to see a hoist basket slowly lowering down the city wall. A guard's voice called down, "Lord Xia Bolai, please take the hoist basket up."

Xia Bolai yelled back loudly, "Much appreciated!"

Thinking Luosen was too weary to climb, he swung him over his shoulder and strode toward the hoist basket.

After riding the hoist up the wall, Xia Bolai thanked the guards, hoisted Luosen onto his back again, and sprinted at full speed along the main street toward the Moonflower Garden.

Once out of earshot of the guards, Luosen said softly, "Uncle, let's take a little detour to the Hound Lodge first."

Xia Bolai was baffled. "Why?"

Luosen smiled. "Uncle, tell me, how many Frost Dwarves are there?"

"Over a thousand, like the beast lord said."

"You believed everything he said?"

"Uh..."

"Also, how are the Frost Dwarf camps set up? Where exactly are they located? If we want to send troops to subdue them, how do we get there? Have you thought about how you'll report all this?"

With each question Luosen asked, Xia Bolai slowed down a bit more, until he came to a full stop, his round face etched with embarrassment.

"I was in such a hurry to get back, I didn't think through any of that properly. But as long as I bring back the news, Auntie will surely send lots of professional scouts to investigate, right?"

Although unsure of Luosen's intentions, he had already unconsciously changed course toward the Hound Lodge.

Luosen began explaining carefully, "Uncle, we can send scouts later, but that will waste time. This is an urgent military situation, where every minute and second of delay will cost lives."

"Mm, you're right. Ah, I see! You remembered everything, didn't you?"

Xia Bolai's eyes lit up brightly, his words full of hope.

Luosen nodded. "Yes, it's all in my memory. But just telling it won't be enough, I need to draw it."

"I got it!" Xia Bolai called out excitedly, ignoring his fatigue as he picked up the pace toward the Hound Lodge.

After running a few steps, he couldn't help but add, "Luosen, you really are a big help! With this, Auntie will definitely reward me handsomely!"

Seeing his attitude, Luosen deeply empathized. It was only natural for someone to want recognition from their respected elders.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Especially someone like Xia Bolai who had been looked down on for so long - he was even more eager to prove himself in front of his esteemed aunt.

But to be frank, with his current crude and direct personality, it would be difficult for him to impress the Countess Omicia.

Luosen's own future was closely tied to Xia Bolai's advancement. If Xia Bolai became successful, Luosen's days would surely be much easier. So now was the time to give him a strong push.

"Uncle, when we get to the Hound Lodge, while I draw the maps, go change into a clean set of clothes."

"Why? Wouldn't going in covered in mud be even better? Auntie will definitely think I rushed back heedless of hardship for Silvermoon City's safety."

"Uncle, the sweat and fatigue on your face will speak for themselves. Taking a moment to dress properly shows respect for the Countess. Isn't that better?"

"Hrm...you make sense. Auntie hates people coming before her looking disheveled. I shouldn't bother her."

"Later, I'll illustrate all the necessary intelligence in maps and diagrams. Then we can do a quick rehearsal on how to respond."

Xia Bolai was confused again. "Why? Won't it be fine if you just tell her directly?"

Luosen sighed lightly. "Uncle, since you're a member of House Omicia, you must bear the family's responsibilities."

"Usually it doesn't matter, but for important affairs concerning Silvermoon City's safety, you, not me a commoner, must be the one to step forward."

Xia Bolai was deeply shaken. He stopped in his tracks and carefully considered Luosen's words.

"But Auntie never married, and I have a half-brother. If I stand out too much, won't it draw his jealousy?"

By law, Xia Bolai and this half-brother were both potential heirs to the Countess Omicia. Although the half-brother was first in line, the final choice still depended on the current Countess.

That was why Xia Bolai said this.

Luosen had already heard about these circumstances from his teacher. Hearing Xia Bolai mention it now, he sensed that Xia Bolai harbored some fear toward this half-brother.

A thought arose in his mind and he asked, "Uncle, what's your relationship with your elder brother like?"

"Not good. He's bullied me ever since we were young, and often framed me to get me in trouble with Auntie."

Xia Bolai's tone held clear resentment.

"Why did he bully you?"

"Probably jealousy. My mother passed early, so Auntie raised me when I was little. But as you know, when Auntie was young she was beautiful, gentle, and a genius mage - everyone wanted to get close to her."

"Oh~~"

Luosen swiftly sorted through the relationships in his mind, then said, "Uncle, then you absolutely can't go on like this."

"If you don't find a way to raise your standing in the family soon, when your brother becomes the new Count Omicia, he'll likely banish you from Silvermoon City at the first chance."

"At that time, you may have to wander homeless for the rest of your life, never able to return home."

Xia Bolai fell silent, but his face was etched with obvious vexation.

Luosen knew as an outsider he had said enough. Luckily the Hound Lodge was right ahead. He jumped down from Xia Bolai's back, took out his key and opened the front door, then quickly ran up to his third floor room.

Upon entering his room, he swiftly mixed paints and started transferring the images from his mind onto paper, painting out scene after scene.

This time he wasn't seeking delicacy, just simplicity and clarity, so his speed was extremely fast - each painting took less than 5 minutes.

In just over half an hour, all the materials needed for the military report were painted out. If anyone got hold of these paintings, even a rural farmer could easily grasp the Frost Dwarf military intelligence from the information in them.

Xia Bolai had already changed into a clean set of clothes and was leaning against the doorframe waiting.

Luosen's coat was also dirty. He quickly changed into a fresh one, then pointed at the paintings and asked, "Uncle, have you decided? Should I give the report or will you do it personally?"

Xia Bolai seemed lost in thought. "Huh? What did you say?"

Luosen said gently, "Uncle, there are no perfect paths in life. Appreciating the scenery along the land means missing the majestic ocean view from the waters."

"So?"

"So you must make compromises!"

Xia Bolai clenched his fists tightly, his face etched with deep worry. "I'm just a crude warrior. Can I do it?"

Luosen gave a faint smile. "Kings rely not on their own might, but insight into people."

"Heroes who fight alone are destined to tragic ends. Great kings must have a loyal band of generals. Even gods have countless attendants to aid their endeavors."

"Then will you help me?"

Luosen couldn't help laughing out loud. "Uncle, of course I'll help you. But I'm still young. You can't rely only on me - you need to find more trustworthy helpers."

"No no no, any number of helpers can't compare to you alone. As long as you're willing to help me, I'll feel steady inside."

He walked over to the paintings. "Ready?"

"I used fast-drying oils, so they're completely dry already."

Xia Bolai proceeded to pick up each painting one by one.

"Let's rehearse then."

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Launching Remarks:

After turning 30, I could clearly feel my body's functions declining.

I used to think it was irreversible, and that writing web novels was no longer suitable for me - that I should return to mundane life and run a small shop with my wife.

But there was a big river outside my residential area, its waters rippling and clear to the bottom. On a whim, I started swimming for exercise.

Then it became addictive - swimming through summer, fall, and winter, never resting a day.

The returns have been astounding. Now, whether in energy or physique, I feel I've returned to my youth. Even after reopening, I was able to mingle with the sheep herd unscathed by YQ.

And so came about this novel, Master of the Mystic End.

I'm truly writing this novel with utmost effort. I spent over half a year preparing, writing and stockpiling chapters daily - it's become a habit I can't break away from.

Of course, there are still many deficiencies in this book, but they are due to my personal limitations, not from lack of sincerity.

On the launch day, I sincerely ask for readers' support with subscriptions.

I also wish that every reader is able to find a healthy lifestyle suitable for themselves, one that allows you to maintain a youthful body and optimistic spirit.

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