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63.63% High L☼rd Calamity [Dropped] / Chapter 13: Recovery (3)

章 13: Recovery (3)

Leto's recent display of power doubtlessly coated his persona with a layer of mystery.

After his miraculous revival from the deathbed, there were already rumors going around about him, like how his survival was attributed to divine hands, how his personality grew and so on, but rumors were merely rumors in the end, not credible.

His 'growth' heard from the rumors was not enough to convince the family. Technically, Leto didn't need their approval, as only family head, Gile's words mattered. If Gile throned him his heir, then so he was. Of course, some people were discontent about it, as they had better candidates.

Rudolph was definitely the brightest candidate for heir's position. As he was defeated convincingly, at least 80% of opposition in the family was swept away.

Most of all, Leto's knowledge about internal energy, his calm demeanor displayed, and unfathomable killing intent revealed, puzzled and silenced everyone.

If his display of mystery and power made the family wary of him, his closeness with his siblings and sharing the secret of training internal energy with them, the younger generation of the family convinced the most people, so he received a lot of approval.

In truth, even some family's older generation was interested in internal energy, but they weren't thick skinned enough to ask junior for guidance.

A few days later, Leto announced, he would be shutting himself off in his private garden for the closed-door training. Nobody was to disturb him.

The gardeners were fired, while his place was guarded by loyal subordinates, so Leto didn't have to worry about anyone bothering him. As his position was already more or less acknowledged in the family, his words carried significantly more power.

Days passed. Currently, his garden couldn't be recognized anymore, as it had undergone an astonishing transformation.

Sitting at the stone table, Leto was enjoying his meal, slowly biting into the pink tender flesh of the fish he had caught and mutated in the lake of his garden with vitality essence.

Every bite diffused with a warm stream of energy, spreading around in his body and slightly enhancing his body and spirit.

Inhaling a breath of fresh air and surveying his beautiful garden, Leto felt satisfied. He spent quite a bit of vitality essence to transform the lifeforms of his garden to the next level, but this bit of expenditure wasn't enough to bestow spirituality upon them.

Still, this overall enhancement brought to this small piece of land and its nature turned the heaven and earth energy in this area richer.

The purer energy generated in the garden couldn't be completely contained. The territory encompassing the garden would also receive slight benefits. Crops would grow healthier. The environment would become slightly more refreshing and so on...

Evidently, cultivating in his garden would increase one's cultivation speed by 30-40% compared to the outside world.

Unfortunately, this didn't have an effect on body tempering realm warriors, who hadn't even established the foundation and strengthened their vessel to the level where they could take in heaven and earth energy and refine their bodies with it.

Leto planned to gift this place to his father, who was already at Qi gathering realm. It would be a great help to him.

Meanwhile, this place wasn't useless to him even though he hadn't reached the Qi gathering realm yet.

In this environment, his spirit was recovering at a stable rate. Also, the consumable meat, fruits or lake water from here were all great supplements to his sickly body.

Once again checking his Strength, Leto revealed a thoughtful expression.

''52...it should be enough. I guess it's time for a complete purge!'' His eyes shone determinedly as he undressed and entered the small lake.

It was time to completely remove the decaying worms from his body! The small amount of internal energy he had cultivated and the body condition he had reached were all essential for his plan.

Closing his eyes and eliminating unnecessary thoughts, the image of his soul appeared in his consciousness.

Generally, people couldn't access to their souls and check their spirit until a certain realm, but his soul-bound treasure permitted it.

This was why he wasn't afraid of sharing some crystal berries with his family at an earlier time. They would only feel it's really good, but wouldn't know its true value.

The blurred image of his soul became clearer. He focused on the engravings in his strange soul, which displayed his personal information.

[ Leto Lockhart

Cultivation: None

Bloodline: None

Skills: None

Vitality Essence: 607

Attributes:

Strength: 52;

Spirit: 102;

Internal: 16;

Qi: 0 ]

''Sigh, if I had some Qi, it would be so much easier. No problem, internal energy will make do. I have more than enough vitality essence too. As long as I don't pass out and see it to the end, I'll be fine.''

Internal energy was hard to control, but nevertheless, it could be 'shaped' and 'guided.'

With his unique soul, he was capable of using weak soul sense, hence all the worms were long since located. He also remembered each and everyone's position from the time he sealed them right after descending.

There were 37 worms in total. There could be no mistakes. If even 1 was left, it would quickly reproduce.

There was no problem with energy, only perseverance. If he failed to hold on, the consequences would be dire. The method of the purge was breaking the seal one by one and focusing all the internal energy on the worm to eliminate it.

For such precise control, high enough spirit was required. Fortunately, his spirit surpassed 100 points, which was slightly better than normal human's.

As to how to 'shape' the formless the internal energy, he had his method.

The red lights converged into a crystalized drop of blood, which shimmered with a garnet hue and vibrated slightly with a certain sequence, like a beating heart.

Leto gulped down the drop of blood. His mind cut off the connection with the outside world, as he reached the condition of full concentration.

Right above his Dantian, there was a faint dull white energy floating. It was the internal energy!

The internal energy was undying. Even if one's body was destroyed beyond fixation, as long as one had and was capable of using internal energy and had enough willpower, they could still move.

The amount of internal energy one was able to cultivate was limited, unlike strength, qi or spirit, but this didn't downplay its role in any way.

With his weak soul sense, Leto detected another type of energy, which originated from the drop of blood he had consumed. It diffused around his body's blood vessels, muscles and flesh like tree roots.

He guided the etherial internal energy and coated it with the blood energy, which made it much more violent and destructive. It was hence, successfully shaped and could be guided with more precision.

One by one, he removed the seal from the decaying worms and ambushed it swiftly with now violent internal energy.

He sweated profusely, while his body constantly trembled. The lake water around him was sizzling and evaporating into a mist.

Three minutes later, he opened his exhausted eyes, which had a hint of happiness in them.

''I succeeded!''

It wasn't as painful as he expected, but it was challenging nonetheless.

He checked his reddened skin, which also had a black sticky layer stuck on it. After washing away the filth, he came out from the lake and dressed up.

His weighted down heart was finally free, which brought a natural smile to surface on his face.

After 3 more days of spending in a healthy environment, he completely recovered!

His strength reached 61 points, which might already be better than original.

''I can finally start cultivating!'' Leto thought excitedly and looked at the door. It was time to exit his closed-door cultivation.

''Young master.'' The guard slightly bowed, seeing him come out.

Leto nodded at him.

''Young master, the Lord wishes to see you.''

''Okay.'' He replied to another guard happily. He also wanted to see his father.

He proceeded to Gile's room, while completely oblivious about the chain of events, that occurred in his absence.


章 14: Father and son's talk

Leto softly knocked on the dark brown door. His reserved attitude showed his respect.

''Come in.'' A calm, deep voice came from the room.

Entering the room, Leto saw the familiar figure sitting at his desk, going through the papers while smoking a pipe. His heart relaxed as a feeling of closeness naturally came to him.

''Father.'' Leto greeted with a slight smile.

''How's your health?'' Gile gestured him to sit as he put down the papers and glared at him.

Leto didn't stand on ceremony.

''Rest at ease, father. I'm completely healed now.'' He showed a natural smile to reassure his old man.

In truth, even though he had completely banished the decaying worms from his body, he wasn't completely healed yet.

The corpse poison was already completely forced out from his body, but not before they wreaked havoc in there.

The corpse poison was a peculiar medicine concocted from a bunch of queer ingredients. Its effect was rotting flesh. It was exactly because of that, the decaying worms had awakened. They were fooled, thinking the host had died, as the corpse poison turned parts of his body into a rotten piece of meat with dead cells.

It had to be said, the dosage he had ingested was well calculated. If he had taken even half a minuscule more than a drop, the cell necrosis would have brought organs failure much sooner.

Evidently, the sinister plotter made him suffer a lot.

He couldn't have been an amateur alchemist. This was half a reason why Calamity suspected Old Tian to have something to do with his predicament, as his medicinal knowledge was famous in the capital.

True, if the original Leto hadn't been plotted against, Calamity wouldn't have the chance to possess his body, but since he decided to accept his new identity, he felt obliged to avenge the host's resentment.

Besides, having been forced to deal with this complicated disease, Calamity already had a bellyful of anger.

Now, a small part of his body was still filled with dead cells, which dropped his already low potential. Evidently, even with his superior methods, his cultivation would still be somewhat delayed, lest he gathered at least double vitality essence of what he had for healing.

Just thinking about it, he felt depressed.

After studying his face, Gile was convinced. He patted his shoulder and laughed. ''Good, good!''

His heartfelt happiness warmed Leto's heart.

''Son, I heard what happened between you and Rudy, but I still want to hear it from you.'' After calming down, Gile inquired about the battle between him and Rudolph.

Leto sighed as he recounted everything. He knew Gile was worried about Rudolph, who left without notifying him.

''Rest assured, father. It's not necessarily a bad thing for Rudolph to experience the outer world. He's not a frog in the well, and I believe he has good potential. He'll definitely come back safely. By then, he'll be more mature and powerful.''

''Sigh, He's still so young. I'm worried about him. If I knew that was going to happen, I'd have sent someone to secretly take care of him. The outer world is too harsh. I'm afraid...'' Gile's expression was pained with worry.

''I believe he'll be fine.'' Leto tried to comfort him, feeling a little guilty inside.

''Sigh, alright. I've already sent people to secretly search for him. As long as he doesn't leave the capital, my people will easily find him. I just hope he doesn't meet misfortune until then, otherwise...'' Fierce aura radiated from him.

Using the outer world as a whetstone to groom and temper Rudolph wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Gile was just worried for him.

The world favored the powerful.

The power could only be obtained with blood and sweat. Greenhouse kids could never compare to an experienced warrior, who has gone through countless life and death situations.

There were many people with high cultivation levels, but most of them couldn't even beat the people on the same level. It was a matter of skill and experience. Not everyone had the ability to fully display their power...

''Ahem, son...can you...uhh...'' Gile indecisively stuttered, avoiding his gaze while sweating, wanting to say something.

''Yes?'' Leto was bewildered.

''When I heard you beat Rudolph, I couldn't believe my ears. Later, I came to understand what method you've used. It was...internal energy, correct?''

Leto nodded.

''Great. It's amazing. Uhh...cough, can you teach me about internal energy?'' Gile's face flushed red, but in the end, he managed to say it.

''Haha, of course.'' Leto readily agreed.

He felt bewildered. Was it that shameful to ask junior for guidance?

''Oh, haha, well then. that's good.'' Gile felt relieved, yet still ashamed.

''Why did you call me? Has anything major happened?'' Leto wanted to divert the subject of discussion. Gile's expression turned solemn as he turned silent.

''Son, listen, initially, I hoped to give Rudy the heir position and leave the family management to him as soon as you married Charlotte. I wouldn't have to worry about your safety then.''

Leto nodded. He already knew that. Leto gave him status in order to protect him. Without it, people would dare to scheme against him more brazenly. Everyone knew he favored Leto a lot, but since he was weak, Leto turned into his Achilles heel.

In the end, what he was afraid of the most had happened. Despite his position, he was still targetted...

As for him, previous Leto might have been fine with this arrangement, but current him found it disdainful to hide behind a woman's skirt. He knew Charlotte's background was just as good as his. Besides, she was exceptionally smart and powerful, but...he refused to act so shamelessly.

''Since she broke off the engagement, I'm afraid I can only retain your status. At least I thought like that, but...I want your opinion. I feel your heart has changed. You beat Rudy. You managed to stabilize your footing. These were the things you wouldn't be able to do earlier. You've gone through hell and come back. Now, I want to know what your heart truly desires. Your old man will support you.'' Solemn atmosphere filled the air.

After a brief pause, Leto decided to reveal his thoughts.

''I want to become stronger, but I can't lead the family. My little brother's more suitable for this position, but not the way he is now.'' Taking a deep breath, he resolutely added. ''I choose to devote my heart to the martial path.''

Gile nodded. ''I thought so. If you need help, just tell me. I will aid you with all that I have.''

Leto felt grateful to have his father's support. He felt blessed to be taken care of. In his previous life, he had been a lone wolf. He was already too tired of this kind of life. Having a place to return to was the greatest blessing for him.

Now he wouldn't have to fight only for himself, but others. Some might consider relations a burden, but it could also be a form of strength. Sometimes, people who had something to protect could explode with unimaginable power.

''It's good to have the strength to protect yourself. Keep my advice in mind, though. Try to lay low. Don't show off. The undercurrents in this country are too deep. I'm afraid massive change is about to occur. If somehow you are also swept in this current, your power will give surprise to others. A miscalculation on their part can bring you hope of survival.'' Gile frowned, appearing to be lost in thought.

Leto was startled.

''Is there something going on?'' He was somewhat alarmed.

Sighing, Gile decided to tell him.

''I was gone for a while. Do you know where I have been?''

Leto naturally didn't know. He shook his head.

''To visit Charles.''

''What for?''

''To demand an answer for his daughter's actions.''

Leto frowned.

''You think something's fishy here too, right?'' Gile tested him.

''I think someone wants to sour the relationship between you and him...but why?''

''You're right. Out of curiosity, I decided to play along to see what happens.''

Leto's eyes brightened. Everybody knew Gile's explosive personality. Someone must have predicted how he'd react, so he decided to play his part. Not many people were aware of Gile's wits. His rash and headstrong persona was just an image he had created for military control and deception.

''What was the result?''

Gile grinned as he recounted.

''Everything went as planned. We had a good fight, then I left with a few of my escorts. Unsurprisingly, I met assassins on the way. On the other hand, the traitor revealed his tail on Charles side, attempting to kill him when he was exhausted from fighting with me.''

Leto coldly sweated as he couldn't help but ask in worry. ''What happened next?!''

''Haha, don't worry. We were just acting. To draw out these people, I intentionally didn't put any armor and brought only a few escorts. As for our fierce fight, it was just a play. We only pretended to fight. I almost overturned his whole palace though, haha. I wonder what kind of face he made after learning I broke his precious aquarium, hahaha~''

Leto felt something wasn't quite adding up. If he broke his aquarium in the fight against him, how did Charles not know? How could Gile not have seen his reaction?

...Could it be?!

''Haha, you realized? As soon as I came, he met me prepared. Some people couldn't help but laugh seeing Charles fully equipped in his tanky armor just to resist me. Ah, this fooled a lot of people, giving them wrong ideas.''

''I don't quite understand.'' Leto felt quite irritated, as Gile was dragging the story. His nerves were taut, worried about what had occurred. Seeing him fine made him relax, but he still wanted to know what happened.

''Carlos was the one who betrayed Charles. He wanted to kill his brother, but alas...we played him hard. As he was about to kill 'Charles,' he removed his helmet. As you must have already realized, he wasn't Charles. Only their voices were similar. Honestly, if I didn't know beforehand, even I wouldn't be able to recognize him, as he was wearing Charles' battle gear.''

''What happened on your side?'' Leto was the most interested in how he dealt with the assassins. Since it was a preplanned attack, the assassins must have been strong enough to bring Gile down.

''Haha, I was hiding my battle armor in my traveling carriage. As for my weapon, it was attached underneath the carriage. After overturning it, I grabbed my spear and slaughtered the assassins. Of course, they came well prepared, as they had the ability to kill me even in my best condition, but...how could they beat two generals?'' Gile grinned.

Leto was enlightened. ''So, Charles hid among your escorts?!'' He exclaimed dumbfoundedly.

''Exactly.''

''Genius.

''Aha, that little girl's not bad. Sigh, it's really unfortunate. I couldn't have dreamed of a better daughter in law.''

''Eh? Everything was set by Charlotte?'' Leto understood his hidden meaning.

''Of course. How else could that blockhead be so bright?'' Gile gnashed his teeth. Leto was startled. He guessed Charles was a bit stronger than him, hence his anger. Of course, he wouldn't inquire that.

In his heart, he was amazed by Charlotte's intelligence. He only heard bits and pieces about her. Previous Leto was just a carefree idiot, who cared only about his hobbies. He would follow his father's arrangement without bothering to waste his brain cells about it.

Leto understood everything. Charles was plotted against by his brother and his father was also endangered greatly. Anger silently sipped into his heart.

''Who was it?'' He asked with clenched fists.

''Sigh, god knows. Carlos was captured by Charlotte and her knights, but in the end, he died in a bizarre way.'' Gile sighed dejectedly.

''You don't need to worry about all that. All you need to know is, your father's strong and smart. You can do your own thing without overthinking it. Since we ruined their plans, I guess they'll be delayed too. We have more time for investigation.''

Leto nodded, but his heart was heavy. He didn't like the feeling of others having control over his life and death. Someone was plotting against their family. He made up his mind to get stronger as fast as possible. He didn't want to lose his family again.

The father and son duo talked for a long while. Leto was moved, as there was no invisible wall between the duo, as they were able to chat freely without concern.

He knew most people weren't like that. Most people weren't so openminded as distance existed between family members too.

Leto told him about the benefits of cultivating in his garden and asked him to cultivate there. Gile was first doubtful, but when he saw his garden, his jaw almost dropped. He asked about how this happened, but since Leto refused to speak, he didn't press the matter.

Leto made his preparations. Gile gifted him rare grade crossbow and shortsword. After making his arrangements, Leto departed to Scrying Forest for training, his goal - increasing his power.


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