Published: March 11, 2025
CHAPTER 26: A New Crisis
Zhao Hai and Mu Tou stood by the lake, while Merlin stood beside them quietly chanting a spell. Soon, a layer of water-blue transparent shield appeared around them, and then a wave surged from the lake. Just as Zhao Hai was taken aback, the wave suddenly swept the three of them into the lake.
However, Zhao Hai discovered that they were now standing inside a water-blue transparent sphere, and the lake water continuously lifted this transparent sphere like a fountain, moving forward.
This was the second time Zhao Hai experienced the wonders of magic. The first time, Merlin had only used a simple illumination technique and a basic water sphere technique. Even so, it amazed Zhao Hai, who was seeing magic for the first time. However, this time was even more astonishing; they were actually walking on waves, with one person carrying two others, which was far more impressive than the "walking on water" or "crossing the river on a straw" techniques in Chinese martial arts.
Compared to Zhao Hai, who was a half outsider, Mu Tou’s behavior was much more composed. He had long been aware of the wonders of magic, not to mention that Merlin was an eighth-level water grand mage. Battling in the water with such a mage was a nightmare for everyone, as it was their territory.
Merlin appeared relaxed; she had great confidence in her abilities. On the water's surface, she believed she was invincible. So when she mentioned that there might be water-type magical beasts in the lake, she showed no sign of worry, as she trusted in her ability to easily defeat any water-type magical beasts.
Using magic to move on the water was incredibly fast. The journey to the lake had taken over three hours, but returning took only about half an hour before they spotted a cave entrance ahead. Fortunately, this entrance was the same one located behind the castle, proving that this lake could indeed serve as a hidden waterway, allowing them to secretly transport people to the canyon.
When Merlin lifted the magic, and Zhao Hai finally stood on solid ground, he couldn’t help but jump a little; the sensation of solid ground felt amazing.
While walking on the water, he had always felt as if he might fall, which made him quite uncomfortable.
As the three emerged from the cave, they happened to see slaves working outside. It was still not noon, and they had not taken a break yet. There were many places that needed cleaning in the cave, and many slaves were busy doing carpentry work.
Since the cave was to be transformed into a habitat for Blue-eyed Rabbits, a lot of fences were needed, and these had to be made from wood, as Zhao Hai and the others currently had no iron tools.
This time, considering the situation at the castle, Galen and the others had also purchased some lumber, although it was not much. Most of what they bought were finished products, as Galen knew that even if some of the slaves could do carpentry, they wouldn’t be able to create anything too complex; good carpenter slaves were not of the same price as these ordinary slaves.
The appearance of the three startled the slaves, who quickly bowed to them. The three merely nodded in response and left the cave.
Outside the cave, Meg and Shi Tou were standing there. Upon seeing the three emerge, they were also surprised. Meg hurried forward and asked, “Young master, grandma, how did you come out of the cave?”
Merlin smiled and replied, “We walked through the lake in the cave and arrived at a canyon. That is the most suitable place for farming that we have selected. The young master has just improved ten acres of land there, so we returned.”
Meg’s eyes lit up and exclaimed, “Really? That’s great! I didn’t expect things to go so smoothly. Grandma, young master, you should go back to the castle and rest; I can take care of things here.”
Merlin turned to Zhao Hai and said, “Young master, let’s go back to the castle and rest a bit. I have something to discuss with you.”
Zhao Hai was taken aback, unsure what Merlin needed to discuss, but seeing her serious expression, he didn’t dare delay. He immediately nodded, “Alright, let’s head back to the castle. Mu Tou, you stay behind to help Meg and Shi Tou.”