Level Up Legacy

Chapter 1442: Master Guffaw

Arthur's newly formed Spirit Core hummed with power, a golden beacon of hope. The Infra-Layer, for all its tranquility, was merely a stepping stone. The lingering presence of the Green Dragon, a chilling reminder of the Lords' ever-watchful eyes, urged them onward.

"The Guardian of Ascension verifies whether a seeker can withstand the Earthen Layer's spiritual energy," Ali explained, his voice calm as they packed their meager belongings. "Now that Arthur has his Core, he can pass."

Tiara frowned, glancing at her still-glowing Soulbind. "But what about us?"

Ali sighed. "Our Soulbinds offer stability, true, but to fully ascend and truly thrive in the Earthen Layer, we'll need to form our own Cores. It's a gradual process for most. But with Arthur's guidance and the intensified spiritual energy of the Earthen Layer, our cultivation will accelerate."

"So, the plan is to reach Garden, then the Guardian of Ascension?" Lusica asked, ever practical.

"Precisely," Arthur affirmed, a calm, golden glow radiating from him. "Garden is a hub for ascenders, but it's still very much in the Infra-Layer. We can gather more information there, perhaps find a way to access the Sovereign Path, a set of trials harder than the Guardian of Ascension, but away from the Moonlight Guild's or Invidia's eyes."

Ali, always the pragmatist, cleared his throat. "Speaking of that, Arthur, if we're seeking the Sovereign Path, we might eventually need to find Master Guffaw. He's often spoken of in hushed tones among advanced seekers in the Infra-Layer—a recluse, but reputedly the most knowledgeable guide for those truly aiming for the higher realms outside the standard ascension gates. They say he, the Humble Gardener of Spiritual Seeds, holds the keys to the deeper spiritual truths."

Tiara blinked, then a faint smile played on her lips. "Master… Guffaw? The Humble Gardener of Spiritual Seeds?" A small, disbelieving snort escaped Lusica.

Ali caught their expressions. "Don't let the name fool you. The legends speak of immense power and wisdom. It's likely a test in itself, to see if one can look beyond superficial titles."

Lusica, still trying to suppress a grin, muttered, "Well, it's certainly… memorable. I was expecting something more imposing, like 'Lord Zenon of the Whispering Peaks,' not 'Master Guffaw'."

"Perhaps that's the point," Arthur mused, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "To weed out those who judge a book by its cover. Or a spiritual master by his absurd title."

***

Their journey to Garden was abruptly obstructed. Abyssal spirits, far more numerous and organized than before, surged through the pathways, seemingly herding them away from the known routes.

"They're not just random encounters," Lusica stated, cutting down a hulking tar-golem. "This is a concerted effort to push us off course."

"And look!" Tiara pointed to the sky, panic rising. Figures shimmered with moonlight overhead. "Moonlight Guild!"

"They're still looking for Lusica, aren't they?" Tiara fretted.

Ali nodded grimly. "And after the spectacle Arthur put on, they'll be looking for him too. Walking into Garden now would be suicide."

Arthur observed the converging patterns. Every main artery leading to Garden was either swarming with dark spirits or meticulously surveyed by Moonlight Guild seekers. They were effectively cut off.

"We can't go to Garden," Arthur stated, his voice calm. "Not directly, at least. They've sealed it off."

Lusica slammed his sword into the ground. "Then what? We can't stay in these foothills forever. We need to advance."

Arthur gazed at the distant, veiled mountains. "The Sovereign Path is a set of trials, Ali said. Away from their eyes. It implies a hidden route. And if Master Guffaw truly holds the keys, he won't be in a bustling city."

Ali's eyes lit up. "He's right. The true trials aren't at the main Guardian temples. Those are for the masses. The Sovereign Path is for those who seek deeper mastery, often requiring an indirect approach. Perhaps Master Guffaw's actual location for these trials is hidden."

"But how do we find it if we can't even get to Garden?" Tiara fretted, waving her hand to send a volley of small stones.

***

A new possibility emerged as Arthur noticed a faint glimmer on a distant peak.

As Arthur stood contemplating, a faint, almost imperceptible shimmer caught his eye on a jagged peak far to the west—too far for normal travel. It was a fleeting golden glimmer, like a distant star winking, fading quickly as if to test their perception.

"That way," Arthur said, pointing. His voice held unshakeable certainty. "That's our first clue."

"A clue?" Ali squinted, seeing nothing but a faint afterimage. "It's barely there. And that direction… it's known for extreme spiritual currents, unseen ravines, and wild, unpredictable spirits. Even seasoned Infra-Layer explorers avoid it."

"Precisely," Arthur said, a faint smile touching his lips. "Away from the Moonlight Guild. Away from Invidia. It's the path least traveled, and therefore, most likely the true entrance to the Sovereign Path. It seems Master Guffaw's challenges begin before we even meet him."

Lusica nodded, sheathing his sword. "Then let's move. We've got stronger. It's time to test that strength."

***

Their journey transformed into a grueling test through hostile terrain.

Their journey west was brutal. The terrain grew hostile almost immediately, the spiritual landscape shifting with unpredictable currents. They battled monstrous, territorial spirits born of raw, unrefined energy, far more feral than the corrupted abyssal ones near Nexus. These were creatures of pure instinct.

Days turned into a grueling march. Tiara learned to subtly nudge spiritual currents. Ali, with his sharpened leaves, became a whirlwind of defense. Lusica, ever vigilant, used his golden blade to carve through the densest concentrations of wild spirits, his light a beacon against the oppressive, untamed spiritual wilderness.

Arthur, now with his stable Spirit Core, became their compass. His perception of spiritual energy had broadened immensely. He sensed faint echoes, subtle shifts in the flow of spiritual energy that hinted at hidden paths or concentrations of stable power amidst the chaos. The golden glimmer he had seen was merely the first in a series of extremely faint signals, like breadcrumbs made of pure spiritual essence, leading them deeper into the desolate wilderness.

They navigated treacherous spiritual eddies, climbed through mountains shimmering with raw, untamed energy, and crossed valleys thick with ancient, forgotten spiritual resonance. There were moments of doubt, of exhaustion. But the thought of Invidia, of Diana, and of the greater purpose spurred them on. They were leaving behind the known world, stepping into the unknown to find a path that only the most dedicated could walk.

***

Their arduous journey finally led them to a mystical gate and an unexpected encounter.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of trials, they reached a colossal rock formation unlike any they had seen. It was a natural spiritual gate, humming with a complex array of ancient sigils, almost invisible. At its base, etched into the stone, was a single, cryptic symbol Arthur recognized.

As they approached, a figure emerged from the shimmering gate. He was tall, slender, his skin like aged parchment, his eyes a vibrant emerald. He wore robes woven with intricate patterns that seemed to shift. A powerful aura of refined spiritual energy emanated from him.

He stopped, his emerald eyes fixed on Arthur. A slow, knowing smile spread across his face.

"So, the Golden Seeker has finally arrived," the man said, his voice smooth, like rustling leaves. "We've been expecting you. Though, I must admit, your detour through the Fractured Wastes was… unexpected."

Arthur's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"

"My name is Master Guffaw," the man replied, with a slight bow. "I am but the Humble Gardener of Spiritual Seeds, and also the Guardian of Ascension for this layer. Your arrival has sent ripples throughout the Infra-Layer, Arthur."

Arthur sensed no malice, only profound spiritual wisdom and a touch of anticipation.

"You knew I was coming?" Arthur asked.

"The Spirits Realm has its ways of sensing… significant energies," Master Guffaw said, his gaze lingering on Arthur's now-solid form. "Your Spirit Core, newly formed and already immense, shone like a supernova across the Infra-Layer. And the residual energy from your clash with the Sin of Envy… that was quite the spectacle. I merely set out a few subtle invitations to those who might be seeking a deeper path. Few ever find them, fewer still complete the journey to this place."

Tiara and Ali exchanged wide-eyed glances. Their arduous journey was part of the test.

"We seek to ascend," Arthur stated, cutting to the chase. "To understand the Sovereign Path and reach the higher realms."

Master Guffaw's smile broadened. "Then you have come to the right place. The Sovereign Path is not merely about reaching new layers. It is a set of rigorous trials, far more challenging than a simple test by the Guardian of Ascension. It is about reaching new depths within oneself. It is the path of true mastery, of becoming one with your spiritual energy, rather than merely wielding it. And crucially, it is conducted away from the immediate gaze of the Moonlight Guild or any agents of the Abyss." He looked at Lusica, then Ali, then Tiara. "And you have brought interesting companions. A reforged knight, a master of balance, and a nascent wielder of the world's will."

He gestured toward the shimmering gate behind him. "Come. There is much to discuss. And much to learn. For the road ahead, for all of you, is far more challenging than any battle you have faced thus far. But it is also the path to your true potential. And a deeper understanding of the threats that truly lurk."