Cultivating in the Wizard World

Chapter 599: Chapter 511: Decision

Jeming did not attempt to contact Blake.

After all, he was currently in phase space, completely unable to send messages to the outside world.

And if he dared to leave phase space, it would be no different from becoming a target.

Jeming calmed down, remaining stationary in the crevice of phase space. His gaze was as precise as a scanner, inch by inch sweeping over the rugged rock pillars below, the gray-white sandy ground, and the energy-depleted sky.

The "Body Refining Technique" was fully operational, elevating his extreme sensitivity to "environmental harmony" and "self-existence" to the utmost.

He was no longer searching for "unusual energy sources" or "hidden life forms," but rather sensing whether the "overall state of existence" in this area was smooth and flawless.

Time passed in silence.

One minute, two minutes...

Finally, after the adaptive evolution of the Body Refining Technique advanced several stages, Jeming finally detected something unusual.

About three hundred meters to his front left, a gray-white boulder that seemed ordinary and indistinguishable from other rock pillars had an extremely subtle "disharmony" in its "presence" in Jeming’s perception.

The feeling was like a perfectly copied painting where a small patch of paint exhibited a texture and sense of age subtly different from the whole.

Although the opponent also concealed their presence, their method differed from Blake’s approach of "completely erasing one’s existence."

This wizard seemed more like they adjusted their "existence attribute" to be completely consistent with the surrounding environment, like the most brilliant camouflage, making you instinctively categorize them as part of the background even if seen.

The efficacy of the two methods is hard to judge, but both are undoubtedly very troublesome.

Jeming did not alert the enemy.

He didn’t even think about taking action but quietly retraced his path at a slower and more cautious pace, exiting this area.

Not until he returned near his original entry point into phase space did he remove his stealth, ensuring his presence wouldn’t trouble Blake.

He immediately sent a message to Blake through a secure channel: [Discovered a lurker, Soul Element, using High Tier ’Environmental Assimilation’ for stealth. Besides him, are there traces of other enemies within the detectable range of this area?]

Blake’s reply came quickly, clearly on edge as well: [No detection. The opponent is Soul Element, likely aiming for extreme concealment and solo action efficiency, making it unlikely to have direct collaborative combat teammates nearby.]

He paused, and the information continued: [But much like us, he could have a ’support group’ or ’combat team’ waiting farther back. I’ve detected ’oddities’, and he probably noticed the disharmony too, but hasn’t pinpointed my exact location yet. What now? Fight or withdraw?]

Jeming fell into brief contemplation.

Withdrawal is the safest choice.

Both sides are masters of stealth, unlikely to engage easily without accurate positioning. Retreating now, the opponent likely cannot pursue.

However...what does it mean for a frontline area to be personally guarded by such a skilled Soul Element wizard?

There must be bigger secrets, bigger "fish" behind the lines.

Where there are big fish, a Sixth Level Wizard is highly likely to be stationed.

Risk and opportunity sit at opposite ends of a scale.

Moments later, Jeming made a decision. He quickly replied to Blake: [You leave immediately, sending the coordinates of this area, the discovery of the High Tier Soul Element lurker, and the potential ’important target’ and risk assessment behind the lines back to camp as emergency intelligence.]

[What about you?]

Jeming continued typing: [I’ll stay for a probing reconnaissance. If there’s truly a Sixth Level Wizard, it’ll be easier for me to get out alone without worrying about a companion.]

That’s the most reasonable division of labor.

Blake excels in infiltration and intelligence delivery, and having him return crucial information is of immense value.

With Jeming’s strong survival capabilities and mobility, he can take the risk for a deeper probe, with confidence in extricating himself even when encountering formidable enemies.

Blake’s side went silent for a few seconds, seemingly weighing the final considerations.

Soon, a response came: [Understood. I will ensure the intelligence is safely delivered. You must be careful; Soul Element veterans often use underhanded tactics. Maintain channel silence. I’ll leave a one-way warning marker at a safe distance; should a high-energy battle erupt on your end, the marker will alert me.]

Jeming glanced at Blake’s reply and couldn’t help but twitch his eyelid, wondering if the guy inadvertently insulted himself as well?

[Received.]

The communication channel fell completely silent.

Jeming knew Blake should now be silently moving away from the dangerous area.

He didn’t delay any further, taking a deep breath, re-entering phase space, and once again using the Five Elements Rainbow Transformation Mirror’s spiritual power to envelop his exterior, maximizing his stealth effect.

Then he once more, familiarly and deliberately, made his way towards that coordinate point, where the lurker was positioned.

Soon, he returned to that rock pillar area, locking onto that "disharmonious" boulder.

From the phase space perspective, a faint humanoid outline, almost merging with the environment, was vaguely visible on the rock surface.

This was also thanks to Jeming’s improved observational skills through the Body Refining Technique; otherwise, under normal circumstances, even a Sixth Level Wizard wouldn’t notice the issues in this area.

Through the barrier of phase space, Jeming couldn’t precisely sense the opponent’s soul strength level.

But he estimated the opponent was most likely Fifth Level.

If a Sixth Level Soul Element Wizard was stationed here, using their mastery of soul fluctuations and sensing range, Blake likely would have been spotted on the first reconnaissance attempt, not even having the chance to issue a warning.

Even so, a Fifth Level Soul Element Wizard specializing in stealth and reconnaissance is unquestionably a very troublesome scout.

After thinking for a while, Jeming didn’t take immediate action.

Since there’s a good chance a Sixth Level Wizard is behind the enemy, recklessly charging in is certainly not an option.

At the very least, he needed to be fully armed before launching an attack.

From his Inner Grotto Heaven, he redeployed the floating cannons he’d previously used, equipping them with spiritual power from the Five Elements Rainbow Transformation Mirror.

The floating cannons hovered silently like a swarm of metallic bees behind Jeming in the phase space, their muzzles slightly adjusting to lock onto the obscure figure below.

Then he double-checked the various protective spells and witchcraft artifacts on him, ensuring no issues.

Jeming pulled out the Accelerating Talisman Witchcraft to cast acceleration on himself.

Once assured he was armed to the teeth, Jeming patiently waited, silently counting time in his mind to ensure Blake had reached a sufficiently safe distance.

(An extra Chapter will follow.)