Wizard: Starting from the Skill Tree-Chapter 485: Life and Death

Vivian softly added, "Father, there’s also a portion prepared for you by Teacher Grace. She always remembers you and says you’re quite the... little fellow."

Rein looked at the scene that seemed straight out of myth and legend, his breath held and eyes filled with awe.

Anyone confronted with such a wealth of treasures capable of prolonging life, or even reversing death, would find it hard to remain calm.

However, to Duke and Vivian’s surprise, after the initial shock, Earl Hardy’s eyes quickly settled into calm.

He did not get overly excited like an ordinary person, nor did he immediately reach for those treasures. Instead, with eyes that have seen the vicissitudes of life, he gazed gently and with a touch of nostalgia at the resplendent objects on the table, ultimately turning his gaze back to Duke and Vivian.

He slowly leaned back into his chair, a serene smile of relief appearing on his face.

"Duke, Vivian," his voice was calm and steady, carrying the clarity that follows many storms, "to see that you have achieved so much, possess this incredible power and intention, I feel... truly gratified and proud of you."

He sighed softly, his gaze seeming to penetrate the window of the study, looking into the distant past.

Earl Hardy’s voice was deep and steady, carrying the composure that follows enduring harsh elements: "Life is like a long journey; just as there is a setting off at dawn, so too is there a return at dusk. It is a law set by the gods, one no one can break."

He paused slightly, his gaze seemingly reflecting the fires and glories of the past.

"In my life, I once battled for glory on the fields, and also thought for the welfare of my people in this study. I’ve protected this land, witnessed its prosperity, while also bearing the burdens it brings. Now, I see Rein shedding his greenness, becoming solid and reliable like an oak tree, capable of taking on the responsibilities from my shoulders; I see Vivian, my pearl, having found someone to gaze alongside her at a broader world; I also see that under my governance, Maple Hill County remains relatively peaceful and prosperous..."

"So when the final rest comes, I can meet my ancestors in peace, without too many unresolved attachments. I will also be able to see Alvina; she has waited for me far too long already." His tone softened further, tinged with deep satisfaction.

He looked at the treasures on the table, gleaming like exquisite works of art, with gratitude rather than avarice.

"I’ve accepted your intentions. Please convey my sincere gratitude to Lady Grace, I shall always be her most loyal little Hardy..."

"However," he shook his head lightly, a gesture of accepting the inevitability of fate, "there is no need to persist in asking the gods for more years for me. The value of life does not lie in its length, but in its content and legacy. If these precious gifts can dispel the shadows of illness, so I can clearly see Rein’s coronation in my final moments, or contentedly watch your return home, that would be their greatest blessing. As for when the final bell tolls... let fate decide, for the peace of a soul surpasses the mere prolongation of a body." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Earl Hardy’s words held no apprehension in facing death, nor greed for life extension, only an understanding of life and peace with destiny.

His words made the study fall into a temporary silence.

Rein looked at his father, his eyes flickering with complex emotions, containing admiration, heartache, and a hint of realization.

Vivian held her father’s hand tightly, her eyes slightly red, but she could also understand her father’s transcendence.

Duke also understood that for Earl Hardy, there was nothing more to pursue in this life, for he had achieved almost everything he had sought, leaving no regrets behind.

Perhaps for Earl Hardy, he actually hoped more to reunite with his wife earlier.

Vivian looked at her father’s relieved expression, then at her steadfast brother Rein, who had already shouldered the family’s responsibilities, and took out something she had long prepared.

She retrieved from her space ring a faintly glowing cyan crystal stone, its interior seemingly containing numerous tiny wind spirals flowing within.

"This is a high-tier wind attribute breathing technique named ’Breath of the Vast Sky,’ which Teacher Grace acquired through official channels from the Knight Hall on the East Coast of the Appalachian Continent. It is clearly recorded, with a legitimate source, and it’s something I specifically prepared for you."

The Knight Hall is very strict in controlling breathing techniques, not allowing random dissemination or outflow.

Especially a high-tier breathing technique of this level, is more strictly controlled, unattainable for ordinary people, let alone spread outside.

Vivian was able to obtain this due to Grace’s connections, and it took considerable effort to acquire this ’Breath of the Vast Sky’ high-tier breathing technique, which can be taught to her family members.

This doesn’t just represent something simple, it means future generations of the family could practice this high-tier breathing technique.

So, even for Grace, obtaining this breathing technique came at a great cost.

Vivian paused, making sure Rein understood its importance: "This means you can legally practice it without worrying about any subsequent trouble or having people from the Knight Hall coming to hold you accountable or reclaim it. This breathing technique is enough to support your cultivation journey, breaking the Great Knight’s barrier, to ultimately... become a real Level 1 Life, possessing powers beyond the ordinary and a longer lifespan."

Rein solemnly accepted the cyan crystal stone and nodded, "I will work hard."

Vivian herself was also practicing this breathing technique, planning to tread both the Wizard and Knight paths.

Because she knew her Wizard aptitude wasn’t great and might reach a bottleneck at a certain stage, preparing another path is also planning for the future.

Duke and Vivian planned to stay in Maple Hill County for a while. They weren’t intentionally flaunting, but their mere presence was the focal point of all attention.

After using those gentle yet remarkably effective treasures, Earl Hardy’s health visibly improved.

Old injuries and hidden pains that had plagued him for years gradually disappeared, his pale complexion became rosy again, and even his previously hunched back straightened significantly, his spirit vigorous, as if he had turned back twenty years.

He reappeared in the public eye, handling government affairs with clear-headedness and ample energy, which relieved everyone in the territory worried about his health and surprised those secretly watching.

Meanwhile, Duke and Vivian were inevitably drawn into some public activities.

At various celebrations, Duke and Vivian, along with Earl Hardy and Rein, appeared atop the city walls, accepting the people’s cheers.