Chapter 7 A Safety Sigil

• The shadowy figure emerged unhurriedly from the water, making its way onto dry land before briskly heading north.
• “Who would have thought that Junbert harbored such a highly skilled combat arts practitioner, capable of walking on water as if it were solid ground. I suspect only an Enforcer from Combat Arts Alliance could achieve such a feat,” Arthur said, his eyes wide in astonishment.
• Gabriella widened her eyes, her lips parting in surprise. “There are only three Enforcers in Combat Arts Alliance of Lableoton. His strength is actually on par with an Enforcer, and he even showed up in our neighborhood. Maybe you should go meet him, Grandpa.”
• Arthur looked at the figure, his brow furrowed and his eyes reflecting deep thought. “Such a distinguished person shouldn't be disturbed. We might end up annoying him.”
• “What do we do, then? Are we not going to approach him anymore?” A look of disappointment emerged on Gabriella's pretty face.
• Gabriella's eyes sparkled. Her grandfather was a retired elder of Combat Arts Alliance, an individual of unparalleled status and perspective. Yet, he gave such high praise to that person.
• This landscape is a place where spiritual energy gathered. After a day of cultivation, I'm feeling pretty good. However, it's a little odd that the two people on the shore saw me walking on water but didn't exclaim in surprise. However, this is probably for the best. I haven't yet achieved the necessary strength. It's important to keep a low profile to gather energy and strength. Until then, it is best to avoid drawing attention to myself.
• Benjamin wasn't a man who relied on his talents arrogantly. Although Lableoton was considered a low-combat planet in the universe, the accumulation of thousands of years had nonetheless produced extraordinary talents that were unparalleled.
• In the following days, Benjamin was completely immersed in his training regime. Originally, he was a senior at Junbert High School, but with some time left before the school year started, he was in no rush.
• That day, right after having lunch, Serena was about to head out for a business meeting when Benjamin stopped her. “Rena.”
• Serena, who was dressed in a grey dress suit, asked, “Something up?” Her hair was neatly twisted up into a bun, exuding an air of efficiency. Her original elegance was now laced with a hint of allure.
• She was half-bent over, bracing against the door frame with one arm, as she changed into her high heels.
• No wonder all of Serena's relatives, friends, and besties were indignant on her behalf. After all, she, a woman of such beauty and elegance, had ended up marrying a good-for-nothing like himself.
• “Rena, could you lend me some money?” Benjamin asked, his face flushing with embarrassment.
• He once reigned supreme in a different world, sweeping across galaxies. Now, however, he found himself having to ask a woman for money.
• “Didn't I give you some last time? Did you spend it all in a week?” Serena furrowed her delicate brows, standing tall with her long, graceful legs. A flicker of disappointment flashed in her deep gaze.
• She then handed Benjamin a card and said, “The company's funds have been tight recently, so try to spend sparingly.”
• After she said that, she left.
• Benjamin held the bank card, his mind a whirl of complicated thoughts. He suspected Serena probably saw him now as a freeloader, a kept man. She was unwilling to divorce him at present. Firstly, she feared it would tarnish the reputation of the Zabel family, and secondly, having a good-for-nothing husband like him around served to ward off a good number of unwanted suitors.
• Benjamin took his bank card, hailed a taxi, and set out. He remembered an antique street where he made some purchases, including cinnabar, wolf hair quill, and enchanted scroll before returning home. Street vendors and some geomancy stores sold sigils, but at a glance, he could tell they lacked any spiritual energy. They were nothing more than a hoax to give people a false sense of security.
• After closing the room door, he spread out the blank enchanted scroll. Dipping the wolf hair quill into the cinnabar, he tried to channel his spiritual energy into it. Then, he began to paint.
• By the time Benjamin had finished the first painting, a fine layer of sweat had formed on his forehead. Creating the sigil might have appeared effortless, but in reality, it was incredibly draining, both spiritually and mentally.
• “I've failed! My current strength is just too weak. In the past, I could easily draw a ninth-grade earth-level sigil!” Benjamin said dejectedly.
• One afternoon, Benjamin had locked himself in his room. When Serena returned from work, Wendy helped her hang her coat on the rack, expressing her concern, “Mr. Yandell bought a bunch of paper, cinnabar, and wolf hair quill, and locked himself in his room. He didn't come out the whole afternoon.”
• Serena slipped into a new pair of slippers, her delicate eyebrows furrowing. She had noticed something off about him these past few days. Could something have upset him? Hmm... I'll go check on him in his room.
• Upon opening the door, she found the floor littered with enchanted scrolls. The table was stained with specks of cinnabar ink. Benjamin was lying on the bed, exhausted. He had managed to complete only three sheets in the entire afternoon, and it had worn him out.
• “Ah, Rena! You're back from work!” said Benjamin, quickly sitting up straight.
• “Yeah; what are you up to?” Serena furrowed her brows, casting a suspicious glance around the chaotic mess in the room.
• Benjamin picked up a folded sigil from the table and handed it to her, saying, “I picked up a bit of sigil drawing from a book out of boredom. This is a safety sigil I made for you.”
• Serena took the sigil, her face cool and composed. My husband truly is hopeless! What was he doing learning to draw sigils? Still, it's probably better than him flirting around with other women and getting himself caught! I wouldn't want to have to bail him out of such a mess!
• “I have a banquet to attend tonight, so you'll need to have dinner on your own.” Serena casually slipped the sigil into her pocket before turning around and exiting the room.