Jared had no choice but to reluctantly go with Divinus. He had no idea where Divinus was taking him. Suddenly, he felt like a lamb to the slaughter.
They soon arrived at a dilapidated hut. The hut had three rooms and was so rundown that it looked worse than a dog’s kennel.
The sunlight managed to pierce through the roof, illuminating the room within.
Upon entering, Jared saw that the inside was even more pitifully shabby, barely fit for human habitation. Could anyone actually live here?
“Elder Divinus, don’t tell me you live here?”
Jared’s face was filled with surprise.
After all, Divinus was the bearer of divine markings of Duad Formation Sect. It wasn’t necessary for him to live in a grand and opulent palace, but he certainly deserved his own respectable residence.
What’s with these huts? Is Duad Formation Sect really this poor?
“What’s wrong? Think this place is too shabby? Let me tell you, the elders and the sect leader of Duad Formation Sect have always begged to stay here, but I didn’t allow them to come. It’s more peaceful here, and no one disturbs my cultivation. We’re both cultivators, so don’t get too hung up on external factors!” Divinus said.
It’s fine not to get too hung up, but couldn’t it have been handled a little better?
Jared was simply at a loss for words.
Jared gazed at the hut and asked, “Do you plan on having me stay here and cultivate with you?”
“No. It’s you who needs to train here. I have other things to do, so I don’t have the time to keep you company, Divinus replied.
Upon hearing this, Jared became agitated. “You took me as your apprentice, but you’re not teaching me anything? You’re just leaving me here? Is this your idea of mentorship?”
“Be patient. Now that I’ve taken you under my wing, I will certainly teach you,” Divinus assured him.
He then pulled a small white mouse from his sleeve, gently stroked it and said, “Stay here and teach your junior well…”
After speaking, Divinus released the little white mouse.
Jared was so exasperated that he rolled his eyes. “Are you kidding me? You’re letting a rat teach me about divine markings?”
At that point, he somewhat regretted leaving with Divinus.
I’m going to be taught by a mouse? What is this?
“What are you saying? This is your senior, Mickey Whitehall. When I was in training, it was Mickey who always accompanied me. You simply can’t compare with the divine markings it has learned over the years.”
Once Divinus finished speaking, he told the little white mouse, “Set up an arcane array around the house. He can only leave once he has mastered it.”
The little white mouse gave a nod, then was seen sprinting away swiftly.
Swiftly, bright divine markings emerged, and soon, the entire hut was enveloped in an arcane array. Upon seeing the situation, Jared was completely dumbfounded.
Array masters were quite the rarity in Ethereal Realm.
But now, even a mouse had learned to set up arcane arrays.
“Focus on learning from your senior. Only by mastering and breaking this arcane array can you leave this place. Otherwise, you’ll be trapped here for the rest of your life!”
Divinus then turned and left after saying that.
“Don’t go! I-“
Jared yearned to rush out, but the moment he reached the doorway, a tremendous force sent him flying right back.
Jared tried seeking the core of the arcane array, hoping to break through it and make his exit.
I can’t believe he’d make me learn divine markings from a mouse! What a joke!
However, despite Jared’s relentless efforts, he was unable to break through the arcane array.
The little white mouse leaped onto the table, squeaking incessantly as if it was taunting Jared.
“You dare mock me again? See if I don’t squash you!”
Upon seeing the situation, Jared aimed a slap towards the little white mouse.
However, when Jared struck out with his palm, the little white mouse shimmered with a golden light and subsequently transformed into a man in his thirties.
“Jared, you actually dared to lay a hand on your senior? Be careful; I might just tell Master and make sure you pay for this!” Mickey said.
Upon seeing the little white mouse transform into a human form, Jared quickly withdrew his hand. He hadn’t expected that this little white mouse could actually transform.
“I apologize, Mickey. I didn’t think you could actually transform,” Jared said awkwardly.
