Chapter 2: City of Modo (Part 1)

Guo Shier finally learned the language of the local natives. For a top-tier professional, if one truly wanted to learn a language, all it took was touching the other person’s soul—of course, assuming the other person wasn’t a soul specialist. Initially, Guo Shier didn’t want to learn this language, but he was moved by the old man and the girl, so he couldn’t help but touch the old man’s soul.
When Guo Shier uttered words in their language in a clumsy manner, the old man was shocked. The little girl stared at him curiously, puzzled—she had thought Guo Shier was from outside, never expecting him to speak the local language as well.
The old man’s name was Dita, as translated by Guo Shier based on pronunciation, while the little girl’s name was Aiyana. Guo Shier was well aware that this grandfather and granddaughter were just passersby in his journey, and he would likely never have any further contact with them after they left. After a brief exchange, he learned that this place was on the border of a country—though he didn’t bother to find out which one.
What Guo Shier wanted to know was where the nearest city was. Old Man Dita said, “City of Modo is the largest border city in this area.”
From Old Man Dita, he learned that this country was very peaceful, having gone centuries without war. Thanks to its favorable geography and abundant resources, it faced no threats from enemies. The country’s military force was relatively weak, and its people didn’t like fighting; the status of warriors in this country was quite ordinary.
To Guo Shier, it seemed like a fairy tale. Having experienced so many small worlds and lived in a world dominated by magic for so long, where strength was everything, he was surprised and puzzled by this country that dismissed the importance of force. What kind of environment could give rise to such a place?
After his shock, Guo Shier felt a sense of joy. Such a peaceful country meant less conflict and no need to stay on high alert all the time. He couldn’t help but talk to the handsome old man.
“Handsome old man, there’s no need to fight here, hehe.”
The handsome old man replied, “Not necessarily. Just because military strength is weak or warriors’ status is low doesn’t mean force isn’t used. But in a generally weak situation, even a slightly higher level of strength is sufficient. Well, of course, with your current abilities, you don’t need to worry about their weak strength.”
Old Man Dita said, “It takes about ten days to reach City of Modo. The journey is very long…”
Aiyana whispered, “Grandpa, I want to go to City of Modo.”

Elder Dita smiled and stroked Aiana’s little head, saying, “In a while, your parents will come to pick you up. They’re very busy… and won’t be able to come for now.” Aiana looked disappointed, lowering her head as she fiddled with her fur coat. Guo Shier asked, “Are Aiana’s parents in Mordor City?” Elder Dita gave a bitter smile and said, “Yes, they’re in Mordor City.” Then he subtly gave Guo Shier a glance, signaling him not to ask further. Guo Shier nodded slightly. He understood there must be some hidden reason and said, “I’ll leave here tomorrow. I’m sorry for troubling you today.” In the evening, Elder Dita quietly found Guo Shier, who was walking outside, and said, “Mr. Guo, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.” Guo Shier replied, “Please go ahead.” Elder Dita said, “I want to take Aiana to Mordor City. If it’s convenient, I’d like to travel with you.” Guo Shier hesitated for a moment. If he went to Mordor City by flying, it would take no more than half a day, but if he traveled with the elder, it would take over ten days. He asked, “To Mordor City? How did you guys get there before?” Elder Dita replied, “We used to go in groups, but lately no one has gone to Mordor City. The roads along the way… well, they’re not safe. We often encounter wild animals, especially packs of wolves. It’s very troublesome. It would be much better if someone could accompany us.” His eyes were filled with pleading. Guo Shier suddenly felt softened. He asked, “Are you taking Aiana… to find her parents?” Elder Dita sighed and said, “I’m old. What if something happens to me one day? Aiana is still a child. Sigh…” Guo Shier was surprised and asked, “Won’t her parents come?” Elder Dita gave a bitter smile and said, “Aiana is a girl…” In this country, women had no status. Boys were the ones valued in the family. Aiana was almost like a child abandoned by her parents. If the elder didn’t take her to find her parents, she wouldn’t have a chance to leave this small village. Guo Shier didn’t understand at all. He asked, “What’s wrong with girls?” Elder Dita sighed and said, “Sigh, girls…” He shook his head, not knowing how to explain to Guo Shier. At the same time, he was certain that this young man wasn’t from around here, as he knew nothing about local customs and traditions. Yet, for some reason, he still trusted him completely, without any doubts or hostility toward Guo Shier.

Guo Shier didn’t press further. He was merely curious, and seeing the other person’s indescribable expression, he stopped probing. After thinking for a moment, he said, “Well, since I’m going to Moduo City anyway, let’s go together.”

The handsome old man whispered, “Looking for trouble… With an old man and a child, you’ll have plenty of headaches.”

Guo Shier replied, “We have half a year or even a year ahead. Let’s take our time. Maybe we can really enter the Greater World this time. By then, everything in the Small World will just be memories. Hehe, having a few things worth remembering is meaningful for me too.”

The handsome old man scoffed, “Nonsense…”

…

The next day, Elder Dita brought a donkey. Guo Shier was surprised—there were donkeys in this place. Elder Dita said, “We need a beast of burden. The food for over ten days can’t be carried by us without it. There are no food stalls or inns along the way; we have to fend for ourselves.”

Guo Shier said, “We don’t need to bring too much. I can hunt along the way.”

Elder Dita still packed quite a bit of cured meat and millet. The staple foods here were millet or sorghum. It wasn’t much, but there were two packs, both loaded onto the donkey. Elder Dita picked up Aiyana and placed her on the donkey’s back, saying, “Let’s go. We have a long way to travel today.” He led the donkey away.

Aiyana was happy. She held the candied fruits given to her by Guo Shier and enjoyed them eagerly. Having lived with Elder Dita for a long time, she had developed a habit of being quiet and seldom spoke, only occasionally showing a cute smile.

Guo Shier really liked this quiet little girl and often gave her snacks such as candied fruits, fruits, and specially made dried meat. He himself was also a food lover, and since the altar could store a large amount of supplies, he had all kinds of snacks. Aiyana was overjoyed—she had never seen such a variety of snacks in her life.

Following the path out of the village, they saw scattered farmlands around. After walking for a while, a sparse forest appeared. There was a lot of wasteland here, and land was the least valuable thing. After half a day’s walk, the three of them reached the main road.

The journey was peaceful. The three of them chatted and laughed, and they arrived at Moduo City smoothly. This surprised Guo Shier a bit. This place was indeed different from what he had imagined. There were no bandits or robbers, and even wild animals were rare. No wonder Elder Dita dared to take his granddaughter on a journey of over ten days to Moduo City.

Guo Shier enjoyed a rare period of peaceful travel—no fights, no danger, just laughter along the way, which gradually calmed his restless mind. At that moment, his soul seemed to be elevated. The handsome old man couldn’t help but sigh; if he were still in the World of Spells, he could help build an altar beyond the ninth level, but in this other world, that was nothing but a luxury.

Moduo City resembled the ancient cities from Guo Shier’s past life. Its buildings, aside from lacking city walls, were all unique brick-and-tile houses, with well-connected waterways and various stone bridges. On the streets along the river, there were a few wealthy people dressed in silk, but most wore linen and various types of leather coats.

Like the World of Spells, there were no technological items here. Guo Shier felt as though he had been transported through time, back to Earth, to ancient times, giving him a sense of novelty.

Moduo City had no soldiers patrolling, nor seemed to have any military forces. People came and went in the streets, creating a peaceful atmosphere. However, everyone who saw Guo Shier showed a hint of surprise because his clothing was extremely luxurious. Shortly after entering the city, someone approached him to talk.

A young man dressed in a silk robe stood by the roadside. A servant-like man behind him quickly blocked Guo Shier’s path, smiling and saying, “Sir, please stop for a moment.”

Guo Shier asked indifferently, “What’s the matter?”

The man asked respectfully, “My young master would like to meet you. I wonder… is that possible?”

Guo Shier was slightly surprised but remained calm, nodding and saying, “Okay. Is your young master that person?” The servant nodded repeatedly. Guo Shier then said to the old man Dita, “Dita, take Aiyana to meet her parents. Hmm, where do you live? I’ll visit you when I have time.”

The old man Dita gave Guo Shier the address and then left with Aiyana on the donkey. Since arriving in Moduo City, the old man Dita had seemed worried, so he didn’t pay much attention to Guo Shier’s departure. Giving the address was just a habitual gesture; he hadn’t expected Guo Shier to come looking for him.

After watching the old man Dita and Aiyana leave, Guo Shier said to the servant, “Go meet your young master.”

The so-called young master was just Guo Shier’s translation. This person was dressed more elegantly than most people on the street, with a good appearance. In Guo Shier’s eyes, he was a handsome guy with a gentle and polite attitude, which won him great favor. Having experienced many small worlds, kind people were extremely rare to him, so encountering such a kind person made him feel much better. No one wants to be hostility toward for no reason.