Otherwise, the peak of level six would be humanity's limit.
For mages, however, with meditation techniques and decent talent, a few could still reach level seven around the age of seventy.
Yet for a level-seven grand mage over seventy, breaking through to an eighth-level Archmage before reaching the lifespan limit of 120 was practically impossible. Their accomplishments in life would thus reach their peak there.
Regardless, a level-seven mage's strength and status far surpassed that of a level-seven warrior.
Of course, even if Locke's talent weren't exceptional, by the time he reached seventy or eighty, he would at least be a high-level mage.
As a result, the Manra family received much more attention and care from the villagers because of Locke, and their living conditions improved significantly.
After all, if Locke continued to grow, he could easily become the greatest pillar of support for Pu'er Village.
Upon hearing this, Carlet studied Locke's face carefully, finally recognizing some familiar features.
"So it's young Locke."
Once he recognized him, the tension in Carlet's mind immediately relaxed.
"Not long ago, the Manra family received a letter from you, saying you'd be returning soon. I didn't expect it to be this quick."
"Yes. The Fifth Legion was defeated by the Temple of Light. During this period, I stayed in Vidia City. Once I confirmed the Fifth Legion wouldn't regroup, I didn't return to the army and came straight back."
"Good, very good," Carlet said, patting Locke on the shoulder.
Locke's return to Pu'er Village was undoubtedly great news for the villagers.
With a mage stationed there, whether it was an attack from wild beasts or exploitation from outside merchants, Pu'er Village would have the confidence to resist.
Overall, Locke's return promised a huge boost to the villagers' income.
Previously, the merchants had raised their purchasing prices for the village's herbs because a mage had emerged, but that increase was nothing compared to having the mage himself back in the village.
"By the way, Locke, your father built a new house on the east side of the village. Your family has already moved there. You won't find your parents here. You'll need to go this way, then keep straight for a few intersections, and you'll reach them."
Once Carlet recognized Locke, he immediately understood why Locke had been standing there hesitating.
Not far ahead was the house where Locke had lived as a child. Coming back, seeing no family in his familiar old home, he naturally felt a bit lost.
Carlet promptly explained the location of Locke's current home.
"Thank you, Captain Carlet."
Locke nodded gratefully and then followed Carlet's directions. After roughly ten minutes, he arrived at his family home.
As to how Locke knew it was his house…
"Mother, I'm back."
Seeing a middle-aged woman dehydrating Pu'er herbs at the doorway, Locke quietly approached her from behind.
The woman turned around sharply at the sound of his voice. Upon seeing Locke, she was overjoyed.
She put down the Pu'er in her hands, wiped her hands on her clothes, and pulled Locke inside.
Though more than ten years had passed, a mother would never mistake her child.
Moreover, a few months ago, Locke had sent them a letter saying he might return after some time.
Walking inside, she said, "Locke, you're back! Have you eaten? Are you hungry? You've gotten so thin…"
Though her words were simple and casual, Locke felt deeply his mother's love.
"Big brother!"
Within half an hour, a young man around twenty and a middle-aged man in his forties or fifties entered the house.
Seeing Locke, both were overjoyed.
The middle-aged man was Locke's father, Manra, and the young man was Locke's younger brother, Cole, three years his junior.
After confirming Locke's identity, Carlet had quickly sent someone to inform his father and brother, who had just returned from tending the Pu'er fields.
Though years had passed, their bond remained strong.
Locke noticed the added gray hairs and wrinkles on his parents' heads and sighed lightly.
His mother was just an ordinary villager. His father had practiced cultivation for a time and even served in the village guard, but was only ever a level-four warrior.
Now, his father's strength had declined, probably only level three.
As for his brother Cole, he was at his peak, a level-five warrior, currently on duty with the Pu'er Village guard.
With Locke's own strength, he could now vaguely sense a person's life energy.
His mother had about twenty years left.
His father might live a little longer, around thirty years.
His brother's vitality was still strong, with no sign of decline, the future uncertain.
In the following days, villagers took turns visiting Locke's home. He did not flaunt his mage status, instead interacting as a younger family member, chatting and listening as villagers praised his parents for raising such a successful child.
One day, a carriage arrived in Pu'er Village, guided by a villager, stopping at Locke's home.
"Lord Ross?"
Locke was slightly surprised to see Lord Ross. He had assumed Ross and the other merchants had already returned.
"Lord Locke."
Upon seeing Locke, Lord Ross immediately stood and bowed deeply.
"Furin offended you, so I have already dismissed him and reclaimed his wages."
"Since Furin had spent the money on his son's marriage and was unable to repay it, and his son and daughter-in-law refused to cover the debt, he has been imprisoned…"
"Hm."
Hearing this, Locke simply responded with a quiet "hm."
Furin was just a driver who had carried him for a while. He had no further ties, and Locke had no responsibility for Furin's future.
The villagers watching nearby also gained a stronger sense of Locke's status.
And with it, a sense of pride.
This is the most outstanding child from our village!
Moreover, despite his success, he remained polite and humble to his elders.
Seeing Locke's calm demeanor, Lord Ross felt a little flustered.
He had only intended to gift Locke a carriage and a driver, yet the driver had somehow angered him.
Truly… foolish as a pig!
He hoped Locke was satisfied with the resolution and would not take out his anger on him…
(End of Chapter 14)