End Of The Magic Era

by Stayrr

The world that nurtured the civilization which reached the pinnacle of magic was on the verge of destruction. The last survivor transmigrated to the past, when the magic civilization started growing, as countless mages were still fumbling their ways through the thorny paths of magic knowledge. He, who came from the end of the magic era, aim to reach the pinnacle of magic.

2. 33

Read End of the Magic Era - Chapter 33 - Styx Water online free - Light Novel Full

Lin Yun indeed didn't do anything.

Because the one who made a move was Faleau, and he didn't even ask any questions as he directly slapped Jonathan senseless.

He didn't care if this old man was a butler of the Monchi family. All he had been worried about was atoning for his earlier crime and mending his relations with the future Master Alchemist. When Jonathan came over with such an attitude, after getting Cadgar's instructions, how could Faleau pay any heed to a mere butler? He just went straight over and slapped him.

"Mage Merlin, let's go and sit, don't let this trivial matter ruin your mood…" After bad-mouthing Jonathan, Faleau's sneer was replaced with a smile. The speed at which his expression changed was rather shocking.

"Sure, let's go…"

"You can't go, you definitely aren't allowed to go in!" Hearing that the two wanted to enter, Jonathan immediately jumped up. "You still dare to act up after slapping me? Guards, capture these two for me!"

"Shut up!" Just as Jonathan was calling out, the door of a box above opened and Monchi himself came out. "Get inside, don't embarrass me."

After Monchi's words came out, the first floor was silent once again.

Jonathan's animated voice suddenly came to a halt, and as he gave the two young men a hateful glance, he escaped into Monchi's box.

"Sorry about that, President Monchi, I didn't control my strength," Faleau shouted as Jonathan was climbing the stairs, making the latter suddenly stagger and almost fall down.

"Look at what you have done for me!" After the box was closed, Monchi's expression was quite unsightly. "You provoked that Faleau? He's a young Alchemist that even Cadgar thinks highly of and you made things difficult for him, are you crazy?"

"I… I'm not… Master, I only saw that kid of the Merlin family…"

"Shut up! Are you done causing trouble for me?" After berating Jonathan, Monchi couldn't help feeling puzzled. "However, how could that Merlin kid stand together with Faleau? And it even seemed like they had a good relationship…"

"They should have gotten acquainted by chance," Mason interjected on the side, fuming. "That Mafa Merlin's luck is very good. It was the same last time in the Sage Tower, I don't know how he got into Solon's good books and had me kicked out of the library."

Being born in the Monchi clan, the number of times Mason had publicly suffered a loss could be counted on his fingers. He didn't know why things had played out like that. First, he was kicked out from the Sage Tower's library, and when he went to look for trouble at the Gilded Rose, he was instead forced to eat a glass bottle.

How could Mason be fine with this!?

Mason had constantly been looking for an opportunity to retaliate since he came back from the Gilded Rose. But he didn't expect that after his father and elder brother discussed it, they would forbid him from returning to the Gilded Rose. Since Lin Yun had shown up in the Black Horn Auction House today, Mason immediately started plotting his revenge.

"You still dare to mention the matter of the Sage Tower?" Monchi looked at Mason unhappily, but he strangely didn't deny Mason's guess.

Because Monchi himself felt that these two young men should have met by accident and ended up hitting it off for some reason, perhaps due to having the same hobby. In any case, they had met and formed a favorable relationship.

Otherwise, Faleau wouldn't have stepped in to help Mafa Merlin, let alone stealthily preparing a special box for him. After all, these boxes were set aside for the leaders of the local major forces. Even if only a few came to this auction, they wouldn't casually let others use the unoccupied ones. If Cadgar found out, he would certainly reprimand and punish Faleau. For Faleau to take this risk was proof that the friendship between them was quite solid.

But regardless of how good it was, it was just a new friendship, so it wouldn't have too big of an influence. If not for his butler being involved, Monchi wouldn't even have spared a thought for the matter.

After coming to this conclusion, Monchi decided to just leave this problem be. He only said to Jonathan, "You don't need to look so pitiful, wait until the auction is over and I'll seek out Cadgar. The butler of my Monchi family isn't someone that can be slapped on a whim."

"Thank you Master, thank you…" Jonathan promptly bowed and expressed his gratitude, his mind already crafting a plot. 'After the auction is over, if Master steps in personally, Cadgar most likely won't interfere. How should those two be humiliated… Well, there is still a lot of time to think about this.'

Jonathan definitely didn't know that there was another person in the neighboring box thinking about the same thing.

'That Jonathan is too daring, he dared to disrespect Mage Merlin. Just wait until the auction is over, I'll show him!' As Faleau led Lin Yun to his seat while beaming, he kept the unlucky butler in mind.

To Faleau, this was like an opportunity delivering itself to him. He had been worried that there was nothing he could do to curry favor with this future Master Alchemist, but then that Jonathan suddenly arrived with his high and mighty attitude. This really made Faleau not know what to say for a moment, it was so lucky. Moreover, he could also act overbearing by relying on Cadgar's reputation. Dealing with a small butler in the Black Horn Auction House was too easy!

Such an easy way to curry favor with a future Master Alchemist, was there something more profitable?

This time, Faleau was already planning meticulously. He had to go all-out to deal with Jonathan so that he could show Mage Merlin how sincere and determined he was to make up for his previous mistake. Mage Merlin might be cheerful enough to pardon him for his past behavior and maybe even give him a few Alchemy pointers. Those would be pointers from a Master Alchemist, which might even make him break through!

Faleau became more and more cheerful. He simply wished that the auction could finish up so that he could deal with that Jonathan fellow next door…

"Okay, Faleau, focus on the auction first." While Faleau was wishing for the auction to already be over, Lin Yun was of a far different mindset. He still didn't have any of the four materials he needed for the Mana Baptism.

"Yes, yes, of course. Focus on the auction first…" Faleau was completely in character now. He didn't need Cadgar's instructions. The words of this future Master Alchemist were the law, if he said to focus on the auction, he would focus on the auction.

While the two were chatting, the auction officially began.

The auction was personally hosted by Cadgar. The first item to come up was a magic dagger from Oddrock City. It was called Tornado Tooth.

"Tornado Tooth, the masterpiece of Oddrock City's Great Alchemist André. Three Wind Rocks were embedded in the weapon, forming a Wind Blessing. Not only can it raise the wielder's movement speed substantially, but it can also automatically fire a Wind Spell under the 5th Rank every minute. It is a rare, high-quality piece among Excellent Magic Tools. The starting price is 5000 gold, and the minimum bid increment is 500 gold."

Cadgar was worthy of being the Black Horn Auction's Chief Auctioneer. He only needed a few sentences to clearly introduce this Excellent Magic Tool.

"5500 gold." As the first item of the auction, the price for the item was quite good, so just as Cadgar finished introducing the item, someone raised their paddle."

"6000 gold!"

"6500!"

"7500!"Naturally, there were a few people who had their eyes on it, and in a short time, Tornado Tooth's price went over ten thousand gold before finally being bought by a rich and powerful person from Oddrock City for thirteen thousand gold. He apparently had indicated that he intended to use it to pay respect to Great Alchemist André.

After Tornado Tooth was won, Cadgar quickly auctioned two magic tools with fairly good quality. Even Lin Yun was slightly tempted by one of the items, but he managed to check himself. Magic tools were useless to the current Lin Yun. As long as he advanced to become a Great Mage, with that Nether Iron vein of several hundred meters, he could have countless Excellent Magic Tools, and those Excellent Magic Tools would have Lin Yun's name signed on them.

But LIn Yun didn't have to wait for long. The fourth auctioned item soon appeared, and it was one of the four materials Lin Yun needed for the Mana Baptism, the Styx Water.

"The next item is a bottle of water from the River Styx of Ghost City. There are many Alchemists here, so I'm sure everyone is aware of the value of this bottle of Styx Water. The starting price of the Styx Water is ten thousand and the minimum bid increment is one thousand."

"Eleven thousand gold."

"Thirteen thousand."

"Fourteen thousand."

"Seventeen thousand gold!"Just as Cadgar finished speaking, voices echoed here and there in the audience. A bottle of Styx Water with a starting price of ten thousand gold soon reached twice that amount.

But Lin Yun wasn't anxious, because he noticed that after reaching twenty thousand, the price was increasing much more slowly. In other words, most people felt that this bottle was only worth about this much, so it would be unprofitable to chase the price much higher.

In this era, Lin Yun was perhaps the only one who knew the true value of the Styx Water. The current state of Alchemy was far from being developed enough to unearth this reagent's true value. After all, Mana Baptisms wouldn't come to pass until a thousand years later, let alone those even more powerful formulas.

Lin Yun just waited for the bidding to die down.

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Chapter 34: Hell Destroyer

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

When the price reached thirty-seven thousand gold, the venue went silent. Most of the people who had participated in the bidding were shaking their heads, wearing smiles that carried a hint of ridicule. A bottle of Styx Water reaching such a price… To them, this was already a foolish waste of money.

Clearly, even if Styx Water was rare, it didn't have a wide range of use in alchemy. There were no more than ten kinds of potions that used Styx Water, and most of them could use other materials as a substitute. To bid such a high price on a bottle of Styx Water wasn't something a rational alchemist would do.

"Thirty-seven thousand gold, going once… Going twice… Thirty-seven thousand gold, if there are no higher bids…"

"Fifty thousand gold."

Just as Cadgar was about to announce the deal, a voice came from a box on the 2nd floor.

Lin Yun's bid of fifty thousand gold made the originally quiet venue become rather lively. The people who had participated in the bidding for the item couldn't help turning to look at the box on the 2nd floor, wanting to see what the spendthrift looked like. Bidding fifty thousand gold for a bottle of Styx Water… This already surpassed something that could be described as foolish…

After all, Tornado Tooth, an Excellent Magic Tool, was only able to go a bit over ten thousand gold. So that bottle of Styx Water was worth a few Tornado Tooths…

Why waste your money like that?

Unfortunately, no one was able to see who it was.

The one who walked out of the box was actually Faleau of the Black Horn Auction House.

"It's that Merlin kid." Out of all the people in the venue, only those in the box of the Monchi Family knew who that profligate spender was.

"How could he have so much money?" Monchi frowned. There was nothing wrong with the bottle of Styx Water, but the appearance of fifty thousand gold was a huge variable.

Even in the Monchi family, only two or three people knew that Monchi had been targeting the house left behind by Locke Merlin!

At first, after Locke Merlin's shipwreck, Monchi felt that getting that house should be easy, so he looked for Fario and used the eight thousand gold promised in the contract in his hands to drive Mafa Merlin out of there.

But unexpectedly, just as he was about to get hold of the house, Mafa Merlin became a Mage out of nowhere and had the necessary gold, making Monchi lose his chance.

Monchi didn't lose hope, though, and he went to look for Sossu.

For the Viper Nest to be able to rise to the top in just over a decade and sit on the throne of the underground forces, this was inevitably linked to the support of the Monchi family.

This was an open secret among the major forces of Thousand Sails City.

With Monchi's incentives, Sossu sent a 9th Rank Mage. Normally, sending a 9th Rank Mage to deal with a young fellow who had recently been a mere apprentice and a butler who was getting old would be making a big fuss over nothing.

But ultimately, that 9th Rank Mage was defeated.

And the few dozen subordinates had been scared silly. A few days after returning to the Viper Nest, they found an excuse to leave Thousand Sails City and hadn't appeared again ever since.

But even these two failures only made Monchi frown a bit, as he still didn't put much stock in that Mafa Merlin.

In Monchi's eyes, he was a young Mage with no background and no power. How could he defeat a 9th Rank Mage? In the entire Thousand Sails City, the only person that could decide everything through strength was Solomon. Even if others were powerful, they couldn't rely on their personal power to contend against the Monchi family.

The fifty thousand gold today though… this made Monchi feel a bit worried.

Although the amount itself wasn't much, this was a variable that he didn't know about, because Monchi couldn't figure out where this gold had come from.

'Who gave this gold to Mafa Merlin? Could there be another force looking into that house? If that's the case, that will make the matter very troublesome…'

The Black Tower wanted ownership of that house. If he couldn't manage that matter properly, the entire Monchi family would be in trouble.

'Who leaked the news…' Monchi wondered, considering the possibilities. 'It might be Faleau lending him some money. That Merlin kid has always been lucky. Last time in the Sage Tower he relied on Solon, and this time in the Black Horn Auction he is using his relationship with Faleau. I'll have a look and see whether he'll still have Faleau behind him after leaving the Black Horn Auction.'

That glass bottle in the Gilded Rose was the stain on Mason's life. Although he was still in the auction, his thoughts weren't there anymore. Mason's mind was filled with thoughts of tormenting and humiliating that wretch, and he kept muttering under his breath.

"Shut up!" Monchi glanced unhappily at his son. It would be great if it was this simple. Faleau's status in the Black Horn Auction House wasn't low, but such an amount of gold wasn't something that he could easily take out.

But Monchi knew that reasoning with Mason was useless now. That kid was completely fixated on getting revenge, so how could he listen to something else right now?

Thinking of this, Monchi urged him, "Oh right, I have to let you know. I don't care if you want to deal with that kid, but the conflict with the Sage Tower and Solon last time already left the family in a bad situation. If you cause trouble this time, then don't even think of leaving the house afterwards."

"Okay okay, I got it…"

While this father-son pair was talking, Faleau had already carried that bottle of Styx Water back to the box.

"Mage Merlin, this… Is this really worth so much gold?" After Faleau gave the Styx Water to Lin Yun, he couldn't help asking after hesitating for a long time.

This was someone that was destined to become a Master Alchemist! If it had been anyone else that used so much money to buy a bottle of Styx Water, Faleau would have already mocked them. Wasn't this a complete waste? How could Styx Water be worth so much? Even new alchemist would be clear about it, spending fifty thousand gold to buy a bottle of Styx Water was truly foolish.

But that bottle of Styx Water was bought by Lin Yun, so Faleau didn't dare to comment…

As a future Master Alchemist, this young man's insight and experience was something he couldn't compare with. Even Cadgar wasn't on that level. There was definitely a reason for him to buy a bottle of Styx Water. He couldn't understand only because he didn't have enough experience and insight.

"Indeed." Lin Yun opened the lid of the bottle. It was very pure Styx Water, even better than he had imagined. At the peak of the Magic Era, such a bottle could easily be exchanged for a dozen Abyssal Magic Diamonds.

Only paying fifty thousand gold for such a precious material, Lin Yun couldn't help feeling great about it. And the auction house had guaranteed that it would let him pay any price for the items he wanted, anyways. Facing Faleau's question, he even said a few more things. "Wait until the auction is over and try replacing Troll Blood with Styx Water when compounding an Abyss Potion, it should increase the quality."

"Thank you, Mage Merlin, thank you very much…" Faleau froze before a pleasant expression appeared on his face.

'It came! It came! Advice from a future Master Alchemist! I wasn't wrong, as long as I acknowledge my mistake and show that I'm completely sincere, someone of such lofty stature wouldn't hold a grudge! And not only did he let the matter of my past slights drop, but he even gave me a pointer!'

This was the pointer of a future Master Alchemist. Thinking of this, Faleau was so excited that he didn't know what to say. He repeatedly expressed his thanks while feeling bewildered. After some time, he fished out a slip of paper from his pocket and recorded Mage Merlin's suggestion.

Lin Yun smiled before focusing his attention back on the auction.

As for Faleau's scribbling, Lin Yun didn't need to look at it. In fact, using Styx Water to replace Troll blood when compounding the Abyss Potion wouldn't make its quality just "a bit" better. It would increase the quality by several times, giving the Abyss Potion a qualitative change.

Moreover, this was just a superficial use of Styx Water…

Styx Water's true value far surpassed fifty thousand gold.

Lin Yun estimated that if he used it sparingly, that bottle of Styx Water would be enough to compound 10 potions on the same level as the Ghost Potion once he used what he needed for the Mana Baptism.

The auction was still ongoing, and although Lin Yun's extravagant expenditure led to a few heated debates, most people only considered it a funny topic, and once they were done jeering about it, they put it out of their minds. After all, those who had participated in the auction of the Styx Water weren't planning to get it at all costs. It would be good if they could get it at a low cost, but not getting it wouldn't result in a loss. Getting a funny joke for free was good too.

Afterwards, two more items were auctioned, and with Cadgar overseeing the auction, they sold at a decent price.

"The next auctioned item is a badly damaged spell."

Cadgar's introduction puzzled many people. Magic had developed for so many years. The inheritance of spells had already been refined thoroughly, so there would very rarely be a badly damaged spell.

And if a spell really was so badly damaged, the value of the incantation would be zero, even if it had shocking might. As long as one character was lacking, it meant that the spell was already a piece of scrap. Regardless of how powerful a mage was, one couldn't use an incomplete incantation to cast a spell, let alone reproduce the power of the proper spell.

So why did Cadgar take out this badly damaged spell?

"I believe that everyone present has heard the name of this spell before. The 3rd Era's last Heaven Rank Mage, Rudolph, once used this spell to destroy an entire army of Demons. That's right, this spell is Hell Destroyer!"

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Chapter 35: Spiritual Augment

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Cadgar had just finished speaking when the entire venue suddenly became quiet. This strange silence stretched on interminably, before finally bursting into a huge commotion!

"…Hell Destroyer!"

"Did I mishear? Is it really Hell Destroyer?"

Hell Destroyer was rumored to be the spell created by the last Heaven Mage of the 3rd Dynasty when faced with an army of Demons. This spell was referred to as the only Extraordinary Spell. In that era, it nearly overturned the ideas of the entire magic system.

But after the 3rd Dynasty, that spell had completely disappeared. Rudolph fell at the end of the battle and the inner workings of the only Extraordinary Spell were buried along with him. After over a thousand years, even with countless mages working hard at it, they weren't able to reconstruct this extremely powerful spell.

No one could have thought that it would appear today in the Black Horn Auction…

Indeed, the Extraordinary Spell was already badly damaged, and like it was mentioned before, no matter how powerful a mage was, they wouldn't be able to rely on this incomplete incantation to cast the spell. But this didn't matter to everyone present. Even a complete version of Hell Destroyer, an Extraordinary Spell, wasn't something that ordinary people could grasp.

What was important was the knowledge that could be contained within.

That was the legacy left behind by a Heaven Mage, even one simple character would contain countless secrets.

"The bidding for this badly damaged Hell Destroyer Spell will start at fifty thousand gold. The minimum bid increment is five thousand gold."

The starting price was set at the same amount that Lin Yun had paid for the bottle of Styx Water, but the only difference was that Lin Yun had been ridiculed by the entire venue for his purchase, while the auction of the Hell Destroyer spell immediately set off a wave of bids.

"Sixty thousand gold!"

"Seventy thousand!"

"One hundred thousand!"Less than a minute passed and the current bid for the damaged incantation had already reached a hundred thousand gold.

And it seemed that this was just the beginning.

That price was quickly overtaken by the following bids, and by the time it reached 250 000, it suddenly stopped, letting people gasp for breath.

But it was followed by another round of competition. Crazy bids were announced one after the other. A damaged incantation somehow managed to reach the incredible price of half a million gold.

What kind of concept was that much gold? When Locke Merlin opened the Gilded Rose on the Victorious Return Main Street, from buying magic materials to hiring an alchemist, it cost him a total of one hundred thousand gold. In other words, Hell Destroyer's damaged incantation was currently worth five of Locke Merlin's fledgling business…

The mages in the venue were practically going crazy over this badly damaged incantation. There were more than a hundred Mages, a few dozen Great Mages, and even a few High Mages in attendance at this Black Horn Auction. Their thirst for the Hell Destroyer was something that those unacquainted with magic couldn't understand. This was the legacy of a Heaven Mage, an unfathomable treasure to every mage.

Among all those mages, Lin Yun was probably the only one that wasn't moved…

To him, the value of the Hell Destroyer spell was really small. There were no fewer than ten spells in his mind with the same power, and they were all complete. Lin Yun's problem right now wasn't mastering these spells, but rather reaching a high enough rank to cast them.

In other words, the four materials for the Mana Baptism were a lot more valuable than the Hell Destroyer, at least to Lin Yun.

Thus, Lin Yun was completely at ease as he watched the play, with all these people fighting over items and spending their money so that they wouldn't be able to compete with him over the remaining three materials that he wanted.

And the numerous mages at the auction didn't fail to live up to Lin Yun's expectations. The previous bid of five hundred thousand gold only managed to shock the venue for a short moment before a voice came out from one of the boxes.

"600 000 gold."

This was the bid of the Sage Tower. Solomon, who had been silent for a long time, finally made his bid.

The venue became silent once more after this bid was announced, and it lasted a lot longer than the previous time.

This was already an extremely high price, not to mention that the one who bid was Solomon. The three big shots of the Sage Tower were already considered legends in the kingdom. Even major forces couldn't neglect those three High Mages. When Solomon declared his bid some of the mages who had wanted to bid had to reconsider…

Of course, not all the mages would think twice about bidding against him.

"650 000 gold." Another voice came out from another box, raising the price of the Hell Destroyer Incantation by another bump. Furthermore, after announcing the bid, that voice added with a hint of provocation, "I'm really sorry, Solomon, our Ash Tower is also interested in the Hell Destroyer incantation."

A fierce cough came out as an answer, as well as an even higher bid. "700 000."

"800 000!" Perhaps it was in order to keep provoking Solomon, or perhaps because he was irritated by the attitude of his counterpart, the mage from the Ash Tower instantly raised the price yet again right after Solomon bid.

A short silence came over the box of the Sage Tower before Solomon called a new bid, "830 000 gold."

But the mage from the Ash Tower quickly raised the stakes. "900 000!"

A violent cough came out from the Sage Tower's box, but no new bid appeared.

Lin Yun couldn't help shaking his head when seeing this scene. It seemed that this badly damaged Hell Destroyer incantation would end up in the hands of the Ash Tower. Although the Sage Tower stood at the peak of Thousand Sails City, they weren't as prosperous as some people would assume on the financial side. A large number of mages would need financing for their many experiments and other expenditures, so suddenly taking out a million wasn't that easy.

But that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. The price was truly already too high. It would be fine if they were bidding on a complete incantation, but this incantation was obviously badly damaged. Even if he managed to reproduce the spell, it would never possess the might of that time. The only thing it would do now was to allow one to take a glimpse into the wisdom of a Heaven Mage.

And considering his resources, Lin Yun felt that this really wasn't worth it…

'Wait, what's that…' Just as Lin Yun shook his head, something about the badly damaged scroll caught his eye, and he felt a jolt of shock.

The mana fluctuations emitted by that scroll seemed a bit abnormal…

Lin Yun frowned as he thought about this. He stared at the incantation scroll, studying it. The first thing that Lin Yun noticed was the trace of a burn at the bottom of the scroll. That should be the real cause of the damage. At the same time, Lin Yun noticed that after a millennium of wear and tear, the characters on the scroll were still incomparably clear, without the slightest trace of becoming blurry.

Based on this, Lin Yun was sure of one thing… That scroll had definitely been written with Eternal Ink, because only Eternal Ink could resist the corrosion of time to this extent. Regardless of how many years passed, the characters wouldn't change.

But the mana fluctuations of Eternal Ink definitely didn't look like that.

The scroll itself didn't have any magical power, and the mana fluctuations were extremely weak. An ordinary mage wouldn't be able to notice those minute differences. But Lin Yun was different. He had read so many books written in Eternal Ink in the decaying library, as what other books would be able to survive the ravages of time? The unique mana fluctuation was already deeply engraved in his mind, so once he focused on the scroll, it took but an instant for him to notice that this wasn't actually the mana fluctuation of Eternal Ink.

But, if it wasn't the mana fluctuations of Eternal Ink, what was it?

These mana fluctuations were very special, giving him a feeling of liveliness, and Lin Yun had only ever seen these kinds of mana fluctuations on a Spiritual Magic Tool.

'Oh, right, a Spiritual Magic Tool!'

This time, Lin Yun didn't dare to neglect it as he chanted in a low voice, secretly casting Detect Life.

That's right, there was a faint aura of life in the surroundings of the scroll. Although it was a bit weak, that kind of lively feeling couldn't be kept hidden from someone that suspected it was there. Lin Yun was a hundred percent sure that this scroll had a spiritual aura.

But it wasn't actually a Spiritual Magic Tool! Rather, it should be a rumored Spiritual Augment!

Spiritual Augments were similar to Spiritual Magic Tools, as both had spirituality.

But the difference was that a Spiritual Magic Tool's spirituality was bestowed by the alchemist. From the day of its creation, it was already finalized, stable and powerful. But it wouldn't grow. A Spiritual Augment was completely different. Its spirituality couldn't exist by itself. It would have to attach to another Magic Tool, and the stronger the Magic Tool, the faster it would grow. There had been several famous Spiritual Augments in Noscent's history, and when they grew to their limits, their power was not inferior to that of an Extraordinary Magic Tool.

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Chapter 36: Deal

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Just by itself, a Spiritual Magic Tool was more useful than a Spiritual Augment, since after all, a Spiritual Magic Tool had the fighting strength of a High Mage while a Spiritual Augment could even be considered useless if it was not attached to a magic tool.

But once a Spiritual Augment was added to a sufficiently powerful magic tool, this would be reversed. Especially after the Spiritual Augment completely matured, the two couldn't even be compared anymore.

This was why a Spiritual Augment with no inherent fighting power was still far more valuable than a Spiritual Magic Tool with the strength of a High Mage.

When Lin Yun realized that the item in front of his eyes was actually a Spiritual Augment, eagerness filled his face.

"Faleau," he called out, after thinking for a short moment.

Faleau had been using this time to theorize on how the revised formula of the Abyss Potion would work. So far, assuming that his lines of thought were valid, the resulting improvements could only be described as "crazy" because the quality would increase by several times. This kind of potion couldn't even be called an Abyss Potion anymore!

Faced with this incredible outcome, Faleau was stunned. He had been leaning on the table and staring at the papers filled with all kinds of formulas, re-checking them over and over to see whether he had made a mistake. Second check, no mistakes, third check, no mistakes, ninth, tenth… He still didn't find any mistakes. In other words, the outcome of his calculations should definitely be true. The moment he put down those papers, Faleau felt as if a door to a whole new world had been opened in front of him.

Such great happiness was something that only a true alchemist could understand, researching day after day, experimenting year after year… Not being able to take one more step forward in one's alchemy for a long time, when suddenly, that last step would be easily bridged. That sudden happiness even made Faleau wonder whether or not he was in a dream.

"Faleau?" Lin Yun called him twice without getting a reaction, and thus raised his voice impatiently.

"Yes, yes, Mage Merlin, what can I do for you?" When he noticed Lin Yun calling him with a raised voice, Faleau was woken from his dream, and he looked at Lin Yun once more. Apart from the bit of remaining dread in his eyes, there was only yearning and worship. That was yearning for knowledge and worship of wisdom.

"Go to the Sage Tower box on my behalf and let High Mage Solomon know that I can help him pay for half of this Hell Destroyer scroll, and after winning it, the Sage Tower can have it for a month first. During that month, the Sage Tower can copy the scroll and research the incantation as they wish as long as they don't destroy the scroll. And for providing half of the funds to buy it, I will get to keep it permanently after that month."

"Yes, I will take care of this." If it had been in the past, Faleau would still question whether Solomon would accept such unfair conditions. But after checking the theory behind the revised version of the Abyss Potion, Faleau wouldn't do something so stupid. He would have to be crazy to question such a talented future Master Alchemist…

After Faleau left, Lin Yun remained standing as he eyed the scroll on stage while thinking about the Bone Plane…

The Extraordinary Book of Death that Bane used most likely came from the Bone Plane, because an Extraordinary Magic Tool like the Book of Death could only be born in a place like that black wasteland, which was shrouded in death. If everything went smoothly, he had planned to expand toward the depths of the Bone Plane after he grasped that Nether Iron Vein. At that time, the Flashing Gold chamber of commerce should have recovered some strength, giving him the power and resources needed to organize a planar expedition.

As long as he had the strength to survive in the Bone Plane, he would be able to find a way to locate the rumored shortcut and get the Book of Death that had once belonged to Bane.

With the Book of Death and a Spiritual Augment, let alone a High Mage, even an Archmage would have to turn back if he opposed them.

While Lin Yun was immersed in the thoughts of his plans for the future, the box door opened once again. This time, Faleau was accompanied by Solon. When he discovered that the owner of the box was actually Lin Yun, Solon clearly froze for a moment. But he quickly smiled cordially and greeted, "I didn't expect it to be you, Mage Merlin. Teacher Solomon would like to invite you to sit with him, are you free?"

"Of course, it would be my honor." When he saw that Solon had entered, Lin Yun was smiling because he knew that the Spiritual Augment was likely already in his hands.

When the group of three entered the Sage Tower box, Lin Yun found that this time, only Solomon of the Sage Tower's big three had come to the auction. The old man was thin and emaciated. He was sitting in a corner of the box, his thin body somewhat twisted as he burst into a coughing fit from time to time. No matter how one looked at it, he was an old man with one foot in the grave. If not for his reputation, who would know that this was the person who had stood at the peak of Thousand Sails City for over twenty years and held back numerous forces?

"Hello, High Mage Solomon." Lin Yun greeted him courteously, but he couldn't help frowning slightly. The High Mage seemed even less healthy than the Sage Tower was suggesting to the public…

That violent cough was clearly a sign of mana collapse, as each of his coughs was letting out an unstable mana fluctuation.

In this era, there was no solution for mana collapse. For any mage, once they suffered a mana collapse, it meant that their life's efforts had come to an end. For Solomon to still manage to keep his power as a High Mage despite the mana collapse could only be described as a miracle.

But that miracle was probably coming to an end.

Lin Yun estimated that this High Mage who had shaken Thousand Sails City for over twenty years would only live another five years at most. From his cough, Lin Yun could guess that the berserk mana was already destroying his internal organs. Maybe three years, maybe five, but all that was certain was that this powerful High Mage didn't have long to live.

In fact, his grooming of Solon to become the next leader these past few years was already a sign.

"Mage Merlin's insight is much better than I imagined." Solomon was sitting in the corner and did not get up to welcome him. This was quite normal based on his age, as there were few people older than him in all of Thousand Sails City. But when he saw Lin Yun's slight frown, he nodded in understanding.

Because Solomon knew that this young Mage had already seen it…

"You are overpraising me," Lin Yun modestly answered. He didn't exchange too much pleasantry as he was led to his seat by Solon, and he directly went to the core of the matter. "I wonder whether High Mage Solomon has considered my proposal?"

"I have two questions." Solomon displayed two bony fingers while looking at Lin Yun with a faint smile. "First, several hundred thousand gold isn't a small amount. The current Flashing Gold chamber of commerce doesn't seem to be able to come up with this amount. Second, if the Sage Tower also pays for half, why can't the scroll remain with the Sage Tower?"

"Before replying to your first question, I need to introduce Alchemist Faleau to you." Lin Yun called Faleau over and said, "Alchemist Faleau of the Black Horn Auction House. I believe he can give you a satisfactory answer to your first question."

"Indeed, High Mage Solomon, I can guarantee that in this auction, Mage Merlin obtained the Black Horn Auction House's full support. He can win any item he wants."

"Cadgar's insight is pretty good…" After Solomon heard this, he only shook his head with a smile, not inquiring further about it.

"As for your second question…" Lin Yun stopped here and glanced outside the box, before cryptically continuing, "I think it's mostly because you dislike the Ash Tower more than I do."

"Haha…" This answer made Solomon stare at Lin Yun for a long time, and when he saw that Lin Yun was unwavering, the old man stood up and extended his withered right hand. "In that case, Mage Merlin, I wish us a pleasant cooperation."

"To a pleasant cooperation."

After Lin Yun reached an agreement with the Sage Tower, the auction suddenly reached its climax. Upon hearing Lin Yun's offer, Solomon had continued to place some spaced out bids to keep the auction going because he really didn't want to lose to the Ash Tower, even though they had ridiculed him for having such "lousy bid increments".

Sage Tower, Ash Tower, these two major forces fought over the Hell Destroyer spell, and the bid reached 1 300 000 gold. This price made everyone wonder whether these two forces were going crazy. This was the highest price reached in all the auctions so far. Paying such a shocking amount for a badly damaged incantation… Was it really worth it?

"1 400 000 gold."

When Solomon suddenly raised the price by a hundred thousand again, the entire venue was shrouded in silence. Apart from a cold snort from the Ash Tower's box, no other bid came out. After waiting a few moments, Cadgar slowly asked if there were any higher bids three times before the badly damaged incantation was awarded to High Mage Solomon of the Sage Tower.

Thus, Lin Yun would have to pay 700 000 gold for this scroll.

The scroll was quickly brought to Solomon's box, and after Lin Yun glanced at it, he passed it to Solomon. For Lin Yun, the incomplete incantation inscribed on it was insignificant. The important part was the scroll itself. In any case, the scroll would be his one month hence, so it didn't matter whether he had time to inspect it now.

After winning the Hell Destroyer incantation, Lin Yun had been intending to take his leave, but he hadn't expected that this High Mage who always remained alone would actually urge him so resolutely to stay. Lin Yun thought it would be rather awkward to insist on leaving in this situation, so ultimately, he had no choice but to stay.

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Chapter 37: Red Flame Fish Oil

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

The next several items auctioned weren't any of the materials that Lin Yun needed, and Solomon's attention didn't seem to be on the auction at all. The two began an idle chat, and the subject matter quickly turned to magic. Normally, a Mage and a High Mage wouldn't have much in common, since the difference between their realms was too wide.

But on one hand, Lin Yun wasn't an ordinary Mage, and on the other hand, Solomon deliberately showed consideration. Even if he spontaneously brought up a topic, it would be mostly within the realm of what Mages would know about, and even if it was occasionally in the Great Mage realm, he wouldn't go too far or dwell on it.

Both of them had very deep knowledge of magic, and the discussion was very interesting and harmonious.

But unfortunately, this harmonious conversation didn't continue for long.

Because an uninvited guest arrived at the box.

"High Mage Solomon, I am Mason of the Monchi Family. Could you do me the honor of allowing me inside?" Mason stood at the door of the box, fixing his appearance while taking a deep breath.

Mason, who wasn't seen in a good light in the Monchi family these days, finally got the opportunity to represent his whole family. It was easy to imagine what kind of mood he was in.

While standing in front of the door, Mason was thinking that he had to make a proper performance and let Solomon see his outstanding magical talent. And if the revered High Mage was in a cheerful mood, he might even decide to give him a few pointers. He had to make a proper impression to let his father, his older brother, and everyone in Thousand Sails City know that the Monchi clan didn't only have Ryan to represent them.

"Come in." Solomon helplessly shook his head and smiled apologetically to Lin Yun.

"Greetings, High Mage Solomon, I am here on behalf of my father, who…" Mason entered the box with a dignified expression, but just as he was about to repeat the words told to him by his father, he realized that there were two unexpected people here.

Faleau and Mafa!

'Such good luck!' Mason was pleasantly surprised to see the brat here. He had been still thinking of waiting for the auction to be over before dealing with that annoyance. He never thought that his luck would be so good that he would find him in Solomon's box before the auction was even halfway through.

'Solomon's box isn't a place that just anyone can enter as they please! Even I was warned repeatedly by Father to be polite and respectful. Yet this Mafa Merlin dared to appear here, how arrogant is he?' Mason thought. 'That's right, that guy definitely heard that High Mage Solomon was here, so he came over to try his luck and see whether High Mage Solomon would take pity on him and give him the opportunity to learn in the Sage Tower.'

'A trick like this won't escape my notice!' Mason was rather proud of how well he had learned to detect intrigue. 'But this is good. I was worried about not finding you, but you actually delivered yourself to me and even gave me the opportunity to show my intelligence and wisdom before High Mage Solomon!'

Mason took a deep breath and calmed his mood before pointing his finger at Lin Yun and chastising with an expression full of righteousness, "Mafa Merlin, what are you doing here? Why aren't you hurrying out, is this a place you can be in? Can you afford to bother High Mage Solomon's rest?"

As Mason's words trailed off, the box became silent.

Lin Yun and Solomon didn't react at all…

But the look that Faleau had as he stared at Mason… He was completely dumbstruck. 'Wh-what is he even talking about? Is the second son of the Monchi family completely brainless or what? Does he not know that the person he is pointing at is a future Master Alchemist? This is a person that Cadgar personally welcomed and treated politely. To point at him so carelessly and say something like that, he doesn't want to keep his hand, right?'

His attitude could hardly be further from how it had been when he first met Lin Yun.

'Moreover, asking if this is a place he can be in… Damn, if it wasn't for Solomon urging Merlin to stay, we would have already gone back to our box. No wonder half of Monchi's hair already turned white before he turned fifty. It was all due to this idiot son. Truly pathetic. If I had such a stupid son, I would be so ashamed to have to admit our relationship…'

"What? Still not getting out?" Mason didn't seem to notice anyone else's reactions. As he stood there, righteously calling Mafa out, everyone looked at him in silence. He felt that his aura was very mighty at this moment, making him feel quite pleased.

"I'm telling you, you'd better get out immediately. Don't say I'm not giving you any respect, wait until someone throws you out, and you'll understand what it's like to feel really pathetic."

"That's enough, Mason." Seeing that this guy was getting more and more unreasonable, Solomon, who had been enjoying the scene, ultimately put a stop to it. After coughing a few times, he explained, "Mage Merlin is my guest. You've said what your father sent you over for, right?"

"Eh?" Mason was suddenly stunned when he heard that. What kind of situation was this, why was it different from what he expected? He didn't even get to accomplish his task and he had already been dismissed…

'When did that Mafa Merlin become High Mage Solomon's guest? Did High Mage Solomon pity him and deliberately give him a way out? This won't do! I finally got a chance, I can't let him trick High Mage Solomon like this.' Mason quickly said, "That's not it, High Mage Solomon, listen to me, this Mafa Merlin likes to act pathetic to trick people, don't be tricked!"

"Solon, see to the young Monchi." This time, Solomon just ignored Mason's words and directly asked Solon to send him out.

"Young Master Monchi, please follow me."

"High Mage Solomon, listen to me…"

Mason was still struggling to make his case, but unfortunately, Solon was already taking him out of the box. No one really cared what else he had to say. As far as Lin Yun and Solomon were concerned, this was only a minor interlude. Neither of them was concerned about the antics of this second young master of the Monchi Family.

The atmosphere in the box became harmonious once again after Mason's departure. The auction also carried on, and after about half an hour, Lin Yun finally got two of the remaining materials that he needed for the Mana Baptism.

Compared to the previous bidding on the Styx Water, these two purchases went a lot smoother, not attracting the attention of many others. He got them for less than ten thousand gold apiece.

Three of the four materials were already in his hands, and Lin Yun was quite relaxed as he continued to chat idly with Solomon, waiting for the last of the required materials to appear.

While they were talking, knocking sounds could be heard at the door of the box.

This time, it was Monchi himself, followed by a dejected Mason. The young lad had probably been properly taught a lesson by Monchi after his return. Although he still looked at Lin Yun with indignation, he didn't dare to open his mouth.

"I am truly sorry, High Mage Solomon, I failed to discipline my son Mason and he offended you and your guest. I'm here to apologize on his behalf."

Monchi had his head lowered as he entered. Even though Solomon didn't put much weight to the matter, as he sympathized with the woes of parenting, even if he cared, he wouldn't make things awkward for Monchi now, especially since Mafa hadn't seemed to mind the raving.

"A trivial matter, President Monchi didn't need to come here personally for that." Solomon smiled politely while shaking his head. As if just remembering, he brought up another subject. "Oh right, President Monchi, Mason said you needed something, I wonder what it is?"

"Haha, it is also a trivial matter…" Monchi let out a dry laugh, inwardly cursing to himself that the old geezer Solomon was clearly playing dumb. 'I clearly looked for you for an important matter. Otherwise, how could I let Mason pass a message instead of waiting for the end of the auction? But that old geezer is good, he asked me about it in front of so many people. Damn, it's not like I can ask whether he wants to conspire against the remains of the Merlin house while we're in front of so many people…'

But even though Monchi was inwardly cursing, a smile was still plastered on his face. "Oh right, High Mage Solomon, I haven't congratulated you yet for managing to obtain that Hell Destroyer scroll. I believe that the achievements of the Sage Tower will rise another step with this scroll. It's truly worth celebrating."

"Haha, it's only a badly damaged Hell Destroyer incantation. If not for the fact that the people from the Ash Tower were determined to get it, I might not have gotten so heated in the bidding."

Hearing the two old foxes putting on their acts, Lin Yun was getting somewhat annoyed, but it felt too awkward to say that he wanted to leave, so he could only sit there and endure, longing for his last acquisition to appear on the stage. Once he got it, he would take his leave from the box.

Fortunately, Lin Yun didn't have to wait long.

A few minutes after, the fourth reagent that he needed for the Mana Baptism appeared.

"Next item, a bottle of Red Flame Fish Oil."

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Chapter 38: Million

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

After Cadgar announced that the next item was the Red Flame Fish Oil, Lin Yun suddenly became lively. In fact, it wasn't just Lin Yun; the eyes of the numerous alchemists of the venue instantly fell upon that small glass bottle. The bottle on the auction stand was the size of a person's thumb and was filled with a red liquid. This was the rumored Red Flame Fish Oil.

The Red Flame Fish Oil didn't add any special effects, but it could neutralize the negative reactions between all kinds of materials. This was something of incalculable value to any alchemist. A peak Alchemist could rely on a bottle of Red Flame Fish Oil to compound a potion of the Great Alchemist rank, while a peak Great Alchemist could even touch the realm of a Master Alchemist with a bottle of Red Flame Fish Oil.

This was like raising the best potion one could make by an entire rank!

Moreover, Red Flame Fish Oil was extremely rare on the market. Even an event like the Black Horn Auction hadn't seen the slightest shadow of Red Flame Fish Oil for several years.

Nothing could be done about it, as Red Flame Fish could only be found in the sea neighboring Spark Island. This wasn't a place one could casually visit, as there would frequently be King Level Sea Beasts roaming the place. If an ordinary mercenary group entered that part of the sea, they would probably be swallowed by a frightening Sea Beast within a few minutes. Without one or two powerful High Mages to keep watch, they simply couldn't go there, and if insisted on going anyways, they would be throwing their lives away.

Furthermore, the Red Flame Fish wasn't easy to handle either. They had no fighting strength, but they naturally had extremely high temperatures and always moved in groups, often numbering in the thousands. When they swam together, the entire area around them would be constantly boiling and even many frightening King Level Sea Beasts weren't willing to appear in front of them.

A group of Red Flame Fish swimming through the vast sea, causing the water to boil wherever they went… No matter how powerful a fleet was, in front of this terrifying power, they might have trouble just surviving.

The one who procured this small bottle of Red Flame Fish Oil had likely suffered great difficulties in procuring it.

The alchemists in the venue instantly sank into a fanatical state once this bottle of Red Flame Fish Oil appeared in the auction.

Cadgar had yet to declare the starting price when a middle-aged alchemist called out his bid of one hundred thousand gold.

"Hey, Alchemist Mana, you are a bit too anxious…" Cadgar rubbed his forehead, not knowing whether to laugh or cry at the alchemist's reaction.

"I can't do anything about it, all my liquid assets add up to a total of a hundred thousand gold. I can't compete with others, so I might as well call the first price to get over it…" This middle-aged man named Mana had a pretty good attitude, and following Cadgar's teasing, he actually pointed at the rest of the venue and smiled bitterly, somewhat easing the tension brought by the Red Flame Fish Oil.

"Haha, very well. Since Alchemist Mana already made an offer, then the starting price of this bottle of Red Flame Fish Oil will be one hundred thousand gold, and the minimum bid increment will be ten thousand."

"One hundred fifty thousand gold."

"One hundred seventy thousand."

"Two hundred thousand gold…"Cadgar had barely finished his sentence when voices began calling out their bids. The relatively poor Alchemist Mana truly didn't have the chance to bid.

Lin Yun knew that he wouldn't get this one without spending a large amount.

"Three hundred thousand gold." Just as Lin Yun was hesitating on whether he should bid early or wait, Monchi announced a new price.

Lin Yun closed his mouth.

'Good, even the Monchi Family wants this item. It seems that this Red Flame Fish Oil truly won't be sold for a low price.'

Lin Yun's guess was right. Monchi's bid couldn't quell the fervor of the many alchemists, as it was immediately followed by a bid of four hundred fifty thousand. The jump in price was crazily high.

"700 000 gold."

When Monchi increased the price to 700 000, the enthusiasm of the alchemists began to cool down. That price was truly a bit too high, and many of the alchemists who had just wanted to try putting in a bid were eliminated at this point. The only ones left that could participate were a few Great Alchemists.

Because the average alchemist couldn't afford this kind of money, even if this bottle of Red Flame Fish Oil could let them compound a potion that exceeded their level, it would only be a Great Alchemist level potion. Such a potion wouldn't sell for enough to warrant such a high price.

But if it was for a Master level potion, this bottle of Red Flame Fish Potion could still be considered a decent investment at its current price.

Obviously, Monchi was very pleased with the price he had quoted. After the venue calmed down, Monchi slowly sat down at his seat, faintly leaning toward the back of his chair and smiling as if everything was going as planned.

But that smile didn't last long as the young Mage sitting not far from him stood up.

"800 000 gold."

The smile on Monchi's face became strange.

Monchi had considered many possible turns that the bidding war could have taken, such as the Great Alchemist of the Silver Moon Mercenaries bidding against him, or Solomon deciding to join in, or Thorpe wishing to acquire it. He'd even considered the possibility that Cadgar would personally try to bid, but Monchi definitely hadn't thought that after his bid of 700 000 gold, the young Merlin would place the next bid.

This was 800 000 gold after all, not 80 000 gold or 8000 gold!

A few months ago, that young Merlin couldn't even pay the debt to his uncle and had almost been forced to give up his house. How could he suddenly place a bid of 800 000 gold now?

'What's going on?'

Monchi couldn't make sense of this. 'Did I guess wrong? Was that Merlin brat not backed up by Faleau of the Black Horn Auction? It might really be the case…'

He glanced around the box again and noted, 'Mafa Merlin is clearly sitting next to Solomon while Faleau was sitting with Solon. This obviously shows his status relative to the others here. In this box, Solomon and Merlin have far higher status than Solon and Faleau.'

'What's more, even if Faleau is thought highly of by Cadgar, he definitely can't take out a huge sum of 800 000 gold. This Mafa Merlin definitely has another source of funding.'

'But if it's not Faleau, who is it? Solomon?'

At this point, Monchi gave Solomon a suspicious glance.

Solomon grinned as he noticed the strange look, but simply turned a blind eye.

This time, Solomon's mood was actually quite good, especially when he saw Monchi's puzzled expression.

"850 000 gold." Monchi was thinking, but unfortunately, the auction wouldn't wait, so he had no choice but to make a new bid after some hesitation.

This was a price that was already painful to Monchi. The Twin Moons chamber of commerce was extremely rich in Thousand Sails City, and their wealth couldn't be easily challenged. But paying so much for a bottle of Red Flame Fish Oil couldn't but make him feel bad.

And without giving him any time to feel better, that wretched Merlin's voice echoed again.

"900 000 gold."

Monchi frowned and stared at Lin Yun for a while before asking in a cold voice, "It seems that Mage Merlin is quite interested in this bottle of Red Flame Fish Oil?"

"It's not bad," Lin Yun calmly said while thinking, 'You two old foxes have been acting for a while, shouldn't it be my turn now?'

When he heard Lin Yun's nonchalant answer, Monchi frowned, and a twitching vein could be seen on his forehead.

But regardless of what happened, the competition for the Red Flame Fish Oil would continue, as this was something that the Great Alchemist of his family wanted.

"950 000 gold," Monchi bid. Every syllable gave him the urge to spit blood.

"1 000 000 gold."

But immediately, another bid was made. And it still came from the young Mage next to him. Monchi couldn't accept this. Monchi very much wanted to ask, 'Isn't your Flashing Gold chamber of commerce nearly bankrupt, how could you act so improper at an auction? It would be fine if it was others, but how could you do this to me, the family head of the Monchi Family!'

"1 100 000 golds!" Monchi clenched his teeth and added another hundred thousand gold to the bid, hoping that it would scare away that wretched Mafa Merlin.

But…

"1 200 000 gold."

"…" Monchi's face was already pale. He looked at Lin Yun with murder in his eyes. His next words didn't contain the slightest hint of hypocritical courtesy, only dripping unconcealed hostility. "Mage Merlin, going against the Monchi Family isn't a wise decision."

"Haha, the weather is pretty good today."

"Good, good, good…" Monchi muttered three times in a row and suddenly stood up, before taking Mason and leaving the Sage Tower's box. He didn't even bid farewell to Solomon on his way out.

"President Monchi's poise is truly…" Looking at Monchi's retreating back, Lin Yun made a sneering comment but trailed off.

"Haha…" Solomon smiled, not denying his words, yet not agreeing.

In fact, the doubt in Solomon's heart wasn't inferior to Monchi's.

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Chapter 39: Finale

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Although the two had never been in contact, Solomon had started paying attention to this young Mage a few months ago. At that time, that young Mage had sent a bottle of Spectrum Potion to the Sage Tower and came out with a pass with the highest privileges. He then used it to stay in the library for about two months.

During these two months, although Solomon didn't visit the library, Solon had brought him information about the young man every day: what kind of book Mage Merlin had read that day, notes on what Mage Merlin did the next day, what kind of opinion Mage Merlin shared the day after that…

Solomon even remembered some things that Lin Yun didn't necessarily remember.

Because Solomon knew that this young Mage was very remarkable, far more remarkable than anyone thought.

Solon didn't even know that that first day, when he brought Lin Yun's opinion on the Fanrusen Formula, Solomon had returned to his study to write a letter to Star Sage Jouyi.

There were four pieces of data in this letter and it quickly led to an upsurge of discussion in the circles of mages across the kingdom. It wasn't only Star Sage Jouyi, it wasn't just the Cloud Tower… Many powerful mages interested in the Fanrusen Formula began participating in this discussion though letters, and even more mages started acknowledging that these four pieces of data might very well fix the errors of the Fanrusen Formula. Many had sent their congratulations to Solomon because they felt that the information he had shared constituted a major discovery that would be recorded in the annals of magic.

Reading these congratulatory messages, Solomon could only force a smile…

Only Solomon himself knew that these four pieces of data didn't belong to him, but rather, to a young Mage that was only 20 years old…

But Solomon wasn't sure whether that young Mage had calculated and analyzed these four pieces of data himself or if he had heard about it from someone else.

Thus, for the moment, Solomon could only urge him to stay and try to bring up the topic of magic during their idle chat, trying to probe him and see whether this young Mage's magic knowledge was really deep enough to clearly understand the mistakes in the Fanrusen Formula.

It was hard to say for the time being, but one thing was certain: that young Mage was definitely much better acquainted with magic theory than his peers.

He was even sure that it surpassed the Great Mage realm, because in the discussion just now, Solomon felt that this young Mage was definitely holding back and not fully showing off what he knew and understood.

But even this much was frightening enough.

A 20-year-old with the knowledge of a Great Mage…

And given time, let alone his disciple Solon, even Ryan of the Monchi Family might be left in the dust.

Right now, this young Mage was frantically competing over alchemy materials, just as some incredible potions appeared.

What did this mean…

Solomon had already been having some suspicions about whether the Great Alchemist backing the young Merlin actually existed… Could the alchemist actually be Mafa Merlin himself?

Two months ago, Solomon would never have believed this. The reason was very simple: everyone knew that a good mage wasn't necessarily a good alchemist, but a good alchemist was definitely a good mage. This might sound weird, but it was well-backed by history.

Alchemy originally came from magic, and the deeper the alchemy, the deeper the magic knowledge needed to be. Many theories, many conclusions couldn't be understood without enough magic knowledge, and some fields of alchemy required enough mana to conduct them.

Choosing a very simple example, one of the Sage Tower's three big shots, Thorpe. Before advancing to become a High Mage, Thorpe had been stuck at the peak of the Alchemist level for ten years. But when he became a High Mage, his alchemy suddenly advanced by leaps and bounds, and in a month, he was also a Great Alchemist.

Mafa Merlin had just become a Mage, so how could he have the level of a Great Alchemist?

But now, Solomon was really doubtful.

A Mage with the knowledge of a Great Mage… in theory, he should already have the ability to craft the Spectrum Potion.

Moreover, he was now going all-out bidding on a few alchemy materials…

Solomon was sitting in the corner of the box, bursting into a violent cough from time to time. Finally, his eyes, which had been so filled with hesitation, suddenly became resolute.

The bidding on the Red Flame Fish Oil had already come to an end, and Lin Yun had used 1 200 000 gold to get the last material needed for his Mana Baptism.

Once he got hold of the Red Flame Fish Oil, the auction was already over for Lin Yun. But to many people, it had just begun.

Because the last item would be the grand finale.

This was a tradition of the Black Horn Auction. The most precious and shocking items would be auctioned at the end, both as a way to increase the suspense, and a way to express respect. It was like how in a story, the most important character would always appear last to save the day.

"The next lot is the finale of the auction," Cadgar said while lifting the silk cloth that was on the pedestal, exposing a red potion and a black potion. "I introduce to everyone, the Volcano Potion and the Ghost Potion."

"Oh my god…"

"Is that really a Volcano Potion and a Ghost Potion?"

"How could these appear in Thousand Sails City!"

Cadgar had yet to finish when the entire venue broke into a commotion. If one could say that the auction of the Hell Destroyer incantation and the Red Flame Fish Oil had created a stir, then what these two potions brought was an explosive shock.

Most of the people who attended the Black Horn Auction were very knowledgeable, so how could they not know of the famous Volcano Potion and Ghost Potion?

In fact, this wasn't as simple as hearing about it…

These two potions approaching the Master Alchemist Level had already become legendary existences in the hearts of these people. Able to make mana burst like a volcano, the Volcano Potion that could let a Great Mage instantaneously reach the High Mage realm… Able to turn the body into nothingness, the Ghost Potion that made one immune to injuries… These two potions could be said to be at the peak of the Great Alchemist realm. Any Great Alchemist that mastered these two potions would be able to tread on the path to become a Master Alchemist.

Moreover, a Great Alchemist that reached this level wouldn't compound these potions rashly, firstly because the materials were prohibitively expensive, preventing many Great Alchemists from being able to afford it, and secondly because these two potions required a lot of time and effort to create. It would usually take somewhere from a dozen days to a month to compound one. If anything went wrong, the time and money invested would be wasted.

The appearance of either of these two potions would attract countless forces, and they wouldn't hesitate to empty their coffers to obtain them.

And now, the two potions appeared at the same time.

Could there suddenly be two Great Alchemists with the potential to become Master Alchemists that appeared at the same time in Thousand Sails City? Or was it the same person?

"I think that everyone must feel strange… Since there are two potions, why are they being auctioned together?" Cadgar said this before shamelessly stopping there to build suspense. He waited for everyone to be on the edge of their seat before he unhurriedly said, "The reason is simply that these two potions were compounded by the same person."

The same person!

The shock caused by this answer was no less than the initial shock of seeing the two potions themselves. Compounding one such potion was already a very formidable feat, and yet someone had actually compounded both of them together? What was that? Was this person just deliberately trying to shock people?

"But I can let everyone know that this future Master is very very young, a lot younger than you imagine…"

Cadgar explained up to this point before stopping. No matter how much people asked, he wouldn't agree to leak another word about it. An old fox like Cadgar knew what he should say and what he shouldn't.

Saying that the same person made both potions was fine, and teasing their young age was fine too. It was only to raise the price of the potions, giving them a certain flavor. He would run into issues if he said any more. He managed to get closer to Mage Merlin before the Sage Tower with great difficulty, but before he established a solid relationship, Cadgar wouldn't put this future Master Alchemist in the limelight. That would be counterproductive…

Cadgar's flashy and merciless introduction piqued everyone's interest…

Two potions infinitely close to the Master Alchemist realm and compounded by the same person, Cadgar had actually come up with such a fierce finale for this auction!

Cadgar himself was a Great Alchemist brimming with talent. He was only 40 years old when he stepped into the Great Alchemist realm, and now, Cadgar even used the words "younger than you imagine" to describe the mysterious alchemist… Just how young was the alchemist who compounded these potions?

35 years old? Maybe even 30 years old? Younger still?

Just thinking that this might be the case made everyone in the venue feel numb.

All these people sitting in the auction room weren't simple characters. There was no lack of leaders from major forces here. They had many alchemists themselves, so how could they not know how hard it was to nurture a talented alchemist?

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Chapter 40: Sky-High Price

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Regardless of how talented an Apprentice Alchemist was, they needed time to mature. The abstruse and unfathomable alchemy theories and the boundless sea of alchemy formulas both needed a lot of time to digest and understand. Many Apprentice Alchemists failed to ever become full-fledged Alchemists.

It could be said that a 30-year-old Alchemist was a rare talent.

As for someone like Cadgar that had become a Great Alchemist at the age of forty, he was unique in Thousand Sails City.

But now, Cadgar himself had described this Great Alchemist that had compounded a Ghost Potion and a Volcano Potion as "younger than they could imagine"…

Although Cadgar didn't say how young the person was, everyone here could more or less guess that the age was younger than 35, or else Cadgar wouldn't have exaggerated so much.

The Black Horn Auction House had already taken root in Thousand Sails City for twenty years, so everyone present knew of the character of the Chief Auctioneer. This Chief Auctioneer had always been rigorous, and even during an auction, Cadgar had never excessively exaggerated the introduction of an item being auctioned.

When Cadgar said that there was only one of some item, even if you searched all of Noscent, you definitely wouldn't find a second identical item.

It was the same now.

Cadgar had said that this was a Great Alchemist younger than they'd imagine, so this Great Alchemist was definitely no older than 35.

Thinking about it, a Great Alchemist that was younger than 35 and could enter the realm of a Master anytime, such a crazy possibility made everyone in the audience feel feverish. They all made guesses and discussed the possibilities. The interest that these forces held toward this future Master Alchemist even surpassed the value of the two potions themselves.

In just a few minutes, there were at least seven or eight major figures that had called for their most trusted and capable subordinates, whispering them some orders.

In short, before bidding even started on the final lot, it had already caused a huge commotion across the entire venue.

"The following two potions will start at the low price of three hundred thousand gold, and the minimum bid increment is thirty thousand gold."

Seeing that he had reached the effect he wanted to achieve, Cadgar officially called for bids on the final lot with a pleased smile.

"1 000 000 gold." Cadgar's words had just finished when a voice came out from a box on the second floor. "These two potions will belong to our Ash Tower."

The voice that announced the bid was the one who had bid against Solomon for the Hell Destroyer incantation.

The hatred and hostility between the Sage Tower and Ash Tower could be traced back to the distant 3rd Dynasty. These two forces residing in the eastern part of the kingdom were constantly fighting each other. They fought over everything, natural resources, talents, knowledge, equipment, they were completely unscrupulous in their attempts to suppress each other.

As early as several hundred years ago, there was a large-scale war which resulted in many mages losing their lives. It also planted the seeds of hatred in the hearts of the survivors. Although there had been no open conflicts for the next hundred-plus years, the battles in the dark were even more intense than they had been before the great war.

Since the Ash Tower had placed a bid, the Sage Tower would naturally follow, unwilling to fall behind.

Although the Hell Destroyer incantation had cost 1 400 000 gold, half of it had been covered by Lin Yun, so Solomon still had enough funds to put up a fight for something of this caliber.

"You said these potions would belong to the Ash Tower?" Cadgar had yet to say anything when Solomon's coughing voice came out of the Sage Tower box. "1 100 000 gold."

This clear provocation was a challenge to the Ash Tower's reputation, so how could the Ash Tower allow that? A cold snort came out before another bid followed.

"1 300 000 gold."

"1 400 000 gold."

"1 500 000 gold."

"1 600 000 gold."

"1 700 000 gold."The two men kept outbidding each other, and in no time at all, the price had reached 1 700 000 gold without anyone else getting involved. This was such a big venue with so many forces, yet no one else had placed a bid.

Who didn't know that these two eastern forces were irreconcilable adversaries? It seemed that they were fighting over two potions right now, but they were mainly suppressing each other.

This auction was akin to a battle between two major magic forces.

But it wasn't as if everyone was scared of these two forces. All those sitting here today were great and influential figures. If they found something that they felt was worth it and was highly beneficial to them, they would go for it even if they risked offending another power.

The problem was that they hadn't reached that stage yet.

The ownership of the two potions had yet to be decided, so offending two forces at once wasn't such a good idea.

It was better to wait.

Wait until the outcome of their battle was decided, and it wouldn't be too late to bid afterwards. No matter how overbearing the two forces were, it wouldn't stop others from participating, right? Even if they could threaten them, could they threaten the Black Horn Auction House too?

Thus, everyone waited for one of the sides to drop out of the bidding war.

Fortunately, it didn't last long.

Once the price reached 1 700 000 gold, Solomon couldn't keep bidding. There was nothing he could do about it, as even if Lin Yun shared half of the expenses of the Hell Destroyer, he still had to pay 700 000 gold for it. This wasn't a small amount. Spending another 2 000 000 gold on two potions wasn't something that the Sage Tower could handle.

Of course, even if they couldn't handle it, Solomon definitely wouldn't just directly admit defeat.

"Forget it, the Sage Tower doesn't lack those two potions, I shall take pity on your Ash Tower and let you have them…"

And the High Mage from the Ash Tower only sneered back.

This bidding war between the two forces definitely ended up as a win for the Ash Tower.

But the win of the Ash Tower didn't mean that the auction for the two potions had ended. On the contrary, the true auction could finally begin.

Just as expected, Solomon's withdrawal was followed by a new bid.

"1 800 000 gold."

Lin Yun glanced toward the source of the voice and saw that the bid had come from a middle-aged man that seemed to be about 40 years old with a tall stature and a stern gaze. He was carrying a dark greatsword on his back. A thick, bloody smell came from the greatsword. He was definitely a powerful person that had been through an abundance of slaughter, as only such a person could handle the murderous weapon on his back.

"That is Sasu, Silver Moon Mercenary Group's Leader." The blow of losing the auction to the Ash Tower didn't seem as great as many would imagine. Solomon was smiling. When he saw a bit of puzzlement in Lin Yun's face, he patiently explained, "During your father's time, he cooperated a lot with them. The Silver Moon Mercenary Group's wealth isn't ordinary. Watch, the Ash Tower will quickly end up crying…"

"2 000 000 gold."

The middle-aged High Mage felt like weeping. When he placed the bid, his voice was hoarse. Although he had defeated Solomon, the Ash Tower couldn't keep going. 2 000 000 gold wasn't a small amount at all. Even a major force like the Ash Tower would take a large hit if they had to pay out so much money.

"2 500 000 gold."When the price reached 2 500 000 gold, there was a long pause, during which the Ash Tower seemed to be struggling, before they placed a bid of 2 600 000 gold.

But right as they bid…

"3 000 000 gold."

This time, the Ash Tower box was completely silent.

It wasn't just the Ash Tower…

The entire venue was silent. Everyone was looking at Sasu with shock and disbelief. Before the bidding had begun no one would have expected such a shocking number. This was 3 000 000 gold, if invested in any industry of Thousand Sails City, it would be enough to cause an earthquake.

That's right, the two potions on the pedestal could be described as valuable, it could even be said that they were some of the finest items ever auctioned at the Black Horn Auction House, but no matter how valuable or how great they were, were they worth such a huge amount?

3 000 000 gold was enough to invite a real Master Alchemist…

If someone else did this, many of those in the venue might think that person was a lunatic, but this was Sasu. Sasu's insight had been famous in Thousand Sails City. In over a dozen years, none of his decisions had turned out to be mistakes, including investing in the Flashing Gold chamber of commerce and having a good relationship with the Sage Tower. In one matter after another, people felt like he had made a crazy choice, but afterwards, they saw that the vision of the leader of the Silver Moon Mercenaries was far-reaching.

Could it be that it was the same for these two potions?

Thinking of this, a few people who still had the means to compete couldn't help but be swayed…

But even if they were swayed, this was 3 000 000 gold, after all. Their spirit of competitiveness just rose up for a bit before falling again.

3 000 000 gold was a bid that scared everyone.

"Leader Sasu of the Silver Moon Mercenaries has placed a bid for 3 000 000 gold, is there anyone willing to bid higher?" At this time, Cadgar had a slightly flushed face on stage, and his voice was a bit louder than usual.

Although the Black Horn Auction House had made quite a few huge sales in these past few years, to have an auction that would have bid increments of hundreds of thousands before finally reaching 3 000 000 gold, it was the first time even for Cadgar himself.

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With this, Mage Merlin would definitely be pleased.

Most importantly, with this favorable cooperation as a start, this future Master Alchemist would most likely consider the Black Horn Auction first for future endeavors. This was the true reason for Cadgar's cheerful mood. Cooperating with a Great Alchemist that would soon step on the path of a Master Alchemist was something that every auction house yearned for, and it seemed that this could be the start of a very friendly relationship.

A friendly relationship with a future Master Alchemist…

The endless possibilities made Cadgar feel cheerful just thinking about it, as he slowly raised the auction hammer in his hand.

"In that case, 3 000 000 gold going once, 3 000 000 gold going twice…"

"High Mage Cadgar, please wait!" Just as Cadgar was about to seal the deal, a young mage entered the venue in a hurry.

The newcomer was Ryan, the eldest son of the Monchi Family, the one who was known for becoming a Great Mage before the age of 30.

"Alright then, it seems that the Monchi Family needs a little bit of time…" When Cadgar heard this, his eyes were shining. How could he not agree? He watched Ryan entering the box on one side while making some jokes.

Cadgar knew that Ryan's arrival definitely meant a new bid.

Sure enough, the bid was quickly announced.

"4 000 000 gold, our Monchi Family is willing to buy these two potions for 4 000 000 gold."When this price was announced, the venue went silent once again. They had been shocked time and time again tonight. This auction was so different from any they had seen before. Disbelief was plastered on the faces of all the guests and some even pinched themselves to make sure they weren't dreaming.

4 000 000 gold, this couldn't be described as only extremely expensive anymore. In the history of the Black Horn Auction House, such a shocking price had never appeared. And also, this had already far surpassed the proper value for these potions. Even just spending this money to get close to a genuine Master Alchemist wouldn't be worth this much.

The box of the Monchi Family was tightly shut, but everyone's eyes were fixated on that place, staring as if they wanted to see through the wall.

Why would Monchi, who hadn't bid before, suddenly bid 4 000 000 after Ryan's arrival?

Crazy, this was really crazy.

Faced with such a crazy price, even the Silver Moon Mercenary Group of Thousand Sails City couldn't fight it. Sasu stood there stupefied, almost raising his hand several times, but he ultimately lowered it and said with a regretful face, "I give up."

"Then, 4 000 000 gold going once, 4 000 000 gold going twice, 4 000 000 going three times, sold! Congratulations, President Monchi of the Twin Moons chamber of commerce. You have won a Volcano Potion and a Ghost Potion for 4 000 000 gold."

The hammer in Cadgar's hand fell down as he announced the end of the auction.

But at this point, no one cared about that. They were all wondering if there was something wrong with Monchi… Why would he bid so much just for these two potions?

Even some people inside the Monchi family's box were thinking that way.

"No way… 4 000 000 gold just for two potions?" Mason was sitting there, staring at the two potions delivered by the Black Horn Auction House, his mouth wide open from shock. 4 000 000 gold, that was 4 000 000 gold… If the one sitting in front of him wasn't his father, Mason might have gone over to check whether he had a fever or not…

"What do you know?" Due to being in a good mood after successfully getting the two potions, Monchi surprisingly didn't get angry at Mason's question. He only glanced at his younger son and said, "This is what your uncle wants."

"Uncle?" The fearless Mason turned deathly pale when he heard that word.

Any outsiders might think that the most important person of the Monchi Family was the one in charge of the Twin Moons chamber of commerce, or perhaps Ryan, the future High Mage that the Monchi family would rely on in the future.

But the three members of the Monchi Family inside the box knew that the true support of the Monchi Family was neither Monchi nor Ryan. It was actually Monchi's younger brother, who was part of the Black Tower.

Apart from a limited few members of the Monchi family, nobody in Thousand Sails City knew that Monchi had a younger brother called Solan Monchi. But he had been taken away by a mage of the Black Tower when he was born, and he didn't even return when their father died. He had been forgotten by most over the course of almost 50 years. This matter was the biggest secret of the Monchi family.

A dozen years ago, Solan came back to Thousand Sails City one time, and after having a long talk with Monchi, he took Ryan away with him for the next dozen years. When Ryan came back, he became a Great Mage that was not yet thirty.

Monchi's feelings toward his younger brother were very complicated. He felt some unfamiliarity, some respect, and even some dread, because he had power that Monchi couldn't even imagine.

But Monchi knew that even if the whole Monchi family was burnt to the ground one day, as long as Solan was still there, the family could be rebuilt overnight.

Monchi never doubted Solan's words. Even when Solan told Monchi to find a way to get the house that Locke Merlin left behind, he immediately sought out Fario. Now, Solan urged him to get the two potions, so he immediately bid 4 000 000 gold for them.

"Uncle… What did Uncle say?"

"You shouldn't ask what you shouldn't ask."

"Yes…"

After giving Mason an unhappy glare, Monchi slowly sat down and looked at the two potions…

Locke Merlin had already died, and the Flashing Gold chamber of commerce had already collapsed.

It was time for the Monchi family to get involved in the alchemy business.

This was the true reason that Monchi spent 4 000 000 gold to win these two potions.

The Monchi Family wanted to take over the alchemy market of Thousand Sails City. It wasn't a new goal. At first, the Monchis couldn't get much of the market share because of Locke Merlin and his Flashing Gold chamber of commerce. But ever since the death of Locke Merlin and the fall of the Flashing Gold chamber of commerce, the Monchi Family's desire to annex the alchemy market was getting stronger every day.

For this reason, Monchi had already written a few dozen letters to Solan, wanting to get some support from the Black Tower. But unfortunately, Solan also had his own things to deal with and had never given Monchi an answer in the affirmative.

Until now.

The sudden appearance of the two potions made Monchi realize that this might be an opportunity, and thus, he immediately sent someone to notify Ryan and have him contact Solan to inform him of the existence of the potions. And just as expected, after hearing Ryan's explanation, the two potions immediately caught the attention of the higher-ups of the Black Tower.

Immediately afterwards, Ryan brought Solan's words back to Monchi at the venue, and the price of these two potions went up to 4 000 000 gold.

To Monchi, the support of the Black Tower was far more important. In contrast, what was 4 000 000 gold to him? As long as he was able to take over the alchemy market left behind by the Flashing Gold chamber of commerce, let alone spending 4 000 000 gold, he would even be willing to go bankrupt.

The potential profits of an alchemy business… Monchi was very clear about this.

"Oh right, Ryan…" Monchi suddenly remembered that the Gilded Rose was also still in the alchemy market, so he told his older son, "Pay attention to the movements of the Gilded Rose, I keep having a feeling that there is something wrong with that Merlin kid."

In fact, Monchi didn't pay much attention to Merlin at the start. Even if he brought about the recovery of the Gilded Rose, even if he made the 9th Rank Mage go home with his tail between his legs, in Monchi's eyes, these things weren't too alarming. A small Gilded Rose, a newly advanced Mage, Monchi could have him crushed like an ant just by raising his hand.

But today, Monchi suddenly felt some uncertainty…

At the start, that kid won the Styx Water with fifty thousand gold. Monchi had been worried about whether another force was getting involved, which might make it difficult for him to get his hands on that old house, but afterwards, Lin Yun fought him for the Red Flame Fish Oil, and surprisingly used 1 200 000 gold. There was no mistake there, he bid 1 200 000 gold and then received the item. Even when Locke Merlin was alive, getting such a large amount wasn't easy, not to mention the fact that a few months ago, Mafa Merlin couldn't even produce eight thousand gold to pay his debt.

Monchi was sure that this time, there was definitely a problem with Mafa Merlin.

This time, Monchi was completely on guard, he hadn't paid attention to the small Gilded Rose before, but he couldn't continue like that. No one could be clearer about the shipwreck of Locke Merlin than Monchi. If he ignored the Gilded Rose and let Mafa Merlin grow, he would regret it sooner or later.

Fortunately, there should still be time…

After Monchi gave instructions to Ryan, he looked back at the two potions. 'Since your Gilded Rose is in the alchemy business, when those two Great Alchemists arrive, your Gilded Rose will be completely uprooted.'

Monchi sank into contemplation while Mason was growing very anxious. The auction had been over for a while, so why did his father look as if he had no plans to leave? 'What should I do? If I waste time, that Merlin kid will definitely get away, I might not have such a good opportunity next time.'

Mason was jittery and restless for a long time before he finally found a reason to slip away.

Of course, this wasn't because Mason was quick-witted and managed to find an exceptionally good reason; it was because Monchi's mind was filled with thoughts of how to deal with the Gilded Rose. He had no time to spend on that kid, that's all.

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Chapter 42: Are You Hungry?

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

"Let's go, this young master will help you vent your anger." Mason took Jonathan with him as he left the box. He called a few of the mercenaries hired by the Monchi family. There was one with pretty decent strength named Mengsk, a 9th Rank Swordsman whose status in the family wasn't low. With such a capable subordinate protecting him, Mason felt a hundred percent safe. His eyes scanned across the venue as he tried to look for Mafa Merlin.

At this moment, Mason was already plotting, 'After finding that Merlin, I'll ask him if he wants to eat two glass bottles, or if he wants to eat two glass bottles and then be beaten up.'

Mason brought his group and looked around the venue for a long time.

It was so hard to find him because after the end of the auction, Cadgar invited Lin Yun to a reception room.

"Mage Merlin, your potions sold for a total of 4 000 000 gold. After deducting the 2 000 000 gold you used in the auctions, as well as the hundred twenty thousand gold in auctions fees, you earned a total of 1 880 000 gold. You can withdraw the amount in any place in Noscent affiliated with the Black Horn chamber of commerce."

When Cadgar handed over the crystal card, he was smiling while squinting. When he looked at Lin Yun, it felt as if he wasn't looking at a living person, but a walking and talking bag of gold.

It wasn't surprising that Cadgar would act like that…

A Master Alchemist could turn anything he touched into gold. Any materials he got his hands on could be changed into something magical that would create miracles. To be able to establish a cooperative relationship with such an alchemist was a rare opportunity.

Today's two potions were the perfect example. The final price was 4 000 000 gold, and the Black Horn Auction's fees were 3%… This 3% couldn't be overlooked, considering the size of the sale. It was almost the equivalent to the price of an Inheritance Magic Tool, and the auction house had earned that amount just with Cadgar's words.

Not to mention how much the incredible sales promoted the name of the auction house…

The auction just now was the perfect example. Two potions infinitesimally close to the Master Alchemist level were sold for 4 000 000 gold. It was enough to shake the eastern regions. In the next auction, there would inevitably be more alchemists and more wealthy patrons.

Who didn't hope to sell their wares at a high price, and who didn't want to buy the best things for themselves?

And everything was brought to them by this young Mage.

Cadgar's smile became even brighter as he reminded, "Mage Merlin, if you have anything good, don't forget to auction it at our Black Horn Auction."

"Of course, of course." Lin Yun was very clear about Cadgar's thoughts, but this was also a good thing for Lin Yun.

As a Mage, Lin Yun's needs in terms of magic materials could be described as bottomless, and in the entire Thousand Sails City, the place with the largest amount of rare items was without a doubt the Black Horn Auction House. Establishing a good relationship with this force would save Lin Yun a lot of time.

To a mage, time had always been the most valuable resource. Since Cadgar took the initiative to mention it, how could Lin Yun not agree?

The two men hit it off, and after a bit of discussion, established a cooperative relationship.

Afterwards, Lin Yun gave a list to Cadgar.

It was a list of over a hundred magic materials of all kinds. Each of them was rarely seen on the market, and many of them were materials that Cargar himself had never seen. After hearing Lin Yin's description of the more obscure ones, he got a rough understanding of what they were.

When Lin Yun first made his request, Cadgar patted his chest and assured that it could be done. But after reading the list of items, Cadgar felt a bit nervous. He inwardly admired this young alchemist's extensive knowledge, but his heart was also beating very quickly… Some of the materials on this list were too shocking, and even with the power of the Black Horn Auction House, they might only get a few…

Cadgar held the list of items for a very long time, hesitating whether he finalize the agreement or not.

If this was made known, no one would believe that this esteemed High Mage, the Chief Auctioneer and Chief Appraiser of the Black Horn Auction, Cadgar, would actually be hesitating and reconsidering in front of a young Mage. His nervous expression made it seem like he was too afraid of angering his counterpart. This was Cadgar, after all, someone who was both a High Mage and a Great Alchemist that also skillfully ran the huge Black Horn Auction House. His status in Thousand Sails City was more or less equivalent to that of Solomon, the Leader of the Sage Tower!

But now, Cadgar was truly wavering in his decision, as he was afraid of angering this potential source of business.

Because the person in front of him was a future Master Alchemist!

Once he stepped into the Master rank, his status would instantly soar. Even an Archmage would have no choice but to act respectful in front of him. Such a person was an existence that could make miracles and even decide the life or death of a High Mage. They could give endless benefits to a Great Alchemist with just a sentence. Being nervous and hesitant in front of such a person was perfectly normal.

Cadgar thought for a long time before giving an uncertain answer.

"To be honest, Mage Merlin, I don't want to deceive you. The materials on your list are too rare and hard to find. Even if I use the power of the Black Horn chamber of commerce, I might not be able to help you acquire them. The only guarantee I can make is that I'll spare no effort to obtain them for you."

After giving his reply, Cadgar carefully looked at his counterpart's expression, afraid that this uncertain answer would create a crack in their newly established cooperation.

"I'll be troubling High Mage Cadgar, then."

But that answer was actually enough for Lin Yun. Others might not know, but Lin Yun had gotten this list from a large encyclopedia on rare magic materials. All of these materials were among the rarest and most precious that Lin Yun remembered. Even at the peak of Noscent's magic civilization, those influential and practically omnipotent mages would pay a huge price for these rare materials.

Lin Yun only took out the list to try his luck. It would be great if he was able to obtain some of the materials, but he wouldn't lose anything if he couldn't. In any case, the Black Horn Auction House would be the one checking for him, so he didn't need to spend time or energy on it.

Cadgar definitely didn't know of Lin Yun's thoughts. Otherwise, how would he have reacted?

At this time, Cadgar was focused on how to form the best possible relationship with Mage Merlin. It would be good if he could put up another two potions at the next Black Horn Auction, or even make a deal to produce potions for each auction in the future. The influence of the Black Horn Auction would rise sharply!

'But, how can I suggest that politely…'

Cadgar was still working his brain when suddenly, a loud sound echoed outside the reception room.

Afterwards, the reception door was kicked open.

That's right, not pushed, but kicked open.

"Mafa Merlin, Iet me see where you can run this time!" Mason entered in a showy way, followed by the butler, Jonathan, as well as eight mercenaries hired by his family, all with aggressive attitudes. Even a fool could see that they had come to look for trouble.

Cadgar certainly wasn't a fool, but he was in a daze after seeing their sudden entry. 'What kind of situation is that…'

And it was no wonder that Cadgar was in a daze. The Black Horn Auction House was one of the most powerful forces of Thousand Sails City, and Cadgar himself was a High Mage and a Great Alchemist. His reception room wasn't a place that just anyone could enter. Even someone like Solomon would knock politely before coming inside.

In his twenty years here, no one had ever kicked the door to enter like Mason just did!

'He really kicked it…'

Cadgar's mouth was half-open for a long time, before he finally processed the fact that the door to his reception room had truly been kicked open.

For some time, Cadgar didn't know how to react. He looked at Mason, then looked at Lin Yun, his previously politely smiling face replaced by a stunned expression.

Mason didn't bother looking around and directly walked toward Lin Yun while taking two glass bottles out from his pocket. "Hey, Mafa Merlin, are you hungry?"

"No, but it sounds like you are." Lin Yun touched his nose, thinking that if there was ever a competition to show one's boldness, Mason would definitely get 1st place. He was way too audacious, to even kick open the door to Cadgar's reception room. Who else would dare to do that?

"Still not acknowledging your wrongdoings?!" Mason waved his hand, and the mercenaries immediately came in. Sounds of swords being unsheathed could be heard as the mercenaries encircled Lin Yun.

"What the hell are you doing!" When he heard the sounds of weapons being drawn, Cadgar suddenly woke up from his daze. Cadgar's expression suddenly sank. As the Chief Auctioneer, he never thought that anyone in Thousand Sails City would dare to openly pull out weapons in his reception room!

"Old man, you'd better mind your own business. Provoking this young master isn't advisable, I might also ask you to eat two glass bottles…" Mason wasn't paying attention as he threatened Cadgar while walking past him. As he continued past, he still muttered to Jonathan in a low voice, "That old man looks a bit familiar…"

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Chapter 43: Enough

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Mason had attended the auction, so normally, there should be no way for him to not recognize Cadgar…

But, Mason only had himself to blame. He had been fidgeting in his seat the entire time while waiting for the auction to end, and his eyes weren't on the auction stage at all. His thoughts had been filled with his plans to deal with Lin Yun, to the point that he actually failed to recognize the one that had been conducting the auction…

"Is this how Monchi educates his son?" Cadgar looked grimly at Mason, repressed anger hidden behind his cold voice. Although he did not get up, the High Mage's unique pressure filled the reception room, making it feel like a mountain was crushing them.

The swirling mana felt like a tornado as even the books in the bookshelves flew out…

"Are the noble guests of the Black Horn Auction House people that you can embarrass?" Cadgar stood up among the swirling pages. He raised his hand and the eight weapons flew out of the mercenaries' hands one after the other, sticking themselves to the wall of the reception room.

The sound emitted was so piercing that everyone felt their ears go numb…

"Old man, you… You dare to make a move on someone of the Monchi family!" Facing this sudden unforeseen event, Mason was terrified. He was still holding the two glass bottles in his hands, but his legs had already gone soft and he couldn't move. He could only use his mouth to appear powerful.

But before he could say more, he was pulled back by Jonathan…

"Young… Young Master… H-he… He is Cadgar…" As he explained, his head slowly lowered, and once he was done, he didn't even dare to raise it again.

"What about Cadgar? Does Cadgar dare to make a move on someone of the Monchi family?" Mason reflexively demanded. But just after he finished his sentence, his face froze and he stuttered, "Ca… Ca… Cadgar?"

Mason might have not paid attention to Cadgar's appearance, but that didn't mean that Mason had never heard about him. Who didn't know of Cadgar in Thousand Sails City? He was the Chief Auctioneer of the Black Horn Auction House, a High Mage, and a Great Alchemist.

Even if Mason was a fool, he knew what the name Cadgar meant…

"Of course, of course, of course it would be like this…" Mason stood there in a daze, still holding the two glass bottles in his hands, not putting them back. He was bewildered as he mumbled, "Of course, Mafa Merlin is always this lucky…"

The scene before him was all too familiar.

Mason didn't know why he was so unlucky. Every time he wanted to teach that scoundrel a lesson, something would happen. In the Sage Tower, Solon stood up for him, in the auction house's venue, Faleau stood up for him, and in the auction house's box, even Solomon stood up for him. He finally managed to stop him here, but now Cadgar was standing up for him. How could he be so unlucky?

"Young… Young Master, quickly apologize to High Mage Cadgar…" Fortunately, Jonathan reacted fast enough and hurriedly pulled Mason's sleeve to remind him.

This wasn't some light offense. Drawing weapons in the reception room of a High Mage and threatening his guest, this alone was enough for the entire Monchi Family to suffer from the repercussions for provoking the prestige of a High Mage. Cadgar would even be justified in killing them on the spot.

They had truly jumped head first into a disaster. It would be useless even if Monchi himself showed up. All Jonathan could do now was to hurriedly apologize, hoping that High Mage Cadgar would be magnanimous and wouldn't lower himself to argue with a nobody like himself. Otherwise, it would end up badly.

"Apologize?" Cadgar coldly snorted. Even the temperature in the reception room suddenly plummeted, while that mountain-like pressure made it hard for the two men to breathe.

Cadgar was truly angry this time. An esteemed High Mage's reception room was intruded upon by a group of people led by Mason, and most importantly, they pointed weapons at Mage Merlin. He was the most important guest of the Black Horn Auction House, and Cadgar himself had spared no efforts to sweet-talk him in order to establish a cooperative relationship, yet this Mason suddenly came and asked him to eat two glass bottles. At least he was here when they smashed their way in… Otherwise, how would Mage Merlin have ended up if he really had been forced to eat two glass bottles?

'If by any chance Mage Merlin reconsiders his deal with the Black Horn Auction House, could your Monchi Family compensate us for the loss?'

Thinking of this possible outcome, Cadgar's frightening glare became a bit colder.

"H-H-Hi… High Mage Cadgar, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I really didn't know you were there…" When Mason, who had always been spoiled ever since he was a child, saw the way this High Mage looked at him, he wept as he apologized. In fact, let alone Mason, even if Monchi himself was here in this situation, his legs would also have gone soft…

Crying was an obvious reaction…

No matter how foolish Mason was, he knew that a High Mage was an existence he couldn't offend. In Thousand Sails City, provoking a High Mage was akin to ending one's life. Mason hadn't lived enough yet, so all he could do was beg and apologize as if his life depended on it, hoping Cadgar would let him off.

"What use is there in apologizing to me? You offended Mage Merlin, so if you want to apologize, then apologize to Mage Merlin. It would be best if Mage Merlin is willing to forgive you, otherwise…"

Cadgar didn't say what would happen, but the cold voice and grim expression terrified Mason. At this time, Mason couldn't care about the former grudges and directly forgot about the matter of the two glass bottles.

"Mage Merlin, I am wrong, I made a mistake…"

"Stop!" Lin Yun directly raised his hand, interrupting Mason's performance. This show was a lot inferior to Faleau's.

Originally, Lin Yun didn't want to have to pass judgement on Mason's life and death.

But Lin Yun knew that Cadgar definitely felt embarrassed right now, so he needed to address the matter, and he still needed to give some face to Monchi. Their family had two sons, and if he callously got rid of one, how could the Monchi family accept it? The same was true if Cadgar directly chose to kill him. But Mason had truly committed a grave offense, so it would be inexcusable if he didn't give an apology.

Thus, Cadgar's earlier words had been said in order to hand the authority over Mason's punishment to Lin Yun. If Lin Yun was willing to let Mason off, then Cadgar wouldn't offend either side. If he wasn't willing to let Mason off, Cadgar would most likely clench his teeth and get rid of the kid, but in that case he would owe Cadgar.

If Cadgar offended the huge Monchi family for him, how would Lin Yun be able to refuse a special request in the future?

That old geezer was too sly…

Lin Yun inwardly cursed him, but he didn't plan to owe such a favor. "Young Master Mason might have a small misunderstanding with me, nothing too serious. High Mage Cadgar, if you have time, please help me straighten him out. It's not good to let such misunderstandings linger. There are matters waiting for me at the Gilded Rose, so I'll go first."

"Mage Merlin truly doesn't have time to stay a while longer?"

"There truly is something, really…" Lin Yun firmly declined Cadgar's invitation and took the four materials he bought, as well as the crystal card, before leaving Cadgar's reception room.

But just as he was about to leave, Lin Yun recalled something and turned around. "Oh right, High Mage Cadgar, if you have time, please confirm for me that Young Master Mason ate the two glass bottles…"Afterwards, Lin Yun returned to the Gilded Rose and went into the alchemy laboratory.

As the sun slowly fell, Lin Yun melted the frozen Dragon Blood and a drop of the precious blood was dripped into a beaker. At that instant, an azure mist rose up and an intoxicating aura spread through the laboratory.

"Done!" Lin Yun wiped the sweat off his forehead and looked at the azure ripples in the beaker with a rare expression of happiness on his face.

This was the Mana Baptism.

Mana Baptism could be thought of as shedding one's skin to reach a higher level, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. At the peak of the magic civilization, every newborn kid would have to undergo a Mana Baptism. Not only would that Mana Baptism allow them to gather mana for the first time, but it would also thoroughly improve their constitution. Thus, in that era, nearly everyone was a talented Mage. What determined one's degree of success would be their effort and luck.

In fact, it was a bit late for Lin Yun to use the Mana Baptism, as that first accumulation of mana wasn't essential to him. The only really useful part was the improvement to his constitution.

But this was exactly what the current Lin Yun needed. The flaws in Mafa's body were too serious. It was so serious that even advancing to become a Mage had been problematic. Fortunately it was Lin Yun who had taken over the body. Anyone else, including the original person, would have remained forever as a Magic Apprentice.

The only way to settle that kind of flaw was this bottle of Mana Baptism…

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Chapter 44: Troubles

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

'Now I should prepare to advance to the Great Mage rank…' Lin Yun composed himself and drank the bottle of Mana Baptism that he had just prepared. He felt the scalding liquid pour down his throat as he remained aware of every change happening throughout his body.

Lin Yun estimated that the change would continue for three days.

Over the course of these three days, the Mana Baptism would gradually improve his body and the problem of lacking mana sustenance would slowly disappear. When this was over, this body's potential for magic wouldn't be inferior to that of any contemporary genius.

At that time, advancing to become a Great Mage wouldn't be an issue.

Because of the effect of the Mana Baptism, Lin Yun couldn't use too much magic for these three days. He would even have to stop his daily meditation. Thus, after Lin Yun left the laboratory, he didn't directly return home for the meditation, but rather, he went to take a look at the Gilded Rose.

At the moment, the business of the Gilded Rose was still in the hands of the old butler. Besides occasionally compounding a few potions, Lin Yun almost never got involved in the business operations of the Gilded Rose.

The old butler actually didn't complain about this because he knew that the young master had always been determined to become a mage ever since he was little. After fainting, he lost himself in the magic world, and thus, the old man had always been very careful to not disturb him. If he met any troubles, he would figure out a way to solve them on his own.

The Gilded Rose reaching its present state was at least 80% due to the contributions of the old butler.

Lin Yun couldn't help thinking that the old butler truly was very skilled when it came to business. When the Gilded Rose restarted its operations, all their assets only added up to a few tens of thousands, but in only three months, the Gilded Rose had earned over three hundred thousand gold. And that wasn't including the stored goods. If those items were sold immediately, they would add another hundred thousand gold.

The most important product was the downgraded version of the Mana Baptism. It was dubbed as the Hope Potion by the old butler and was the biggest undisclosed trump card. If the Hope Potion was brought out, it would inevitably create a stir in Thousand Sails City, and every Magic Apprentice would go crazy. A potion that allowed a Magic Apprentice to easily reach 9th Rank… It was quite obvious that the price of such potions would be frightening.

Back at that time, Locke Merlin had been unable to purchase this kind of potion. It was evident from this how expensive such a potion would be.

But the Gilded Rose was different…

Now, the Gilded Rose had a total of over thirty Hope Potions, and each bottle could create a 9th Rank Magic Apprentice. With such a large stock, if they wanted to sell all of it, they wouldn't be able to sell them at too high of a price. The old butler estimated that the most suitable price was two hundred thousand gold per bottle.

Ordinary Magic Apprentices definitely wouldn't be able to afford the Hope Potion, and thus, the true customers were the children of the most influential people in Thousand Sails City.

Many of them were the same as the original Mafa, ambitious with regards to magic, but without the necessary talent. Although a Hope Potion couldn't make them become Mages, becoming a 9th Rank Magic Apprentice was a huge temptation. After saving the time that would normally be needed to reach the 9th Rank, they could slowly take their time or try to think of another way to bridge the final gap.

With this kind of potential customer, the price definitely couldn't be too low. If the price was marked at ten or twenty thousand gold per bottle, people might think that there was an issue with the potion.

But too high a price wouldn't work either. There weren't many people who would spend several hundred thousands or even a million to cultivate a 9th Rank Magic Apprentice. In the end, perhaps only three or four customers would make a purchase. So three or four bottles would sell in that case, but what about the remaining ones? Would they be left for the old butler to drink?

Thus, the old butler thought for a long time before setting the temporary price at two hundred thousand gold.

Lin Yun didn't express any opinion on this. On one hand, the old butler had always been in charge of the Gilded Rose, so he had a greater understanding of the market than anyone else. On the other hand, Lin Yun didn't pay much attention to the thirty bottles of Hope Potions.

Because the Gilded Rose had just started, Lin Yun had to personally compound potions for sale, but once the Gilded Rose was on a good track, he would definitely not spend time on that anymore. A Mage's time was too valuable, he couldn't waste it.

Lin Yun thought of this as he entered the Gilded Rose. Today was the first day of the month, the day that the mercenary guild provided missions, and also the best day for the Gilded Rose. When the mercenaries got new quests, they would naturally make preparations, and although the Gilded Rose in the Victorious Return Main Street wasn't the best such store yet, it still was one of the best.

Under the management of the old butler, the Gilded Rose had already slowly recovered its splendor. Among the numerous stores of Thousand Sails City, it should be among the top ten, and it had the superior advantage of being located in the Victorious Return street. After choosing their new missions, most of the mercenaries would choose to go to the Gilded Rose, which was only a street away from the Mercenary Guild.

But today, after Lin Yun came to the Gilded Rose, he felt something wrong. The business was good, there were many people, and the clerks were busy, but Lin Yun felt that something wasn't quite right. After thinking about it for a moment, he noticed that old butler wasn't there.

That wouldn't be strange on any other day, but it was currently the first day of the month, the best day for the Gilded Rose. Lin Yun clearly remembered that every month, the old butler would definitely oversee the Gilded Rose on this day, even back when Locke Merlin was around. Why wasn't he here today?

The more Lin Yun thought about it, the stranger he felt the situation was. 'Could a problem have come up?'

"Remy, come here." As he thought of it, Lin Yun couldn't refrain from checking on the matter, so he beckoned Remy over.

"Boss! How come you came?" When Remy saw Lin Yun, he hurriedly handed all of his workload to another clerk and ran over.

"I came to take a look. Oh, by the way, Remy, do you know where Uncle Pave went?"

"I heard that Boss Pave went out early in the morning to retrieve a batch of magic materials."

"Went out early in the morning?" Lin Yun frowned when he heard this. There had always been someone appointed to retrieve the Gilded Rose's materials. Even if they had their hands full and Old Pave went to retrieve them instead, it still shouldn't take that long. Enough time had passed for him to make a few trips, so how could he still not be back yet?

"Where did he go to retrieve the materials?"

"It seems…" Remy thought about it, before saying with a bit of uncertainty, "It seems to be at the Frost Wolf Mercenary Group…"

"The Frost Wolf Mercenary Group?" Lin Yun nodded and lowered his head.

The Frost Wolf Mercenary Group wasn't that big. It only had twenty people, and their fame and strength were far inferior compared to the colossal Silver Moon. But they had been cooperating well with the Gilded Rose these past few months. The materials they harvested were mostly sold to the Gilded Rose, and the price was relatively fair. The old butler had boasted about the arrangement a few times.

At first, Lin Yun was worried when he heard that the old butler had personally gone to pick up materials, but since it was the Frost Wolf Mercenary Group, it was unlikely that there were any problems.

Thus, Lin Yun didn't ask again and only looked around the store a bit more. The business was really good and everyone was lively. Lin Yun thought that since he couldn't undergo his usual meditation, he would simply help the Alchemists who were at work.

After the Gilded Rose re-opened for business, they recruited four Alchemists. They all had pretty decent abilities, and because the alchemy laboratory had been occupied by Lin Yun, the old butler opened up the 2nd floor for them. Now, these four Alchemists, as well as the several dozens of Apprentice Alchemists acting as helpers, were working hard in this new alchemy laboratory.

Lin Yun had never shown his alchemy abilities in front of these four Alchemists, but some occasional exchanges made them aware that this young boss wasn't ignorant in the field of alchemy. Thus, they actually welcomed Lin Yun's help, but they didn't dare to give the most important work to him. They only gave him some simple work such as enchanting.

Lin Yun wasn't disappointed, as he was only there to pass time anyways…

Noon quickly passed, and when evening arrived, the lively Gilded Rose slowly emptied out. The mercenaries took their supplies and left the Gilded Rose while the clerks started cleaning and tidying up everything as they got ready to end the day. The Alchemists completed their work for the day, and after greeting Lin Yun, they were getting ready to return home.

Lin Yun chatted with a few of the Alchemists while walking down the stairs. At that time, he caught sight of an anxious butler walking over.

"Young Master, you came?" The old butler was clearly surprised at Lin Yun's appearance.

"I was staying at home with nothing to do, so I thought that I might as well come and take a look. Oh, right, I heard from Remy that you went to the Frost Wolf Mercenaries to get a batch of ingredients, did everything go smoothly?"

"This…" At the mention of this topic, the old butler's expression suddenly seemed rather bitter. "Young Master, I think we might be in trouble…"

"Eh?"

"We had already arranged to buy that batch of materials, but I went at dawn today and they told me that it had already been sold to others. I was a bit suspicious then, but afterwards, I went to several groups that had pretty good business relations with us, and after walking all day, almost all the groups told me that their materials had already been sold to others…"

"They all said that?"

"Yes, they all said that…"

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Chapter 45: Partnership

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

The old butler sighed after answering. For the Gilded Rose, which had just recovered, this was truly a devastating hit. It would still be manageable if it was only the Frost Wolf Mercenaries, but there were about ten businesses often cooperating with the Gilded Rose in the past which were now all saying that they had sold out of materials. This was quite serious, cutting off the supplies required for the Gilded Rose to operate.

As an alchemy shop, if they lost their supply of materials, they would definitely be heading straight for a dead end. No matter how brilliant an Alchemist was, it was impossible to make products out of nothing. If they couldn't find a new source to supply their resources, even if the Gilded Rose struggled as hard as possible, they would ultimately end up bankrupt.

"Don't worry, I'll go out tomorrow and see if I can find another supplier for these materials," the old butler said after thinking about it. He couldn't come up with any good solution. Ultimately, he decided that he would get in touch with the lowest mercenary group and contact a few more businesses to see whether they could gather some materials to survive the crisis facing them.

"No need…" Lin Yun shook his head. He clearly understood the old butler's train of thought, but the lowest mercenary groups all consisted of weaklings, and the missions they could accomplish were worth a few hundred gold at best. It was simply impossible for them to gather many important materials. Even if the old butler was lucky and managed to get in touch with a few businesses, it probably still wouldn't amount to what the Frost Wolf Mercenaries usually supplied.

And let alone those minor mercenaries, Lin Yun wasn't even very satisfied with the Frost Wolf Mercenaries either. After developing the Gilded Rose, there was a need for a new supplier.

As for who this new supplier was…

Lin Yun had already thought of this matter in the Black Horn Auction House, but he had yet to come to a conclusion, so he hadn't let the old butler know of his thoughts on the matter.

The incident with the Frost Wolf Mercenaries today gave Lin Yun the perfect opportunity.

"You don't need to worry about this matter, I'll go out and find a new supplier for the Gilded Rose tomorrow."

"How about I accompany you?" The old butler wasn't too reassured. Even a fool would notice that someone was targeting the Gilded Rose based on the day's events. The Frost Wolf Mercenaries, who had always been on good terms with them, were acting like this. Finding a new supplier wasn't something that could be solved with just a few sentences.

"No need, no need, you look after the shop…" After seeing the old butler off, Lin Yun returned to the alchemy laboratory.The next morning, at dawn.

Lin Yun went to the Lion Monarch street in the southern part of the city.

If the Victorious Return street was classified as part of the Mage Guild, then the Lion Monarch street was within the influence of the mercenaries. Of the ten top mercenary groups of Thousand Sails City, seven of them were stationed in the Lion Monarch street, which included the one ranked at the forefront, the Silver Moon Mercenaries.

The ones Lin Yun came to look for today were precisely the Silver Moon Mercenaries.

The person who received Lin Yun was a Deputy Leader called Marco.

With Lin Yun's current status, sending a Deputy Leader to receive him was already too much. If it had been some ordinary Mage, let alone a Deputy Leader, even a Deputy Captain would be considered pretty good.

But the problem was that Lin Yun didn't come here to meet a Deputy Leader this time. Nothing could be done about it, as the business he had with the mercenary group wasn't something that a Deputy Leader could make a decision on. Thus, after exchanging greetings, Lin Yun directly requested to have a chat with Leader Sasu.

Once he said that, Deputy Leader Marco's face suddenly no longer looked friendly.

To be honest, this couldn't be blamed on him.

Here was a 20-year-old Mage with no support that only owned an alchemy shop, and they had already sent a Deputy Leader for him, out of respect for his dead father, but that wasn't enough. That young Mage wanted to meet the Leader himself for a chat.

'Is Leader Sasu someone you can meet? Let alone you, even people at the peak of Thousand Sails City like Monchi of the Twin Moons chamber of commerce or Sossu of the Viper Nest would have to notify us ahead of time before being able to meet Leader Sasu.'

"Leader Sasu isn't here." Marco's words weren't as polite as before.

But Lin Yun didn't take offense and only smiled before whispering, "It's about the Ghost Potion."

"I said Leader Sasu isn't here, what about the Ghost Potion?" Marco gave Lin Yun an impatient look, intending to say a few unpleasant words to drive back this young Mage who thought too highly of himself when he suddenly realized what the young Mage had just said.

'Fuck, it's about the Ghost Potion!?'

Marco panicked and almost bit his tongue.

"Ghost… Ghost Potion, you just said… Ghost Potion?"

"Yes, Ghost Potion."

"Sorry for my words. Excuse me, I must leave." After the Deputy Leader confirmed that he hadn't misheard, he immediately stood up and left the reception room.

Afterwards, Sasu came in…

Lin Yun's conversation with Sasu lasted only ten minutes.

After ten minutes, Lin Yun left the camp of the Silver Moon Mercenaries and returned to the Gilded Rose. The old butler didn't even know that Lin Yun had gone to the Silver Moon Mercenaries.

But that short ten-minute conversation quickly brought a significant shock to Thousand Sails City.

One day later, Sasu publicly announced two things.

First, the Silver Moon Mercenaries would march for Edge Rift at the start of the next month and eliminate the Rock Trolls that had been occupying the place for a hundred years, thus reopening the golden trade route between Thousand Sails City and Angel Coast.

Second, the Silver Moon Mercenaries and the Gilded Rose had established an official partnership. The partnership involved a few fields, including the supply of magic materials, the purchase of alchemy items, the sharing of all kinds of techniques, and even the establishment of a joint armed caravan.

The announcement of these two decisions by Sasu immediately alarmed the entire Thousand Sails City…

The matter of the annihilation of the Rock Trolls wasn't a problem, as this was a quest that the chambers of commerce had jointly poured money into to offer a reward at the Mercenary Guild for a hundred years. In the past dozen years, the Silver Moon Mercenaries had slowly reached the peak of Thousand Sails City. Many people had realized that sooner or later, the Silver Moon Mercenaries would head to Edge Rift to finish the task and claim the bounty.

Because once this hundred-year-old quest was cleared, the prestige of the Silver Moon Mercenaries would inevitably reach new heights. Ultimately, they would even rise to become one of the mercenary groups at the peak of the kingdom.

Although the decision seemed somewhat hurried, it was still within everyone's expectations.

But the second announcement baffled everyone…

Why would the esteemed Silver Moon Mercenaries choose an alchemy shop as their business partner?

Even if the predecessor of this alchemy store was Thousand Sails City's Flashing Gold chamber of commerce, that was only its predecessor. The only things that remained of the Gilded Rose were an old man and a youth, four Alchemists, and a few dozen Apprentice Alchemists. This was the entire Gilded Rose, so how could they become the Silver Moon Mercenaries' business partner?

And a close business partner at that…

This was like tying the Silver Moon Mercenaries to the Gilded Rose.

Whoever dared to offend the Gilded Rose in the future would have to think about the Silver Moon Mercenaries' reaction.

In fact, there was no need to wait for the future, because there was someone already thinking about it right now.

This was the leader of the Frost Wolf Mercenaries, Andrew…

The Frost Wolf Mercenaries also had their camp in the southern part of the city, on the Lion Monarch street. The news of the partnership between the Silver Moon Mercenaries and the Gilded Rose quickly reached Andrew's ears.

When he heard about it, Andrew turned pale from fear…

Others might not know why the Gilded Rose had sought out the Silver Moon Mercenaries, but how could Andrew not know about it? Wasn't it because the Frost Wolf Mercenaries had stopped supplying the Gilded Rose with magic materials?

At first, the Frost Wolf Mercenaries had always had a pleasant cooperation with the Gilded Rose, but a few days ago, an influential person had approached them and asked Andrew to stop supplying the Gilded Rose. Furthermore, they paid adequately, so Andrew hadn't thought much of it and just straightforwardly agreed.

Why were mercenaries willing to risk their lives? Wasn't it to earn more gold? Since this person brought plenty of gold, what reason did he have to refuse?

Moreover, the Gilded Rose wasn't a powerful client that they couldn't afford to offend…

In the past, Andrew might have had to think about it some more. After all, the Flashing Gold chamber of commerce had quite a bit of power.

But it wasn't the case now. Locke Merlin had died, and the Flashing Gold chamber of commerce already fell behind. Only a son and a butler remained. Even if he tore apart the contract, would they even be able to retaliate?

Thus, Andrew didn't spend much time thinking about it and agreed to stop supplying the Gilded Rose.

And now, a problem had arisen out of this…

No one ever thought that the Gilded Rose would actually look for the Silver Moon Mercenaries, and furthermore, that the Silver Moon Mercenaries would actually agree to cooperate with them. This was really huge…

Sasu was called the Mercenary King of Thousand Sails City. His prestige among the mercenaries was so high that an average person wouldn't even be able to imagine it. It was to the point that with a simple word from Sasu, the Frost Wolf Mercenaries could become the public enemy of all mercenaries within Thousand Sails City. Even Andrew's own subordinates would turn against him.

Thinking about this, Andrew couldn't help turning pale…

'What should I do…'

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Chapter 46: Chuckle

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Andrew spent a few days in a state of constant fear. Even when sleeping at night, he would frequently be awakened by nightmares, afraid that when he woke up, he would have already become a public enemy of Thousand Sails City.

After spending three days in such torment, Andrew became thin and pallid, and many of his hairs whitened. On the 4th day, Andrew didn't keep to himself any longer and he went to the Victorious Main street. He waited an entire afternoon at the Gilded Rose's entrance.

He waited till the evening, when he saw Lin Yun coming from his home.

"Good… Good evening, Mage Merlin." After waiting for all this time, Andrew was cold and hungry. But when he saw Lin Yun, he hurriedly put on a smiling face to greet him.

"Good evening, Leader Andrew." Lin Yun didn't stop, only turning and nodding as he passed, as he considered it to be a simple greeting.

But the problem was that Andrew didn't come today only to greet him…

Thus, Andrew had no choice but to catch up to Lin Yun and put on his smiling face once again as he started, "Well, Mage Merlin, the Gilded Rose's business seems to be really good…"

Lin Yun only chuckled in response.

"…" At first, Andrew had planned to bring up the topic of the shop doing well to move onto the matter of the magic materials. After getting on that subject, Andrew would seize the opportunity to offer to continue their previous collaboration. At worst, he would admit his mistake. What was losing face compared to being driven away from Thousand Sails City by Sasu?

But Lin Yun only chuckled…

This chuckle made it very difficult for Andrew…

How should he reply to this? How could he take advantage of this?

'Esteemed Mage, please don't toy with me…'

Lin Yun wasn't actually toying with him. Since he established a partnership with the Silver Moon Mercenaries, he had many matters waiting for him to settle. In the past few days, Lin Yun had been busy running around, so how could he still have time to toy with someone he barely knew? After answering with a chuckle, he continued walking toward the entrance of the Gilded Rose…

"Mage Merlin, please wait." Andrew didn't look good as he hurriedly chased after Lin Yun.

"Is there something wrong, Leader Andrew?" Lin Yun stopped and sized up Andrew, feeling a bit surprised.

"…" Cold sweat trickled down Andrew's back. If he could, Andrew would have asked, 'Do I freaking look okay to you? I ran to the Gilded Rose and waited the whole afternoon, into the evening. Now I'm cold and starving. Do you really think I'm idle and have nothing better to do?'

But thinking of the possible consequences, Andrew didn't dare to say such things…

And not only did he not dare to complain, but he also did his best to pull on a fawning smile.

"Yes… Yes, Mage Merlin, I came over today to ask, does the Gilded Rose still need magic materials? Our Frost Wolf Mercenary Group recently did a few missions and gathered quite an amount of materials. I wonder if the Gilded Rose would like to help us dispose of it?"

In reality, the Frost Wolf Mercenaries hadn't actually gathered such materials…

But now wasn't the time to say that. In order to ease the tension with the Gilded Rose, no matter how harsh the conditions were, Andrew could only endure and buy the materials from the marketplace later on, probably at a loss…

"There is no problem in helping you dispose of them, but Leader Andrew, the funds of the Gilded Rose are quite lacking lately, so I might have to apologize to you about the price. I'll go talk to Uncle Pave and then we will proceed with helping you dispose of the materials. We will even give you 50% of their value as a symbolic gesture."

"5…50%?" Andrew almost stopped breathing.

If he could, Andrew would have loved to spit in Lin Yun's face.

This truly was too shameless. He had already lowered himself and looked around for him, eventually waiting an entire afternoon. Despite being cold and hungry, he spoke politely and smiled, but in the end, Merlin asked him for a 50% discount, and he even called it a symbolic gesture. 'Fuck your symbolic gesture!'

Andrew struggled for a long time before finally swallowing hard. There was nothing he could do about it, as he was clearly being taken advantage of by Merlin, who had become the partner of the Silver Moon Mercenaries. If he said something wrong, even if he didn't do anything, as long as Merlin pouted about it in front of Sasu, Andrew would have to deal with the consequences…

'Calm, I must remain calm!'

Andrew took a deep breath and secretly shed a tear as he did his best to maintain his stiff smile. "In that case… Thank you, Mage Merlin…"

"You're welcome." Lin Yun then politely excused himself before turning to enter the Gilded Rose.

"…" Andrew stood there lifelessly. That "You're welcome" felt like a slap to his face.

Lin Yun really didn't care about what Andrew thought.

Because Lin Yun had more important matters at hand…

Three days had passed, and the Mana Baptism had already transformed his body, so Lin Yun would no longer be bothered by the flaws of the body that Mafa Merlin had left behind. In other words, Lin Yun could attack the Great Mage realm anytime.

That was why he had come to the Gilded Rose.

The alchemy laboratory of the Gilded Rose was a place that Lin Yun carefully organized. Three magic traps were set up in the corridor. He didn't spare any mana on the entrance as he solidified two Mage Eyes and inscribed two alchemy arrays on it. This kind of setup couldn't be considered well fortified, but at least ordinary Mages wouldn't be able to enter. Let alone ordinary Mages, even most Great Mages would have to ask for Lin Yun's authorization before entering.

There shouldn't be anyone that would bother him while he advanced to become a Great Mage.

After going to the Gilded Rose, Lin Yun first greeted the old butler and spoke about Andrew's matter before heading for the laboratory.

After checking the traps at the entrance, he activated the alchemy array inside, and when he closed the door, he easily supplemented another Mage Eye. Once he was done, Lin Yun looked for a secluded place to start his longest meditation since becoming a Mage.

Lin Yun estimated that the meditation this time would take at least three days. It was completely different from ordinary meditation. Advancing to Great Mage required one to break through the limit and shatter their Mana Whirlpool. Only after crushing their Mana Whirlpool would they be able to have their own Magic Conducting Rune. This was the most important thing for a Great Mage. To some extent, a Magic Conducting Rune was the life imprint of a Great Mage. Not only did that imprint possess earthshaking power, but it would also continuously evolve with the Great Mage.

Thus, when preparing to advance to this rank, one would have to go through a very long meditation, during which they would have to purify their mana whirlpool.

Some Mages might use potions to help purify the mana whirlpool, such as the Spectrum Potions that Lin Yun crafted a while back, or the Colorful Potion Raymond once mentioned.

But Lin Yun wouldn't do so…

Coming from the last days of Noscent, he understood a lot more than the mages of this era. Once transformed into a Magic Conducting Rune, a Mana Whirlpool that had been purified solely relying on itself would be ten times stronger than one that had been purified through potions.

Purifying a Mana Whirlpool was an extremely painful process, during which Mages needed to extract impurities within the Mana Whirlpool bit by bit. To a Mage, this would feel like carving out bits of themselves. The entire process was full of pain and suffering.

When Lin Yun entered meditation, his Mana Whirlpool slowly started rotating. Time slowly passed while Lin Yun's calm face began to turn pale, and beads of sweat trickled down his forehead.

And this was just the beginning…One day passed, two days passed…

On the third day, Lin Yun was in an extremely weak state, he was thin and pallid and emitted worrying mana fluctuations. It felt as if they might go out of control anytime.

But his eyes were brighter than before.

Lin Yun knew that he was in the most powerful state he had ever been in since appearing in this body. The accumulation of mana reached the limit, and after the Mana Whirlpool was purified, it could only be described as perfect. Those somewhat worrying mana fluctuations weren't because Lin Yun couldn't control his mana, but rather because his Mana Whirlpool was on the brink of shattering.

Lin Yun already stood at the entrance of the Great Mage realm, and only needed a small push.

After confirming his state, Lin Yun took a deep breath and slowly began to circulate the mana within his body. At the start, this mana was gentle and soothing, just like a flowing brook. Apart from its shocking purity, it was the same as ordinary meditation.

But unlike an ordinary meditation session, after that mana poured into the Mana Whirlpool, it didn't follow the Mana Whirlpool's normal pathways. Instead, it silently gathered at the center of the Mana Whirlpool.

Nothing happened at first, but as Lin Yun hastened it, a change appeared in the circulating mana, moving faster and faster. Ultimately, it turned into a surging river with thunderous, roaring waves coursing toward the center of the Mana Whirlpool.

Originally, when Lin Yun advanced to become a Mage, he used his powerful mana control to build this almost impeccable Mana Whirlpool. Otherwise, he wouldn't have managed to defeat that 9th Rank Mage of the Viper Nest so easily, nor would he have been able to forcibly use the Great Mage Level Elemental Incarnation in the Bone Plane.

But now, this almost impeccable Mana Whirlpool was slowly being deformed by the endless flow of mana.

If this happened to another Mage, they would be scared to death. It was common knowledge that a Mana Whirlpool needed to be stable, even when shattering it during the advancement to Great Mage.

To a Mage, the Mana Whirlpool was most important. Only when their Mana Whirlpool was stable enough would they be able to gather mana through meditation and transfer mana to cast spells. In Noscent, nearly every mages' first lesson to their disciples would be to cherish their Mana Whirlpool.

Because if there was a problem with their Mana Whirlpool, the path to magic would be severed…

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Chapter 47: Magic Conducting Rune

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Just like Solomon, the current leader of the Mage Guild who became a High Mage over twenty years ago. Because his Mana Whirlpool had been injured in a fight in an active volcano, this rare, talented High Mage hadn't made any progress for over twenty years. With Solomon being stymied like this, there was no need to think about the case for an ordinary mage.

Any mage who saw Lin Yun's situation would think he was courting death.

But it wasn't the same for Lin Yun. He kept urging his mana, continuously expanding his Mana Whirlpool.

The knowledge he held, the abilities he possessed, they already far surpassed what was known in this era. The Magic Apprentices from this era didn't dare to use mana to batter against the Mana Whirlpool, because this era's Mages had to be careful and safe, not knowing what could cause a problem.

Under the surge of mana, the Mana Whirlpool within Lin Yun's body quickly expanded like an inflating balloon, slowly becoming bigger and bigger, before finally, it exploded with a "bang".

Losing the restriction from the Mana Whirlpool, the mana flowing inside started going out of control. It was berserk and chaotic, bashing and shoving inside Lin Yun's body. It wasn't soothing and gentle like before.

If someone else experienced the collapse of their Mana Whirlpool and their mana going berserk, they would likely just close their eyes and die.

But this was only the beginning for Lin Yun…

The berserk and chaotic mana wreaking havoc within his body felt as if ten spells were being cast at the same time. The pain couldn't be understood if one hadn't experienced it themselves.

Sweat slowly trickled down from Lin Yun's forehead, but there wasn't the slightest change in the expression on his face. Lin Yun was like an accurate machine right now, he simply remained steady and only used his powerful control to its maximum to bring each thread of mana under his command.

When mana struggled free from the binding of a Mana Whirlpool, it would become berserk and chaotic like swirling gales and large waves, eroding away every part of his body. Exercising mana control at that point would just be wishful thinking.

But Lin Yun managed to do it…

By relying on his fine mana control tempered through his life at the end of the magic era, Lin Yun managed to calm the mana and make it flow according to his prepared path. He completely relied on his control to create an intact mana path inside his body.

Naturally, that mana path still wasn't stable, because the Mana Whirlpool had already collapsed. Even with Lin Yun's incredible control, he could only use time and patience to slowly wear it down. One time, two times, three times, ten times, a hundred times, a thousand times… As Lin Yun gradually found it harder to endure, the berserk mana gradually became calmer…

"Phew…" Feeling the change within his body, Lin Yun let out a sigh of relief.

The most difficult part was finally dealt with, so the next thing to do was to engrave the Magic Conducting Rune.

After completing this step, Lin Yun could officially enter the ranks of Great Mages.

Moreover, the mana within Lin Yun was still in a pure and chaotic state. As long as Lin Yun wanted, he could carve any Magic Conducting Rune. This was an extremely rare opportunity for someone advancing to become a Great Mage. Among tens of thousand of Mages, there might not even be one with such an opportunity.

Magic Conducting Runes were also divided by ranks, just like Great Mages. The gap between different Magic Conducting Runes could be quite large, perhaps tenfold or more. That gap not only could be felt through the power of spells and the ability to conduct mana, but it would have a crucial impact when advancing to become a High Mage.

It would be a hundred times easier to advance further for a Great Mage with a top-notch Magic Conducting Rune.

This was the reason Lin Yun was taking such great risks…

Otherwise, with Lin Yun's great accumulation of mana, he would have already advanced to Great Mage and wouldn't have needed to be so rough with his Mana Whirlpool, risking a backlash.

What Lin Yun wanted was to make the mana return to its primal state.

Once it returned to its chaotic primal state, it would be like a piece of white paper, a blank slate. Lin Yun could freely write on it and carve any Magic Conducting Rune.

The most difficult part of the breakthrough had already been completed. All that was left was carving a rune, and Lin Yun would become a Great Mage.

But, what kind of Magic Conducting Rune would he carve?

Lin Yun frowned. He thought for a long time before realizing that the Magic Conducting Runes he had been considering before couldn't be used…

It wasn't because he couldn't complete them, but because they were too wasteful…

That's right, wasteful…

Lin Yun himself hadn't thought that after the mana returned to its primal state, it would be so pure and so perfect that the Magic Conducting Runes that he had thought of before would be subpar.

In fact, as soon as he drank the Mana Baptism, Lin Yun had designed a few Magic Conducting Runes, such as the Extreme Forge for strengthening casting power, Time Hand for improving casting speed, and Endless Spring for improved mana recovery… These Magic Conducting Runes were among the most perfect ones even at the peak of the Magic Era, let alone in this era.

Even Lin Yun himself had felt satisfied after choosing these few Magic Conducting Runes, as he felt that these were the most powerful Magic Conducting Runes that he could inscribe at the present time.

But now, Lin Yun felt dissatisfied with them…

The mana in its primal chaos state was too pure and perfect, and if he really carved these Magic Conducting Runes, Lin Yun wouldn't be able to forgive himself for not trying to bring out his full potential.

'Maybe… I should experiment with others…'

After a slight hesitation, Lin Yun came to a decision.

One hour later, Lin Yun appeared in the Sage Tower.

The one receiving Lin Yun today was surprisingly not Solon, but Solomon.

When he saw Solomon, Lin Yun was startled.

This was the Leader of the Sage Tower, Thousand Sails City's most powerful mage. For him to personally receive someone, they had to be on Cadgar's level. Although Lin Yun had some reputation, when comparing the two, he was still quite far off. Had Solomon recently figured out more about him?

This wasn't the first time Lin Yun had come to the Sage Tower. He had been here a few times and even chatted with Solon, who had told him about the temperament of the leader of the Mage Guild. He was like any other mage, engrossed in magic, not caring about most worldly matters, and occasionally irascible.

But Lin Yun knew that this seemingly eccentric High Mage cherished his words. He wouldn't speak if he didn't need to. What happened in the auction house box was enough to prove it, even his actions around Monchi.

Normally, when Lin Yun visited the Sage Tower, he would always be received by Solon. First, their relationship was pretty good, and he could be considered one of the few friends Lin Yun had in Thousand Sails City. Second, Solon was Solomon's disciple. Him receiving Lin Yun showed Solomon's friendly attitude.

But Solomon himself had never appeared personally during these visits.

Solomon's appearance had a whole different meaning.

This High Mage represented the Sage Tower, the entire Mage Guild. For him to personally receive Lin Yun would bring a large shock to Thousand Sails City.

It was equal to the shock of the Silver Moon Mercenaries' announcement, which instantly terrified Andrew of the Frost Wolf Mercenaries.

If Solomon was added to the fray, who wouldn't be terrified?

So what was the meaning behind his appearance today?

Lin Yun didn't know if he should speak first, so he only politely exchanged conventional greetings with Solomon.

"Mage Merlin, this is the Hell Destroyer scroll from the Black Horn Auction. According to our agreement, the Sage Tower has already finished researching it. It is yours now." Solomon handed a scroll to Lin Yun while speaking.

"It has only been a handful of days…"

"Haha, as you said Mage Merlin, I hate the Ash Tower more than you do. As for the scroll itself, I don't have much interest in it, and there is no need to spend too much time researching a badly damaged spell after copying its contents."

"Then I shall thank you, High Mage Solomon." Since Solomon said so, Lin Yun naturally wouldn't refuse. In any case, he intended to enter the Bone Plane once again with his advancement to Great Mage. With a Spiritual Augment in hand, his chances of survival would be a lot better.

"Good. I believe that you came to the Sage Tower today for the library, right?"

"Indeed."

"Then I won't keep you any longer."

"Ah?"

Lin Yun was a bit startled when he heard this. Solomon came to the reception room himself in order to return a scroll? Wasn't that too nonsensical? Lin Yun originally thought that Solomon had personally received him to discuss some particular matters, but it would be quite odd if it was only to return the scroll.

But since he had already said this, Lin Yun could only leave while full of questions, before slowly walking over to the library.

On the way, Lin Yun's mind was fully focused on trying to understand the meaning behind Solomon's actions…

When Lin Yun reached the library and stood in front of a row of bookshelves, his mind was still lingering on the matter, up until Solon's voice came from behind him.

"Merlin, what are you looking for?"

"Eh? Solon? You also came? I'm looking for a book on the Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm, as well as a detailed book on the Max Formula."

"Magic Conducting Rune creation?" Solon was taken aback as he stared at Lin Yun for a long time. His face suddenly revealed an expression of shock. "You… You're a Great Mage now?"

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"Yes, I just advanced."

"…" Solon stood there in a daze for a long time before he could recover from the shock.

For some time, his mood was quite complicated. Thinking about it, when this young mage called Merlin came to the Sage Tower, he had just formed his Mana Whirlpool. He could barely be called a 1st Rank Mage at that point. But it hadn't been a few months yet and he was already ready to engrave a Magic Conducting Rune, ready to step into the ranks of the Great Mages.

'When I worked to become a Great Mage, I spent ten years!'

It wasn't bad, but compared to him, Solon wanted to curse…

As he stood there, Solon very much wanted to ask whether he was a human or something else…

"Mage Solon, Mage Solon…" Seeing Solon being silent for such a long time while just staring, Lin Yun couldn't help calling his name twice.

"Ah, nothing, nothing…" After being brought back to his senses, Solon hid the grief and indignation, and in order to cover up the fact that he had forgotten himself, he promptly looked for the two books that Lin Yun had asked about.

He was Solomon's disciple. If another mage saw such a situation, a shadow might be cast over their heart, influencing their future on the path of magic.

From 1st Rank Mage to Great Mage in a few months, this wasn't something a human could do…

The two books Lin Yun was looking for weren't very rare, and after some time, Solon found them and handed them over, reminding him, "I heard Teacher say that this Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm recently stirred quite a controversy…"

"Yes, I know." Lin Yun nodded, not going into any more detail.

– Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm – was a very controversial book. Lin Yun already knew that, in fact, some ten thousand years later, this book would be mentioned by those mages at the pinnacle, and as a textbook on what not to do, because it had way too many mistakes.

But in this era, the research of the Magic Conducting Runes was far from mature enough, so the controversy could only be felt by the mages at the top.

Moreover, even they could only feel it, nothing more…

No one could point out what exactly was wrong.

In this era, the only one able to raise an issue was Lin Yun.

Lin Yun closed his eyes and estimated the number of errors that would appear in this book. Lin Yun clearly knew why such errors would appear and how they would be corrected from his time in the decaying library.

But Lin Yun didn't come to play "find the differences" today.

The matter of finding out the mistakes would be left for the mages of the future.

Lin Yun came today to find a typical Magic Conducting Rune that had been repeatedly mentioned by those powerful mages in this book.

The name of that Magic Conducting Rune was Magic Array.

Of course, this was a name that would only be attributed to this Magic Conducting Rune ten thousand years later. In this era, people knew of that Magic Conducting Rune as the Discarded Rune, or the Worthless Rune.

The first time it was called this was in – Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm –, where the Magic Array was used as a teaching example to show various negative things. The author pointed to the Magic Array and emphasized how important it was to build the Magic Array properly. If not carefully created, it would become a Discarded Rune later.

This was also the only method for Lin Yun to build the correct Magic Array.

Just building a Magic Array wasn't difficult, but managing to create a complete Magic Array was a whole different story. Let alone now, even at the peak of the magic civilization, there were no more than five mages that had a complete Magic Array. Moreover, these five mages never passed down the Magic Array as their inheritance.

This led to Noscent's people being unable to build the Magic Array after these five mages fell at the end of the Magic Era like everyone else. In other words, in the decaying library, the records of the Magic Array were only limited to a few descriptions without giving any real method for someone to build it.

Lin Yun thought for a very long time before he managed to recall a book mentioning that the Magic Array was once called the Discarded Rune, and that the first time the name Discarded Rune was used was in a magic book called – Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm –. The author was apparently a High Mage from the 3rd Dynasty who wasn't famous, but ten thousand years later, he was recorded in history thanks to this book.

Naturally, the way he got into the pages of history was a bit strange…

After Lin Yun thanked Solon, he took the two books and found a seat before starting to flip through the pages one by one.

Lin Yun had read quite quickly, and it only took him half an hour to read – Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm –, and sure enough, it was full of mistakes. Lin Yun read through it once and found at least twenty major errors, unimaginable for a magic book.

After all, magic was a strict art, and any mistake would lead to an entirely different result. For twenty mistakes to go undiscovered… In all that Lin Yun had seen in his lifetime, only – Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm – was like this.

Fortunately, Lin Yun wasn't interested in those mistakes, so he immediately disregarded them after noticing. The only thing Lin Yun was looking for was the way to build the Magic Array. Amusingly enough, the book's only valuable information was the one thing the author spent the whole book ridiculing and exhorting the readers not to do. Some of his words were even very rude, saying that the Great Mages that built this Discarded Rune would have very limited accomplishments in their lifetimes.

Unfortunately, this author wasn't aware that ten thousand years later, the research on Magic Conducting Runes would slowly mature, and after a complete system was set up, the Discarded Rune he spoke of would start to shine and be referred to as one of the most powerful runes, even giving Great Mages the ability to contend against High Mages…

But now, the Magic Array was truly called the Discarded Rune.

Because the research of Magic Runes was too poor in this era, it was far from having grown enough and many High Mages and Archmages would rely on their experiences to explain Magic Conducting Runes to their disciples. The Magic Conducting Runes they talked about each existed on their own, and although there were some relations drawn between them, they were unable to form a complete system.

In this situation, the Magic Array was truly no different from being a Discarded Rune. In order to display the might of the Magic Array, one needed at least six Magic Conducting Runes. With the Magic Array at the core of these six Magic Conducting Runes, a Great Mage would be able to contend against a High Mage.

There was no need for external power, as one's mana itself would be enough to surpass the limitations of a rank and directly match up against a High Mage.

Because it was like that, the Magic Array was known as one of the most powerful Magic Conducting Runes.

And what Lin Yun wanted to build right now was exactly this Magic Array system.

Lin Yun took out his own magic book and copied every line of the complete Magic Array, line after line. After he was done, Lin Yun put down his quill and closed – Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm – as he was digesting the knowledge it contained. Half an hour later, Lin Yun opened the other book.

The other book was called – Explanations of the Max Formula –…

This book came from the end of the 3rd Dynasty. Although from the name, it seemed to have been written by the Archmage known as the Flame Tyrant, in reality, this book had been written by one of his disciples. From the point of view of a disciple, he analyzed Max's entire magic system and conducted a large amount of battle analysis. It could be said that the analysis of this Archmage's Fire Magic was thorough to the extreme.

This book was quite popular in this era, as many Great Mages and High Mages hoped to be able to gain insight from the Flame Tyrant's magic system.

It was also the case for Lin Yun.

For Lin Yun, – Explanations of the Max Formula – could be said to be one of the rare good books of this era. In that spacious decaying library, Lin Yun had seen many books mentioning this book, but he hadn't had the chance to see it in person until he found about it from the management of the Sage Tower's library.

Naturally, what Lin Yun wanted wasn't insight on control over fire magic.

There were many such opportunities in the decaying library. Max was the name of the Flame Tyrant, who was only an Archmage. In the decaying library, many books had been left by Heaven Mages, or mages above even that rank.

What Lin Yun really wanted was among the fight descriptions.

If Lin Yun wasn't wrong, Flame Tyrant Max was born near Ghost City, which was known as the paradise of the undead. That place was even more frightening than the Bone Plane. Although the undead of the Bone Plane might rampage around, the strongest one was only a Bone Dragon. But Ghost City wasn't inferior to the Bone Plane. The Century Undead Tide was a great disaster that all of Noscent faced.

Max was born in such a place, so it was inevitable that he would spend his life fighting the undead. Because of this, he was able to get high accomplishment in Fire Magic. Apart from Holy Magic, what the undead feared the most were flames.

Lin Yun wanted to read the descriptions of Max's battles against the undead, and it would be even better if he had fought a Bone Devil when he was young…

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Thus, Lin Yun very carefully read – Explanations of the Max Formula –.

He was turning through the pages far slower than he had been when he browsed – Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm –.

As Lin Yun would soon enter the Bone Plane, every battle that Max fought against the undead was worthy of his attention, even if they weren't Bone Devils. Nothing guaranteed that after Lin Yun put an end to the Bone Devils and occupied the Nether Iron Vein, he wouldn't come across other kinds of undead.

While Lin Yun was conscientiously browsing through – Explanations of the Max Formula –, Solon suddenly looked toward the entrance of the library as a shadow flashed past. After some time, someone beckoned to him from the entrance.

"…" Solon suddenly shook, as that person was clearly Solomon.

Why would an esteemed High Mage act like a thief…

Solon came out of the library, filled with questions. When he arrived at the door, he was pulled aside by Solomon, who asked, "Is that person reading – Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm –?"

"Yes… What's wrong…" Solon felt a bit strange. Someone reading – Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm – shouldn't gather so much attention from a High Mage…

"It's not important!""Don't mind it, you leave first." Seeing that Solon wanted to ask a question, Solomon hurriedly waved his hand and drove his only disciple away.

How could he tell his disciple that he had only come to the library to find out the young mage's opinion on – Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm –? He wouldn't be able to keep his prestige as a teacher if he did.

This seemed very ridiculous, an esteemed High Mage coming to the library while sneaking like a thief to try to find out what a young mage thought of a particular book. If this spread out, who would believe it?

But the problem was that it really was the case…

Recently, the mages of the kingdom had been fervently discussing those four pieces of information that he had submitted. That information might likely prove the Fanrusen Formula's mistakes. It was just that these mages still only knew that this information had come from the Mage Guild of Thousand Sails City, from the disciple of Star Sage Jouyi, Solomon.

But Solomon knew that this had all come from a young mage named Mafa Merlin that was about twenty years old. He had been a failure of a Magic Apprentice that was unable to form his Mana Whirlpool a few months ago.

But Solomon never said anything publicly…

It wasn't because Solomon wanted to take credit for proving the mistakes of the Fanrusen Formula, but rather because Solomon knew that even if he explained the truth, no one would believe it. The facts were too strange and ridiculous. If ten people heard it, then all ten of them would consider it a joke.

Let alone others, even Solomon, who had experienced it himself, didn't dare to believe it.

For this reason, he probed the young mage's breadth of knowledge during the Black Horn Auction.

In the Sage Tower's box, the two had a long discussion.

At that time, Solomon didn't show anything on his face, but his mind was already in shock.

Solomon had realized that this young mage was a person who could actually discuss magic with him on a deep level…

Although Solomon took the initiative to bring up the topic, wanting to probe him by any means, the other side seemed to know what he was trying to do, and would be careful not to overdo it.

But he was able to reach the core of any topic with just a few sentences.

Indeed, it was that kind of feeling.

No matter how complicated or challenging the topic was, it felt as if that young mage only needed a few words to make it sound much more understated, to the point that it even made Solomon feel the misconception that the topics he chose were that simple.

But once Solomon returned and thought carefully about it, he was startled. These weren't topics that could be casually understood and solved. Even he himself, as a respected High Mage, would need a few years or perhaps even a dozen years to solve all of them, yet that young mage was able to grasp the key points.

Solomon remembered very clearly that when he asked some questions, that young mage seemed a bit absent-minded, but when he started talking, it hit the core of the matter. That felt like a kind of frightening instinct, a subconscious action.

That discovery made Solomon feel a chill…

Starting from that moment, Solomon truly believed that the answer to the Fanrusen Formula had come from this young mage, and wasn't just something he had overheard.

Right now, it was the same library and the same young mage, along with a controversial, millennium-old book.

Solomon really wanted to know what that young mage thought of the Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm.

Unfortunately, Solomon was disappointed…

After making a copy of the method to build the Magic Array, Lin Yun put down – Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm – and started browsing through – Explanations of the Max Formula – instead. This made it very awkward for Solomon, who had been waiting outside the door all this time.

'What should I do…' Solomon waited for a long time, but Lin Yun never put down the second book to return to the first one. The High Mage couldn't help but inwardly curse, irrationally blaming Lin Yun for deliberately going against him…

Solomon was very clear about the contents of – Explanations of the Max Formula –. It gave insights on the Flame Tyrant's Fire Magic. But there wasn't much special content, as it mostly consisted of some practical descriptions of his fights. Solomon had once described it as "very entertaining".

Normally, a very entertaining magic book like this shouldn't be read so earnestly, as there was little knowledge to actually glean from it.

But this time, Lin Yun was being wronged…

The reason Lin Yun could be so conscientious wasn't the Flame Tyrant's insights on Fire Magic control, as Lin Yun had already researched Fire Magic control quite thoroughly ten years ago. Even if this Flame Tyrant was still alive, he would be utterly inferior to Lin Yun in theoretical knowledge.

What Lin Yun was researching was the description of real battles. To be exact, the battles between the Flame Tyrant and the undead.

After all, the one who wrote this book was the disciple of the Flame Tyrant.

The battles that the Flame Tyrant had experienced had been experienced by the author. This kind of personal experience was most important to Lin Yun, especially the battle against a Bone Devil.

– Explanations of the Max Formula – recorded a total of two fights against Bone Devils. In the first one, the Flame Tyrant had already advanced to High Mage and completely obliterated a dozen Bone Devils. The other one was when the Flame Tyrant was only a 5th Rank Great Mage and met a roaming Bone Devil outside Ghost City…

It was a fierce battle that time. Usually, a Bone Devil's fighting strength was between level 15 to level 19, which was equivalent to a 5th to 9th Rank Great Mage. At that time, the author of the book had just started following the Flame Tyrant and had personally experienced that battle.

According to his memories, the Bone Devil that the Flame Tyrant met that time was already approaching the level of a High Mage, but the Flame Tyrant used almost all his cards and ultimately faced the danger of a backlash by using a Spiritual Magic Tool before finally managing to get rid of that Bone Devil. That fight was also one of the most dangerous fights of his whole life.

Such a dangerous battle naturally left a profound impression in the mind of his follower, and the description of this battle was exceptionally detailed. What made Lin Yun pleasantly surprised was that this disciple ultimately mentioned that when the Flame Tyrant recalled that battle many years afterwards, he reflected upon it and listed a few mistakes he had made, and even claimed that if he hadn't made those mistakes, he might not have needed to use his Spiritual Magic Tool at all.

This self-reflection had a great significance to Lin Yun…

This was equivalent to pointing out a clear road for Lin Yun so that he could challenge an extremely powerful Bone Devil once he was a 5th Rank Great Mage.

Thus, Lin Yun was focused on his book and didn't notice Solomon standing outside the door…While Lin Yun read – Explanations of the Max Formula – in the Sage Tower, the Gilded Rose called together an alchemy exhibition.

The contents of that exhibition included four Excellent Magic Tools, two Magic Weapons, as well as alchemy puppet dedicated for mining called Miner. But the focus was on the so-called "Hope Potions".

Indeed, the Hope Potions that could easily make a Magic Apprentice reach the 9th Rank.

Along with the appearance of the Hope Potion, this small-scale alchemy exhibition immediately caused a stir in the entire Thousand Sails City.

And due to this exhibition, the name of the Gilded Rose was remembered by countless people. Many people found out that after Locke Merlin died, the Flashing Gold chamber of commerce didn't disappear. They still had an alchemy shop in the Victorious Return street called the Gilded Rose. The magical potion that allowed Magic Apprentices to easily reach the 9th Rank was developed by the Gilded Rose.

After finishing all this, the old butler smiled as he priced the Hope Potion at two hundred thousand gold while also asserting that he only had one potion in hand. After the sale, the next bottle would appear one month later.

Such a price would stop ordinary Magic Apprentices with no background and no savings from getting a chance to buy it, as two hundred thousand gold was a truly astronomical sum to them. But apart from these ordinary Magic Apprentices, Thousand Sails City still had many more unusual ones. There was no lack of children from the leaders of major forces, and neither was there any lack of children that were born in well-off merchant families. Such a price wasn't a big deal to them. Their only worry would be that they didn't buy it fast enough.

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Chapter 50: Hope Potion

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

In fact, not even three minutes after the end of the alchemy exhibition, the bottle of Hope Potion already had a new owner.

The lucky guy was a 3rd Rank Magic Apprentice called Cruise. Cruise was 28 years old and had neither an illustrious background nor an outstanding gift. This in itself made it very difficult for him to become a Mage. His only fortune was that he was also a pretty decent Apprentice Alchemist.

Ever since he became an Apprentice Alchemist, Cruise had been working with major alchemy shops as a part-timer for various Alchemists. He had saved a lot in the past ten years, yet he hadn't saved too much, only around two hundred thousand gold.

Originally, Cruise had come to the Gilded Rose today in order to buy a few magic scrolls, but he hadn't expected that he would chance upon the Gilded Rose's alchemy exhibition and get one of the first seats.

Thus, that Hope Potion fell into Cruise's hands…

That lucky 3rd Rank Magic Apprentice used his shivering hands to open the Hope Potion and slowly drink it before countless eyes…

Then, the miracle happened!

The mana within Cruise instantly began to grow at a crazy pace. 4th Rank, 5th Rank, 6th Rank… all the way until he had the power of a 9th Rank Magic Apprentice. In a matter of about half an hour, Cruise attained the power of a peak 9th Rank Magic Apprentice from the early 3rd Rank. He almost reached the level of Mana Whirlpool condensation.

This all happened under countless staring gazes. Over a hundred onlookers saw this scene with their own eyes, and the instant Cruise reached the 9th Rank, the entire Gilded Rose shook. The Magic Apprentices that had still doubted the offerings of the alchemy exhibition were now striving to be first to ask questions about the Hope Potion.

Among them were those who were born with illustrious backgrounds who were offering twice or thrice the asking price to obtain a bottle of Hope Potion now. To them, there was no problem that couldn't be solved with gold.

Unfortunately, gold couldn't settle their problem right now…

Because the old butler was very clear, the Hope Potion was out of stock this month, and if they wanted to buy one, they would have to come early the next month.

Thus, a group of Magic Apprentices who were yearning for the potion left the Gilded Rose with regrets and a bit of hope.

Naturally, there were also those who didn't agree to leave.

Most of these people were children of people with influence, scions of various forces' leaders. They were accustomed to using their parents' reputations to settle their problems. Since they couldn't buy the potion with money, they would naturally try to use their parents' names as usual, and among them, there were a few who were quite impatient and tried this immediately. They tried to get the Gilded Rose to supply Hope Potion to them first, or else…

If Lin Yun was there, he would have played with the guests a bit. Although the Hope Potion wasn't there, the glass bottle would definitely be enough, as it still had magical properties…

Naturally the old butler wouldn't be this cruel. After following Locke Merlin for so many years, how could he not know how to handle this matter.

"There are so many of you here, so who should be served first? How about you discuss it amongst yourselves?"

After saying such words, the old butler just walked away and left behind the eight Magic Apprentices with outstanding backgrounds. A staring contest ensued, and no one was willing to give way for any of the others. Thus, they were in a deadlock for the whole afternoon.

Nothing could be done about it. Who would give up on such an opportunity?

Getting the bottle of Hope Potion that would be available one month later… Even just a month's difference in the time it took to become a 9th Rank Magic Apprentice would be enough for the rest to fall behind. The few Magic Apprentices left were all born in major forces. Who would be willing to fall behind?

As for the conclusion of this conflict, the old butler definitely didn't care about it. One bottle of Hope Potion a month was the sale schedule that he decided on after consulting Lin Yun.

Because the two of them felt that even compared to earning several million gold, the reputation of the Gilded Rose was more important. Selling all the Hope Potions at once could indeed let the Gilded Rose earn a few million gold in an instant, but the sensational effect wouldn't last long. After three months at most, the people would gradually forget about the Hope Potion, and even gradually forget about the Gilded Rose if they had no further accomplishments.

After all, the foundation of the Gilded Rose was too shallow. Compared to those alchemy shops that had operated for decades, whether it was its reputation or public opinion, they were both far inferior. The only advantage at the moment was the Hope Potion they possessed. Since this was the case, they would naturally promote the Hope Potion to its limit.

One Hope Potion a month… at first glance, it seemed that it would only bring in two hundred thousand gold each month, but the craze it would create would put the Gilded Rose at the center of discussions. Every time a Hope Potion was sold, it would lead to people chatting about it during their leisure time. When the craze about the potion started to cool down, the next Hope Potion would appear, and along with it, new stories and new topics to gossip about. And with the miraculous effect of the Hope Potion, how long would it take for the Gilded Rose to establish a good reputation in Thousand Sails City?

To the Gilded Rose, this was worth a lot more than a few hundred thousand gold.

Along with the sale of the first bottle of Hope Potion and the rise of the 3rd Rank Magic Apprentice Cruise to 9th Rank, the Gilded Rose caught the attention of the entire Thousand Sails City.

Including that of the Monchi family.

The analysis of the Volcano potion and the Ghost potion was reaching its end. The two Great Alchemists from the Black Tower reported that the more technical problems had more or less been solved. Only a few issues were left, but they could be figured out given enough time.

At that time, Monchi spent four million gold to purchase the two potions so that he could obtain alchemy support from the Black Tower. Now that the study of the two potions was reaching its end, it would be their turn to help the Monchi family.

The two Great Alchemists had already freed themselves from their analytic work and begun fully helping with nurturing the Monchi family's Alchemists. At the same time, the Monchi family's alchemy shops were making all kinds of preparations for their official openings.

But at this time, the Gilded Rose suddenly had an alchemy exhibition and announced the Hope Potion that shocked the entire Thousand Sails City.

To the numerous Magic Apprentices, this was a huge boon, but to the Monchi Family, this was grievous news.

After the contents of the alchemy exhibition spread out, Monchi had been restless. After thinking about it, he invited the two Great Alchemists from the Black Tower.

"This is impossible!"

The two Great Alchemists instantly cut Monchi off and denied the possibility of the existence of the Hope Potion.

But as they saw Monchi's confused expression, the two Great Alchemists reined in their tempers and added a few explanatory sentences. According to them, a potion that could easily let a Magic Apprentice reach the 9th Rank would need materials that could strengthen mana, because only such materials would be able to replace the normally required meditation and achieve the effect of completing the mana gathering in a short time.

In the field of Potioneering, a material that could strengthen mana wasn't something that one or two hundred thousand gold would be enough to make up for. A conservative estimate would be a production cost of a clean million. And the Gilded Rose was only selling it for two hundred thousand gold. How could it not be impossible?

"A scam, this is definitely a scam!"

Ultimately, the two Great Mages used a tone full of certainty to issue their verdict.

Right then, just behind them, the Monchi family's butler, Jonathan, ran over while gasping.

"Ma… Master, Master, the 9th Rank Magic Apprentice is really at the 9th Rank!"

"Why are you panicking!" After Monchi berated Jonathan, he smiled at the two Great Alchemists and sent them off.

He then waited until the silhouettes of the two alchemists were far in the distance before his face turned completely dark.

"A manufacturing cost of 1 000 000 gold? Haha, how could the Gilded Rose come out with that?"

"Master…"

"It's okay, I already understood." Monchi interrupted Jonathan and directly ordered him, "Go find me that Magic Apprentice."

"Ah?" Jonathan froze. His first thought was that his master didn't believe him, so he hastily reasserted, "Master, that Magic Apprentice truly reached the 9th Rank!"

"I said I understood!" Monchi's heart was already restless enough. He looked at Jonathan impatiently, feeling irritated as he raised his voice. "So what if he's a 9th Rank Magic Apprentice, could it be that you can't turn him back into a 3rd Rank Magic Apprentice?"

"Yes yes, I understand…" With this prompt from Monchi, Jonathan repeatedly nodded and awkwardly ran out of the study.

After Jonathan was driven away, Monchi sat alone in the study for a while. Half an hour later, he had someone call Ryan.

"Ryan, please go to the Alchemist Guild on my behalf and seek Granger. Tell him that our Chambers of Commerce Union found out that the sale of the Hope Potion of the Gilded Rose is a very serious fraudulent action and already caused a very nasty influence. Our Chambers of Commerce Union hopes that the Alchemist Guild will hold a hearing to find out the problem behind it. Also, conveniently tell him that our Twin Moons chamber of commerce has a batch of rare magic materials that will be shipped. If Great Alchemist Granger is interested, he can get a decent discount."

"Yes, Father."

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Chapter 51: Seizing

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

As the only millennial force of Thousand Sails City, the Monchi Family truly had a frightening amount of influence. Three days after Ryan paid a visit to Granger, the Gilded Rose was notified that the Alchemist Guild would seize their goods.

A small, middle-aged Alchemist who was about forty to fifty years old came to see them. He stood at the entrance of the Gilded Rose, looking up with a condescending expression on his face.

This wasn't particularly aimed at the Gilded Rose.

This was the normal attitude of a member of the Alchemist Guild. Those of the renowned Alchemist Guild tended to have this attitude toward all the alchemy shops of Thousand Sails City, including the one of the Flashing Gold chamber of commerce of the past.

In their eyes, even if these alchemy shops appeared impressive, they were only puppets of the Alchemist Guild.

Without the Alchemist Guild's authorization, they couldn't even recruit one decent alchemist, because the Alchemist Guild had control over the entire industry. The survival of these alchemy shops could be decided by a mere word from the Alchemist Guild.

Just like this Gilded Rose…

The Hope Potion unveiled a few days ago had put the Gilded Rose in the limelight, but now, with just a word from the Alchemist Guild, it was suddenly faced with the danger of having their goods seized.

"Alchemist Molin, what… What is this?" Lin Yun had been at the Sage Tower for the past few days, so only the old butler was left in charge of the Gilded Rose. Hearing that someone from the Alchemist Guild had come to visit, he hurriedly went out to welcome him. But once he got to the lobby, the face of the old butler stiffened.

Ten alchemists wearing black robes were sticking papers marked [Seized] on goods that lined the shelves. Each time they stuck a paper on something, the Alchemist taking the inventory would record it. And the one in charge of this was Alchemist Molin, who the old butler had dealt with a few times.

In the Alchemist Guild, Molin was in charge of market supervision.

When the Gilded Rose was re-opening, the old butler specially paid a visit to this Molin a few times so that the Alchemist Guild wouldn't make trouble for them. He even gave him a few generous bribes.

At that time, Molin patted his chest and guaranteed that the matters of the Gilded Rose would be his matters, and that if there was ever an issue, he would seek them out personally to resolve it before it became an official problem.

The old butler never expected that a month later, Molin, who had said those words so confidently, would be seizing the goods of the Gilded Rose…

"Please wait, this must be a misunderstanding…" After a quick glance around, the old butler knew that something had gone awry. Flustered, he hurriedly stopped the black-robed men from sticking more papers while requesting help from the person he had bribed. "Alchemist Molin, can we have a few words?"

"You can say what you want to say here." If it was before, Molin might have still agreed to chat in private because that would mean that he might potentially receive some more profits… but this time, Molin didn't even consider it and immediately rejected it.

"This…" The old butler suddenly understood how bad the situation was, but he still kept a smiling face. "Okay, Alchemist Molin, can I ask why are the Gilded Rose's products being seized?"

"Why is it being seized?" Molin snorted, "Don't you yourself know about what the Gilded Rose did? Old Pave, your Gilded Rose is in big trouble this time. For the sake of our previous friendship, I advise you to not ask too much about it and to quickly help my people take the goods before explaining everything in the upcoming hearing. Don't think that you'll be lucky, the problem with your Gilded Rose is very serious."

"Hearing…"

"This is a decision from above. Finding someone to plead for you is useless." Molin rolled his eyes and then glanced at the progress of his subordinates. Deciding that it was too slow, he grabbed a few of the seals himself and stuck the papers on some of the goods while instructing his subordinates, "These, these, and these, bring all these back for me."

The only difference was that the goods that the black-robed alchemists had seized were goods that they had been told might be problematic, while the ones Molin seized were all the most expensive items of the Gilded Rose.

Molin's favorite activity was closing down alchemy shops because confiscating the stock of an alchemy shop would bring in a large amount of income. Even now, the few goods he chose were worth a few hundred thousand golds. If he brought them back to the Alchemist Guild, they would be personally processed by Molin.

And if some of the goods were damaged and had to be disposed of, that definitely couldn't be blamed on Molin. Alchemical goods were very frail, so it was normal for some damage to appear, right?

Then again, who could look into that?

The shuttered Gilded Rose? At such a time, they would have to worry about their hearing first…

Molin quickly looked around the shelves. Every expensive item that fell into his gaze made his face expose a hint of excitement and greed.

One item, two items, three items…

In a short period of time, eight expensive items had been seized by Molin, but he still was not yet satisfied. His eyes turned toward the staircase to the 2nd floor. Molin's intuition told him that the truly precious items were most likely in the alchemy laboratory.

"You, you, you, and you, follow me up." Molin pointed at a few black-robed alchemists and walked over to the 2nd floor with them.

But, just as Molin stepped foot onto the staircase, a soft sound echoed through the air.

Before Molin could understand what had happened, he was ruthlessly sent flying.

Fortunately, he didn't go very high.

Thus, he quickly fell down.

However, he landed face first…

"Who! Who is it!" Molin got up from the ground with difficulty, his face in a bad state. It looked sort of like a peach, with red and white mixed together in a mess. "Who dares to sneak attack me! Have the guts to show yourself!"

Molin then saw his attacker come out.

He was a thin, 20-year-old mage with a pale complexion who was dressed in a brand new black robe. He stood there with his right hand still raised after having cast Tornado Whip.

"You are the one who attacked me?" Although the Alchemist Guild had always been relatively low-key unlike the powerful Mage Guild, whose might shook the entire Thousand Sails City, it had the power to rule over the industry. The Alchemist Guild's members always had a feeling of superiority over everyone else.

Especially Molin, who was able to control the market. In Thousand Sails City, he could be described as harsh and unreasonable. Usually, the alchemy shops having their goods seized would have to sweet talk Molin out of fear that they might be accused of some additional offense. But today, he was actually attacked with a Tornado Whip as he was about to inspect the alchemy laboratory.

This was simply a humiliation!

"I am Mafa Merlin." Lin Yun didn't care about Molin's expression as he slowly walked out of the crowd and entered the lobby of the Gilded Rose, before stopping in front of the bloodied Molin. "The Gilded Rose you are closing down just so happens to belong to me."

"Mafa Merlin?" Molin was dazed. He then remembered that Locke Merlin indeed had a son named Mafa Merlin.

But so what if it was Locke Merlin's son? Even if Locke Merlin himself had committed such an offense, he would have had to pay the price, let alone his son.

"You dared to do this to me?" Molin stared at Lin Yun, his voice full of repressed anger. "Do you know what you are doing? Do you know the consequences of interfering with the Alchemist Guild's market supervision?"

"What consequences?"

"Haha, you'll know about it after I bring you back." Molin waved his hand and his black-robed subordinates quickly surrounded Lin Yun. "Capture this individual and bring him back. To dare to sneak attack me, such nerve…"

"Understood."

Naturally, this group of alchemists wasn't weak, as they had been sent to seize expensive goods, which could cause conflict. They were all at least 5th Rank Mages, and some of them had even reached the 9th Rank. After hearing Molin's command, powerful mana fluctuations suddenly filled the Gilded Rose.

"How come it's so lively?" But at this time, an aged voice came from within the crowd.

"The Alchemist Guild is carrying out official business, unrelated people had better step back," Molin coldly sneered as his black-robed subordinates got ready to capture Lin Yun.

"The Alchemist Guild seems quite high-handed. Go back and ask Lys if he dares to make me step back."

"Leader Lys' name isn't something that…" Molin stopped mid-sentence. He suddenly felt that this aged voice was a bit familiar…

Thinking of this, Molin couldn't help turning around.

Then, his face turned deathly pale…

'Fuck… Solomon!'

At that split second, Molin felt as if he had been struck by thunder, and his eyes filled with fear. He looked at Solomon like he saw a monster appear. The expression on his bloody face was a mix of shock, fear, and loss. Molin almost wanted to cry.

For some time, Molin's mind was blank. One thought kept appearing over and over again: 'How could it be Solomon, and what is he doing here?'

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This was Solomon…

Leader of the Mage Guild, Master of the Sage Tower, the Solomon whose power shook Thousand Sails City for twenty years. Never mind a small Alchemist like Molin, even Leader Lys would be forced to remain respectful in front of this High Mage.

'I just scolded Solomon…'

As he thought about it, Molin felt his legs weakening.

'What should I do, what should I do…'

This was the strongest mage of Thousand Sails City, someone who had slaughtered the Black Wing Bandits. In front of him, Molin was a mere ant waiting to be crushed.

Molin stood there with a pale complexion, and he couldn't help shivering as numerous droplets of cold sweat dripped down from his forehead.

"Merlin, do you need my help resolving this issue?" Solomon didn't look at the terrified wreck as he entered the Gilded Rose without even asking what had happened. All he cared about was whether Lin Yun needed his help resolving this problem.

That's right, resolving it!

If someone else said something like this, it would definitely draw the ire of the Alchemist Guild. After all, who would dare to stop the Alchemist Guild from seizing goods when they were in charge of this market? Wouldn't that be disrespecting the Alchemist Guild?

But it was a totally different situation if Solomon was the one saying it. The black-robed alchemists, along with the shivering Molin, didn't feel anything wrong with Solomon saying something like this.

If Solomon said he would resolve it, then no matter who was right and who was wrong, no matter the cause and effect, the matter would be resolved.

This was the extent of Solomon's status in Thousand Sails City.

Lin Yun knew that as long as Solomon said something, these black-robed alchemists and Molin would definitely fix everything and scamper back to the Alchemist Guild with gloomy expressions. What seizing, what hearing? They would be unrelated to Lin Yun.

But after Lin Yun thought about it, he shook his head and rejected Solomon's kindness. "No need."

It wasn't because of some ridiculous pride, and it also wasn't because of some baffling honor.

In fact, due to his previous life, Lin Yun's pride and honor, as well as his moral principles, could be considered to be quite flexible depending on the situation.

He refused Solomon's kindness because he felt that the Gilded Rose still had too few alchemists…

"Mage Solomon, I already explained the matters of – Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm – on the road. In a few days, I'll come to the Sage Tower. I'll ask you for some pointers at that time…"

"Very well." Solomon understood Lin Yun's intentions and didn't try to convince him. After nodding, he gazed at Molin once again and muttered, "Give my respects to Lys."

After saying this, he turned around and left the Gilded Rose.

"Ye… Yes…" Molin was finally able to let out a sigh of relief. His legs went soft and he sat down on the staircase, but he couldn't relish in the feeling of being let off easy. He wiped the sweat off his forehead, but didn't even take the time to properly wipe the dust off his face as he rushed toward Lin Yun.

However, Molin didn't act all high and mighty this time. An obsequious expression was now plastered on his face, as the stuttered, "Ma… Mage Merlin, it's a misunderstanding, a complete misunderstanding…"

"Haha, it's good if it's all just a misunderstanding." Lin Yun laughed as if the previous unpleasantness had never happened. He even kindly reminded, "Alchemist Molin, there still seem to be a few shelves that are lacking seals over there."

"No, no, no, it's not needed, there is no need to put seals there…" By now Molin's smile looked more like unsightly weeping.

'Damn, if I had known that you were friendly with Solomon, how could I be willing to seize your goods? I got no benefits in the end and got on the bad side of Solomon, how could I be so unlucky…'

"No need, really?"

"There is truly no need…" Molin miserably forced out.

"Good then…" Lin Yun nodded in relief at this, before suddenly asking, "Oh right, Alchemist Molin, when does the hearing begin?"

"The hearing is in an hour… no, no, no, I don't mean to urge you, Mage Merlin, if you don't have the time, the hearing could be…"

Just after he started talking, Molin felt like slapping himself. Wasn't this a bad idea? He had just managed to gloss over the attempted seizure of goods, yet he was still talking about the hearing. What if Solomon returned?

"No, no, I have plenty of time!"

"Ah?"

"It would take thirty minutes to get from here to the Alchemist Guild. Alchemist Molin, hurry up and seal everything."

"Ah?"

Molin let out two surprised murmurs one after the other as he was completely stunned.

After working for the Alchemist Guild for so many years, it was the first time Molin saw an alchemy shop owner like this person. Not only was he impatient to participate in the hearing, but he was even urging him to hurry and seal everything. 'What… What is happening? Are you losing your mind, or am I?'

One was continuously urging while the other wanted to just stop…

The sealing work was rushed ahead. Molin commanded a few of the black-robed alchemists to hurriedly put seals on a few shelves before saying while shivering that the sealing had already been completed.

The most frightening thing was that before he left, Lin Yun asked one thing.

"Oh right, Alchemist Molin! Once the hearing is over, will I be missing some of my things?"

"Definitely not!" Molin was on the verge of crying. He shook his head while guaranteeing, "That definitely will not happen!"

At the start, Molin truly had planned to get some benefits out of this. After all, by the time the hearing was over, it wasn't even certain whether the Gilded Rose could continue doing business. Under these kinds of circumstances, no one would come to give him trouble over taking a few things for himself.

But now, even if Molin was bold, he wouldn't dare to make a move on Lin Yun…

The young boss of the Gilded Rose was actually someone that could chat casually with Solomon. The only thing he would gain from acting against someone like this would be some enmity.

Besides, with Solomon leaving behind that sentence, even Leader Lys would have no choice but to show a bit of respect and only go through the motions of having the hearing. Once finished, the Gilded Rose should be able to do business again. What if Solomon personally came out if he stole something?

Thinking that this might be possible, Molin's legs felt weak once again…

Unfortunately, Lin Yun didn't say anything on the way to break up the awkward atmosphere, and the two spent their time in the carriage to the Alchemist Guild in complete silence.Looking at the time, one hour had passed.

The hearing was held on the 2nd floor. Molin respectfully led Lin Yun to the door and knocked on the door before announcing, "The Gilded Rose's Mafa Merlin has arrived."

"Please come in."

Molin opened the door and led Merlin inside. This was a spacious conference room with very simple furnishing. There were a few chairs and a long table, and behind the long table were three middle-aged men sitting side by side. They didn't seem very old, each perhaps between 40 and 50.

Ten meters in front of the table was a chair that apparently was left there for Lin Yun.

"Mage Merlin, please sit." After Molin led Lin Yun to the conference room, he respectfully asked Lin Yun to sit down before running toward one of the middle-aged men to whisper a few sentences in his ears.

After hearing Molin's words, the middle-aged man was clearly startled. He instantly glanced at Lin Yun in bewilderment before quickly lowering his head to cover his lack of self-control. However, the broken quill in his right hand still betrayed his mood. It was only a quill, but he couldn't hold it stable.

Although they were ten meters away and Molin's voice was very low, Lin Yun could make out from Molin's lips that he said, "Solomon himself accompanied him back…"

It seemed that this middle-aged man was Molin's backer in the Alchemist Guild…

After Molin withdrew from the conference room, the hearing officially began.

"You are Mafa Merlin?" The first to ask the question was a middle-aged man that looked roughly 50 years old. The mana fluctuations from his body gave Lin Yun some pressure.

If it had been before his advancement to Great Mage, Lin Yun might have only felt pressure and nothing more, but now his awareness toward mana fluctuations had greatly sharpened. With a glance, he could see that this middle-aged person should be a 5th Rank Great Mage.

But after reaching the rank of Great Mage, he might have taken a few detours, making his Magic Conducting Runes no longer able to maintain balance. For him to be able to even reach this step was thanks to the help of various alchemy potions. But he would be stuck at the 5th Rank for life.

"Mafa Merlin?" Not hearing any sort of response, the man frowned. As someone who was relatively higher in the ranks of the Alchemist Guild, although the number of hearings he had taken part in hadn't reached the triple digits yet, he still had participated in more than eighty. In all of these, he had never seen one where the person being questioned would ignore him…

Moreover, there were two of his peers watching on the side, making him feel like he had been disrespected. Naturally, he didn't have a good first impression of Lin Yun.

"Ah, yes, I am Mafa Merlin." Lin Yun, who had felt sorry for the other side for being stuck at the 5th Rank, came back to his senses after hearing the middle-aged man prompt him a second time.

"Good, Mafa Merlin, you can now confess about the issue regarding your Gilded Rose."

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Chapter 53: Dissipation Potion

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

"What do you mean, confess?" Lin Yun kept up a dazed expression, but he clearly understood that this overbearing middle-aged man was trying to intimidate him. Otherwise, he wouldn't have brought it up like this.

Sure enough, as Lin Yun thought, the middle-aged man impatiently continued, "Could there be problems with the Gilded Rose, which is under your name, that even you yourself don't know about? And you ask me what I mean about confessing? I'm telling you, Mafa Merlin, you had better cooperate and answer this question truthfully. The severity of your punishment depends on your attitude. Don't be stubborn, that wouldn't be good for you and the Gilded Rose!"

This man had held many hearings, so he was quite used to handling these owners of alchemy shops.

The most effective tactic was intimidation…

These ruthless merchants might look like they abided by the law, but in reality, who hadn't made a few illegal deals? Most hearings were about that. As long as they were intimidated, these merchants would truthfully confess. Even things that the guild was unaware of would come out sometimes.

This middle-aged man was highly experienced.

Unfortunately, he was facing the Gilded Rose this time…

The Gilded Rose rose up from scratch, and more than ninety percent of the products had been personally made by Lin Yun. How could Lin Yun not know if there was a problem with them?

Thus, Lin Yun pushed back. "Then say it, what issue is there with the Gilded Rose?"

"You…" The middle-aged man's face hardened as he thought to himself, 'He is too arrogant, too savage, he refuses to confess to the problem and even ridiculed me, the host of the hearing, an esteemed alchemist of the Alchemist Guild!' The middle-aged man stood up and pointed at Lin Yun as he warned, "Mafa Merlin, you should know where you are. This is the Alchemist Guild, not a place where you can behave as you wish. You'd better confess truthfully, or else…"

"Are you threatening me?" Although Lin Yun was still smiling, his eyes faintly narrowed as he stared back at the middle-aged man.

"Mage Merlin, it is a mere formality, we aren't threatening you." Seeing the two of them glaring daggers at each other, one of the other men hurriedly joined the discussion. After appeasing Lin Yun, he patted the shoulder of his ashen-faced colleague. "Okay, Granger, let me do the questioning."

"Hmph!" Granger ruthlessly stared at Lin Yun for a few more moments and then sat down after snorting.

"Mage Merlin, let me introduce myself first, I am called Bassoro. I am in charge of this hearing with Granger. We called you here to ask a few questions."

"Sure, ask away."

"First, I would like to ask of you, when the Gilded Rose had an alchemy exhibition yesterday at ten in the morning, did the exhibition include a potion named the Hope Potion, which is rumored to be able to make a Magic Apprentice easily reach 9th Rank?"

"Yes."

"Good, second question. Was this potion bought by a 3rd Rank Magic Apprentice named Cruise for the price of two hundred thousand gold?"

"Yes."

"And the last question, can Mage Merlin confirm whether this potion can make a Magic Apprentice easily reach 9th Rank as it was explained by the Gilded Rose, and without any side effect?"

"Yes."

"Good, I have no more questions." Bassoro nodded and only wrote something on a paper in front of him.

"Mafa Merlin, I have to say that this is a very substandard scam." Granger stood up once again and looked at Lin Yun as if he was looking at an idiot as he continued, "I don't know what achievements you have in magic, but honestly, you've really failed in the alchemy field. When you plotted this trap, didn't you think with basic common sense?"

After saying that, Granger picked up a book from the table and threw it in front of Lin Yun.

If Granger's previous actions could be considered intimidation, then this action was certainly an attempt to humiliate him. Lin Yun naturally couldn't go and pick it up. That would be even worse than picking up soap in a shared shower. Lin Yun only glanced down and saw that this book was called – History of Alchemy's Growth –. Lin Yun saw it once in the Sage Tower. There was nearly no alchemy-related knowledge inside. It mainly talked about some important characters and events in the history of alchemy.

"You see, knowledge is under your foot, but you are even unwilling to bend your waist to retrieve it." A sneer appeared on Granger's face. He felt as if he had the upper hand. "If you had been willing to look at this book, you wouldn't have left so many loopholes in your scam. On the 13th page it is clearly written that through several millennia of alchemy history, there had been seventeen types of potions that were able to make a Magic Apprentice smoothly reach 9th Rank. Each of them is an artwork that could be recorded in the annals of history. The cheapest one among them was worth 1 500 000 gold, while your Gilded Rose sold the so-called Hope Potion for barely a tenth of that. I don't know whether to call you stupid or naive. Was your Gilded Rose always so charitable?"

"Then how much should we price it at?"

"Its price should be…" Granger reflexively said half of his sentence before having a sudden realization and changing his tact. "How much you should sell it for doesn't matter, the main point is that your Gilded Rose's scam has already brought about serious consequences!"

"What consequences?"

"What consequences? Haha, you will understand soon." Granger gave Lin Yun a cold glare before calling for a staff member. After whispering a few words to that person, the latter quickly left the reception room.

Ten minutes later, the staff member came back with a young Magic Apprentice in his late twenties.

"Now, let me introduce this person. He is Magic Apprentice Cruise, the one who bought the Hope Potion for two hundred thousand gold. Magic Apprentice Cruise, could you please share what happened to you after you drank the Hope Potion."

"Yes…" This Magic Apprentice called Cruise clearly hadn't experienced any big events before. Standing in front of several Great Mages and Great Alchemists, he couldn't help acting rather nervous. His eyes faintly flickered as he recalled, "That day… On that day, I originally planned on purchasing a few magic scrolls, but I didn't expect the Gilded Rose to organize an alchemy exhibition. I just happened to be at the first row. At that time… At that time I thought that a large alchemy shop like the Gilded Rose wouldn't scam people, and I felt lucky. I wanted to immediately become a 9th Rank Magic Apprentice so I… I bought it. I spent all my savings to buy that damned Hope Potion."

"And afterwards?"

"Afterwards… Afterwards, they urged me to drink it on the spot. I did as instructed, and after drinking it, I truly felt my mana quickly increase, quickly increasing from 3rd Rank to 4th Rank, from 4th Rank to 5th Rank, before finally stopping at the 9th Rank. At that time, I really thought that I was lucky. Many people congratulated me, and many more people were asking when there would be Hope Potion in stock. But in the end…"

"In the end?"

"In the end, after I came back, I hurriedly entered meditation in order to consolidate the level of mana. At that time I discovered that I couldn't undergo meditation, and moreover, that the previous surge of mana was quickly vanishing. I quickly fell from 9th Rank to 8th Rank, then from 8th Rank to 7th Rank…" The more the young Magic Apprentice talked, the more his emotions came out, before finally, he became unable to control himself, "This morning I couldn't even maintain my status of 3rd Rank Magic Apprentice. Mafa Merlin, you scoundrel, you destroyed my life, I won't let you off!"

"Calm down, Magic Apprentice Cruise."

"Yes, yes… I originally was a 3rd Rank Magic Apprentice, but look, I can't even maintain 3rd rank right now, moreover, I still can't undergo meditation. Maybe tomorrow I might become an ordinary person devoid of mana. This was caused by the damn Gilded Rose!"

After saying that, the young Magic Apprentice even let out a few tears…

"Mafa Merlin, those are the consequences of your actions," Granger sneered while looking at Lin Yun.

"Magic Apprentice Cruise, can I trouble you to come over? You are too far, I can't see clearly." Lin Yun didn't pay attention to Granger's malicious accusations and simply beckoned Cruise over.

"This…"

"It's fine Magic Apprentice Cruise, let him have a look at what the Gilded Rose did. This is the Alchemist Guild, no one will harm you."

"Understood." After obtaining Granger's guarantee, the young Magic Apprentice walked over.

Lin Yun looked at the young Magic Apprentice for a long time…

"Mana is indeed dissipating. If this keeps going, let alone tomorrow, you might become an ordinary person today." Lin Yun's voice sounded sympathetic as he asked, "Oh right, Magic Apprentice Cruise, what does a Dissipation Potion taste like?"

"What Dissipation Potion!" The originally cowering Magic Apprentice almost jumped up when he heard the words Dissipation Potion. He looked like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, as he yowled, "What Dissipation Potion? I don't understand what you are talking about!"

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Chapter 54: Proof

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

"Mage Merlin, what does this mean?" Upon hearing these words, let alone the young Magic Apprentice, even Bassoro, who had been immersed in his writing, began to frown.

As a Great Alchemist, how could he not know what a Dissipation Potion was? It was a poison tailored for mages. Once poisoned, the victim's usable mana would decrease very rapidly. A lot of rogues liked to douse their daggers in Dissipation Potion so that when fighting a mage, a small injury could change the outcome of the battle.

But a mage drinking a Dissipation Potion? This had never been heard of…

"Sour, I presume?" Lin Yun squinted as he kept watching that young Magic Apprentice, apparently not hearing Bassoro's question.

"You… You are talking nonsense!" Under Lin Yun's intense gaze, the young Magic Apprentice was even more nervous. "What Dissipation Potion? I never heard about it, you… What proof do you have!"

"Eh… Proof?" Lin Yun didn't move from his seat as he mused with a lazy voice.

However, just as his words ended, a "woosh" could be heard.

It was followed by a splash of blood…

Before anyone realized what had happened, Lin Yun had already taken out a glass bottle, and the spurt of blood entered the bottle without a single drop being spilled.

The entire process was so fast that everyone was left in a daze for a moment…

When Cruise clutched his right hand while letting out a miserable shriek, everyone understood what had happened. Fresh blood could be seen dripping from the young Magic Apprentice's wrist, and the sound from before had come from a quickly cast Wind Blade.

In other words, he had cut open the young Magic Apprentice's wrist and collected the blood coming out in a glass bottle.

And he had done it so quickly that no one was able to follow the action!

What did this mean…

The three people sitting on the other side of the table couldn't treat this lightly. Among the three of them, Granger was a 5th Rank Great Mage, Bassoro was a 6th Rank Great Mage, and the remaining one was someone who had only recently become a Great Mage. But even so, these three Great Mages were all in a daze and weren't able to clearly understand how it had happened. How did this Mage Merlin release that Wind Blade? How did he cut Cruise? And how did he collect the blood in the glass bottle?

They weren't able to see it, and that realization shocked them…

That casting speed was far too frightening.

What would have happened if the target of that Wind Blade wasn't Cruise's wrist, but rather the neck of one of the three Great Mages?

As the thought passed through his mind, Granger suddenly felt uncomfortable sitting in his chair…

After all, ever since that young mage entered the reception room, Granger had deliberately been making things hard for him. This was partly because it was a necessary part of conducting the hearing, but it was also due to Granger's selfishness.

Others might not know the reason, but how could Granger not know? The eldest son of the Monchi Family, Ryan, had personally visited him and promised numerous precious magic materials. All he needed to do was to make things difficult for that Mafa Merlin guy during the hearing.

Granger had unhesitantly agreed.

As he saw it, Mafa Merlin was but a 20-year-old Mage whose biggest backer had already passed away. He was now operating an alchemy shop with a very old butler. He had no influence and no background. So what if he embarrassed him in the hearing? Would such a person dare to retaliate?

Retaliating against a Great Alchemist… Even if he was bold, he wouldn't dare!

And in the hypothetical case that he dared to do so, would he even have the ability?

A youth who had just advanced to become a Mage retaliating against a 5th Rank Great Mage, such a joke…

Thus, from the beginning, Granger had been thinking of every possible way to make it hard for this young mage, while each of his words had an intimidating tone and each of his questions carried deep malice.

But now, Granger felt a little bit nervous…

He had suddenly found out that the young mage he had been trying to intimidate was a huge threat…

He had cast a spell that harmed their witness, and none of the Great Mages had been able to stop him, or even react at all.

This casting speed was too frightening…

Granger went pale as he thought about the fact he had been antagonizing such a frightening person.

"Merlin… Mage Merlin… This… What does it mean?"

"Nothing much. It's just that, didn't Magic Apprentice Cruise just say that I didn't have any proof?" Lin Yun gently shook the glass bottle in his hand while calmly explaining, "I felt that this was a provocation, and thus I decided to produce some proof."

"What is that proof?"

"The proof…" Lin Yun smiled and stood up, shaking the glass bottle while walking toward the table.

"What… What are you doing!" Granger immediately jumped up in surprise. But after he cried out in alarm, the Great Alchemist realized that he had forgotten to act with decorum, and promptly spoke further to cover it up. "You can show your proof, you don't need to come up here to do so!"

"Great Alchemist Granger, I'm only bringing the proof to you, you don't need to be so nervous…"

"I am not nervous!" How could Granger admit something like that?

Fortunately, Lin Yun didn't press the matter. He only put the glass bottle on the table and explained, "This is the proof."

"What kind of proof is that?" Granger was confused.

No, it wasn't just Granger…

Although the other two Great Alchemists didn't say anything, when they looked at Lin Yun, they couldn't help frowning. What kind of proof could there be in this bottle containing a bit of blood?

Lin Yun quickly gave them the answer.

"Great Alchemist Granger, your knowledge is truly lacking…" Lin Yun pointed at the – History of Alchemy's Growth – on the floor while saying with a smile, "If you were to carefully read this book, you would find in the third paragraph of page 27 that Ruler Zhang Tui had been stabbed with a weapon doused in Dissipation Potion in his later years, leading to all kinds of symptoms. If I'm not wrong, it was mentioned that it took three months for Ruler Zhang Tui's wound to heal, and the flow of blood was never-ending…"

"…" Granger's expression was unsightly. What he had just used to make fun of Lin Yun was now being used against him, and he couldn't say anything against it because the description was too crucial. For some time, Granger stared attentively at the book on the ground, but he could neither pick it up nor leave it there.

If he picked it up, that was the same as losing his reputation because of his earlier words, but if he didn't pick it up, how could he refute the claim?

"You see, Great Alchemist Granger, soap… Errr, knowledge is at your feet, but you are unwilling to bend your waist to pick it up…" The most terrible part was Lin Yun's sneering.

"…" For some time, Granger really felt like slapping himself.

"How about you look inside to check, Granger?" Bassoro, who was feeling a bit intrigued, couldn't help but advise him to continue.

Granger turned to glance at Bassoro, and although he didn't say anything, he had already cursed eighteen generations of Bassoro's ancestors. 'Fuck, you are a bastard. I'm already in this situation, but not only are you refusing to support me, you're even throwing stones at me. If you want to take a look, how about you go pick it up and check yourself?'

"The hearing has to continue." Bassoro clearly knew with a glance that Granger wasn't thinking anything good about him right now, so after a short time, he simply lowered his head and gave this reason.

But to Granger, having this reason was a way out of the embarrassing situation. Thus, after hesitating for a long time, the Great Alchemist clenched his teeth and picked up – History of Alchemy's Growth –.

When he looked inside, he wanted to find a hole where he could hide.

After flipping through some pages, he saw that on the third paragraph of page 27, it was indeed written that Ruler Zhang Tui of the 3rd Dynasty had spent three months recovering from his wound and that it had bled profusely.

Everything was as Mafa Merlin had said!

Granger suddenly realized that the path that this hearing was heading down was far from good for him. He stood still for a while, staring at the words before him.

Sure enough, after Granger checked the relevant passage from the book, Lin Yun held the glass bottle up and gently shook it. "Why was the wound continuously bleeding? Take a look at the drops of blood. It has been ten minutes since I cut Magic Apprentice Cruise's wrist, yet these drops of blood still show no signs of coagulating. This blood simply cannot coagulate. Great Alchemist Granger, you wouldn't tell me that it is but a mere coincidence?"

"This… This is only your conjecture! This can't be used as evidence!" Granger felt that he could still salvage the situation.

"This isn't a mere conjecture." Lin Yun didn't plan to give him the slightest opportunity. He picked up a quill and a piece of paper on the table and started writing. He wrote down an alchemy formula containing four lines. "There, compound this potion and you can extract at least a drop of Dissipation Potion from this blood sample here in three minutes. At that time, if Great Alchemist Granger is still not convinced, he can try it himself!"

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Chapter 55: Conclusion

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Bassoro once again hit Granger while he was down. He proceeded to compound the potion according to Lin Yun's formula.

"…" Granger looked at the potion and felt like crying. 'Seriously, how could you move so fast and finish compounding in a few minutes, do you think I'm not miserable enough?'

Granger's thoughts were about right.

Bassoro didn't stop after taking out the finished potion and volunteered to help Lin Yun with the refining. Under the exquisite work of the Great Alchemist, the blood inside the glass bottle quickly separated, leaving a few drops of transparent liquid behind. As it was decanted into another glass bottle, a sour smell assaulted their noses.

"Granger, look at this…" After Bassoro was done with his work, he took a deep breath before showing an embarrassed expression.

After a moment of silence, Granger almost jumped up. 'Fuck, why are you looking at me with such an awkward expression? You aren't thinking of truly making me try it… Right? We are both members of the Alchemist Guild, why are you acting like that?'

"What… What do you think you are doing?" Granger almost subconsciously covered his mouth. He looked at Bassoro with vigilance.

Bassoro saw Granger's expression, but he still didn't know what his colleague was thinking.

'That idiot…' Bassoro inwardly scolded him. This person was also a fellow Great Alchemist. Bassoro was looking at him with disdain, as his actions were too unsightly. In order to make some profits, he had gone so far as to maliciously accuse this young mage at the hearing. What he did was clear, yet he thought that others couldn't see…

If it had happened to someone else, Bassoro likely wouldn't have bothered about it.

To a Great Alchemist, the survival of a random alchemy shop was only a trivial matter. Offending a colleague for a trivial matter wasn't worth it in Bassoro's eyes.

The problem was he couldn't ignore Lin Yun's matters…

What Molin had said earlier was very clear: When that young mage came back to the Gilded Rose, he had been escorted back by Solomon!

What did that mean…

'Is a person that Solomon personally escorted someone you can offend, Granger? Granger could be considered lucky, that Wind Blade earlier had only cut Cruise's wrist. If Mage Merlin had a worse temper, that Wind Blade might have fallen on your neck due to your previous behavior. It would be too late for you to regret it then. Regardless of your fate, don't implicate me, I don't want to clean up your mess.'

As he thought this, Bassoro felt a little troubled. The hand holding the glass bottle seemed to be moving toward Granger…

"Get that away from me!" Granger quickly cried out.

Bassoro took a look at Granger and then opened the glass bottle before giving his opinion.

"It seems like it truly is Dissipating Potion…"

But he still ended up asking, "Granger, what do you think?"

"I…"

Granger opened his mouth, but he didn't know what he should say.

Granger was too embarrassed by the situation…

Could he agree to what Bassoro said? Then today's hearing might turn into the biggest joke of the Alchemist Guild, and the most laughable person would definitely be Granger himself. But if he didn't agree, what could he do about the bottle Bassoro was holding, would he really have to try it? And what if it really was Dissipating Potion?

"This…" Granger remained confused and indecisive for a long time before finally realizing something. 'So what if it's the Monchi Family? So what if they offer magic materials, to hell with it, if I can't protect myself, why should I care about your trivial matter?'

People were like this… They would put themselves first when facing adversity.

"That's right, I also feel that this is Dissipation Potion!" Granger's mind cleared up and he immediately figured out his course of action. He slowly took the bottle and walked to the young man that had been brought in as a witness. "Magic Apprentice Cruise, what do you have to say?"

"I…" Cruise was in a daze. The situation had changed too suddenly. First, a Wind Blade cut his wrist, leaving these Great Alchemists speechless, and even worse, this particular Great Alchemist changed sides and was now grilling him instead.

How could this happen…

Cruise originally wasn't someone with much social experience. Among the people he usually came in contact with, the most influential ones were only Alchemists. Cruise had never even dreamed of being in the same room as three Great Alchemists.

And now he was being questioned by a Great Alchemist.

Cruise stood there lifelessly, cold sweat dripping from his forehead.

'How could this be? Didn't the butler of the Monchi Family guarantee that I wouldn't be exposed and that if anything went wrong, Great Alchemist Granger would definitely help me?'

'What… What kind of help is this?'

"I agree with Great Alchemist Bassoro. This substance that was extracted from your blood is Dissipation Potion. In other words, Magic Apprentice Cruise, your presented false testimony in this hearing. Therefore, after discussing with Great Alchemist Bassoro, we have decided to end this hearing here. The Gilded Rose can start conducting business again. As for you, Magic Apprentice Cruise, there will be an investigation in a little while. I hope you will cooperate."

'Finished… I'm finished…' After Granger was done talking, the young Magic Apprentice immediately felt everything darkening before him. The conditions the Monchi Family had agreed to would all disappear. He would have to deal with the consequences of the Dissipation Potion on his own. And the most frightening thing was that the Alchemist Guild was even going to investigate him. Once that happened, the false testimony he had given in this hearing would come up. He would never be able to find work in Thousand Sails City later on.

It shouldn't have happened like this…

When he left the Gilded Rose the other day, he had already been a 9th Rank Magic Apprentice. As long as he worked hard, he might have been able to become a Mage. A beautiful future was beckoning to him. 'Why did I accept Jonathan's offer, why did I drink that Dissipation Potion?'

Cruise stood there in a daze. He wanted to say a few sentences to justify himself, but his words were barely mumbles as he muttered under his breath, "This isn't Dissipation Potion, you have no proof…"

But these words were heard by Granger…

Granger practically wanted to kill him for that. 'Fuck, you still want proof? Are you trying to get me to drink this Dissipation Potion?'

"Come here, take Magic Apprentice Cruise out and watch him strictly. Magic Apprentice Cruise might be related to some incidents. In a bit, the Alchemist Guild will send someone to investigate him."

"…" The world in front of the young Magic Apprentice turned dark as he was dragged out of the meeting room.

While Cruise was being dragged away, a staff member came up and took a look at the alchemy formula.

But the situation in the meeting room was a bit hectic.

Granger was busy making arrangements, Lin Yun was busy sneering at him, and Bassoro was busy recording the events of the hearing, and as for the remaining Great Mage, he was dozing off for some reason… Thus, no one was thinking about the formula.

"This… Mage Merlin, this was a misunderstanding, truly a misunderstanding…" Granger's forced smiling face looked more like an unsightly crying face.

Originally, as an esteemed Great Alchemist, even if Granger made a mistake, he still wouldn't try to curry favor with some inexperienced mage by apologizing.

But Bassoro had told him about the matter of Solomon escorting Lin Yun earlier, whatever the reason for that was, when they were discussing the outcome of the hearing.

Granger really felt startled and miserable at that revelation.

The one that the Monchi Family wanted him to handle this time was truly a dangerous person!

If he had known this earlier, forget magic materials, even if the Monchi Family opened their own warehouse to him, he still wouldn't agree. Solomon had never personally escorted someone like this for the past twenty years. Last time, Solomon had only walked Ryan of the Monchi Family to his door in the Sage Tower, and that alone had been enough to make huge waves in Thousand Sails City. But this Mafa Merlin was personally escorted back to the Gilded Rose!

Granger felt cold sweat dripping from his back.

"Haha…" Regarding the matter of Granger obviously trying to curry favor with him, Lin Yun only laughed, not saying anything. However, he didn't continue to make things difficult for the other side.

Because Lin Yun knew that someone would come to find him soon.

Sure enough, while Granger was trying to think of every possible way to justify himself, another staff member entered the reception room and whispered a few sentences in Bassoro's ears.

Bassoro, who had still been sorting the records of the hearing, froze before suddenly standing up and looking at Lin Yun, his expression full of doubt and shock.

Bassoro stood there in a daze for a long time before letting out a gulp. "Mage… Mage Merlin…"

"What is it, Great Alchemist Bassoro?"

"You… Your esteemed alchemy formula… By any chance, is there a missing part?" The tone Bassoro used was very respectful this time. Anyone would be shocked to see a Great Alchemist speak so respectfully to a young mage. After all, Bassoro was one of the most important members of the Alchemist Guild, his status above Grangers. The number of people he would talk so respectfully to could be counted on two hands in the entire Alchemist Guild, no, in the entire Thousand Sails City.

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But Bassoro was now being very polite to Lin Yun…

It was because the leader of the Alchemist Guild, Lys, had sent someone to give an order.

'Ask Mage Merlin if he would be willing to give the rest of the alchemy formula in exchange for a chance to study in the Mercury Tower for three months.'

Bassoro's expression became strange when he heard this.

The Mercury Tower was essentially the kingdom's holy land of alchemy. Every alchemist dreamt of going there because it not only had the best atmosphere, but also had the most comprehensive and profound stores of alchemy-related knowledge. With enough luck, one might be able to get pointers from a Master Alchemist.

But the Mercury Tower rarely got in contact with the outside world, and it wouldn't recruit disciples externally. The alchemists there were like monks, immersing themselves in their studies day after day, year after year. To some extent, the Mercury Tower could be considered an independent kingdom, one that only existed for the advancement of alchemy.

That independent kingdom was practically isolated from the rest of the world. Only when the legendary Masters needed to replace their assistants would outsiders get an opportunity to enter the Mercury Tower.

These opportunities were very rare…

At the very most, only ten people would have this opportunity in a given year, and every major Alchemist Guild like the one in Thousand Sails City would obtain one spot every few years. Bassoro himself had been applying for over ten years, and although he hadn't been chosen yet, he never gave up.

After all, Bassoro knew that due to his innate level of talent, he had already approached the limit of his path of alchemy. If he only relied on hard work, he could end up stuck at his current level for years. If he wanted to progress further, he had to enter the Mercury Tower and gain access to the profound knowledge and the help of those legendary Master Alchemists.

But that opportunity was too difficult to obtain…

Even though Bassoro's status in the Alchemist Guild wasn't low at all, getting a chance to enter the Mercury Tower was based on luck.

But now, this kind of opportunity was actually being offered in exchange for an alchemy formula!

Bassoro's expression became quite strange as he thought about it…

It wasn't because of him missing out on the opportunity to go the Mercury Tower, but rather because of the implied value of that alchemy formula.

Although Lys' reputation in Thousand Sails City wasn't as awe-inspiring as that of someone like Solomon, his prestige within the Alchemist Guild wasn't something that an outsider could imagine. His status here was nearly that of a god. For complicated and important decisions, as long as Lys said something, the rest of the Alchemist Guild wouldn't dare to go against it.

This wasn't the same as Solomon in the Sage Tower…

Although Solomon might have power that shook the entire Thousand Sails City, he was only one of the three members of a council in the Sage Tower. For important decisions, they would have to convene a meeting and the three of them would come to a decision together.

But Lys reigned supreme in the Alchemist Guild, every final decision depending on his word, like a dictatorship.

Just like now, with the precious opportunity to go to the Mercury Tower being decided in a word by Lys, and no one questioning it.

Even Bassoro, who had been continuously applying for ten years, could only look at Lin Yun with envy…

"Great Alchemist Bassoro, this question isn't very appropriate…" Lin Yun looked at Bassoro with a smile that didn't quite look like a smile. Although he didn't say it outright, the ridicule contained in his smile was obvious.

"This…" Bassoro's expression became awkward when he heard Lin Yun's answer.

That question indeed wasn't very proper…

For alchemy shops, their formulas were everything. Whoever had better alchemy formulas, whoever could craft better items, those shops would occupy a bigger share of the market.

Even a small shop like the Gilded Rose, whose sales were on the scale of a few hundred thousand gold, would become the focus of Thousand Sails city after the appearance of the Hope Potion. Once the hearing was over, the business would inevitably become very prosperous. As long as they didn't make any mistakes, it would only be a matter of time before they became the number one alchemy shop of Thousand Sails City.

The kind of core knowledge that could decide between success and failure… It truly wasn't appropriate to ask about it…

But disregarding it was out of the question…

"That… Mage Merlin, our Alchemist Guild isn't asking for your formula for free. We wish to trade for it…"

"Oh?"

"How about one million gold?"

"Haha…" How could Lin Yun not understand the value of the missing part of the formula? Any alchemist that was worth their salt wouldn't be willing to part with something like this.

Thus, Bassoro's offer of one million gold only earned a chuckle from Lin Yun…

"How about this!" Bassoro became immediately worried when he heard Lin Yun's reaction and immediately changed the offer. "Formulas for your formula. As long as you are willing to let us know this formula, our Alchemist Guild will trade you three… no, five unique formulas. We guarantee that these five formulas are unique to the Alchemist Guild and you won't find them anywhere else in Thousand Sails City!"

"Haha…"

"…" Bassoro was sweating crazily as he wondered, 'Why is he still chuckling…'

An esteemed Great Alchemist was giving him a generous offer, but yet this fellow seemed to find the situation amusing. At this time, Bassoro felt his heart freezing.

'Force isn't an option… This is someone supported by Solomon, if that old butcher is unhappy, even Leader Lys might suffer,' he thought to himself. 'Moreover, that Mafa Merlin is most likely a Great Mage. Just the display of that Wind Blade was enough to prove it.'

Three Great Mages weren't able to react. If they really fought, Bassoro didn't have the confidence to survive.

When considering his strength and background, that Mafa Merlin already had the qualifications to stand on an equal footing with Bassoro. Not to mention, he had also brought out an alchemy formula that even Leader Lys was interested in.

Facing such a person, even if Bassoro was unwilling, he had no choice but to rein in his temper and negotiate.

Ultimately, Bassoro clenched his teeth and took out his trump card.

"Okay, Mage Merlin, how about if we give you the opportunity to enter the Mercury Tower for three months in exchange for the last part of the alchemy formula?"

As Bassoro forced himself to say this, his face became twisted.

'Gone, gone… Another opportunity gone like that…'

But immediately afterward, Bassoro saw the young mage smile brightly and respond, "No deal!"

"No… No deal!?" Bassoro was startled. His expression was like he had just seen his own wife following someone into a hotel. 'No deal… No deal…'

Bassoro's mind was in a mess due to that one sentence…

"No no no… How could you not want this deal!" This time, Bassoro didn't care about his prestige as he stared at Lin Yun in disbelief.

If not for him still being wary of the young mage's shocking power, Bassoro might have grabbed his neck and shook him while asking if he was a fool. 'How could he possibly turn down such an incredible offer? Doesn't he know what it means to get to study at the Mercury Tower? Doesn't he know how many alchemists keep applying every year only to end up failing? I am one of those alchemists!'

"Okay, Great Alchemist Bassoro, I am willing to trade this alchemy formula, but I am not interested in studying at the Mercury Tower."

Seeing Bassoro's emotional response, Lin Yun felt a bit bad about keeping him in suspense. After thinking for a moment, he gave a small hint…

In fact, one of the reasons Lin Yun had come to the hearing today was precisely to sell this alchemy formula. He knew that he would get a chance to demonstrate its effects.

As for the rest, such as the matter of making Granger feel as if he had been slapped in public, it was merely done casually.

Otherwise, Lin Yun wouldn't have written a Quad-Formula alchemy formula. If he only wanted to prove that Magic Apprentice Cruise had drunk a Dissipation Potion, Lin Yun had a hundred different methods that he could have used. He wouldn't have to use such a troublesome one. Thus Lin Yun wrote a Quad-Formula alchemy formula while hiding the most important one.

A normal Great Alchemist might not have noticed it…

But those peak Great Alchemists who had been in that realm for many years, thirsting to reach the Master realm, would inevitably notice that this Quad-Formula alchemy formula had a part missing. That part of the formula was the core. As long as that final part of the alchemy formula was integrated with the rest, the entire formula would undergo heaven-defying changes. When compounding it, it would create a new kind of potion, something that would be enough for Great Alchemists to enter the ranks of Master Alchemists.

Therefore, what Lin Yun wanted to sell today was, in fact, an opportunity to become a Master Alchemist!

This was a lot more precious than an opportunity to study at the Mercury Tower…

Moreover, entering the Mercury Tower was only a matter of gaining knowledge to Lin Yun… and Lin Yun didn't lack knowledge at all…

Lin Yun was currently lacking in alchemists.

The only place that could quickly offer him a lot of alchemists at a viable price was the Alchemist Guild!

But he didn't need to tell Bassoro that. Lin Yun only gave Bassoro a hint to prod him to come and properly chat with him about business.

"Oh right, Great Alchemist Bassoro, I think the Alchemist Guild should carefully investigate the matter of who it was that slandered the Gilded Rose. This is obviously challenging the rules of the industry. If it ever happened again, the prestige of the Alchemist Guild would definitely be adversely affected…"

Lin Yun didn't give Bassoro an opportunity to reply. After he said what he wanted, he left the spacious reception room.

The three Great Alchemists were left behind, staring at his back…

They were dumbstruck for a good while.

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Chapter 57: Satisfied

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

No wonder Granger always said that these ruthless merchants were all troublesome characters. Mage Merlin clearly wanted to retaliate against the person that slandered him, but by using such a dignified reason, he could make it seem like he was actually worried about the possibility that the Alchemist Guild's prestige might suffer.

"No…" Bassoro was stunned there for a while before he suddenly noticed something wrong. He wasn't just instigating the Alchemist Guild to make a move… This was most likely a hint.

After thinking about it, Bassoro suddenly understood.

'Indeed, he must be hinting that the Alchemist Guild should give an account to the Gilded Rose.'

If anyone else tried this, Bassoro would most likely just spit at them. How could the Alchemist Guild be pushed into making a move so easily, and even be asked to give an account on top of that?

But now…

But now…

Not only did Bassoro refrain from being impolite, but he even almost laughed out loud.

Although Mage Merlin declined the opportunity to study in the Mercury Tower, he did say that the alchemy formula could be traded.

In other words, it wasn't that Mage Merlin was unwilling to trade it at all, but that the initial offer wasn't satisfying enough.

Negotiations were still open.

As long as he didn't completely reject the idea, Bassoro could still find another way.

Mage Merlin isn't satisfied with the offer? That's easy enough to solve: change the offer until he is satisfied!

Once he managed to obtain the alchemy formula, Leader Lys might be happy enough with his work to give him that opportunity to study in the Mercury Tower.

The only problem now was whether he could satisfy Mage Merlin…

But it did seem that there was an opportunity…

The more Bassoro thought about it, the more excited he became. After some time, he bade farewell to his two colleagues, and without looking back, he left the reception room with his papers.

After leaving the reception room, Bassoro restrained his excitement while hurrying to the study room of Leader Lys. Usually, Lys would be in his study at this time, either reading or receiving a guest, so he should have the time to report his findings to Leader Lys there.

But halfway there, Bassoro's footsteps slowed down.

He suddenly recalled Lin Yun's final words. Although he was certain that this was a sort of hint, he hadn't really confirmed anything. If he hastily reported the matter of the trade to Leader Lys and everything went well, then it would be good, but if something happened and Leader Lys didn't get that alchemy formula in the end, it would be a serious problem.

Let alone not getting a chance to go to the Mercury Tower this time, he might never get a chance to go there for the rest of his life.

'No good, I can't go to Leader Lys just yet… I have to finalize the deal with Mage Merlin first.'

Upon realizing this, Bassoro stopped and headed back toward the reception room while also sending someone to call Molin over.

"Great Alchemist Bassoro, what is your instruction?" Molin was a lot different from when he was at the Gilded Rose, not acting arrogant at all. In front of Bassoro, he was wearing a fawning smile.

The difference between the status of an Alchemist and a Great Alchemist was huge, not to mention that Bassoro was a higher-up of the Alchemist Guild who was trusted by Leader Lys. His status was even higher than Granger's. Molin would usually do his best to curry favor with his superiors, so he wouldn't dare to waste his time.

"I heard that the Twin Moons chamber of commerce made some large moves lately."

"Yes, President Monchi of the Twin Moons chamber of commerce is worthy of being called Thousand Sails City's boldest merchant. This time, he opened ten alchemy shops all at once." Hearing Bassoro's tone, Molin knew that he was being asked to give a report of the situation. "From what I saw, it won't be long until the Twin Moons chamber of commerce is able to monopolize the alchemy market of Thousand Sails City like the previous Flashing Gold chamber of commerce did."

"Hmm…" Bassoro frowned slightly. He was a bit dissatisfied with Molin's words. 'I didn't call you over to hear you flatter the Twin Moons chamber of commerce. What use is there in telling me that?'

Originally, Bassoro had still felt that Molin was quite efficient at gathering information and usually was very keen and discerning when handling his work. Moreover, Molin had been trying especially hard to curry favor with him, so Bassoro had intended to give him a chance. But ultimately, Molin failed to draw the proper conclusions. 'Seems like I should distance myself from this idiot to not get implicated by him later on.'

Molin didn't know that those few ill-timed flattering sentences had actually just ruined his own future.

Meanwhile, Molin still wanted to show off in front of the Great Alchemist.

"Oh right, Great Alchemist Bassoro, I already sent a congratulatory gift on your behalf when the Twin Moons chamber of commerce opened their business."

"…" Bassoro suddenly stopped breathing. He stared ferociously at Molin with his eyes wide open.

'You must be kidding?!' Jolted by this discovery, Bassoro nearly jumped up. 'I'm trying to distance myself from the Twin Moons chamber of commerce… and you actually used my name to send a congratulatory gift… Do you want to speed up my downfall?'

Bassoro was inwardly panicking at this point. 'I'm done, I'm done… I was truly done in by that bastard Molin. After all, the Twin Moons chamber of commerce was the one that embarrassed the Gilded Rose… It would be a big problem if Mage Merlin found out that I sent a congratulatory gift to the Twin Moons chamber of commerce. He wouldn't need to do much to retaliate… Refusing to trade that alchemy formula would be enough. If Leader Lys gets angry, who knows how many people will be out of luck.'

"Who told you to send a gift on my behalf?!" he lashed out.

"Ah?" Molin froze. He looked at Bassoro, who had suddenly become angry, and didn't know what to do. He felt stunned and genuinely surprised.

'What's going on…'

The relationship between Great Alchemist Bassoro and the Twin Moons chamber of commerce was usually pretty good. There shouldn't be any problem at all with sending a congratulatory gift for the opening of their shops, so why would Great Alchemist Bassoro become so angry at him for doing this?

For some time, Molin didn't dare to say a word, he only looked at Bassoro while frozen in fright.

"Now, immediately, get on a horse and go to the Twin Moons alchemy shop. If you can stir up some trouble, do so. The more trouble you cause for me, the better!" Bassoro felt hard-pressed, so he ended the discussion and ordered Molin to go back with this strange task.

"Ah?"

"Ah what? Why aren't you getting on the move!"

"Yes yes yes…"

After sending Molin away, Bassoro massaged his temples and thought to himself, 'Damn, keeping my distance from that Molin is truly wise, what if I ended up dead because of that idiot…'In the past few days, the most sensational matter was undoubtedly the opening of the Monchi Family's alchemy shops. They opened ten shops at the same time, one of which was the Twin Moons Splendor, located in the Victorious Return street. It was acclaimed as Thousand Sails City's biggest alchemy shop. It had the best magic equipment, the most mystical potions, and the most advanced alchemy skills. It even had a Great Alchemist personally overseeing it.

The person in charge of Twin Moons Splendor was the butler of the Monchi Family, Jonathan.

These past two days, Jonathan had been in a very good mood.

First, it was because of the opening of Twin Moons Splendor, his master entrusted him with a heavy responsibility, being in charge of the biggest alchemy shop in all of Thousand Sails City. And second, he was feeling gleeful because Jonathan knew that the Alchemist Guild was currently holding a hearing. It was the hearing of Mafa Merlin, the one that had made Faleau slap him twice at the Black Horn Auction.

Although the results of the hearing had yet to come out, Jonathan was already celebrating internally.

He knew that before the hearing started, his master had sent Young Master Ryan to pay a visit to one of the hosts of the hearing, Great Alchemist Granger. Moreover, he had offered precious magic materials that any Great Alchemist wouldn't be able to refuse.

As long as Granger messed around with the hearing, Mafa would only be able to end up crying in front of the Alchemist Guild.

At that time, he would be able to relish in that upstart's misery while simultaneously clearing away the rival of Twin Moons Splendor, thus making him feel quite cheerful.

Jonathan kept smiling for the entire afternoon.

By the time evening fell, Molin had come to pay a visit, and Jonathan's smile bloomed.

Jonathan felt quite sure that Molin was here to bring good news.

"Alchemist Molin, please sit, please sit…" Jonathan had a cordial smile on his face as he personally welcomed Molin into the shop with an eager expression on his face. "Alchemist Molin, I have been waiting for you for many days."

"Hmm…" To be honest, Molin felt quite favorable toward Jonathan.

This wasn't the first time the two men had come into contact with each other.

One was supervising the alchemy businesses on behalf of the Alchemist Guild while the other was the most trusted butler of the Monchi Family. Moreover, the Twin Moons chamber of commerce recently stepped foot into the alchemy market, so the number of times the two met had risen sharply. Last time, for example, Molin had delivered a congratulatory gift in Bassoro's name, and Jonathan had personally received it.

Compared with those madmen in the guild who were always obsessed with alchemy, Jonathan clearly treated people a lot better. It was a butler's specialty, the last time they met, Molin had felt like he had been cleansed. He had a very good feeling about Jonathan.

But a good feeling was only a good feeling.

Compared to his future, even the best feelings would have to be put aside.

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Chapter 58: Perfect

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

"I don't need to sit. Jonathan, I came for a different matter this time." After Molin entered Twin Moons Splendor, he ignored the butler's polite greeting and maintained a strict business attitude.

"Haha, Alchemist Molin, you sure like making jokes…" Seeing Molin's demeanor, Jonathan's expression stiffened. Although he forced himself to smile, that kind of smile looked very artificial.

Jonathan wasn't an idiot…

When he heard Molin's words, he knew that things were amiss. After all, he was the butler of the Monchi Family. Others might not specifically feel that Jonathan was worthy of respect, but they had to give some respect to Master Monchi. Not to mention Molin, even his backer, Great Alchemist Bassoro, would always give Monchi the proper respect by addressing his butler as "Butler Jonathan" instead of using his name directly.

Jonathan knew that there was one situation when others didn't call him "Butler Jonathan" in a formal greeting, which was when the reputation of Master Monchi was useless.

Like that time in the Black Horn Auction.

Faleau had called him "Jonathan" and then fiercely slapped him afterwards.

"It's no joke, Jonathan, I came this time because someone reported some issues with the quality of your materials, so I came for a routine inspection."

"How… How could this be!" Faced with Molin's words, Jonathan's heart started beating violently!

The reason for Jonathan's panic wasn't that he thought there might be an issue with the quality…

After all, although it was common practice among alchemy shops to sell large quantities of goods without regard for quality, the Twin Moons Splendor had only been open for a few days, and it urgently needed to be successful. Monchi even personally instructed that he would rather take a loss to ensure that the items sold by the Twin Moons Splendor were of superior quality. As for whether there could still be a problem under these circumstances, Jonathan would be the first one to deny it.

But the problem was that this wasn't a matter that could be fixed with just Jonathan's words.

Jonathan clearly understood this.

The quality of many alchemy products was unclear at first sight. Alchemists weren't machines, and no matter how outstanding an alchemist was, he couldn't guarantee that none of the items would have any defects whatsoever.

As long as Molin spent enough time, he would find some products with quality issues sooner or later. This wasn't something that Master Monchi would solve with a few sentences, or something that the Twin Moons chamber of commerce could settle with some money.

"Alchemist Molin, Alchemist Molin, please listen to me…" Jonathan became worried as he thought of the possible outcome. He didn't care whether it was rude as he reached out to grab Molin's hands. "Please listen, there is no issue with our Twin Moons Splendor's alchemy products…"

"Let go!" Molin coldly looked at Jonathan.

'Are you kidding me?' he thought to himself. 'Just because you say that there is no problem, there is no problem? It doesn't matter what you say in this matter, even my words are worthless… This came from Great Alchemist Bassoro, Great Alchemist Bassoro himself! One of the higher-ups of the Alchemy Guild, he is second only to Leader Lys! Do you know what Great Alchemist Bassoro said…? He sent me to immediately create trouble for the Twin Moons Splendor, and the more the better! In this situation, let alone being acquainted with me, even if you were a relative, I still wouldn't give you any respect.'

But out loud, he only assured, "It's okay, Jonathan, it's just a mere formality. You'd better cooperate."

After speaking these words, Molin ignored Jonathan and directed the black-robed alchemists to inspect the goods.

'This is bad…' Seeing Molin's attitude, Jonathan knew that this was a terrible situation.

He could see that every one of Molin's black-robed subordinates was looking seriously at the items as they performed the inspection. Moreover, once they were done with an item, it would be handed to Molin for another check.

How could a routine inspection be so detailed and conscientious!

Jonathan had a bad feeling growing within…

'Oh no, this is terrible…'

The way Molin was proceeding, he would find something wrong sooner or later, and at that time, they would definitely have to go through a hearing. The Twin Moons Splendor, which had just started doing business, couldn't afford this. And the first one to suffer from Master Monchi's wrath would definitely be Jonathan.

Jonathan looked at Molin with a complicated expression, his mind completely at a loss. 'What is going on?' Although he didn't have a deep relationship with Molin, the benefits were never lacking, so Molin had guaranteed that he would help as much as he could if the Twin Moons Splendor had a problem.

To be honest, Jonathan didn't have much hope of finding a resolution, but he couldn't really accept Molin becoming hostile so suddenly.

'Has he been incited by someone else to do this? …Of course, someone is definitely behind this!'

Jonathan understood. Molin's power in the Alchemist Guild wasn't small, but Molin shouldn't be able to do something like this of his own initiative. The Twin Moons Splendor was a property of the Monchi family, after all. Molin's actions meant that the Alchemist Guild was opposing the Monchi family. One problem would lead to a dispute between the two major forces.

Molin wasn't that bold.

'But if it isn't Molin, then who is it? Who could be capable of influencing the Alchemist Guild's decision and having Molin cause trouble for the Twin Moons Splendor?'

The more Jonathan thought about it, the more alarmed he felt…

"These, these, and these, bring all of these back!" As Jonathan was filled with mounting dread, Molin gave a few orders as he pointed at about a dozen items. The scene nearly made Jonathan cry.

And it wasn't over yet…

"Jonathan, I am regretfully informing you that there are indeed some severe issues with the products being sold by the Twin Moons Splendor. We will need to conduct an investigation to see how grave this is. Until then, the Twin Moons Splendor will have to temporarily close down. We will notify you when you can reopen."

"What? Close down?!" Jonathan was startled by the harshness of the decision.

For an alchemy shop, what was the difference between closing down and going out of business?

Especially for a shop like the Twin Moons Splendor that had just begun operating. Closing down just as their reputation was about to shoot up meant that all their efforts would be wasted… They had already sunk in over a million gold. Molin's sentence was like making them throw away a million gold!

This was too vicious!

At this point, Jonathan really wanted to ask who it was that was targeting the Twin Moons Splendor!

Unfortunately, Molin didn't even give him the opportunity to ask. After pronouncing his judgement, he had his black-gowned subordinates secure those dozen alchemy items he had indicated and immediately left.

Jonathan stood by himself for a very long time, grinding his teeth as he asked out loud, "Who the hell is targeting the Twin Moons Splendor!?"Jonathan naturally wouldn't know that the accursed culprit didn't even take this matter seriously.

Bassoro hadn't come to the wrong conclusion… The words Lin Yun said when he left were indeed a hint…

Lin Yun was that kind of person, after all.

Since someone wanted to act against the Gilded Rose, Lin Yun wouldn't mind using the Alchemist Guild to ruthlessly counterattack.

But that was all.

Who schemed against him and why they did so… Finding out these things wasn't something Lin Yun was interested in. Time was too valuable for a mage, and it wasn't worth wasting any to deal with these matters.

Knowing that the Alchemist Guild wanted to obtain that part of alchemy formula was enough.

If they wanted to obtain that part of alchemy formula, they would inevitably have to satisfy him.

So before departing, he left them quite the obvious hint.

'Someone made a move on me, and I'm very dissatisfied!'

The Alchemist Guild would then have to come up with a possible method to satisfy him.

To Lin Yun, the matter was that simple.

As for what the Alchemist Guild would do next, Lin Yun didn't really care. In any case, it wouldn't be long before someone came to tell him how it all concluded.

His time was very precious, and he had spent multiple afternoons working on the Magic Array. How could he still have time to be concerned about such a trivial matter?

In the past few days, Lin Yun had remained in the Sage Tower in order to complete the Magic Array. The entire process took Lin Yun three days, but when he returned, Molin was seizing the items of the Gilded Rose.

Over these past three days, Lin Yun had more or less completed the Magic Array. It was far from being perfect, but it was close.

Nothing could be done about it, as the Magic Array was truly too special. It could be said that among the various Magic Conducting Runes, the Magic Array was the most special one. This was a Magic Conducting Rune whose complexity and details had been taken to the extreme. This was probably why – Magic Conducting Rune Creation Paradigm – referred to that Magic Conducting Rune as the Discarded Rune or Worthless Rune.

It was all because the Great Mages of this era weren't able to perfect the Magic Conducting Rune system. Even if someone had the Magic Array, they would only use it like it was an ordinary Magic Conducting Rune. As a result, it would only be able to display less than a tenth of its true might. It wasn't without reason that it was also known as the Discarded Rune or Worthless Rune.

If someone wanted to truly display the Magic Array's might, they would have to continuously polish it. The Magic Array had nearly unlimited adaptability. Every metamagic and spell could perfectly blend in the Magic Array.

What could happen when there were only one or two kinds used within…?

But when enough metamagics and spells were blended together, the Magic Array would have a fundamental change. It would become a Magic Conducting Rune that would greatly increase the level of those metamagics and spells.

It was precisely because of that property that the Magic Array was known as one of the strongest Magic Conducting Runes when the magic civilization was at its peak.

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Lin Yun's first priority now was to continue perfecting the Magic Array.

This was a task that would take time. For more than half of the following month, Lin Yun remained inside the alchemy laboratory, spending all his time polishing and improving the Magic Array.

Spell after spell, metamagic after metamagic, all of it was gradually blended into the Magic Array system one by one. And as they were merged, the Magic Array kept changing all the time.

The change was very small at the start, to the point that even Lin Yun couldn't perceive it. But ultimately, Lin Yun could tell that the might of these spells and metamagics greatly improved after merging with the Magic Array.

Furthermore, as more and more spells and metamagics were infused, Lin Yun was able to try combining and arranging them.

This was the most frightening part of the Magic Array.

A complete Magic Array could be considered this world's most complicated and most detailed Magic Conducting Rune because the entire Magic Array was made up of spells and metamagics in a manner similar to a convoluted alchemy formula. Great Mages with a properly completed Magic Array could combine these spells and metamagics as they pleased, and every proper combination would increase their might to a new level.

Unfortunately, Lin Yun's current Magic Array was far from complete…

And not only was there just a single Magic Array at the moment, but that array was also still very weak. He could only merge a few low-level spells and metamagics in right now. Lin Yun would only dare to try merging a powerful metamagic like Elemental Incarnation once he reached the 5th Rank.

For all Great Mages, the 5th Rank was a very pivotal rank.

When a Great Mage reached 5th Rank, it meant that they had completed half of their Magic Conducting Rune. Regardless of what kind of Magic Conducting Rune they had, their might would be displayed by this point.

This was true to an even greater degree for a Great Mage with a Magic Array.

Such a 5th Rank Great Mage could have five Magic Arrays, and not only would he be able to merge even more spells and metamagics, but he could also thoroughly stabilize the Magic Array system. From that moment, a Great Mage with Magic Arrays would have the power to be able to fight against a High Mage.

But becoming a 5th Rank Great Mage was still something far in the distance for Lin Yun…

Having this extremely complicated and detailed Magic Conducting Rune was Lin Yun's fortune, but also his misfortune. The fortunate part was that once Lin Yun became a 5th Rank Great Mage, he would indeed have the power to contend against a High Mage. The unfortunate part was that the path Lin Yun would walk would be a lot more difficult than that of other Great Mages…

The first Magic Array took Lin Yun more than half a month to complete.

Over the course of this period, Lin Yun had merged five spells and four metamagics. Completing his first Magic Array with such a large amount of merging would have been seen as astonishing, even during the peak of the magic civilization.

When Lin Yun finally left the alchemy laboratory, he was haggard, his face was pale, and his steps were dragging. It looked as if he would fall down if he wasn't careful.

But his bloodshot eyes were shining frighteningly, and some faint runes could even be seen in his eyes.

If Solomon were present at this time, he would inevitably notice that this young man's strength had undergone an earth-shattering change. The Lin Yun from half a month ago was on a totally different level from the current Lin Yun.

This was due to the changes brought by the Magic Array system…

Lin Yun had planned to look for the old butler once he came out from the alchemy laboratory to ask how the business was doing.

But once he stepped outside, he noticed a small silhouette who had already been waiting at the doorway.

"Ah, Boss Merlin, you finally came out…" Remy looked like he had been waiting for quite a while. He seemed very sleepy, and when he saw Lin Yun, he raised his hands to massage his eyes before daring to greet Lin Yun.

"Did you wait for a long time?" Noticing Remy's pallid appearance, Lin Yun couldn't help frowning a bit.

The old butler had promised Lin Yun that once he entered the alchemy laboratory, no one would be allowed to disturb him. Even if a huge matter came about, it would have to wait until he came out himself.

For Remy to wait at the door until he fell asleep meant that something had definitely happened to the Gilded Rose.

"No… Not long."

"Let's go, you can explain on the way." Lin Yun led Remy downstairs while he asked, "Did something happen to the shop?"

"Yes, indeed, the goods we delivered to Edge Rift were seized by the Viper Nest's people."

"The Viper Nest?" Lin Yun frowned.

Not long ago, Lin Yun had used a Ghost Potion to obtain the cooperation of the Silver Moon Mercenaries, including a deal to purchase their products. Ever since then, the Silver Moon Mercenaries had purchased quite a few alchemy products from the Gilded Rose.

In the beginning, these alchemy items could be delivered to the Lion Monarch Main Street. But with the Silver Moon Mercenaries departing on their campaign to Edge Rift, the transport of the goods had to be done by the Gilded Rose. And in the end, a mere alchemy store was far from having the armed caravans that the former Flashing Gold chamber of commerce had.

The ten following shipments had used up a lot of manpower, yet they still were robbed twice. Fortunately, the Silver Moon Mercenaries promptly provided support and no major loss was suffered.

But those two robberies were only done by ordinary bandits. They were on the scale of a dozen people or so at most, and had been eliminated by the Silver Moon Mercenaries.

As for the more well-known forces of Thousand Sails City, no one dared to make a move. After all, this was the partner of the Silver Moon Mercenaries. Ordinary forces wouldn't even have time to hide after offending such a group, so who would dare to recklessly make a rash move?

Not to mention the Viper Nest…

How could it be the Viper Nest? Honestly, Lin Yun couldn't understand. Was the Viper Nest's leader an idiot? How could they dare to seize the alchemy items that were purchased by the Silver Moon Mercenaries? Aren't they afraid of Sasu bringing his greatsword to their door?

"Oh right, Remy, when did this happen?"

"Yesterday afternoon. The five Alchemy Apprentices that went along were also captured. Boss Pave just went out to request their release from the Viper Nest."

"Alright, I understand."

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"Give me the list of the items that were shipped."

"Understood, Boss Merlin."

Remy quickly fetched the requested list of items. Over a dozen kinds of products were indexed on it, most of which were medicines. After asking Remy, Lin Yun learnt that this was due to the Silver Moon Mercenary's expedition in Edge Rift not going too well. They had already suffered a lot of casualties while still outside of Edge Rift, and thus, the recent orders consisted mostly of alchemy medicine.

"Alchemy medicine…" Lin Yun understood a bit…

This was probably trouble caused by the Hope Potion…

If this was truly the case, then there was no need to worry, because Lin Yun was certain that the men of the Viper Nest would appear before him sooner or later.

Lin Yun put down the list and didn't ask anything else. He waited calmly by himself in the Gilded Rose. As it turned out, Lin Yun didn't have to wait long at all. One hour later, Remy knocked at his door.

"Boss Merlin, Boss Merlin…" Remy's worried voice came from behind the door.

Lin Yun was surprisingly calm as he asked, "What? Someone came?"

"Ye… Yes. Two people came, a mage and a fighter. They introduced themselves as members of the Viper Nest and they want to speak to the owner of the Gilded Rose."

"Good, I understand. Greet them first, I'll follow soon."

Lin Yun changed into a clean, black robe before slowly walking toward the reception room. As he pushed the door open, he caught sight of the two waiting guests.

One of them was a red-haired man of medium stature, and he seemed to be about forty years old. His face was marred by a very long scar, which made him look quite fierce. He was wearing red-colored leather armor. On his right side, there was a greatsword emitting faint magic fluctuations. It seemed to be a pretty decent weapon.

With a glance, Lin Yun came to the conclusion that this was a Great Swordsman, and one that had recently advanced.

Only the Great Swordsmen who had recently advanced would be unable to completely control their aura. With an aura constantly leaking out, it was fairly easy to estimate one's strength.

This was the same for a Great Mage who had recently crushed their mana whirlpool…

But it wasn't the case for the current Lin Yun. Besides runes flashing in his eyes from time to time, people usually wouldn't be able to grasp Lin Yun's real strength through magic fluctuations, as he had much better control.

This person who had recently advanced to become a Great Swordsman had a companion with him, and moreover, that person was an acquaintance. It was that 9th Rank Mage who had accompanied Fario to "catch a thief" in Lin Yun's house, along with a group from the Viper Nest.

But they never ended up catching that thief, as the 9th Rank Mage himself was forced to follow Lin Yun inside and be questioned for a long time,

"Mage Larry, long time no see." Lin Yun greeted him very politely after entering the reception room.

The 9th Rank Mage had originally been sitting there feeling very satisfied, resting his eyes while waiting for someone to come receive them. Thus, when he heard Lin Yun's voice, Larry immediately stiffened up. He opened his eyes in disbelief before instantly jumping up to his feet.

"Ma… Mage Merlin!"

"Haha, Mage Larry, we meet again."

"Ha… Ha… Haha, yes, yes, such a coincidence." Larry was smiling stiffly while thinking of slapping himself.

'Damn, how could I forget that the Gilded Rose is owned by that family, I actually came over like an idiot,' he thought regretfully. 'This guy is a monster that was able to use metamagic a dozen times without even getting short of breath.'

When he thought back to that scene, the 9th Rank Mage couldn't help discreetly moving to hide behind the body of the fighter.

"What's going on?" The Great Swordsman threw a strange glance at his companion, feeling rather puzzled. Mage Larry, who was famous for being vicious and merciless, was behaving a bit strangely.

"No… Nothing." Larry raised his head and saw Lin Yun looking at him and immediately shrank back, unwilling to say another word.

Fortunately, the Great Swordsman didn't take it to heart. If he didn't get an answer after asking, then that was that. He would move on with his own matters. His hands were on the table of the reception room as he kept leaking his aura, giving a somewhat oppressive feeling.

"You are Mafa Merlin?"

"Indeed, I am Mafa Merlin." Lin Yun nodded before sitting in front of the Great Swordsman.

"Good, Merlin, I came today to ask you something. The Gilded Rose under your name has intruded four times on the territory of the Viper Nest. Are you trying to test the limits of the Viper Nest's tolerance?"

The Great Swordsman's attitude was very aggressive, clearly showing how he was intent on getting the upper hand in the conversation. Someone less courageous might be scared by this display.

Unfortunately for him, Lin Yun wasn't spineless.

"Hmm, can I ask you something…" Lin Yun didn't blink as he looked closely at the Great Swordsman. "Who are you?"

"I…" The Great Swordsman almost choked in surprise.

'I asked you a question so fiercely, how could you ask something as trivial as that? Out of every answer you could have given, why would you ask my name! Okay, calm down, relax…'

The Great Swordsman counted to ten in his mind, forcing himself to calm down before proudly answering, "I am Rios."

"Eh? Rios? I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time," Lin Yun drawled while yawning.Rios' calmness was extinguished.

"Mafa Merlin! Don't interrupt me! I came today to ask you why your Flashing Gold chamber of commerce's caravan intruded on the Viper Nest's territory four times! Are you trying to provoke the Viper Nest?"

"Absolutely not!"

"That's good…" Rios' expression eased up slightly. Although this Mafa Merlin's attitude was dislikeable, it seemed that he fortunately knew of the fearsomeness of the Viper Nest. Rios coughed to clear his throat before putting his hands on the table once more. While wearing a lofty expression, he demanded, "Our Viper Nest needs an explanation."

"What explanation?"

"You should think about what kind of explanation you should show us."

"You are asking for compensation?"

"Hmpf!" Rios snorted coldly, but he inwardly rejoiced.

'It seems like I have a talent for negotiations. With just a simple scare, this fellow became sincere. Wait until I get the Hope Potion formula, Boss Sauss will definitely reward me. It's a pity that this idiot Larry will get a share of my credit… Oh right, speaking of Larry…'

Rios thought it was rather strange. 'How come Larry started acting all weird ever since Mafa Merlin appeared? He seems like a mouse meeting a cat…'

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'And why is he looking at me like that?'

As he thought about it, Rios felt stranger and stranger. 'Did something happen to Larry today? Ever since Mafa Merlin entered, he remained oddly silent, and now he is looking at me with such an odd expression. Fuck, it's like he feels sorry for me or something…That idiot Larry must have been hit in the head…'

After worrying over it a bit longer, he concluded, 'Doesn't matter, I can just ignore him.'

"That's right, compensation!" Rios temporarily put Larry's strange behavior to the back of his mind as he haughtily looked at Lin Yun. "The Gilded Rose's provocation has already gone too far. You have two choices now, either compensation or becoming enemies."

"I feel that compensation is better."

"You are clever." Hearing that the other side was willing to settle the matter, a victorious smile appeared on Rios' face. He finally decided to sit down. All this time, he had been standing up so that he could look down at Lin Yun.

But Lin Yun's next words left him flummoxed. "My requirements are very simple. 200 000 gold for each of the Apprentice Alchemists, for a total of one million. Moreover, I want those stolen goods to arrive at the outskirts of Edge Rift before dark."

"Hold on, hold on…" The Great Swordsman had just sat down smugly, but when he heard what Lin Yun was describing as compensation, he felt that it was clearly off. "What is this kind of compensation?"

"Well, Great Swordsman Rios, did you really think that the people of the Gilded Rose could be casually detained? Don't you know, those five people you detained are the Gilded Rose's best Apprentice Alchemists. Each one of them can bring immense profits to the Gilded Rose. Asking for 200 000 gold for each of them is truly negligible."

"…" Larry on the side was covering his forehead, dreading the result that he knew was coming…

"Hold on, you are saying that you want the Viper Nest to compensate the Gilded Rose with one million gold?" Rios finally managed to react after processing everything.

"And if I am?"

"Mafa Merlin, you are courting death!" Rios jumped up from his seat. His fierce face became somewhat sinister as his scar twisted along with his expression.

"Rios, don't be impulsive…" Larry noticed the situation taking a bad turn and promptly reached a hand out to pull back the Great Swordsman.

"Fuck off!"

How could a 9th Rank Mage physically stop a Great Swordsman that was consumed by rage? Seeing Rios raising his hand, Larry retreated close to the wall.

Rios immediately grabbed the large Magic Greatsword at his side. His aura rose up and a "Crack" sound came out as the long table was split in half. His rippling aura spread through the reception room like a tornado, crushing chairs into pieces one after the other.

This was the strength of a Great Swordsman.

Compared to Swordsmen who could only use their bodies to fight, a Great Swordsman with aura was an existence on a completely different level. An aura trained to the peak had highly destructive power. Even a hard rock wouldn't be much different from tofu when facing the aura of a Great Swordsman, let alone the furniture.

The sword had vividly displayed the might of aura under Rios' rage.

But Lin Yun hadn't moved the slightest bit.

"Those things you broke just now will also be compensated by the Viper Nest…"

"You are courting death!" Provoked by Lin Yun's words, the furious Rios' face contorted even further. That long scar became extremely conspicuous as his face became red from anger, looking almost as if a centipede was crawling on his head.

The sword that he had lowered after his first slash now rose up once again.

Moreover, the target was no longer just the table or those chairs… it was Lin Yun, who was only a few meters away…

The surging aura rose up like waves, crazily crashing against everything around. Even the walls of the reception room were letting out a screeching sound as a crack spread across one of the walls. The red aura gathered on the greatsword, and with Rios' shout, the greatsword slashed down with a thunderous sound.

This time, even Larry couldn't help feeling shocked.

Although Larry was a 9th Rank Mage, when facing the aura of a Great Swordsman going all-out like this, he wouldn't be able to resist at all. Even though he was only facing the incidental backdraft from the uncontrolled aura of the Great Swordsman, Larry could only put up a magic shield to make sure that he wouldn't collapse under the pressure.

This wasn't a force that a Mage could defend against.

Only a Great Mage could withstand the blow of a Great Swordsman.

The sword filled with aura slashed down while Lin Yun still remained motionless. He only muttered a few syllables, a short incantation. His voice was very low, like he was only mumbling to himself, and it was quite hard to hear in front of that whistling sword.

But it was this mumble that suddenly silenced the atmosphere.

The greatsword that had been slashing down so thunderously came to a sudden stop. It felt as if a huge, invisible hand was in the air, firmly grabbing onto the sword.

No, it wasn't only the greatsword.

Even Rios, who had been swinging the greatsword with a malevolent sneer and surging aura, was now completely still. Only the drops of sweat on his forehead were moving, dripping down to the ground. The strangest part was that even though he wasn't moving, it felt as he was struggling to try to move.

The reception room had suddenly become deathly silent…

No longer were the Great Swordsman's bellows roaring out, nor was there the raging aura… It was all replaced by a kind of suffocating pressure.

And the source of the pressure was still sitting there. It was the young mage who hadn't moved at all.

"I said, everything you broke will be compensated for by the Viper Nest." Lin Yun slowly stood up, a smile still plastered on his face, but the way he looked at Rios made the Great Swordsman freeze.

The look was extremely calm.

It wasn't ruthlessly cold, and it wasn't full of emotions.

That gaze definitely wasn't a gaze that a living person would use toward another living person. From Rios' memories, only a ruthless killer would look at a living person like that.

'Who is this Mafa Merlin…?'

Rios wanted to ask out loud, but he currently was unable to do anything whatsoever. In fact, after that mumbled incantation, Rios had been stopped by a power that he couldn't resist at all. That power not only stopped his greatsword in the air as it had been slashing down, but it also instantly bound him.

He couldn't open his mouth or move his fingers.

Although he could still think, he had lost control of his body.

The only thing Rios could do was keep looking on helplessly.

Looking at this young man raising his right hand, looking as he slowly made Rios float into the air.

Afterwards, Rios could only feel an inexorable force slowly clamp around his neck, lifting him higher while tightening its grasp.

Rios wanted to struggle and call for help, but as he was held in place by the huge binding force, he couldn't do anything at all.

Despair and fear filled Rios' thoughts. What about being a Great Swordsman of the Viper Nest? Everything else was thrown out to the back of his mind at this time. If he could, Rios would rather never have entered this reception room or raised his greatsword.

At this moment, Rios finally realized why Larry's expression had been so strange all along.

It was because they were sitting in front of a Great Mage, one that was powerful enough to kill a Great Swordsman with a single move.

Rios had raised his sword against this kind of Great Mage…

Rios wanted to beg for forgiveness, but he couldn't even open his mouth and could only wait as that invisible hand lifted him higher. Rios could faintly feel dizziness building up from being choked. Death and shadows were continuously approaching.

"Go back and tell Sauss to prepare two million gold." Just as Rios began to feel like he had already died, Lin Yun swung his right hand.

In a flash, Rios was sent flying like a cannonball. The walls of the reception room couldn't withstand that kind of power and pain jolted through Rios' body as he crashed through them.

After recovering from his daze, Rios noticed that his surroundings had changed to become the spacious Victorious Return street.

As he regained his awareness, Rios felt a fierce pain throughout his body, as if every bone had been crushed. He simply couldn't find a spot that wasn't hurting. But Rios didn't care about that at this moment. He opened his mouth and started to hyperventilate as he suffered from fear and despair.

"That, Larry…" After casually throwing the Great Swordsman out of the Gilded Rose, Lin Yun looked back at the completely terrified 9th Rank Mage once again.

Startled by his gaze, Larry suddenly jumped up from the ground and quickly rushed to answer, "I understand! I'll put everything in order!"

"Good…"

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Chapter 62: Forcing His Way In

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

To Thousand Sails City, the northern Poison Fog Canyon was a true deathly forbidden area. Not only was it filled with a deadly fog all year long, but it also harbored the biggest underground force of Thousand Sails City, the Viper Nest.

Even the Monchi Family, which supported the Viper Nest, didn't understand why a major force would occupy such a barren land with poor ore veins and poison constantly spreading all about. Moreover, there were all kinds of dangerous magic beasts hidden within the poison fog. This was the state of the Poison Fog Canyon.

Among the territories occupied by all the various major forces of Thousand Sails City, even if the Viper Nest's Poison Fog Canyon wasn't the very worst one, it was definitely among the worst ones.

There was simply no way that such a place could bring in much profit. Moreover, in order to resist the assault of the magic beasts, the Viper Nest would have to keep a lot of manpower tied up every year.

But for all these years, the Viper Nest never gave up on that territory. As for the true reason behind this, perhaps only Sauss knew.

The Poison Fog Canyon had also changed over the course of being occupied by the Viper Nest for ten years. Many defensive structures were built, sentry post after sentry post, until the Poison Fog Canyon became quite heavily fortified. After passing by the area, even Sasu had cursed, "That bastard Sauss is truly a coward."

What kind of person was Sasu…

He was the leader of the Silver Moon Mercenaries, and was Thousand Sails City's most powerful Great Swordsman! He had already trained his aura to its peak as early as three years ago. It would only take him one more step to enter another realm, joining the ranks of the most terrifying powerhouses. And even he couldn't help smiling bitterly after seeing the Poison Fog Canyon. From this, it was obvious how fearsome the Viper Nest's Poison Fog Canyon was.In a temporary wooden house in the depths of the Poison Fog Canyon.

"So you say that this Mafa Merlin is a Great Mage?" Sauss asked. He was a short, middle-aged man with a pale face. Upon seeing Sauss for the first time, it would be hard for anyone to believe that such an ordinary-looking man was actually in charge of Thousand Sails City's biggest underground force.

"Y-Yes…"

Sauss was next to a sickbed. The person laying down on the bed was the person who had suffered a huge loss at the Gilded Rose, Rios. This Great Swordsman no longer had the overbearing attitude that he'd had at the Gilded Rose. He was lying immobile, powerless and covered in thick bandages like a mummy.

"He is actually a Great Mage…" Seeing a capable subordinate wrapped in bandages like this, Sauss couldn't help feeling a bit of a headache. That Mafa had concealed himself too well. He was barely twenty, so how could he have been so cautious and patient all this time?

If Sauss had managed to become a Great Mage in his twenties, there was no way he would have been able to stop himself from showing off. He definitely would have let the entire Thousand Sails City know of his great achievement.

But this Mafa fellow was different…

He secretly advanced and became a Great Mage without letting anyone know. If it wasn't for Rios suffering a dreadful defeat at the Gilded Rose, Sauss might have still been in the dark about this, and he would have still thought that the Gilded Rose was a gold mine that could be easily taken.

A Great Mage under twenty… That was too incredible…

'If I had known earlier that the Gilded Rose was overseen by such a powerhouse, I wouldn't have been dumb enough to detain their goods and even send Rios and Larry to negotiate. This was simply sending them to suffer and I sent both… Damn, how did it end up like this?'

As he mulled over the situation, Sauss truly felt his head throb.

'If I had known before, I wouldn't have coveted the Hope Potion formula. Now it's too late, I already offended a young Great Mage.'

In fact, it wouldn't have been bad if it had been an ordinary Great Mage.

Although the Viper Nest wasn't one of the finest forces in Thousand Sails City and didn't have a powerhouse on the level of Solomon, the twenty years Sauss spent working hard to build it up weren't for nothing. He could come up with four or five Great Mages and Great Swordsmen. In an all-out fight with no care for survival, it wasn't certain that the Viper Nest would suffer a loss.

But a Great Mage under twenty was a whole different story.

After all, before Mafa Merlin, who had been the youngest Great Mage of Thousand Sails City? The Monchi family's eldest son, Ryan. He had yet to reach his thirties, but that was enough for Solomon to praise his talent. When Ryan returned, all of Thousand Sails City became lively. Who knew how many forces had tried to ally with the Monchi Family?

Was that because of Ryan's current strength?

Obviously not…

Any group that was able to become one of the major forces of Thousand Sails City was sure to have at least several Great Mages and Great Swordsmen.

What they all eyed was Ryan's potential. Someone that could advance to become a Great Mage before his thirties was bound to become a High Mage. In other words, whoever allied to the Monchi family now would be able to gain the backing of a High Mage in the future.

If that was the case for Ryan, then what about Mafa…

This was a Great Mage that had yet to even reach his twenties. Thousand Sails City had never produced one, and even in the entire eastern part of the kingdom, there were only a few. Sauss didn't even dare to think what kinds of achievements such a genius would have in the future.

He truly couldn't afford to offend him.

Moreover, Sauss didn't have the power to do so right now.

In the last ten years, the Viper Nest had been expanding in the depths of the Poison Fog Canyon. Sauss was the only one who knew the full reason, and it was a secret that could shock the entire kingdom. But that expansion required about half of the Viper Nest's manpower. Before he found that temple, Sauss couldn't use all his forces. This was also the reason that the Viper Nest had remained low key in Thousand Sails City for the past ten years.

If Mafa Merlin was an ordinary Mage, then Sauss naturally wouldn't hesitate. He would directly find an excuse to scam him of the formula of the Hope Potion.

But Sauss now knew that Mafa was no ordinary mage, and that he wasn't even an ordinary Great Mage.

Someone that could so casually injure a Great Swordsman, how could they be an ordinary Great Mage?

This time, Sauss would have to think about the consequences.

"Bell, what do you think?"

"5th Rank Great Mage or above." The one who answered was an old man who had been sitting behind Sauss without speaking all along.

The old man was wearing a black robe with cuffs that were embroidered with a thin, silver line. Without a doubt, this was a true Great Mage. But compared to the Great Swordsman laying on the bed, the old man's body didn't have clear magic fluctuations. He wasn't like Rios, whose every move would lead to a surge of aura.

If Lin Yun were there, he would have been able to see through that old man's level of strength with a glance. He was far stronger than the injured Rios. Rios had only advanced recently, and he was still unable to completely control his aura. In the eyes of a true powerhouse, this was the mark of a beginner.

As for the old man behind Sauss, he had completely erased his magic fluctuations. Only experienced Great Mages could accomplish this.

Many people knew that the Viper Nest had a very mysterious Great Mage. He had already been standing behind Sauss during his rise. He rarely talked and rarely made a move, but even Sauss would have no choice but to listen to each of his words. Every time he acted, he would thoroughly take care of a troublesome enemy for the Viper Nest.

That Great Mage's real strength was unknown, but people knew for sure that he was very very powerful.

Even the owner of the Sage Tower, Solomon, once jokingly asked Sauss if he was willing to let Great Mage Bell join the Sage Tower. The Sage Tower was even willing to offer three Great Mages in exchange.

Naturally, this was a joke.

Sauss couldn't let Bell join the Sage Tower, and the Sage Tower also couldn't just trade three Great Mages for him.

But not long after, Solomon's joke spread through Thousand Sails City, showing that Great Mage Bell was powerful.

Bell's position in the Viper Nest was very strange. He wasn't like a subordinate… More like a consultant. Most of the time, before making a move, Sauss would first ask Bell for his opinion on the matters.

Just like now. When Bell said 5th Rank Great Mage, Sauss only took a deep breath…

Sauss didn't doubt him despite his claim that a young man who was not yet twenty had already become at least a 5th Rank Great Mage.

If Bell said 5th Rank Great Mage, then it was definitely a 5th Rank Great Mage.

"Okay, those five Apprentice Alchemists aside, we still have to deal with the goods. Get someone to send them to the Edge Rift outskirts before dark." Being able to sit in this position, Sauss definitely wasn't an indecisive person. Since he learnt that the Gilded Rose wasn't as easy of a target as he had thought, Sauss immediately cut his losses.

Even if that meant losing some reputation.

But to Sauss, a loss of reputation wasn't the worst outcome. Avoiding a powerful enemy was far more important.

Pulling back at this point would at most make him a laughing stock for a while, but offending such a young Great Mage definitely wasn't something that could be easily settled. How much might this youth grow in the next ten or twenty years? He might even become an Archmage.

At that time, he might end up crushing his old foes to death with just a finger.

"Quick, quick, send someone right away to deal with it."

"Th-that Mafa Merlin also said…" Rios forced out as he rested on the sickbed.

"Yes? Also said?"

"He also said…He also said that the trouble caused to each Alchemy Apprentice is worth 200 000 gold, and furthermore… the damage that I dealt to the Gilded Rose has to be compensated for with one million gold."

"Two million gold!" Sauss nearly jumped up from his seat, but settled for heavily smacking a table. "What does he take the Viper Nest for!"

"Help! It's terrible!" A mage rushed in, his black robe torn all over in a mess, the traces of a large, black burn visible on his shoulder. It looked like he had been attacked by a fire spell.

"Get to the point, why are you looking like this!" Sauss, who had been shocked by the demand of two million gold in compensation, was in a twitchy mood. He immediately erupted in anger when he saw this mage bursting in while looking so shoddy.

"No… Boss, Ma-ma-ma… Mafa Merlin is forcing his way in!"

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Chapter 63: Ice and Fire Shield

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

This was too much of a humiliation…

Sauss could feel the veins on his forehead throbbing, as the situation was really unbearable. The Viper Nest had occupied the Poison Fog Canyon for an entire decade, and no force had ever dared to force their way in. But that Mafa Merlin decided to invade the Poison Fog Canyon because of five Apprentice Alchemists and a few carts of alchemy items.

This was too brutal…

He wasn't putting the Viper Nest in his eyes at all!

"Mafa Merlin, you are courting death!" Sauss was already completely enraged. His normally pale face flushed red as the table shook under his hands.

"…" The Great Swordsman in the sickbed started shivering.

Rios wanted to warn Sauss that he shouldn't say something like that…

But seeing Sauss' ruddy face, the Great Swordsman tactfully decided to remain silent and just let things play out.

"Let's go, I want to see how bold this Mafa fellow is!"

Sauss left the wooden house with Bell following just behind. He raised his head and saw numerous arrows flying out of the sentry towers on both sides of the Poison Fog Canyon like a swarm of locusts. A formation of twenty mages was already covering the entrance with spells. Over a hundred elite fighters holding weapons were standing behind them, ready to charge at the enemy anytime now.

"Reckless fools!" Sauss snorted after exiting the wooden house, his expression slowly easing up. The Viper Nest he had been painstakingly building all these years finally got to show the results. These elites were able to organize themselves when facing the sudden attack of a Great Mage without anyone panicking.

Indeed, the Viper Nest had stayed low key for the last few decades. But just because they remained relatively inconspicuous, it didn't mean that they were easily bullied. 'That Mafa Merlin was overexcited from wielding his powers as a Great Mage and, in a moment of foolishness, decided that my Viper Nest was an easy target. Now it's time to make him pay for underestimating me…'

Seeing the valiant fight put up by his subordinates, Sauss' flushed face finally cooled down. He looked at the battlefield and focused on the entrance.

A rain of arrows and spells fell onto the entrance. Every corner of the entrance was hit by that frightening firepower. Dozens of corpses were lying there, blood filling every hole in the ground, and most of the soil was now dark red. They were taking no chances with this foe.

"I want to see how many people this Mafa Merlin brought here to die."

"B-Boss.." The mage who had burst in and brought the terrible news earlier once again said something dreadful. "That person… is alone…"

"…" Sauss' face instantly froze. 'Mafa being alone… Doesn't that mean that all those corpses on the ground are my subordinates?'

"Fuck…" Sauss suddenly cursed.

But just as he said that, the mage next to him cut in, stammering, "Boss, Boss, look!"

"What?" Sauss gave him a fierce glance before following his finger and catching sight of a silhouette walking from the entrance of the Poison Fog Canyon.

From their location, that silhouette didn't seem very tall. It could even be said to be thin and weak. It felt delicate, standing amidst the rain of arrows and spells covering the sky, as if it would be crushed in an instant.

But that delicate silhouette was slowly walking in from the entrance of the Poison Fog Canyon. Whether it was the arrows or the spells, they didn't seem to exist in his eyes. He unhurriedly plodded along, as if he wasn't entering the deadly Poison Fog Canyon, but instead just going for an afternoon walk.

The only difference was that this silhouette was surrounded by blue and red lights.

Even under the bombardment of spells, those two lights were exceptionally dazzling. Sauss could clearly see that the two lights were fluttering at an astonishing speed, and that every flicker would stop an arrow or a spell. That silhouette was relying on the protection of these two lights to enter the Poison Fog Canyon unharmed.

"This… This is the Ice Fire Shield?" Sauss looked at the two lights as if he had seen something unfathomable.

The Ice Fire Shield wasn't an earth-shattering, heaven-defying spell. It wasn't even a spell from a neglected branch of magic. It existed in almost every Great Mage's spellbook.

The Ice Shield blocked all physical damage while the Fire Shield erased all magical attacks.

Because of its efficiency, it could be said that as long as there wasn't an extremely significant difference in power, nothing could pass directly through the Ice Fire Shield, whether it was a physical or a magical attack.

Furthermore, after the Ice Fire Shield was initially cast, there was no need to focus on the mana supply. As long as there was enough mana left, the Ice Fire Shield would remain channeled. For most Great Mages, the Ice Fire Shield was a must-know protective spell.

But very few Great Mages would spend too much time under the protection of the Ice Fire Shield.

The weak point of the Ice Fire Shield was very obvious…

It was a channeled spell, so whether it was the Ice Shield or the Fire Shield, they both needed to be personally controlled by the Great Mage to be able to block all attacks. Without sufficient reaction speed and control, those two lights would only be mere decoration.

Changes would happen every so often during battles between those as powerful as Great Mages, and no one could guarantee that they could keep controlling the Ice Fire Shield with the necessary precision when distracted. After all, Great Mages were people, not machines.

But now, Sauss really felt that he was facing a machine…

"Bell, is this really a 5th Rank Great Mage?"

"I don't know…"

"…" Sauss gulped nervously.

As the leader of the number one underground force in Thousand Sails City, Sauss had seen true powerhouses like the Sage Tower's three big shots, the Silver Moon Mercenaries' Sasu, the Black Horn Auction's Cadgar, and the one standing behind him, Bell. Who among them wasn't a powerhouse whose name shook through Thousand Sails City?

But Sauss had never seen a Great Mage that was able to manipulate an Ice Fire Shield to this extent…

He could see the arrows fired from the ten sentry towers and the spells showering down from two dozen mages, yet this young Great Mage was still able to enter the Poison Fog Canyon uninjured.

'He… Is he truly a 5th Rank Great Mage?'

This was the first time Sauss had doubted Bell's judgement…

'What can I do…'

Sauss' breathing gradually became rough, his face becoming paler and paler as Lin Yun slowly approached.

Sauss was clearly aware that his elite subordinates couldn't keep blocking this young Great Mage. If the fight continued, it would inevitably end up in a one-sided massacre.

The power shown by this young Great Mage had already far exceeded what he had estimated. Against this kind of a powerhouse, his elite subordinates were nothing more than cannon fodder. In the entire Viper Nest, maybe only Bell could fight this intruder.

But even if Bell made a move, he might still not be able to kill his counterpart. And if they were only able to force the opponent to retreat, nothing would stop him from coming every so often to toy with the Viper Nest…

'Or, I could accept it… Two million gold doesn't seem to be too much after all…'

As Sauss was hesitating, a rumbling sound echoed in the distance. Sauss' eyelids twitched. He clearly saw that young Great Mage throw out a Flame Burst, exploding a sentry tower.

"Damnit, quick, quick! Everyone stop, now!" Sauss no longer hesitated. He immediately told the mages to transmit his order as he hurried a few steps toward the center of the canyon, waving his hands while loudly yelling, "Great Mage Merlin! Please stop, this is a misunderstanding!"

"Hi Leader Sauss~." Lin Yun replied to Sauss cordially while at the same time firing off another Flame Burst. Moments later, a rumbling sound echoed as another sentry tower exploded."This… I'm sorry, it slipped…"

"It's alright, it's alright…" Sauss lowered himself while giving respect to Lin Yun as an ugly smile appeared on his face. "Great Mage Merlin, can we have a discussion?"

"Of course, I wouldn't dare to offend Leader Sauss." Lin Yun was also smiling, but another Flame Burst was already prepared in his hand. Just as he was about to continue "slipping" again, he felt a familiar mana fluctuation from the depths of the Poison Fog Canyon.

At this instant, Lin Yun's expression changed a bit, but he quickly covered it up.

At the same time, he chose not to let that last Flame Burst "slip" this time.

He was secretly paying attention to that familiar mana fluctuation…

"That's great…" Sauss didn't notice Lin Yun's expression. After seeing that Lin Yun had stayed his hand, Sauss quietly heaved a sigh. He greeted Lin Yun enthusiastically while turning to berate those fighters who were poised to charge. "You scoundrels, hurry up and put down your weapons. Great Mage Merlin is our Viper Nest's precious guest. If a single hair on his head is harmed, I'll feed you to the magic beasts in the Poison Fog Canyon!"

"…" One after the other, the fighters let go of their weapons. But they couldn't stop cursing inwardly, 'How can we even touch a hair with those lights circling around him? He could surely kill us all without losing a single hair….'

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'I am saving you, isn't that obvious?!'

After two sentry towers had already been sent to heaven, how could Sauss dare to try and make excuses to Lin Yun. These fighters were elites of the Viper Nest. If Mafa had made another move against them, Sauss wouldn't have been able to endure it.

"Great Mage Merlin, can we discuss things inside?" As soon as he thought of the possibility that Lin Yun might cause further harm to his forces, Sauss didn't dare to keep him waiting outside, so he invited Lin Yun into the wooden house.

Three people entered the wooden house together: Lin Yun, Sauss, and Bell…

After taking a seat inside, Lin Yun glanced at Bell. He had heard people saying that the Viper Nest had a very powerful Great Mage, and that even Solomon had once praised him. After looking at Bell, Lin Yun guessed that this should be that person.

He seemed be an exceptional Great Mage, around 6th or 7th Rank… And with a very powerful Magic Conducting Rune.

Great Mage Bell's true fighting strength should be higher than his rank would suggest.

Lin Yun was truly a bit afraid of this most powerful mage of the Viper Nest.

If the Viper Nest had made their base in another place instead, Lin Yun might not necessarily have dared to go over.

But since this was the Poison Fog Canyon, everything would be a lot easier.

"Great Mage Merlin, this is truly a misunderstanding…" Sauss bowed his head far faster than Lin Yun had imagined. This time, all Sauss could think about was how to send this demon away.

This demon's destructive power was too frightening. He strolled inside and casually killed twenty or so elites of the Viper Nest, toying with his forces for all the while. If he had kept going, the Viper Nest would have been destroyed.

He was a living curse…

'How come I never heard about Locke Merlin's son being such a demon? Wasn't it said that Locke Merlin's son had no prospects and was still a young Magic Apprentice? Damned Magic Apprentice…' Sauss inwardly cursed while grinding his teeth. 'If someone mentions that, I'll show them to those two demolished sentry towers.'

"Hmm, Leader Sauss…"

"There is no problem, Great Mage Merlin, I understand!" Sauss only wanted to get rid of this guy as soon as possible, so he hurriedly agreed to the conditions Lin Yun had yet to say. "Five Apprentice Alchemists, 200 000 gold each. Along with what Rios broke, a total of two million gold. Rest assured, I'll have someone deliver a crystal card to the Gilded Rose tomorrow. Does Great Mage Merlin still need anything else?"

Sauss' last sentence was purely out of politeness…

But being polite didn't matter, as Lin Yun wouldn't be courteous with him.

"Yes, there is still something…" Lin Yun suddenly recalled the familiar magic fluctuation that he had sensed when he entered the Poison Fog Canyon. If he wasn't wrong, it had most likely come from that place that had been mentioned by countless mages during the pinnacle of the magic era.

He definitely wouldn't hold back when it came to matters related to that place.

That region might mean nothing to others, but for himself, it was an opportunity to have five Magic Arrays.

"…" Hearing Lin Yun's words, Sauss felt like slapping himself twice. 'It was just small talk, small talk! Damn, you were the one that proposed this, are you going back on your words already?'

But the words were already spoken, so Sauss couldn't back out.

Thus, Sauss had no choice but to brace himself and squeeze out a twitching smile. "Great Mage Merlin, w-what do you need? Please do not hesitate!"

"Since Leader Sauss says so, I won't need to be polite about it…"

"…" Sauss felt the vein on his forehead twitching as he mentally complained, 'Since when were you polite?'

"I believe Leader Sauss also knows that my Gilded Rose has some level of cooperation with the Silver Moon Mercenaries. I agreed to provide a large amount of alchemy products to the Silver Moon Mercenaries battling in Edge Rift. Poison Fog Canyon is basically the only route to get there, and thus, I would like to discuss with Leader Sauss if my Gilded Rose's caravans could be allowed to pass freely through the Poison Fog Canyon in the meantime."

"This…" Sauss hesitated a bit and frowned.

It wasn't that Lin Yun's conditions were harsh and unreasonable…

The issue this time was caused by the Gilded Rose's caravans entering the Poison Fog Canyon. Lin Yun's request could be considered an attempt to settle the problem in good faith.

But Sauss was somewhat worried…

Many people knew that in the past decade, Sauss had been thinking of every possible way to expand in the depths of the Poison Fog Canyon, but had never told the real reason to anyone.

This was because Sauss knew that the depths of the Poison Fog Canyon held a temple…

In those years, when Sauss was still a good-for-nothing, he once went into the Poison Fog Canyon and found the corpse of a powerful swordsman. Sauss had inherited his sword skills from that powerful swordsman. But Sauss' talent wasn't very great, so he was only a 4th Rank Great Swordsman.

However, the inheritance of the swordsman's skills wasn't all that he found… There was also a diary.

Written in this diary was the reason that the Great Swordsman crossed the sea to reach Thousand Sails City. He had been heading for the temple hidden deep within the Poison Fog Canyon.

When Sauss first read the diary, he was truly frightened.

After getting some results with the swordsman's inheritance, Sauss established the Viper Nest and joined the power struggle within Thousand Sails City. Over the course of the next twenty years, Sauss managed to grow the Viper Nest into becoming the largest underground force, and to everyone's shock, they went and occupied the Poison Fog Canyon.

The Poison Fog Canyon was truly too important to Sauss…

Important to the point that Sauss wouldn't tolerate anything unexpected.

Lin Yun's condition sounded reasonable and fair, but if something went wrong, it would mean twenty years of wasted effort to Sauss.

Thus, Sauss thought for a bit before deciding to refuse.

As he opened his mouth to reply, Lin Yun cut in.

"Oh right, Leader Sauss…" When he saw Sauss frown, Lin Yun guessed that he would refuse. But this was related to an opportunity to quickly get five Magic Arrays! How could Lin Yun let him refuse! Before Sauss could say a word, Lin Yun took out a glass bottle. "I heard that the poison fog from the Poison Fog Canyon has caused the Viper Nest a lot of trouble over the years, so I specially prepared this potion before coming to see you."

"A potion?"

"Yes, a potion that can protect people from the influence of the poison fog." Lin Yun opened the bottle, and a faintly sweet fragrance spread through the wooden house. "I call it Magic Spring. It's quite potent, so there is no need to use a lot. One bottle is enough. Put it in a ventilated place and within three days, the poison fog will become harmless to your subordinates.

"This kind of potion exists?" Sauss suddenly felt elated. If this Magic Spring really was as mystical as the young Great Mage claimed, his plans to expand toward the depths of the Poison Fog Canyon could finish perhaps three years sooner.

In the past ten years, the poison fog truly had caused the Viper Nest a lot of trouble. They would lose about ten elites every month because of it.

Sauss truly wouldn't have expected these negotiations to bring him such pleasant news.

'Wait a second… That's not right!'

Just as Sauss was about to thank Lin Yun and accept, he realized something wrong. The smile on his face stiffened, and his face turned deathly white. Although his eyes were still looking at Lin Yun, his gaze was now filled with anger and fright.

'No good, this isn't an offer to help the Viper Nest! This is an open threat! This young mage showing me the Magic Spring potion is a way to tell me that the Gilded Rose has already thoroughly researched the poison fog in this canyon. If he can make a potion that can restrain the poison fog, then he can also probably also make a potion to strengthen the poison. He might even be carrying such a potion at this moment! Otherwise, he wouldn't have dared to come to the Poison Fog Canyon alone, even if he is a 5th Rank Great Mage!'

As his thoughts reached this point, Sauss felt a chill spread through his body.

If such a potion appeared in the Poison Fog Canyon, then a calamity would befall the Viper Nest. The threatening poison fog would turn into a monster that devoured lives rampantly, and the Viper Nest's hundreds of elites, raised throughout the years, would vanish in an instant.

Sauss felt the strength seeping out of his body. He sat there in a daze, staring at Lin Yun with complex feelings.

'Locke Merlin's son is too frightening…'

"Great Mage Merlin surely has more than one potion?" Despite Sauss knowing that he shouldn't provoke the young mage in front of him, when he thought about the Viper Nest stepping into hell, he couldn't help being a bit sarcastic.

"Haha, naturally. If Leader Sauss feels that one bottle isn't enough, I can offer a few bottles," Lin Yun responded with a smile.

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