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.

5. 129

Read End of the Magic Era - Chapter 129: Running online free - Light Novel Full

Chapter 129: Running

Translator:Shiraishi

Editor:TheAlliance

Raven snorted and thought to himself, 'Sure enough, he doesn't dare to offend the Watson Family.'

Hearing this "hold on", a sneer appeared on Raven's face. His family was one of the five Families of Okland, the peak force of the Kingdom, and the only one able to use a magic staff and a sword as their crest. Setting oneself against the huge Watson Family with this small Gilded Rose in the small Thousand Sails City was simply courting death.

'You are regretting it now? You are afraid? But I don't plan on giving you a chance.'

Raven didn't turn back and kept walking towards the exit with a sneer on his face as he was counting in his head. Raven was sure that Mafa Merlin would take the initiative to hand over the Nether Iron Vein before he reached ten!

'One, two, three... nine, ten!'

When Raven reached ten, he stopped, but he didn't turn around. He was now waiting, waiting for this Mafa Merlin to hand over the Nether Iron Vein.

In the end, Raven had waited… for a Flame Imprint.

Lin Yun's Spiritual Magic Staff was already pointing at Raven when the latter stopped, causing a flame to swallow him from behind.

A miserable shriek echoed out on Victorious Return Street.

Even if he was a 9th Rank Great Mage, Raven couldn't withstand a Flame Imprint unguarded. The raging flames exploded with a bang, covering the young Great Mage. Besides crazily rolling around on the ground to extinguish the flames, Raven was also yelling his lungs out.

This Flame Imprint burnt for no less than ten seconds before Raven managed to extinguish it.

But he didn't look human anymore. There wasn't a single place that had escaped the flames, his hair burnt into a mess, his eyebrows different sizes. A burnt, black face as well as a robe that one would see on a beggar. His arms and chest were now covered with quite a few blisters, making anyone who could see his appearance shudder.

"I told you to hold on and you still thought of escaping, you thought you could run away?"

After Lin Yun cursed, he had William help Faleau to the laboratory to treat his injuries. As for the cooked Raven, Lin Yun simply ignored him.

"..." Raven lay down there on the ground, not understanding what had happened to him. 'What was that "hold on"... It's not like he wanted to kill me, or else he wouldn't have used a mere Flame Imprint.'

But here, Raven remembered something.

'... Flame Imprint…?'

Raven finally understood. Flame Imprint was the 3rd spell he had cast after entering the Gilded Rose. Two Tornado Impacts and one Flame Imprint.

When Mafa Merlin appeared, he had used a Tornado Impact to knock Raven away, but he hadn't had the opportunity to cast that Flame Imprint.

In other words, that "hold on" was only to let him know that he still needed to take a Flame Imprint back!

'Fuck, would you die if you said a bit more?'

At this moment, Raven truly felt like crying. 'Can't you be a bit clearer with your words? It's fine if you want to return the Flame Imprint, it's only a 3rd Tier Spell. Could I, a 9th Rank Mage, not understand getting back at someone? But that "hold on" caused me to think you were begging for forgiveness, I was still feeling satisfied, waiting for you to apologize…'

He wanted to howl at the injustice of it all.

'Fuck fuck fuck, this is bullying!'

Raven was inwardly crying and cursing as he limped away from Victorious Return Street...At this time, Faleau was being treated inside the alchemy laboratory. It was determined that he would probably be fine after recuperating for a few days.

"Cousin William, how is it going with the fifty 5th Rank Mages?" After treating Faleau's injury, Lin Yun started inquiring about William's work.

"Not bad, they completed many team assignments for the Mercenary Guild and their combat strength increased a bit. I estimate that the talented ones will reach 6th or even 7th Rank in half a year."

"Half a year is too long…" Lin Yun shook his head. These 5th Rank Mages were his only troops. They would definitely be the core of the rebuilding of the Gilded Rose's mercenary group. 6th or 7th Rank Mages might be able to handle ordinary team assignments, but that was definitely too weak to protect the growing Gilded Rose...

Ideally, his mage regiment would have at least fifty Great Mages.

Moreover, that was without using alchemy potions to forcibly rank them up. Mason was a perfect example. He forcibly became a Mage thanks to Ryan coming back from the Black Tower, but what was the result? He wasn't any better than a Magic Apprentice when it came to fighting. He even had to eat some glass bottles in front of the newly transmigrated Lin Yun. Moreover, after the alchemy potion exhausted all his potential, Mason would never have any progress for the rest of his life. He would likely remain a 1st Rank Mage forever.

As for the Mana Baptism...

It simply wasn't feasible to reproduce it, and not everyone had such poor body quality like Mafa Merlin, and not everyone had Lin Yun's frightening mana control.

Even if all of these 5th Rank Mages had a bottle of Mana Baptism, it would at most improve the quality of their bodies and give them a chance to accumulate mana. As for becoming Great Mages, it would depend on their own talents.

What's more, Lin Yun didn't have fifty bottles of Mana Baptism.

Thus, he needed another way for this batch of Mages to grow and improve.

In fact, he had already thought of a method, but he lacked the crucial True Spirit Magic Tool. If Lin Yun didn't misremember, that Magic Tool was currently in the Cloud Tower...

This was something relatively difficult to resolve. Borrowing a True Spirit Magic Tool could be hard, or easy. The easy part was due to the existence of the Magic Tool Incarnation. A True Spirit Magic Tool wouldn't easily change owners, so there would be no problem with borrowing it as it could be returned anytime.

However, it could also be difficult, as a True Spirit Magic Tool usually was the foundation of a force. Making a deal to borrow a True Spirit Magic Tool could easily be misunderstood as wanting to destabilize a force's foundations by causing trouble.

But Lin Yun wasn't worried. That True Spirit Magic Tool wouldn't run off. Before then, Lin Yun still had to spend some time to turn this batch of 5th Rank Mages into his own loyal subordinates.

Otherwise, Lin Yun wouldn't dare to use them.

After making up his mind, Lin Yun chatted a bit with William, mostly about how to use that batch of Mages. Once William left, Lin Yun called Faleau and fished out a few mana crystals from his pocket.

"Take these mana crystals and have the bunch at the alchemy workshop make some alchemy puppets for me."

Faleau reached out to take the mana crystals. "Okay, I'll immedi-" He wanted to say that he would be taking care of it immediately, but he suddenly felt a surge of mana coming out from those mana crystals. Shocked, Faleau almost dropped the mana crystals. He looked at Lin Yun with disbelief, "1-1-1…. 18? Level 18 mana crystals?"

"Yes, they are all level 18, six in total."

"My god…" Faleau's heart skipped a beat. A level 18 mana crystal would sell for about 3,000,000 golds on the market, and maybe more. He was now holding close to 20,000,000 golds.

He suddenly felt that following such a boss gave too much pressure.

It had only been a bit over a month, yet the Boss had killed six magic beasts close to the Monarch level. If the Boss disappeared for another few months, wouldn't he get rid of a few Monarch magic beasts?

'Forget it, don't think about it or you'll get nightmares…' he thought, before continuing out loud. "Understood, Boss Merlin. I'll immediately take care of this." Faleau held the six mana crystals and started limping towards the alchemy workshop...

Fortunately, he left without looking back.

Had he turned around, he might have truly gotten nightmares, because Lin Yun had pulled a dozen more level 18 mana crystals as Faleau took his leave.

"Hey, Lord Shawn, isn't your mana crystal requirement a bit too high…" Lin Yun had forcibly taken six mana crystals from Shawn's claws to give to Faleau, but Shawn had resolutely insisted on keeping those last dozen mana crystals.

Although both sides already reached an agreement, thinking of the dozen level 18 mana crystals left in Shawn's hands, Lin Yun couldn't feel happy. Those were worth glistening golds, in his hands, it could all transform into two Augments for his Spirit Devouring Magic Staff.

"It seems like you don't want to help Lord Shawn regain his power," Shawn snorted. "Don't forget who helped you survive in front of those three High Mage alchemy puppets. Do you think that you, a Great Mage, would have been able to withstand three High Mages? Do you think the alchemy puppets left behind by Barov are foes you could easily confront? If it weren't for Lord Shawn pitying you and using a part of his power to help you deal with the three High Mages, would you still have the chance to stand here…"

"Yes, yes, yes, I know my wrongs. Lord Shawn, you can enjoy the mana crystals, here, enjoy them…" Hearing Lord Shawn's machine gun-like nagging, Lin Yun suddenly got a headache.

This was something Shawn kept repeating on the way back...

Moreover, it would take at least an hour before he would shut up. Lin Yun had been suffering from this tiring bombardment on the way back from the prince tomb, making him feel extremely irritated, and thus, that young Great Mage from the Watson Family had been the perfect victim to vent on.

Who knew what Raven Watson would think if he learnt about that...

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The most annoying part was that what Lord Shawn said was entirely true.

Lin Yun really had relied on Lord Shawn's help to come back alive from Barov's tomb, so Lin Yun couldn't say anything about that…

The mechanism of the Reincarnation Eyes and alchemy puppets truly had worked as Lin Yun thought. Each time he touched the Reincarnation Eyes, another batch of alchemy puppets would be alarmed, and each group would have one or two more than the previous group. There weren't many at the start.

Thus, after each fight, Lin Yun only needed to rest for a few hours before he could touch the Reincarnation Eyes again. Lin Yun had already accumulated over ten thousand runes by the seventh or eighth wave. At the same time, he had formed the 3rd Magic Array.

With three Magic Arrays, he could already complete six Formations. Moreover, the might of each Formation surpassed the elemental Shock Burst.

But as Lin Yun's fighting strength quickly rose, so did the number of alchemy puppets.

After Lin Yun touched the Reincarnation Eyes for the 15th time, the number of alchemy puppets reached over thirty. Against such a large number of puppets that fought with the strength of 9th Rank Great Swordsmen, even though Lin Yun had formed his 3rd Magic Array, it still gradually became more strenuous.

Lin Yun had no choice but to slow down his rhythm.

He would spend at least a day to digest and reflect before daring to touch the Reincarnation Eyes again.

After half a month passed, Lin Yun had already formed his 4th Magic Array.

But from that point on, Lin Yun felt like he was walking on a tightrope, as the fights had changed. Each time the alchemy puppets appeared, there would be no less than several dozens, and moreover, they wouldn't be limited to the Great Swordsman type. There would always be one Great Mage puppet for every ten Great Swordsmen puppets.

This wasn't as simple as just adding one or two puppets…

The appearance of a Great Mage puppet destroyed most of the tactics that Lin Yun had prepared. He had no choice but to rethink his plans. These were two completely different types of puppets, and just a tiny bit of coordination between them was enough to make the fight a whole level harder.

Thus, Lin Yun once again sank into a bitter struggle. It took him three hours to put an end to that wave of puppets.

He knew that with the appearance of that alchemy puppet, his future days wouldn't be as relaxed.

And he was right. After the twentieth day, Lin Yun would need to recuperate for two days before he dared to touch the Reincarnation Eyes again, and the battles he encountered were even more challenging. And in the final fight, among the puppets that were similar to Great Mages and Great Swordsmen, three High Mage puppets appeared.

Although Lin Yun had formed his 5th Magic Array by then and had the strength to contend against a High Mage, three of those puppets appearing at the same time still put him in a very difficult spot. In the end, he had to rely on Lord Shawn to lead him out of that fight alive.

So Shawn definitely had something to complain about.

Shawn had been absorbing mana from those mana crystals during that month and had recovered about 10% of his strength, but after helping Lin Yun out, the painstakingly accumulated power had been completely expended. So Shawn put forward a bold request, that all the level 18 mana crystals Lin Yun had obtained would be his to enjoy!

Lin Yun spent a lot of time and patience getting Shawn to leave him six.

But to Lin Yun, the mana crystals weren't the most important things.

His harvest on this trip was really amazing.

The greatest reward of all wasn't the Spirit Devourer Magic Staff, Shawn, or even forming his 5th Magic Array. His true reward was the huge amount of runes he had accumulated from touching the Reincarnation Eyes a few dozens of times.

He estimated that he had accumulated over a hundred thousand runes!

If this spread, it might even scare High Mages silly. For a mage, there were two kinds of important things to accumulate. The first was mana, and the second was runes.

Mana depended on meditation, while runes came from knowledge.

There were no easy shortcuts for these two kinds of accumulations, especially when it came to runes. It was like that for every mage, they would have to spend a lot of time and effort to let themselves possess more runes.

Because more runes meant stronger power.

And it was to an even greater extent when it came to Lin Yun with his Magic Array.

The amount of runes needed for the Magic Array would make any Great Mage feel desperate, but at the same time, the might of the Magic Array would make any Great Mage turn green with envy.

But now, even Lin Yun's Magic Array couldn't convert any more runes. After forming the 5th Magic Array, Lin Yun temporarily stopped, because he could feel that it was gradually becoming too difficult for him to control this kind of frightening power. He would have to spend some time to adapt to his power.

Lin Yun already had five Magic Arrays, and at the same time, there were still several tens of thousands of runes that had yet to be converted.

From the amount, it could be imagined how fierce the fights he had experienced in the prince tomb were.

Lin Yun believed that even the future Great Mage of the Cloud Tower couldn't compare to him when it came to the number of times he had touched the Reincarnation Eyes.

It could already be said that Lin Yun's path to becoming a High Mage was free of obstacles… All he needed was time.

Once he reached the High Mage realm, with nine Magic Arrays fused as one, he would even be able to fight an Archmage with Shawn in hand.

At that time, he would finally consider his power sufficient.

'Next time I go to the Bone Plane, I should look for a way to get the Book of Death…' After reminiscing about the battles in the tomb, he left the alchemy laboratory.

On his way out, he came across William coming back from the Mercenary Guild.

"Cousin! Wait!" William hurriedly called Lin Yun and warned with some concern, "That Raven Watson seems to be returning to Okland…"

"So?"

"I mean… After Raven Watson returns, the Watson Family might make a move. You know, the Nether Iron Vein in your hands is the focus between the two families. Raven Watson's return might bring some troubles to the Gilded Rose…"

William's worry wasn't without reason.

The power of the Watson Family in Okland even made the Merlin Family feel a bit of strain. If they really wanted the Nether Iron Vein, then let alone the Gilded Rose, even the Sage Tower would be under great pressure.

"You are saying that Raven Watson might bring other people over?"

"Yes."

"Good, let's guess who that Raven guy will bring over…" Lin Yun thought for a bit before telling William Merlin to take a seat. "I feel that he would bring two High Mages at most. There is no need to worry about those, I'll be able to handle them."

"Understood." William nodded.

Although a Great Mage talking about handling two High Mages sounded very strange, when thinking about it, this Great Mage wasn't just any Great Mage. Just earlier in the Gilded Rose's lobby, he had grabbed a 9th Rank Great Mage and dealt with him like he was punishing a kid. It didn't seem as farfetched when considering this.

"Naturally, we shouldn't rule out that the Watson Family might be extremely determined and have Raven lead a large group over…"

"Right, right…"

"But that's even simpler."

"Ah?" William froze, feeling rather confused. 'Why would it be simpler if a large group came over? Isn't a large group more difficult to deal with than two High Mages?'

"Think about it, if Raven Watson comes leading a large group over, what would Thousand Sails City's forces think? At that time, I might not even need to make a move, as those forces would resolutely handle them."

"This is also…" William thought about it and felt that it was sound reasoning, but he quickly recalled a very frightening possibility. "What if…"

"What if the Watson Family sends an Archmage?"

"Yes…"

"This is even simpler than dealing with a large group."

"Eh?"

"What would the Merlin Family do if an Archmage from the Watson Family came?"

"…" Hearing this, William immediately understood.

Indeed, what would the Merlin Family do?

After all, these two forces had struggled for a very long time. Although a balance was kept on the surface, in reality, they were already fighting to the bitter end. If the Watson Family sent an Archmage, then the Merlin Family would dare to destroy the Watson Family.

This was almost certain…

Under the endless struggles between the two Families, to dare send their most powerful fighting strength away was simply taking off one's pants to get fucked.

In fact, this was a common problem for all forces.

It was like that for the Watson Family, but it was also the case for the Ash Tower, the Black Tower, and others…

Each powerful force was faced with a similarly powerful opponent.

They kept each other in check. This was the current situation. If a force wasn't kept in check, it would have already unified Noscent.

Naturally, if one only had to move a finger to eliminate the Gilded Rose while conveniently grabbing the Nether Iron Vein, then there definitely wouldn't be any power that would turn down the opportunity. Let alone the Watson Family, even among the peak forces of Thousand Sails City, who would dare to say they'd never had such an idea?

The problem was that the current Gilded Rose already couldn't be eliminated that easily. Not to mention the huge wealth they brought in through the monopoly of the alchemy market in Thousand Sails City, the fact that there was also that unknown young Master Alchemist hidden behind the Gilded Rose was enough to stop them from acting recklessly.

The resources that a Master Alchemist could use were too horrifying…

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Chapter 131: No Way

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

If a Master Alchemist was annoyed enough, he could even sign a contract to sell his services to a major force in order to get his revenge.

Especially now that the Master Alchemist had the power to fight against a High Mage, these forces wouldn't dare to make a move once they learnt about this…

"Okay, I understand…" William understood after thinking about it for a bit. It turned out that his earlier actions had actually been a good move for the Merlin Family.

Originally, he had been frustrated that he had acted against this cousin before ending up bowing to him.

But he hadn't expected that bowing would actually secure a deal for the Merlin Family.

Now that he thought about it, if he had insisted on setting himself against his cousin, he would end up like Raven, going back to Okland and perhaps gathering a force to retaliate. And meanwhile, the Watson Family might have been the one having dealings with his Master Alchemist cousin.

William knew that this cousin didn't have any concept of family relationships. He chose to sell Nether Iron Ore to the Merlin Family purely to prepare for the path ahead of him.

William believed that if the Watson Family had come first, with a proper attitude and a proper price, this cousin of his would have chosen to sell the Nether Iron Ores to the Watson Family.

It would be a completely different situation then…

Thinking back on what a close call it had been, cold sweat trickled down William's back. 'Thank god, thank god I gave up, otherwise I might have been the one that got slammed on the ground and burnt…'

"So, Cousin William, you are training those 5th Rank Mages carefully, right? I'll help them find a special training ground next month at the latest."

"Special training ground?"

"Yes, a training ground filled with undead lifeforms." After Lin Yun explained, he planned to leave the Gilded Rose to take a look at the alchemy workshop to check on the mining puppet production.

Lin Yun had stayed in the prince tomb for a bit over a month, and the Planar Path recharging cooldown had already finished. He hadn't left for it yet because he needed this batch of mining puppets.

"Wait, Cousin…" But William stopped him just as he got up.

"What is it?"

"I came over because I came across a Great Mage named Solon. He said he was the disciple of the Sage Tower's Solomon. He also said that Solomon is looking for you very urgently and that you must take some time to go over…"

"Solomon is looking for me?" Lin Yun scratched his cheek, thinking of what he wanted. He was thinking of establishing a relationship with the Cloud Tower through Solomon and then borrowing the True Spirit Magic Tool from the Cloud Tower.

He hadn't expected Solomon to be the one calling on him first.

"Okay, I'll go over at once." Lin Yun nodded, but before he left the Gilded Rose, he added, "Oh, right, Cousin William, if you have time, can you take a trip to the alchemy workshop to ask when they will be finished with that batch of mining puppets?"

"Yes, no problem."

Lin Yun took his leave from the Gilded Rose and quickly arrived at the Sage Tower.

"Great Mage Merlin, you finally came…" Solon had already been waiting for a long time when Lin Yun rushed over, and he still looked very anxious.

"What's going on?" Lin Yun felt strange. From the times they had met, Solon had always been very calm. He would rarely display his emotions in such a way. Even when Lin Yun advanced to become a Great Mage, Solon only slightly forgot himself. But today, he looked as if he had lost his head.

"Let's talk while walking, Teacher has been waiting for too long…"

"Let's go."

The two entered the Sage Tower and quickly walked through the spiraling stairs.

"Good Morning, Great Mage Merlin." Solomon got up to welcome Lin Yun when the latter entered his study.

"Good Morning, High Mage Solomon." After Lin Yun greeted him, he sat down with Solomon. But he was feeling a bit apprehensive.

Lin Yun clearly remembered that during the Black Horn Auction, he had taken out several hundred thousand golds to help Solomon win the Hell Destroyer incantation during the face off. It was tantamount to helping the Sage Tower keep their reputation, but at that time, the High Mage had only invited him to his box with a "please come in" and greeted him with a smile without getting up to welcome him.

But today, Solomon actually stood up to receive him.

In other words, the matter today was more important than the pride of the Sage Tower.

Sure enough, after the two sat down, Solomon didn't exchange niceties and went straight to the point. "Great Mage Merlin, I won't hide it from you, I had Solon ask you to come over today because there is a matter I need your help with…"

"I wonder what I could do for High Mage Solomon?" Lin Yun's sentence sounded very respectful, but it was the same as saying nothing.

"Haha…" Solomon chuckled. After standing at the peak of Thousand Sails City for so many years, he had seen all kinds of people. Hearing Lin Yun's words, he knew that he should first tell him what this was about. Otherwise, the young Great Mage wouldn't give a positive answer. "I wonder if you remember looking at a book a few months ago in the Sage Tower's library, it was about the Fanrusen Formula."

"Fanrusen Formula? Eh? I do remember…" When Solomon brought this up, he recalled that period. He had been at a loss back then so he had gone to the Sage Tower's library to read books about the current era, and when he was bored, he had done some light reading to pass the time. The book on the Fanrusen Formula was one of the latter.

"About this… I have to give you my apology first." After saying this, Solomon stood up and bowed in front of the shocked Lin Yun and Solon.

"High Mage Solomon, how could I accept this!" Lin Yun hurriedly helped Solomon to stand up. No kidding, Solomon's power had shaken Thousand Sails City for dozens of years. In the eyes of many, he was considered Thousand Sails City's Guardian. It would anger the public if he bowed to someone.

"No, no, Great Mage Merlin, listen to me…" After Lin Yun helped him take a seat, Solomon had a fit of coughing. After a while, he sighed and said, "When Solon told me there was a 1st Rank Mage reading about the Fanrusen Formula, I felt quite interested. And without your approval, I used Temporal Recall."

"Haha, High Mage Solomon, you are too polite." Lin Yun chuckled. He was only a 1st Rank Mage at the time, there was no expectation of privacy in front of a High Mage's eyes. If not for him now having the qualifications to stand on equal footing with Solomon, he might have never heard this apology.

"At that time, from your mouth, I gleaned four pieces of data…"

'Turns out it was like this…' Hearing this, Lin Yun suddenly felt it was rather funny. 'No wonder Solomon paid so much attention to me.'

It turned out that this had started because he had carelessly mumbled about four pieces of data when reading the Fanrusen Formula. This was quite coincidental, as in the future, these four pieces of data would be known to all. Many mages liked to use them to make jokes, and it even reached the point that the jokes had been so overused that they became running gags.

It could be said that LIn Yun had grown up while hearing those jokes, so he carelessly mumbled about those four pieces of data when he read the Fanrusen Formula.

But he hadn't expected Solomon to have observed it.

"I then wrote a letter to my teacher because I knew that he had always been researching the Fanrusen Formula. Not long afterward, he answered and let me know that the Fanrusen research had made some important progress. And this had all been because of those four pieces of data."

"Haha…" Lin Yun didn't feel it was too strange. The key parts of the Fanrusen Formula were those four pieces of data, the others were just details.

"Oh, right, Great Mage Merlin, I forgot to give you an introduction. My teacher is named Jouyi, Cloud Tower's Star Sage Jouyi." Solomon saw that although this young Great Mage had always been very respectful and courteous, he didn't seem to be too interested in this matter.

Thus, Solomon clenched his teeth and spoke of the most important piece of information. "He recently sent me another letter, he hopes you can join the Cloud Tower and participate in the Fanrusen research."

With these words, Solomon stopped and slowly leaned back in his chair, his eyes staring motionlessly at Lin Yun, wanting to see what kind of reaction would come out from the young Great Mage.

'Will it be shock and disbelief, or animated ecstasy…'

Solomon waited for a while before Lin Yun straightforwardly answered.

"No way."

"Eh?" Solomon froze. His gaze was empty as he looked at Lin Yun, and it took a while before he managed to recover.

'It wasn't shock, it wasn't excitement, it was a blunt refusal! How could you refuse?'

Solomon couldn't understand.

'That's the Sage Tower! That's Star Sage Jouyi! Did you get too excited and mess up your answer? Could it be that you don't know that the Cloud Tower is one of the two great mage forces of Andlusa? Entering the Cloud Tower is a shortcut leading to the peak of magic. Could it be that you don't know that Star Sage Jouyi is my teacher, an Archmage towering among the masses? How could you say "No way" like that?'

At this moment, Solomon even wanted to touch Lin Yun's forehead and see whether that Great Mage was sick.

'An answer like this isn't logical!'

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Chapter 132: Remote Participation

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Although Solomon was very humble today, even welcoming Mafa Merlin and apologizing, it wasn't like he didn't also feel strongly about his offer.

'Although I eavesdropped your four pieces of data, I also gave you an introduction to the Cloud Tower. This favor isn't small, you definitely can't neglect it…'

If it was before, Solomon might not care about what he got out of this favor, but with the Gilded Rose rising every day and Lin Yun's strength becoming more and more mysterious, Solomon felt that this favor was truly necessary.

'I might not be able to use it at this time. But can I still live for a few more years?'

Solomon was worried about his legacy.

'How could I not know what state my body is in? At most, I'll be able to live for another ten to twenty years. The Sage Tower's situation won't be good when I die. What I can do for the Sage Tower right now is to make this young Great Mage feel indebted to me, and that way, in the future, the Sage Tower would be able to have a few hundred years of peace under that youth's protection.'

But Solomon truly hadn't thought that the other side would unexpectedly answer like this!

'This isn't logical…'

"High Mage Solomon, this is really impossible…" Before Solomon could try to convince him, Lin Yun shook his head with a resolute attitude. But he then heard Solomon burst into a violent cough, so he eased his words a bit. "At least not at the moment…"

"May I ask why?"

Lin Yun thought for a bit before giving an answer that couldn't really be considered an answer. "I can't leave Thousand Sails City for the moment."

To be honest, Lin Yun wasn't against entering the Cloud Tower.

As one of the two major forces of mages in the kingdom, they had resources that would make anyone feel envious. Lin Yun believed that with the help of the Cloud Tower's resources, the time he needed to advance to the High Mage rank would be reduced to half a year.

Moreover, Lin Yun knew of the Cloud Tower's glory, lasting through the Plane Colonization Era and the Peak Magic Era. It lasted until Noscent's mana slowly became exhausted, and the Cloud Tower slowly fell alongside other forces. If he joined the Cloud Tower, he would be able to rely on this tall tree that stood for several dozen millennia.

Naturally, the most important part was still that True Spirit Magic Tool…

With the backing of Star Sage Jouyi, there probably wouldn't be too much resistance when trying to borrow that True Spirit Magic Tool

Unfortunately, he couldn't leave Thousand Sails City.

Firstly, because of the Bone Plane…

He had yet to get the Book of Death, so the control center of the Bone Plane was still resting in that area. Lin Yun still needed to gain the ability to enter and leave the Bone Plane anywhere and anytime. Leaving Thousand Sails City to join the Cloud Tower at this time was the same as giving up on the Bone Plane.

There was also Barov's tomb.

At first, Lin Yun was only interested in the Reincarnation Eyes, but after signing a master-slave contract with Shawn, Lin Yun had realized that the tomb was a huge treasure trove. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that if Lin Yun were able to take over the tomb, building another Cloud Tower wouldn't be an issue.

Such a huge fortune, how could Lin Yun bear to watch it remain sleeping the Poison Fog Canyon?

Unfortunately, he couldn't tell these reasons to Solomon.

"Great Mage Merlin, this is truly a hard opportunity to come by…" Solomon tried to persuade him once again, out of a selfish desire. He was still hoping that Lin Yun would enter the Cloud Tower under his recommendation.

After all, the resources of the Cloud Tower simply couldn't compare to what was available in Thousand Sails City. If this young Great Mage could enter that place, there would be no issue with him becoming a High Mage before the age of thirty, and he might even become an Archmage in his fifties.

This was truly a rare opportunity…

Many mages would strive for all their lives and might not be able to come across such a chance. And Solomon truly didn't want to see such a talented young Great Mage miss such a rare opportunity because of a personal matter.

Unfortunately, Lin Yun still shook his head as an answer.

"Haaa…" Solomon sighed in disappointment.

"High Mage Solomon, don't try to persuade me. I really have some special reasons, I cannot leave Thousand Sails City. How about this, I have some understanding of the Fanrusen Formula. If Esteemed Star Sage Jouyi is interested, I can write some of my crude ideas and you can deliver them to him."

"How about, you wait and I'll ask my teacher right now…" Solomon smiled bitterly and left the reception room.

After a short time, Solomon appeared in a secret room at the top of the Sage Tower.

The room was very narrow, and besides a few books and scrolls, there was only a huge crystal ball. Solomon was now standing in front of that huge crystal ball as he chanted a few lines with a deep voice…

Then, an older, gray-haired mage appeared in the crystal ball.

"Teacher…" Solomon's voice was full of reverence.

If anyone saw this, they would immediately think that this sounded exactly like Solon when he stood in front of Solomon.

"Solomon, what kind of expression is this? Don't tell me that the negotiations with that young Great Mage broke down?" The old mage was still busying himself with his work while asking impatiently.

From this, it could be seen that disciple-blaming was something that had been inherited.

"N… No. But Teacher, this Great Mage Merlin might not be able to come to the Cloud Tower…" At these words, Solomon noticed the old mage's expression becoming quite unpleasant, so he hurriedly explained, "No no no, Teacher, don't misunderstand. I meant that this Great Mage Merlin is very willing to participate in the research of the Fanrusen Formula, but due to some special circumstances, he cannot go to the Cloud Tower."

"Then why do you have that expression, are you trying to scare your teacher?"

"Definitely not!" Solomon hurriedly denied. "I only feel that this is quite unfortunate, Teacher. I explained to you before, this Mafa Merlin is a rare talent. He was only a Magic Apprentice half a year ago, but he is a Great Mage now. If this kind of talent could join the Cloud Tower and receive Teacher's pointers, his future would be extremely bright and becoming an Archmage wouldn't be out of the question…"

"Solomon let me tell you something good for you…" After hearing Solomon's thoughts, Jouyi actually shook his head. "You think that with his attainment in magic knowledge he would still need my pointers?"

"But…"

"Do you want to say that this had been due to someone telling him the information?"

"Ye… Yes."

"Then that's the end of the matter, isn't it? If someone already taught him that kind of knowledge, wouldn't I be looking for trouble if I were to give him pointers?""Alright, it's fine if he cannot come to the Cloud Tower as long as he is willing to participate in the research. Give him this crystal ball so that he can contact the Cloud Tower anytime."

"Okay…"

Solomon wiped cold sweat off his forehead before returning to the reception room. The conversation afterwards was a lot smoother. Lin Yun didn't have to ponder about it and easily agreed to participate in the research through a crystal ball.

In fact, when Lin Yun was leaving, he was called again by Solomon.

"Oh right, Merlin, for some reason, the Ash Tower has been making huge moves. They already attacked several forces of Thousand Sails City. You have been moving around quite a bit recently, so be a bit careful. After all, you made them lose reputation at the last Black Horn Auction."

"Alright, thanks for the warning, High Mage Solomon."

Lin Yun nodded and left the Sage Tower.

On the way, he thought a bit more about Solomon's parting words. Why would the Ash Tower make such big moves? Lin Yun had some guesses… It was most likely had something to do with that youth named Colin that he had saved in the Poison Fog Canyon. He had yet to see Colin again since he came back.

It seemed that after returning, he would have to go talk to Colin.

Such a young 9th Rank Swordsman was rare, and if properly nurtured, the Gilded Rose's mercenary group might have a Sword Saint in the future. He shouldn't allow this kind of talent to be snatched away by the Ash Tower.

But in the end, after returning to the Gilded Rose, Lin Yun didn't have the time to look for Colin before the people of the Sage Tower arrived.

One Great Mage and two Alchemists came to the Gilded Rose to install the huge crystal ball at Solomon's orders.

Soon, the three of them installed the huge crystal ball in Lin Yun's alchemy laboratory without issue. After sending them away, Lin Yun softly chanted the incantation that Solomon had told him.

Then, a gray-haired old man appeared on the crystal ball.

"Hi, Merlin, I'm Cloud Tower's Jouyi. You can just call me Jouyi."

"Haha, Sir Jouyi is jesting…"

Someone else might have thought that this was a straightforward and candid old man.

But Lin Yun had read many rumors about that Star Sage Jouyi in the decaying library. Solomon being so unreasonable was entirely due to that old man's teachings.

If Lin Yun truly thought that this was a sincere, old man and simply called him Jouyi, he would be causing troubles for himself.

"Haha, Solomon wasn't wrong, you are quite polite, Merlin."

"Haha…" Lin Yun let out a dry chuckle.

"Good, Merlin, I'm very pleased that you can participate in the Fanrusen Formula research. There are now seven people participating in this research, you included. But there are only five here today. I'll introduce the other four…"

Jouyi waved his hand and the crystal ball at his side suddenly floated up, and as he made his introductions, it showed the other four people.

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Star Sage Jouyi introduced each of them one by one.

Lin Yun listened attentively and he could feel himself paling. Indeed, Lin Yun did think that the research Star Sage Jouyi was heading definitely wasn't simple.

But he truly hadn't thought that it would be to this degree.

Quite shockingly, among the five people he could see, there were three Archmages. The remaining two were 9th Rank High Mages, and one of them was even a Master Alchemist!

This was too frightening.

How many Archmages were there in Andlusa? To have three of them gathered here… If this news spread out, who knew how many people would be scared?

Lin Yun resisted the shock that he felt and greeted the other four powerhouses. But they were busy exchanging knowledge, and Lin Yun's qualifications were too shallow, so their attitudes were far from enthusiastic. Nodding to Lin Yun out of respect for Jouyi was considered pretty good already.

"Okay, Merlin, you just joined today and I didn't arrange too much work for you. I heard Solomon say that you are gifted in performing data calculations. How about this, Hogg over there has a few calculations that he has yet to finish. You should work with him for some time." After introducing everyone, Star Sage Jouyi put the crystal ball in front of a 9th Rank High Mage.

This 9th Rank High Mage was the youngest of the five people. He looked to be still in his forties and was now debating with the Master Alchemist. But those High Mages didn't seem to be paying attention to Lin Yun's conversation with Jouyi. It might have been because they were too focused on their work or perhaps because they were arguing too intensely. His hair was dishevelled and his eyes a bit red. When he noticed Jouyi motioning for his attention, he temporarily stopped arguing with the Master Alchemist and stood up.

"Sir Jouyi."

"Hogg, how is the progress on those magic matrices?"

"Give me ten days and I'll definitely complete it."

"Hmm, good…" Jouyi nodded, satisfied with the response. He pointed at Lin Yun within the crystal ball and explained, "Hogg, Merlin joined today and has yet to take on any work. I was thinking of having him work with you, how about it?"

"I am willing to help you, Sir Jouyi."

"Good, I'll trouble you." Jouyi gave a few words of encouragement and then turned over control of the crystal ball to Hogg.

After the meeting, Hogg waved his hand, making the crystal ball float and follow behind this 9th Rank High Mage. He quickly arrived at an independent study room.

Through a glance from the crystal ball, Lin Yun quickly noticed that this was a specialized room for research that involved matrix calculations. There were all kinds of tools used for magic calculations inside this room, complicated magic diagrams were hung on the walls, and a small mountain of discarded pieces of paper was stacked in a corner. Lin Yun could tell that this 9th Rank High Mage had already spent a lot of energy studying the Fanrusen Formula.

After Hogg returned to his study room, he first sorted out the recently completed pieces of data and translated them into Nesser before activating an alchemy array. After inputting the translated data, he made the alchemy array do some computations for him. This was one of the common ways of calculating used by Noscent's mages.

Although mages had wisdom far beyond that of ordinary people, they would use alchemy arrays of magic tools to deal with these dull and repetitive tasks.

After about ten minutes, the alchemy array finished its calculations and displayed the results on a huge crystal screen. Hogg took out a quill and a piece of paper and copied down those results before starting a new round of calculations.

It felt as if he had forgotten Lin Yun as he did his work.

An hour later, Hogg felt thirsty and got up to pour himself a glass of water. As he drank, he walked up to the crystal ball.

"Mafa Merlin, right?" Hogg nodded at the crystal ball as he explained, "As you have seen, this is the task awaiting you. Not only do you need to be exceptionally knowledgeable, but you also need endless patience. If you feel that you aren't suited for it, you can tell me now and I'll help you tell Sir Jouyi so you can smoothly withdraw from this research."

"There shouldn't be any problem…" Though Lin Yun said this, he wasn't a hundred percent certain. To be honest, if that task required a great amount of time and energy, Lin Yun would truly feel that it wasn't suitable for him.

After all, there were too many matters waiting for him to handle.

Apart from the countless runes he had to digest, he still had to explore the Bone Plane, excavate the prince tomb, and rebuild the Mercury Mercenary Group. All of these matters needed a lot of time and energy. Lin Yun didn't have a cloning spell, so how could he take a long amount of time to participate in some research?

But fortunately, it was only the Fanrusen Formula.

This wasn't a big problem for Lin Yun, since he could actually complete it by himself. It would only be a matter of two or three days, which couldn't be considered wasting time.

"Okay." But these words made the 9th Rank High Mage frown when he heard them. He let out a stiff word of acknowledgement, but in his heart, his assessment of this young Great Mage had instantly lowered.

Magic itself was incomparably contradictory, dull, and mysterious. Over decades, Hogg had seen who knew how many young geniuses who walked this path because of the mysterious part of magic, but in the end, over ninety percent gave up because of how dull it was to research it.

A mage had to be able to endure loneliness.

'This Mafa Merlin showed a hesitant expression just by seeing me do my dull work. This is a typical example of someone that is unable to endure loneliness. With this kind of nature, he is bound to be a failure in the future.'

"Now, help me sort out these pieces of data." Thus, Hogg didn't plan to say anything else and only took a stack of papers. "Oh, and on the last piece of paper, there are a few formulas and some data I left for you, give them to me after you calculate them."

"Okay." Lin Yun nodded and then softly chanted the incantation that Solomon had given him, causing the crystal ball to flicker. The stack of paper quickly flipped over and in a short time, the contents of the stack of paper had been received by the crystal ball. Lin Yun activated an alchemy array on the side, and along with the flickering of the mana circuit, a stack of paper was spit out from the alchemy array.

This was a unique technology from the Cloud Tower. At this moment, only High Mages and Archmages were qualified to use it. Lin Yun could use now it because of Star Sage Jouyi.

"Send it to me once you complete it." After Hogg said this, he directly shut off the crystal ball's transmission and threw himself back into his work.

To Hogg, the young Great Mage in the crystal ball was just an insignificant nobody, even though Jouyi had referred to him as a genius.

A 9th Rank High Mage like Hogg was already an existence that was just a step away from the Archmage realm. He had seen many geniuses during his time, but how many eventually still stood out? In the magic world, geniuses that didn't mature were nothing.

Saying a few sentences to him at the start was already making an exception for him.

And furthermore…

He still had to wait for the genius to grow up so they could chat as equals.

To Hogg, calculating all those spell matrices was the most important task at hand. Because Hogg knew that being able to participate in the Fanrusen Formula's research was the best opportunity in his life. It was a chance to change his fate, because he would be valued by Star Sage Jouyi as long as he was outstanding enough. At that time, with the resources supplied by the Cloud Tower, becoming an Archmage wouldn't be impossible.

Moreover, the Fanrusen research made great progress after Star Sage Jouyi obtained those four crucial pieces of data. In one or two years, the results of the Cloud Tower's research would shock the entire world. His name was bound to be written in history, and he would be looked up to by generations to come.

In a daze, Hogg seemed to be looking at a path filled with flowers as he threw himself amidst countless formulas and pieces of data.

At the same time, Lin Yun took the thick stack of paper in his hands.

'Looks like this High Mage Hogg is truly in need of an assistant…' Lin Yun only needed a glance to understand that these papers were filled with completed calculations. All he had to do was sort them out. There was no problem, it was only dull work.

Having thought this far, he looked at the last piece of paper.

Listed on the paper were eight pieces of data and a Quad-Formula. It was one of the spell matrices needed for the Fanrusen Formula.

But Lin Yun frowned after a simple glance.

He could tell that if this information was computed in its current state, he would never obtain the correct result during his lifetime.

'Isn't that High Mage Hogg too careless?" Lin Yun didn't know whether to laugh or cry. There were two mistakes within one of the eight pieces of data, and one of the formulas of the Quad-Formula had to be changed. It was hard to imagine that this kind of mistake would be made by a 9th Rank High Mage.

Lin Yun thought for a bit and decided to help himself. He first modified one of the pieces of data and then changed the offending formula. Once he was done, Lin Yun began calculating. After a few minutes, he wrote the final result on the piece of paper.

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Chapter 134: Who Do You Think You Are?

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

For Lin Yun, this didn't require much brainpower.

Not to mention a minor spell matrix, even if the entire Fanrusen Formula was in front of him, Lin Yun would still be relaxed.

After writing down the final result, Lin Yun took a look at the stack of paper and began sorting them. This was the more troublesome part for Lin Yun. After spending a full night, Lin Yun finished this dull task.

After doing all of this, Lin Yun slept for a bit until it was the afternoon and then chanted the incantation once again to request a transmission with Hogg.

"What is it?" Hogg suddenly appeared in the crystal ball. His expression was off and his tone was somewhat stiff.

Hogg's eyes were red, and his chaotic hair was worse than it had been the day before. With one look, it could be seen that he had stayed up through the night. He had been completely focused on his calculations, but Lin Yun interrupted him. So how could he be in a good mood?

"Well, High Mage Hogg, I finished the work you gave me."

"What? Finished?" Hogg frowned, a gloomy expression on his face. "Show me."

"Okay." Lin Yun transferred the thick stack of paper through the crystal ball.

"Wait a bit…" After picking up the pile, Hogg quickly flipped the pages. He quickly went through the sorting and collecting task, and saw that it was indeed completed overnight. But the last page with the calculation of the Quad-Formula and eight pieces of data would have taken him at least ten days if he had done it himself, so how could this Mafa Merlin have been so fast?

The first thing Hogg thought about was that this fellow had skimped on that part!

Sure enough, Hogg's expression changed when he saw the piece of paper.

"Fuck, who made you change the data? Who made you change the Formula?" Hogg's pale face suddenly turned red due to anger. The crystal ball shook under his roar.

"What is it?"

"Take a look at what you have done! These pieces of data, these formulas, who allowed you to alter them?!" Hogg was already speaking incoherently because of his great rage. "Who do you think you are!? You are just a Great Mage, a fucking Great Mage! What kind of knowledge do you have? You are a child playing in the mud, what do you think you can do?"

"Hey, High Mage Hogg, aren't you being a bit too excessive…" Lin Yun's face darkened.

"Excessive? Ha, ha, ha, this is such a funny joke…" Hogg coldly laughed with a mocking expression. "The task I gave you was to complete the calculations of the spell matrix, it wasn't to have you change my formula. If you can't even do something like that, I advise you to hurry and get the fuck out of this research. Don't think that we are here to play with you!"

"Haha…" Lin Yun coldly chuckled and then shut down the crystal ball's transmission. 'Fuck, I have many things I need to take care of. Just dealing the Bone Plane's Nether Iron Vein is enough to hire ten 9th Rank High Mages to help me calculate these broken formulas, how could I have so much time to waste on you?'

"Yo-yo-you… You dare…" On the other side of the crystal ball, Hogg almost had a heart attack from being so angry. Looking at the crystal ball that had just had its transmission cut, his mouth couldn't close.

'Too brazen, too arrogant… Some immature 20-year-old Great Mage dares to confront a 9th Rank High Mage like me? He dares to laugh at me? Does he not know what manners are? What respect is? …No, I have to tell Sir Jouyi!'

Hogg grabbed that sheet of paper and went to the research room of Star Sage Jouyi, even forgetting to knock on the door.

"Sir Jouyi!" Hogg walked over in pure anger, and he heavily slammed the sheet of paper on the table. "That Mafa Merlin you handed to me, I can't bear him, find someone else."

"What happened?" Jouyi raised his head from a pile of data and glanced at Hogg with a doubtful expression.

"I gave him a Quad-Formula and eight pieces of data to compute a spell matrix. In fact, considering his age and the fact that he was only a Great Master, I gave him the simplest spell matrix, along with a very lax deadline, giving him ten days. But look at the outcome…"

After saying that, Hogg handed the stack of paper to Jouyi.

"Take a look at this, that brazen oaf not only changed one of the pieces of data I gave him, but he also replaced one of the formulas. And when I couldn't stand it and gave him a piece of my mind, he, he… he directly shut down the transmission. This is too arrogant! Sir Jouyi, I definitely can't take care of this Mafa Merlin! You should find someone else!"

"Don't be that angry, let me take a look first…" Jouyi looked at the last sheet of paper.

But after looking, the smile on Jouyi's face vanished. It was replaced by a grave and solemn expression. He then picked up a piece of paper and a quill pen despite Hogg's doubts and began calculating carefully.

Jouyi went at this for half an hour.

After half an hour, Jouyi raised his head and sighed. He looked at Hogg with strictness and disappointment.

"What is it, Sir Jouyi?" Hogg's heart suddenly tightened.

As a member of the Cloud Tower, how could Hogg not know that the old man before him usually looked very kind, always carrying a faint smile on his face? But once he was involved in magic studies, he would become temperamental and extremely unreasonable.

"Check it yourself," Jouyi coldly snorted as he threw the piece of paper on the table.

"O-okay." Hearing this cold snort, Hogg immediately lost his confidence. He carefully took the paper and checked it, character by character.

Afterwards, Hogg felt cold sweat on his forehead…

The more he read, the more his face paled and the more scared he became.

Because Hogg clearly found out that Jouyi also changed one of the pieces of data on the calculations and also replaced a formula, yet the final result fit perfectly in the Fanrusen Formula.

What did this mean…

This meant that Mafa Merlin hadn't switched them for some random reasons, it was because Hogg himself had made mistakes.

If it had only been a careless mistake, then Hogg still wouldn't think much about it. But it couldn't be explained as a careless mistake anymore. The spell matrix had already been computed and all that was left was fitting its results in with the Fanrusen Formula. Who was right and who was wrong was obvious at a glance.

But he hadn't even verified it before sending a harsh scolding through the crystal ball. Moreover, after scolding that Mafa Merlin, he even stormed off to Sir Jouyi.

That was truly stabbing the hornet's nest.

At this time, Hogg truly wished that he could just bury his head in the piece of paper. At least that way he wouldn't have to face the wrath of Sir Jouyi.

Unfortunately, this could only happen in Hogg's imagination.

Because Hogg heard Jouyi's sharp words immediately afterwards.

"Look at what you have done. He helped you change the data, he helped you replace the formula, and not only did you not feel grateful, you actually scolded him. Who do you think you are? You think you'll never make a mistake? Do you think that a Great Mage doesn't have the qualifications to point out your mistakes?"

"No no no, Sir Jouyi, I didn't mean that…"

"Then what did you mean?"

"I…"

"Good, Hogg, do you think I don't know what you are thinking? Aren't you thinking that a Great Mage doesn't have the qualifications to participate in the Fanrusen Formula's research? Aren't you feeling that doing this research with a Great Mage would lower your status as a 9th Rank High Mage?"

"Sir Jouyi, let me explain…"

"Explain? Haha, Hogg, didn't you always want to know who supplied these four crucial pieces of data? I can tell you now that the one who supplied those four pieces of data was that Great Mage that didn't have the qualifications to point out your mistakes!"

"…" Hearing this, Hogg couldn't catch a breath, his mind completely blanking out.

There were a total of seven people participating in the Fanrusen Formula's research, but among them, besides Sir Jouyi, no one knew who provided those four pieces of data. They could only gossip in private, admiring that mysterious mage, feeling that he definitely was an old erudite. They even guessed that he was a powerhouse that had surpassed the Archmage realm.

But now, Hogg actually heard Jouyi's confirmation. The one who supplied those four pieces of data wasn't some incredible elder, he also didn't exceed the Archmage realm.

It was a Great Mage that had yet to reach his twenties!

Moreover, Hogg just cursed at him, calling him a "Fucking Great Mage"…

Hogg only felt cold sweat trickling down his back.

"Now, go apologize to Merlin!"

"Yes yes yes…" Hogg left Jouyi's research room in a panic.

After returning to his own research room, Hogg immediately requested a transmission to Lin Yun's side.

But there was no answer.

Because Lin Yun had already left the Gilded Rose. There was not one soul in sight in the alchemy laboratory, so naturally, no one could answer Hogg.

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Chapter 135: How Could It Be So Fast?

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

"No!" Hogg cried out. 'How could that Mafa Merlin get so angry from a few sentences? It's normal to have fierce debates when discussing research. If you are unhappy, you can just curse back! Instead of coldly stewing in your dissatisfaction, how about you answer back? Damn, this is so troublesome.'

Hogg thought about Jouyi's anger and couldn't help wiping the cold sweat dripping from his forehead. This person had been able to supply four key pieces of data that had resulted in an unprecedented breakthrough! His importance to the Fanrusen Formula's research was even greater than that of Jouyi himself.

If Merlin was offended because of Hogg's arrogance…

The consequences would be far more terrible than Hogg could imagine…

That would definitely be a major issue!

Hogg felt the sweat trickling down his back. He didn't care about losing his reputation and directly requested a transmission with the Sage Tower in Thousand Sails City. At this moment, he could only think of contacting Solomon…

The transmission went through, but when Solomon heard Hogg's reasons for contacting him, he immediately got angry. "Hogg, is there something wrong with your brain? I spent so much effort, so much time, just to convince Merlin to participate in the Fanrusen Formula's research, and now you tell me that you drove him away just because of a few alterations to your work? Who do you think you are? What qualifications do you have to look down upon Merlin? I'll let you know, Hogg, ten of you can't keep up with Merlin!"

"I… I didn't do it on purpose!" Hogg looked very unpleasant after being scolded, but he couldn't say anything back.

The two of them were both 9th Rank High Mages from the Cloud Tower, so in theory, they should have similar status, but when Solomon first became Jouyi's disciple, Hogg was still nothing more than a Magic Apprentice. The difference in status because of this relationship was too great. Hogg didn't dare to retort when facing Solomon's anger.

"Look at the mess you created, and you still have the cheek to come ask me to clean up your mess? Why don't you go to my teacher and see if he is going to kick you from the Cloud Tower?"

"It's a misunderstanding High Mage Solomon, this is truly a misunderstanding…"

"Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding? Didn't you say that Merlin, as a mere Great Mage, shouldn't research the Fanrusen Formula with a 9th Rank High Mage like you? You still have the nerve to talk about it being a misunderstanding? If it really was a misunderstanding, would you have given him a task for a Magic Apprentice, like sorting papers? Nice try, Hogg, don't play the pitiful card in front of me. Didn't you come to me to ask for help with persuading him to come back? I'll tell you now, I can't afford to lose that person!"

After saying this, Solomon directly shut off the transmission.

"This…" Hogg didn't know what to feel when the crystal ball shut down. 'What should I do now, even Solomon doesn't want to help. Do I have to watch helplessly as that Mafa Merlin withdraws from the research project? This isn't funny.'

Hogg was on the verge of panic. If that actually happened, then Sir Jouyi really would act as Solomon had said and kick him from the Cloud Tower…

Hogg had been in the Cloud Tower for so long, how could he not know how much effort Star Sage Jouyi spent on the Fanrusen Formula in the past decades? It could be said that Jouyi spent all his time on it, and for that reason, he didn't even hesitate to halt his own magic training, or else Jouyi might have already surpassed the Archmage realm.

'If I become the one who destroyed everything…'

Hogg felt that taking the initiative to jump down from the top floor of the Cloud Tower would be more straightforward.

'No, I have to think of another way! I absolutely can't let that Mafa Merlin withdraw from the research, or I'll be the one to bear the consequences. Right, I have to go to Thousand Sails City, I have to go now!'

Thinking of the serious consequences, Hogg didn't dare to hesitate and quickly packed up his clothes and even prepared two precious magic materials to ask for forgiveness.

But, just as Hogg pushed open the door to the research lab in order to go to Thousand Sails City, a transmission request came.

"Fuck…" Hogg suddenly became angry. 'This isn't the time! Damn, I got scolded by Sir Jouyi, and then by Solomon, who dares to delay me now that I want to go to Thousand Sails City to apologize? I've already been kicked down, don't you make it worse!'

Hogg accepted the transmission and loudly declared, "I don't care who you are, if you have something to say, hurry up. I have to hurry to Thousand Sails City!"

"Thousand Sails City?" On the other side of the crystal ball, Lin Yun was rather stunned. 'Is that High Mage holding that much of a grudge? A small argument during the research and he wants to come over for revenge? He wouldn't go that far, right…?'

"I'm going to Thousand Sails City…" Hogg didn't finish his words before his fierce eyes became wide open in surprise. "Eh! Mafa Merlin… No no no, Great Mage Merlin, weren't you… weren't you…?"

"Ah? I was away." Lin Yun looked suspiciously at Hogg as he wondered, 'Did that High Mage think that I would withdraw from the research team because of that argument?'

Thinking about that possibility, Lin Yun didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

'Isn't this High Mage Hogg a bit too foolish? Having arguments during magic research is quite normal, how could I withdraw just from getting angry? I'm not a 3-year-old child that won't play with you if you don't agree with me…'

The reason Lin Yun left his alchemy lab was to run a few errands while giving this 9th Rank High Mage some time. After all, this data modification and formula replacement would cause a huge change to the spell matrix calculation. Lin Yun felt that this 9th Rank High Mage would most likely need some time to digest it.

Moreover, after he shut down the transmission, William came over and informed him that the alchemy workshop had finished the framework of the six mining puppets, so he came to ask if Lin Yun had any special requirements or additions.

Thus, Lin Yun remembered that the mining puppets that he had custom made should also need some fighting abilities. This would be a backup in case the Battlemage puppet from the Black Tower was't enough to protect them from the countless Skeleton Warriors.

Lin Yun went to the alchemy workshop, made a design and had the workshop's workers follow it.

But when he returned, it actually turned out this way.

"Right, High Mage Hogg, I was away for a bit. I hope I didn't delay your work?"

If it had been before, Hogg would have flown into a rage when told that Lin Yun left without warning. But after what had happened, would Hogg still be troublesome? He immediately answered while waving his hands, "No, no, Great Mage Merlin, if there is something you need to take care of, you can take care of it anytime. You definitely didn't delay my work…"

"Eh…" Lin Yun nodded, reassured.

"That…" After seeing Lin Yun's attitude, Hogg secretly relaxed. But after thinking for a bit, he still felt worried. After hesitating, he lowered his head and said, "Well, Great Mage Merlin, my reaction earlier… My reaction was a problem. I have to apologize to you. I hope you won't take it to heart."

"It's normal to argue and debate about magic research." Lin Yun chuckled. Although he was a bit doubtful as to why this Hogg's attitude had changed so much, regardless of the reason, it was a good thing. After all, no one wanted to work with an overbearing companion all the time. "Oh right, High Mage Hogg, besides that, do you need help with other tasks?"

"This…" Hogg hesitated when he heard this.

Hogg started to think of all kinds of ways to mend this relationship. He felt that it wasn't suitable to give Merlin too much work, but he had second thoughts after thinking about it. This Great Mage Merlin was different from himself… Perhaps what was heavy work to himself would only be trivial matters to Merlin?

Thus, Hogg nodded.

"There is some, Great Mage Merlin. I have a total of 18 spell matrices that need to be computed. How about I give you two?"

"Okay."

Hogg quickly handed over the two spell matrices.

Lin Yun took a glance at them and quickly did the calculations. Computing the spell matrices of the Fanrusen Formula was no trouble for Lin Yun, and only a dozen minutes later, he sent back the results.

"Eh? So fast…" Hogg froze. 'It shouldn't be this quick?'

After all, Hogg would need at least a day to calculate these two spell matrices, how could it be done in a dozen minutes?

Feeling doubtful, Hogg spent some time inspecting it, and as a result, he almost had a heart attack.

Because Hogg could clearly see that not only had the completed spell matrices been computed, but completely new matrices were established. In fact, expounding on how a mistake could appear was already not within the scope of Hogg's job. To be more precise, in a dozen minutes, this Great Mage Merlin had already completed the work of Star Sage Jouyi.

'Is this even human?' Hogg gazed sluggishly at the work. It took no less than ten minutes for Hogg to recover from the shock.

Then, that 9th Rank High Mage transmitted two more spell matrices to check if it was a fluke.

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Chapter 136: Cloud Tower's Cheers

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

And after another dozen minutes…

Another machine-like, accurate calculation and completely new spell matrices. Hogg was already feeling a little numb. When this second set of two spell matrices was transmitted back, Hogg was already blanking out. Grabbing the pieces of paper, he activated the alchemy array, acting stiff like a puppet.

When the 8th completed spell matrix was sent back to him, Hogg suddenly found out that he wasn't alone in the research room!

"Don't look confused!" Star Sage Jouyi hissed, hiding in a part of the room that was in a blind spot of the crystal ball. When Hogg looked over, Jouyi immediately gave him a threatening glare.

"Eh, eh…" Hogg, whose brain had shorted out, managed to recover when he noticed the Star Sage.

"Send this spell matrix next…" Star Sage Jouyi secretly slipped a piece of paper over.

"Okay." Hogg nodded. He glanced at the piece of paper and suddenly felt startled. He glanced back at Star Sage Jouyi with disbelief. "Th-thi-… This…"

"Stop being long-winded. Just transmit what I gave you!"

"Okay…" Hogg helplessly nodded and looked at the crystal ball with some sympathy.

'Great Mage Merlin… This is Star Sage Jouyi's idea, it has nothing to do with me… I hope you can solve this spell matrix within the year.'

The entire Fanrusen Formula was comprised of over 300 spell matrices. After over a decade of efforts, the researchers had already solved about a hundred of them. After they solved the more than two hundred spell matrices still remaining, the entire Fanrusen Formula would be completed.

The spell matrices that Star Sage Jouyi was in charge of numbered a bit more than twenty, but the difficulty could only be considered as horrible. Even the other two Archmages were ashen-faced when they saw Star Sage Jouyi's task. They had shaken their heads and declined to take part.

So there was no need to mention Hogg.

Each of the spell matrices in Jouyi's hands could be described as otherworldly to Hogg. It would take him who knew how much time and energy to understand just one of them.

Now, the spell matrix that Jouyi took out was one of those.

Hogg felt that Merlin might have to spend a few months on it.

Lin Yun soon completed the two spell matrices in his hands. When he sent them back, Hogg sent him the spell matrix from Star Sage Jouyi.

Thus, Hogg finally saw the young Great Mage in the crystal ball frown.

'Sure enough…'

Hogg sighed in relief. He then raised his hand to wipe the cold sweat off his forehead.

This young Great Mage's performance had been too shocking and frightening. A month of Hogg's work had been completed in only one hour in the hands of this Merlin. It came to the point that Hogg even thought that this had all been an illusion. How could someone be so abnormal?

'Thank god, thank god, no matter how abnormal this young Great Mage is, he is still human.'

If he still had been unfazed when facing such a spell matrix, Hogg would truly have been left wondering if he would ever wake up from this strange dream.

In this split second, an unexpected thought appeared in Hogg's mind.

"My apologies, High Mage Hogg, I might need more time." When Lin Yun saw that spell matrix, he knew that it wouldn't be as simple. This inevitably was one of the core spell matrices of the Fanrusen Formula.

"It's fine, it's fine…" Hogg smiled and asked with a tone of concern, "Would you like the Sage Tower to help you prepare a research room? It seems that you don't have a comprehensive set of Magic Tools on your side."

"Magic Tools?" After hearing this, Lin Yun shook his head. He spread the piece of paper flat on the refining table and began calculating meticulously.

"Sir Jouyi, isn't this spell matrix a bit too complicated?" Hogg pretended to look for something on the blind side of the crystal ball as he asked with an anxious voice.

"Just watch and we'll find out."

"Oh right, Sir Jouyi, these are the eight spell matrices that Great Mage Merlin had completed. I shall report it to you first, this is…" Hogg noticed that Jouyi's mood was quite good, so he promptly gave him the eight spell matrices Lin Yun had finished earlier, hoping he could use this chance to redeem his bad impression in Jouyi's mind.

But he was cruelly interrupted by the latter. "Fuck, shut up!"

"Ah?" Hogg was startled, wondering what mistake he had made this time to provoke this temperamental Archmage.

"Quiet, that kid already sent you the results!"

'Crap!'

Hogg almost started tearing up. He frantically escaped to the crystal ball and saw that Lin Yun had already activated the transmission array and sent over the spell matrix.

"Great… Great Mage Merlin, you… Don't you need to rest?" Hogg wanted to force a smile out while holding the paper. But with the corner of his mouth twitching, the smile turned quite uncanny.

Hogg was no longer worried whether Merlin was tired. Rather, he was worried whether his heart could take it if things continued like this…

Lin Yun massaged his temples. He had done the calculations for so many matrices in a row, one of them being one of the core spell matrices of the Fanrusen Formula. It would definitely be a lie to say that he wasn't tired, but Lin Yun didn't want to take time to rest at this moment because with his next trip to the Bone Plane probably coming up in a few days, he felt that he might as well take advantage of this time to work on the Fanrusen Formula's research.

Thus, Lin Yun shook his head and replied, "No need."

"Ha… Ha… Haha, Great Mage Merlin, you are truly…" Hogg laughed stiffly. He wanted to give a few flattering compliments, but he found that he didn't know what to say.

And seeing this, Jouyi, still hiding to the side, immediately unhappily grumbled, "Give him this!"

"Eh, eh.." Hogg took the piece of paper and glanced at it. It was another core spell matrix of the Fanrusen Formula.

Hogg was already numb at this point, so he only rolled his eyes and transferred that piece of paper.

Sure enough, after half an hour…

The 2nd piece of paper, the 3rd, the 4th, the 5th…

One by one, the papers were sent from the Gilded Rose to the Cloud Tower through the crystal ball. Meanwhile, more and more people entered Hogg's room. At first, it was only that Master Alchemist from the Mercury Tower, but then the two Archmages joined in, and when evening came, even the two who had missed the meeting came to Hogg's study room.

No no no, not just them…

At this time, the news spread throughout the entire Cloud Tower. Everyone knew that a young Great Mage was in the middle of computing the Fanrusen Formula's core spell matrices. Furthermore, he had already completed close to ten of them in a few hours. This news was like a bomb cast amidst the crowd, making the entire Cloud Tower explode in a frenzy.

Several dozen High Mages came to Hogg's room just to take a look at how abnormal this young Great Mage was. Even more Great Mages were crowding at the doorway. Their gazes couldn't reach the crystal ball, so they could only listen to the High Mages' comments.

The originally spacious research room was suddenly crowded with people. Star Sage Jouyi even cast an 8th Tier Spell to put up an illusion that could deceive the crystal ball.

Time slowly ticked by. It was already late in the night, but no one ran off. No one could take their eyes off the crystal ball, afraid of missing something marvelous.

10th, 11th, 12th…

When Lin Yun sent back the last piece of paper, the sun had already started to show on the horizon. At the same time, the entire Cloud Tower burst into deafening cheers. All the mages spread the news and all the High Mages in the room were clapping their hands to celebrate. The wall Star Sage Jouyi hit in his research of the Fanrusen Formula had been cracked by Lin Yun today!

"What's going on?" When he heard the cheers, doubt appeared on Lin Yun's face.

"Haha…" Hogg stood in front of the crystal ball, and besides chuckling, he didn't know what to say.

"Move aside…" Star Sage Jouyi walked over, shoving Hogg aside. He smiled as he stood in front of the crystal ball. As everyone watched in shock, he bowed deeply to Lin Yun. "Thank you, Merlin."

"This…" Lin Yun was shocked. This was Star Sage Jouyi, the master of the Cloud Tower. One of the most powerful Archmages of the kingdom, "Sir Jouyi, you, you… How can I accept this."

"No, no, let me speak…" Jouyi smiled as he shook his head. "That bow was to thank you on behalf of Noscent's countless mages. To thank you for everything you did today, helping to let them encounter fewer detours as they travel down their paths to learn magic. The next bow is to express my thanks for fulfilling a wish I had for the last few decades…"

After saying that, Star Sage Jouyi bowed once again.

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Chapter 137: Black Death Rune

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Lin Yun left the alchemy laboratory two hours later and took a nap in his bedroom.

Working on a dozen core spell matrices of the Fanrusen Formula was too troublesome. Even with Lin Yun's abilities, he had nearly given up several times during the night, just wanting to go to sleep. But the Cloud Tower's kept transmitting the papers to him too quickly, and a new one would appear whenever he was finished with one, so Lin Yun clenched his teeth and persevered.

Naturally, this wasn't without reward. At least, Star Sage Jouyi promised that Hogg would come to Thousand Sails City with one of the Cloud Tower's True Spirit Magic Tools, the Black Death Rune.

Moreover, Lin Yun could use it for three months!

This was a huge favor! Among the Cloud Tower's True Spirit Magic Tools, the Black Death Rune had always been in the hands of their strongest mage and had never been lent out. If not for Lin Yun computing those dozen spell matrices, creating such a huge sensation, he might not have been able to get the Black Death Rune from Star Sage Jouyi.

Lin Yun wanted to borrow this True Spirit Magic Tool because it could absorb Soul Fires from undead lifeforms and turn them into mana used to strengthen the Magic Tool Incarnation. It was rumored that if the Black Death Rune's Incarnation reached its limit, its power might even surpass the Archmage realm. If the Black Death Rune evolved like that, it would truly become an Extraordinary Magic Tool.

In fact, the Cloud Tower never gave up on those efforts. In the middle of the Plane Colonization Era, the Cloud Tower even tried to conquer the Undead Plane a few times in order to assimilate the countless Soul Fires and make the Black Death Rune evolve, but unfortunately, their conquest failed. The Cloud Tower was greatly wounded. If not for the Black Tower being in a long and drawn-out war with the Gaugass Battlemages, the Cloud Tower might not have been the strongest force of the Peak Magic Era.

Naturally, the Black Death Rune Hogg was bringing over this time would definitely not be coming with its Magic Tool Incarnation included.

After all, a True Spirit Magic Tool like the Black Death Rune was already one of the foundations of the Cloud Tower. No matter how grateful Star Sage Jouyi was, he wouldn't play with the Cloud Tower's foundation. Lending the Black Death Rune was fine, but if the Magic Tool Incarnation was also in Lin Yun's hands, there would be some possibility that the Black Death Rune might change hands.

But this also was what Lin Yun had hoped for. He only wanted Black Death Rune.

He wanted the Black Death Rune's ability to transform Soul Fires into mana. Lin Yun was planning to use it to nurture that group of 5th Rank Mages. If the Magic Tool Incarnation followed, would he still be able to get that transformed mana?

Three months would be long enough to help that group of 5th Rank Mages reach the Great Mage realm.

Unfortunately, the transformed mana wasn't 100% pure. It could still be used to construct the Mana Whirlpool, but it was inadequate for forming a Magic Conducting Rune.

At this moment, the Undead Plane's Planar Path had yet to be found. The Bone Plane in Lin Yun's hands was already the greatest source of Soul Fires in Noscent. In this regard, even the Cloud Tower with their Black Death Rune wasn't as blessed as Lin Yun.

Naturally, the prerequisite was for Lin Yun to obtain the Book of Death so that his 5th Rank Mages could enter the Bone Plane anytime.

Lin Yun already had prepared everything, so he would start enacting his plan once these mining puppets were completed.

He had nothing to do for the next two or three days. He would go take a trip to the alchemy workshop every day to check on the progress of the mining puppets. The rest of the time, he holed himself up in his alchemy laboratory, restocking the potions that he had used in the prince's tomb. From time to time, he would also give Faleau some pointers.

On the morning of the 3rd day, Lin Yun went to the Gilded Rose early, because Hogg was supposed to arrive soon.

But Lin Yun waited for an hour without any sign of Hogg, and on the contrary, it was the Watson Family that visited him.

This time, the Watson Family came with a more formal delegation.

A few dozen attendants, six Great Mages, and two High Mages.

Although this lineup couldn't be considered the best in Thousand Sails City, it was definitely not far from the top. Moreover, this was just the negotiation team of the Watson Family.

The Watson Family truly came to negotiate this time. It could be seen from the way that one of the High Mages introducing himself according to the proper customs after entering the Gilded Rose.

"I am Allen Watson. I come from Okland." The High Mage looked to be in his fifties, which was considered relatively young among High Mages.

"Haha, welcome, welcome." Lin Yun responded to the introduction and led them to a reception room.

Both sides quickly sat down. Lin Yun's entourage consisted of Faleau and William, while the Watson Family's High Mage was accompanied by those six Great Mages and another High Mage.

After they sat down and did their short self-introductions, that High Mage straightforwardly went to the core of the matter. "Great Mage Merlin, we came this time to discuss the Nether Iron Vein with the Gilded Rose."

"Nether Iron Vein?" How could Lin Yun acknowledge this? The Nether Iron Vein itself didn't matter so much, but that vein was growing in the Bone Plane. Let alone the Watson Family, even if the Merlin Family came, Lin Yun would still not acknowledge it. Hearing High Mage Watson asking about it, Lin Yun pretended to be naive. "What Nether Iron Vein?"

"Haha…" The High Mage was stunned for a moment before suddenly smiling. "Great Mage Merlin, I forgot to say something. I am Raven's father. That child mentioned you when he came back. He said that you were very rude, and he asked the family to seek justice for him."

"That was a coincidence."

Lin Yun's words left everyone in the reception room feeling rather strange. Let alone the Watson Family, even William was almost unable to restrain his laugh. 'Damn, saying it was "a coincidence" as an answer, did you even hear what the other side said? They said that you beat their son, they are unhappy, and they came to seek justice, and you answered with that? A coincidence…'

"Haha, indeed, a coincidence…" The corner of Allen's mouth was twitching. He ultimately managed to squeeze out a smile again. "I'm also to blame for pampering Raven too much. How could one use the power for their family to solve an issue between members of the younger generation? What do you say, Great Mage Merlin?"

"Haha…" Lin Yun chuckled and didn't answer.

William and Faleau couldn't help inwardly cursing, 'That old man is more sinister than his son! Raven was more straightforward when he came, he attacked when he said he would, begged forgiveness when he needed to, and got the fuck out of here when he could… Not like that old man wanting to slyly benefit at the expense of others. What issues between the younger generation? Are these people accompanying you your son?'

They felt that this High Mage was being quite shameless.

'And he is even threatening us! Saying that issues between the younger generation can't be solved with the power of one's family… This way of phrasing it, isn't he saying that the power of one's family can be used to solve business problems?'

"Great Mage Merlin, I don't want to talk too much, I only want to let you know that the Nether Iron Vein is something our Watson Family must have. I can't guarantee anything else, but as long as you are willing to make a deal, the price our Watson Family will give you will definitely be above your expectations."

"The problem is, High Mage Allen, I truly don't have a Nether Iron Vein in my hands…" Lin Yun spread his hands with a helpless expression.

At these words, the smile on Allen's face suddenly vanished. "Great Mage Merlin, if I remember correctly, your Gilded Rose had always relied on alchemy potions, from the Hope Potion to the Dragon Strength Potion and Meditation Potion, occupying now over 80% of the potion business in Thousand Sails City. But two months ago or so, it started getting into the business of magic weapons and magic armors. A large number of magic weapons made from Nether Iron Ore allowed the Gilded Rose to accomplish its greatest expansion. It is now the number one alchemy store of Thousand Sails City, and not just in name. Am I mistaken about any of this?"

"That sounds about right…"

"Then, Great Mage Merlin, can you explain why the same alchemy store would have such a large change in their operations in just two months? Great Mage Merlin, I think you should know that a price would be paid when one tries to deceive a High Mage…"

As Allen Watson said his last sentence, his expression darkened. Although he didn't get up, the unique pressure of a High Mage spread out, filling the entire reception room with an oppressive atmosphere. Even a 5th Rank Great Mage like William Merlin felt as if he was unable to breathe.

The only one that was unaffected seemed to be Lin Yun.

Facing the High Mage's pressure, Lin Yun's expression didn't change. He calmly matched Allen's stare as he answered, "I'm not sure about that, our Gilded Rose just started its activities, so it would naturally make items with magic materials. We aren't like the big chambers of commerce and major forces who have the right to be picky. Oh, right, our magic materials have always been provided by the Silver Moon Mercenary Group. How about this, High Mage Allen, shall I help you ask the Silver Moon Mercenary Group?"

After Lin Yun's words, the atmosphere in the reception room froze.

This was too rude.

So what if you are a High Mage? You want an explanation? Sure, go look for the Silver Moon Mercenary Group!

Not to mention the fact that the Watson Family had some dealings with the Silver Moon Mercenary Group, they simply couldn't drop by just to ask Sasu for an explanation.

In fact, even if they didn't have any business with them, Allen Watson still wouldn't dare to.

What kind of person was Sasu? He was a mere step away from the title of Sword Saint. Even if a High Mage like Allen was ten times more courageous, he still wouldn't dare to drop by to brazenly question him.

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Chapter 138: What Brings You Here?

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

High Mage Allen Watson frowned.

This was simply intolerable!

Watson looked at Lin Yun with some anger hidden within his eyes. A Great Mage daring to talk to a High Mage with such a tone, this was unprecedented.

He hadn't even bothered this scoundrel about his altercation with Raven.

Raven was his only son! His only son had been bullied in Thousand Sails City, yet his father didn't help him get his revenge and only downplayed it, even implying that the matter was over.

If it had been another Great Mage, they would have already died ten times!

Allen Watson had acted in good faith.

Yet, this young Great Mage seemed to take that sincerity as weakness.

The High Mage had kept reminding Lin Yun that the sale of the Nether Iron Vein would not only make all his issues disappear, but would also lead to gaining the friendship of the Watson Family. Yet, in that Great Mage's eyes, these reminders seemed to have been turned into requests. When Allen told him that the consequences of lying to a High Mage were very serious…

He was actually threatened!

Indeed, an undisguised threat!

He told him to go to the Silver Moon Mercenary Group to ask for an explanation!

For a moment, High Mage Watson thought he had misheard. 'This Great Mage wants me to get an explanation from the Silver Moon Mercenary Group? Does he think that with the Gilded Rose and the Silver Moon Mercenary Group becoming allies, he can ignore the Watson Family's existence? Utterly ridiculous…'

Although the Silver Moon Mercenary Group was known as the number one Mercenary Group of Thousand Sails City, it couldn't enter the eyes of the Watson Family. The Watson Family had been doing business in Okland for millennia, even longer than the history of the Andlusa Kingdom. If not for the Merlin Family's sudden rise in the last millennium, the Watson Family would have already become the number one Family of the Kingdom.

The influence of the Silver Moon Mercenary Group was only limited to Thousand Sails City. Few people heard of the group outside Thousand Sails City.

Sasu was extremely powerful, and it would be best not to personally offend him… That was an undeniable fact.

But using the Silver Moon Mercenary Group to threaten the Watson Family was utterly ridiculous!

'Moreover, you are just an ally. Do you really think that your ally would be willing to fall out with the Watson Family for the Gilded Rose?'

Allen glanced at Lin Yun with extreme disdain. He felt that it was necessary to make this young Great Mage acknowledge the cruel reality, or else that young Great Mage would feel that the Watson Family… that he, Allen Watson, was someone that could be easily offended.

"It looks like Great Mage Merlin is set on opposing the Watson Family?"

"Haha, High Mage Allen, your words are incorrect. I'm only running the Gilded Rose for business. Anyone can purchase the Gilded Rose's items, how did this become opposing anyone?"

"Haha, good, good, good…" Allen stared at Lin Yun with a cold gaze and a cold smile as he repeated the word three times. He then gave William, who was next to Lin Yun, a fierce look. "William of the Merlin Family, right?"

"What a coincidence, High Mage Allen." Noticing that he couldn't avoid this, William simply showed what he learnt, using the idea of it being coincidence once again.

"Yes, William, what a coincidence…" The smile on Allen's face didn't change, but when he looked at William, his eyes seemed to carry some hard-to-resist mana. With a simple glance, he had made William go pale.

"You…" William was startled. This was a spirit attack. This simple glance was actually a hidden attack. If it wasn't properly guarded against, it could turn the victim into an idiot.

William couldn't help but inwardly complain at this time. This was truly getting shot while laying down. He had only been sitting there quietly, so how could he have attracted the attention of that damn Allen Watson. And to receive a spirit attack at that. 'Had I known, I wouldn't have come to participate in the fun.'

"Allen Watson, you are indeed Raven's father…" Lin Yun chuckled and gently extended his left hand. The Soul Walker ring on his left hand flashed, causing Allen's spirit attack to become like a stone thrown into a sea, disappearing without a trace.

The Soul Walker was a True Spirit Magic Tool, and at its peak, its power could rival an Archmage. And the Magic Tool Incarnation, Lord Shawn, was a soul lifeform. He was naturally proficient in all kinds of soul techniques. Although he only had a bit of power left, resisting a soul attack wasn't anything complicated…

Allen was somewhat shocked that his soul attack failed, but the shock was soon replaced with a determined expression.

"Mafa Merlin, I see that you have set yourself against the Watson Family. To tell you the truth, there are only two kinds of people in the eyes of the Watson Family… There are friends, and there are enemies. Make your choice, being a friend of the Watson Family, or its enemy. The opportunity only comes once, if you cannot grab it, don't blame me for being too ruthless!"

Allen put his hand on the table and stood up. His black robe fluttered in the windless reception room due to the huge amount of mana fluctuation coming from him. At that instant, everyone felt a terrible pressure.

"I wonder what High Mage Allen is planning?" Lin Yun slowly stood up, his eyes seemingly provoking him.

"Good, good, good…" Allen coldly laughed, repeating the word "good" another few times. As the mana fluctuations spreading from his body grew even stronger, he asked, "Do you think that because you defeated a 9th Rank Great Mage you have the qualifications to challenge a High Mage? Do you think that because you are allied to the Silver Moon Mercenary Group, the Watson Family won't dare to make a move against you? Let me see how powerful you are!"

Lin Yun's Elemental Incarnation was already ready when the mana fluctuations started spreading. After getting his 5th Magic Array, the Elemental Incarnation produced by Lin Yun didn't just give him resistance to magic damage, the ability to instant cast spells with increased might, and lightning speed.

Now, if Lin Yun burst out with power in his Elemental Incarnation, he would actually display a power no different from that of an elemental lifeform.

It could be said that if this Elemental Incarnation was cast, then even High Mage Allen would be torn apart in moments.

Why would Lin Yun dare to shield William Merlin and take the two High Mages lightly? It was to teach them a lesson.

Fortunately for Allen, a knocking sound saved him.

But sadly for him, he didn't know that.

At that moment, Allen's mind was filled with thoughts on how to teach a lesson to this arrogant young brat and let him know how great the difference between a Great Mage and a High Mage was, and how the decision to become the enemy of the Watson Family was his worst mistake.

Incantation ready, gesture ready, spell ready…

But everything had been interrupted by the knocking.

At this time, Allen simply couldn't restrain his anger. "Who is knocking?"

"Eh, I'm sorry…" Hogg carefully poked his head inside. "I'm looking for Great Mage Merlin."

After saying this, he glanced around, afraid that he had disturbed Merlin while he was with an important guest.

When he noticed Allen Watson in a towering rage, he cautiously greeted, "High Mage Allen?"

The Cloud Tower and the Watson Family were both residing in Okland. There were no outstanding conflicts between them, and they would even have some exchanges from time to time. It was normal for Hogg to know Allen.

Naturally, that was just on the level of knowing.

Hogg, as a 9th Rank High Mage, was only a step away from being addressed as "Sir". Even in the Cloud Tower, he was a peak existence. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been chosen by Star Sage Jouyi to participate in the Fanrusen Formula's research.

As for Allen Watson…

He had entered the High Mage realm three years ago and was only a 1st Rank High Mage at the moment. In front of Hogg, he truly was no different from a Great Mage. Not to mention that the Cloud Tower was one of the two major forces of the entire kingdom, the Watson Family was far from being able to compare with them.

Thus, Allen's face froze after seeing Hogg entering. When he managed to recover, he was already at a loss, "H… High Mage Hogg, what brings you here?"

"I came to deliver a Magic Tool to Merlin."

"…" Allen Watson suddenly became unable to breathe. 'C… Came to deliver a Magic Tool to Merlin? Could this Mafa Merlin be related to High Mage Hogg? Why else would High Mage Hogg come to deliver him a Magic Tool? If they weren't related, why would he come here?'

Allen's thoughts were all in a mess.

'Moreover, Hogg addressed him with such a familiar tone when he called him "Merlin", isn't it the same as saying they are related? It could be friends of equal status, or an elder to a younger generation. Friends with equal status would certainly be impossible… Then, this Mafa Merlin is most likely Hogg's junior!'

Having arrived at this conclusion, he was flabbergasted.

'Holy shit…'

Allen Watson turned pale. If it had been another High Mage it would have been fine. But this was High Mage Hogg, someone a step away from being called Sir Hogg. 'If Mafa Merlin really has such a backer, then my trip today will definitely be in vain. How could I dare to subdue Mafa Merlin by force in front of High Mage Hogg?'

Even if they were both High Mages, how could Allen Watson not know how huge the gap between a 1st Rank High Mage and a 9th Rank High Mage was? It wasn't exaggerating to say that a 9th Rank High Mage's finger was stronger than a 1st Rank High Mage.

'How could this happen?'

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Chapter 139: Knowing Too Much

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Although the Watson Family came into contact with the Gilded Rose relatively late, they still went all-out with information gathering. The Watson Family even knew that Mafa Merlin might have been a distant child of the Merlin Family. But the information never said that this Merlin was acquainted with High Mage Hogg.

This happened so abruptly.

At this moment, Allen Watson really wanted to ask the one in charge of intelligence operations how he handled his fucking work. How could he have not discovered such an important matter?

'This is a 9th Rank High Mage, a huge wall, and I ran straight into it…'

Allen's face grew increasingly paler. He understood that if it was truly as he thought, then let alone seizing the Nether Iron Vein, even safely leaving would be an issue. Allen could only hope as he cautiously asked, "Can I ask what relation High Mage Hogg has with Great Mage Merlin?"

"What kind of relationship?" Hearing this, Hogg suddenly paid closer attention to this guest. He stared at Allen, sizing him up.

When he was outside the door earlier, Hogg had already heard some arguing inside the room and had been able to feel the fierce mana fluctuations. Even if he was slow, Hogg would still understand what had been going on now that Allen was asking him this question.

Hogg's expression didn't look too great.

'This Allen Watson is truly bold, he actually dares to quarrel with Great Mage Merlin, even trying to pressure him with his mana fluctuations. Doesn't that mean that he was about to make a move on Great Mage Merlin?'

Looking at Allen incredulously, Hogg really wanted to ask, 'Do you know who is standing in front of you? He is someone that was able to solve a dozen of the Fanrusen Formula's core spell matrices. The entire Cloud Tower cheered for him, three Archmages showed that they held him in high esteem and Star Sage Jouyi himself even bowed to him…Are you tired of living?'

Naturally, Hogg wouldn't say this himself because that was a big secret he was keeping in his heart.

After everyone left following that miraculous night, Hogg saw the three Archmages fighting over that young Great Mage with his own eyes. They burst into an intense struggle… it was an unmistakable scene.

As the only witness, Hogg was still very afraid.

Because he knew too much…

Hogg still remembered the three Archmages' faces contorting as they rolled up their sleeves and cursed at each other. No one would have thought that these three were Archmages standing at the peak of the kingdom based on their appearances at that time. These three had been no different from cursing aunties at the market.

If this spread out, who would believe it? Who could believe it?

But Hogg knew that it was true….

Although the three Archmages agreed to not say anything about that time ever again, and to not show any signs of trying to attracting that young Great Mage, Hogg knew that a fierce shouting match had gone down in his own research room.

The three Archmages chose to shut up not because they gave up, but in order to wait…

Those three represented Okland's most powerful forces: the Cloud Tower, the Mercury Tower, and Okland Magic School. The fight between them was the same as a fight between the three major forces. This would be enough to influence the entire kingdom, and the consequences would be so grave that even those three Archmages might not necessarily be able to handle them.

Thus, they agreed to wait.

To wait for a suitable opportunity to let the young Great Mage choose.

Hogg saw everything and was even asked to be a witness, so he knew more than anyone how important this young Great Mage was in those three Archmages' hearts.

It could be said that as long as this Mafa Merlin gave the word, the three Archmages could even destroy a power like the Watson Family.

After recalling this memory, the thought that appeared in Hogg's mind when realizing that Allen wanted to act against that young Great Mage was, 'Allen, do you think that your Watson Family has been around for too long? This already can't be described as courting death, this is purely drawing misfortune towards the Watson Family!'

Naturally, Hogg couldn't say that to Allen Watson…

Not to mention speaking of it to Allen Watson, Hogg didn't want to talk about that in front of this young Great Mage.

Because Hogg would never dare to defy those three Archmages' instructions and reveal what he had seen.

However, Hogg felt that this was a rare opportunity.

"Merlin and I know each other." Hogg didn't dare to say too much. Mafa Merlin was an important person to those three Archmages. Even if he were bolder, Hogg wouldn't dare to carelessly claim to be friends.

When those words landed in Allen's ears, the High Mage's mind shook and a relieved smile appeared on his face.

'Fortunately, fortunately.'

Allen thought that High Mage Hogg was close to Merlin due to his familiar tone and had felt apprehensive due to that, but it now looked like their relations weren't as deep as he'd imagined. Otherwise, High Mage Hogg wouldn't have described it as just "knowing each other".

Knowing each other…

In other words, that might not mean they were real acquaintances!

'Oh right, I remember, Hogg's relationship with the Merlin Family is pretty good. This trip to Thousand Sails City should be some kind of favor to the Merlin Family, like helping them deliver a Magic Tool to that child stranded in Thousand Sails City. Hogg might not necessarily have been willing to come, it should have been a favor for the Merlin Family.'

High Mage Watson went further and further down this train of thought.

'I understand, I understand, they aren't even familiar with each other, I was worried for nothing!'

"Turns out it was like that…" Thinking he understood, Allen gave Hogg an expression of sympathy. The meaning behind it was, 'Hogg, I understand your troubles, being unable to back out of doing a favor is too annoying.'

"Allen Watson, what happened just now?" Hogg suddenly frowned. He didn't know why this person would look at him like that. 'I'm an esteemed 9th Rank High Mage, why would a 1st Rank High Mage give me that sort of a look?'

Unfortunately, Allen was unaware…

After hearing Hogg's question, Allen felt that this High Mage wanted to see a performance.

Allen didn't hide and explained the situation at once, but he embellished it, making the whole matter look like a fair deal.

After explaining, he casually added, "Perfect timing, High Mage Hogg, since you are here, could you advise young Merlin? You know that the Watson Family never treats a friend unfairly."

"…" But he didn't expect that Hogg's face would turn white after hearing that.

'Fuck, Allen Watson, we don't have any enmity, why would you try to frame me? Courting death by yourself isn't enough, you still want to drag me in? Advising young Merlin? Are you crazy?'

Hogg immediately thought of distancing himself from this reckless High Mage.

'That young Merlin could have three Archmages crush your Watson Family in an instant. Yet you are courting death and trying to take his Nether Iron Vein… What do you mean never treating a friend unfairly… You, Allen Watson, dare to act like Great Mage Merlin's friend? Isn't it time to wake up? This is no good, I can't be dragged down by that idiot.'

"Allen Watson, I'll give you a piece of advice. Immediately leave Thousand Sails City, don't invite a disaster onto your Watson Family." Hogg's face turned cold.

"Eh… H-H-H… High Mage Hogg, thi… This is…" Allen stared blankly. Seeing himself suddenly falling out with Hogg, Allen didn't manage to recover for some time. 'What happened? How did I offend High Mage Hogg? How could we fall out so quickly?' Allen was at a loss at first, not understanding what had offended Hog.

"I'll say it only once. Listen or don't listen, it's up to you." Hogg didn't give Allen any leeway.

"But…"

"There is no but, Allen Watson. If you want to be Merlin's enemy, then you'll become my enemy. You should think carefully."

"I understand…" Noticing Hogg's cold face and Mafa Merlin's unchanged expression, Allen Watson ultimately clenched his teeth and chose to endure for the time being.

After all, Hogg was a true 9th Rank High Mage, while Allen was only a 1st Rank High Mage… He was truly no different from an ant in comparison. Hogg would only need one finger to kill him. Although Allen was full of grievance, he could only endure in silence.

Not to mention himself, besides a few elders, only the Patriarch with the strength of 9th Rank High Mage could negotiate with Hogg.

As for the rest, they didn't have the qualifications to do so.

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Chapter 140: Spirit Storm

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Allen Watson slowly stood up, his face pale, his steps heavy, and doubt in his eyes.

"As you wish, High Mage Hogg. I'll immediately leave Thousand Sails City, but that Nether Iron Vein didn't only attract the attention of the Watson Family. You won't always remain in Thousand Sails City."

"Allen Watson, you should take care of yourself." A faint smile appeared on Hogg's face, but after saying that he, couldn't help glancing at Lin Yun with worry.

Allen Watson's words were clear.

'Indeed, I am nothing in front of you, but don't you forget that behind me is the Watson Family. Even if the Watson Family doesn't appear, other forces might come forward. Unless you, Hogg, remain in Thousand Sails City at all times, I'll find an opportunity sooner or later.'

At that time, it would be very difficult for a Great Mage to be able to keep hold of a Nether Iron Vein.

Hogg was indeed worried.

If they had a normal relationship, then Hogg's actions would be considered extremely benevolent. In order to help Lin Yun, he hadn't even hesitated to offend a major force like the Watson Family. Just this was enough to be considered a huge favor from Hogg. Not to mention, Hogg could wash his hands of this afterwards and leave, allowing the Watson Family could look for another way to make a move. The Great Mage wouldn't be able to keep his Nether Iron Vein and none of it would have anything to do with Hogg.

The problem was that he didn't have a simple relationship with this young Great Mage.

He was someone that could become the disciple of an Archmage whenever he wanted.

There was not enough time to curry favor with that person, so how could he afford to do anything that would arouse dislike?

Thus, when Allen said this, Hogg clenched his teeth. If it seemed that the situation wasn't good, then Hogg would straightforwardly request for Jouyi to let him stay in Thousand Sails City for the long term. In any case, as long as he was able to form a decent relationship with this young Great Mage, he wouldn't have to worry about his future.

Not to mention the fact that that the three Archmages would remember his help, even this Great Mage would bring him boundless benefits. After all, that young Great Mage's knowledge of magic could only be described as terrifying. If he could get his help, Hogg might be able to become successful in Thousand Sails City and reach the Archmage realm.

"Merlin…" With this in mind, Hogg opened his mouth, wanting to take advantage of Allen Watson having yet to leave to straightforwardly announce his decision to remain behind and completely shut down the Watson Family's intentions.

But he hadn't expected Lin Yun to slowly stand up.

"High Mage Allen Watson, didn't Raven tell you that I'm not one to suffer a loss?"

"What?" Allen was stumped. He then remembered that when Raven came back, he did tell him that this young Great Mage was very petty. When Raven chose to leave, that young Great Mage still didn't agree to let him go before Raven received a Flame Imprint in return.

At the time, that young Great Mage seemed unwilling to take any sort of loss.

'Then what does that mean now? Could it be that because I used a Spirit Impact on William, he wants also to also return one to me?'

The thought was so amusing that Allen couldn't stop himself from chuckling.

This young Great mage was very interesting.

'He wants to deal with a High Mage as a Great Mage? The ignorant know no fear. A mere Great Mage challenging a High Mage in vain! How cute.'

Allen truly felt that the other side would have already died ten times over if not for Hogg's presence. He wouldn't have had the chance to say such ridiculous things then.

Allen shook his head, and with a mocking expression, he said, "Great Mage Merlin, no one likes to take a loss, it only depends on your strength."

"Is that so?" Lin Yun smiled as he glanced at Allen.

Right, just a glance!

But with that glance, fierce mana fluctuations rose up. It was like a storm had filled the reception room. It was the same Spirit Impact, but its momentum was far superior to Allen's. No, this already couldn't be described as a Spirit Impact, this was simply a Spirit Storm.

The Watson Family's six Great Mages' let out some blood-curdling screeches as blood flowed from the corners of their mouths. Although Faleau and William were outside of the range of the Spirit Storm, they also showed frightened expressions.

As for Allen Watson…

Just as Lin Yun released his Spirit Storm, he landed on the wall with a "bang".

"You…" Allen struggled up with difficulty, his face pale as a sheet of paper. His lifeless eyes were filled with fear. He pointed at Lin Yun, wanting to say something, but before he could say anything, he stopped, his finger already trembling fiercely.

Allen had been at the center of the Spirit Storm. Of all the people in the Spirit Storm, Allen could feel it the most, he could feel how powerful that storm was.

This time, Allen Watson found out…

This young Great Mage that he hadn't paid much attention to was actually far more powerful than he'd imagined. Allen Watson could feel endless power surging out the instant the Spirit Storm was released. He couldn't fight it, he couldn't resist. And in contrast, his Spirit Impact from earlier was just as ridiculous as a child's toy.

It could be said that as long as the young Great Mage wanted, he could turn him in an idiot even if he chose not to kill him.

This was power far above his own rank.

Allen sat on the ground and thought for a long time, but he couldn't understand. How could this person be a Great Mage?

No wonder he dared to reject him, rejecting the entire Watson Family…

Allen Watson finally understood. Hogg's arrival hadn't saved that young Great Mage, it actually saved himself. If Hogg had been ten seconds later, Allen might have truly cast his spell… And he would have ended up as a corpse.

The might of Lin Yun's Spirit Storm was too terrible, almost instantly destroying Allen's self-confidence. This High Mage who had been aloof ever since he entered the Gilded Rose finally understood that the young Great Mage that he' thought he could kill anytime was actually a frightening existence that could kill him anytime.

"Ha… Ha… Unexpected… Truly unexpected…" Facing the huge difference, Allen let out an unpleasant, sorrowful laugh while using his hands to support himself against the wall. Along with the six limping Great Mages and a dazed High Mage, he hobbled out of the Gilded Rose.

Lin Yun smiled, but didn't reach out to stop them.

This wasn't Lin Yun being soft-hearted…

His heart had already turned stone cold after spending more than twenty years at the end of the magic era. It could be said that as long as he could reach his goal, Lin Yun wouldn't hesitate to start a slaughter. One thousand people, ten thousand people, that wouldn't make Lin Yun feel any guilt at all.

But at the same time, Lin Yun wouldn't make a move if it was meaningless.

Now, for example, he had already destroyed Allen Watson's self-confidence. Even if he returned to the Watson Family, he would forever remain a 1st Rank High Mage. Why would Lin Yun need to do anything more?

Moreover, Allen Watson was a member of the Watson Family, one of the major forces of Okland. He had no plan to fight a major force to the bitter end just in order to satisfy some killing intent.

In any case, he could be described as practical and utilitarian. That's how he had survived during harsh those times.

"Merlin, this is the Magic Tool that Sir Jouyi had me deliver." After Allen left, Hogg thought no further about the Watson Family as he took out a sealed magic box with a smile on his face. This was the most common storage method used by mages and alchemists. An alchemy array was carved on the magic box. It was used to stop mana fluctuations from spreading and mana from scattering. Such boxes were usually used for very expensive alchemy items and magic materials.

Icy mana fluctuations spread when the magic box opened, making the room feel frigid. Lin Yun took a deep breath and reached out toward the box in Hogg's hands. Within the magic box was a black ring. The ring didn't have any gem embedded within… Only a strange symbol.

Even Lin Yun hadn't seen the symbol before. It didn't make any sense, but when it touched Lin Yun's hand, it felt as if the symbol had come alive, constantly releasing stifling mana fluctuations. Lin Yun even felt that these fluctuations carried the feeling of hunger.

Lin Yun knew that this was the power of the True Spirit Magic Tool.

Although the Magic Tool Incarnation wasn't present, the True Spirit Magic Tool itself was already an existence that possessed life of sorts. The feeling of hunger truly came from the True Spirit Magic Tool, this was the Black Death Rune's thirst for Soul Fire.

"Thanks, High Mage Hogg."

"Merlin, you are too polite…" Hogg didn't dare to accept his thanks easily and promptly humbled himself. He then anxiously asked, "Oh right, Merlin, the Watson Family most likely won't give up so easily, so how about I remain in Thousand Sails City for a while?"

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Chapter 141: Camp

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

"No need, High Mage Hogg. You are an important pillar of the Cloud Tower. If you remain in Thousand Sails City for too long, won't Sir Jouyi look for me to settle the debt?" Although Lin Yun said these words very politely, even carrying a hint of flattery, the rejection was very clear.

Honestly, if Hogg wasn't a 9th Rank High Mage, Lin Yun might have really wanted him to remain in Thousand Sails City.

Because he had already noticed that this Hogg was truly trying his best to curry favor with him. As for the reasons… Lin Yun could guess a few. It could be his shocking computing ability, or the admiration Sir Jouyi had for him.

In short, Lin Yun was convinced that as long as he said something to that effect, Hogg would remain in Thousand Sails City and become the strongest firepower of the Gilded Rose.

But unfortunately…

Hogg was already a 9th Rank High Mage, and this was too troublesome for Lin Yun…

Hogg wasn't Faleau or William. Although he could support him with his considerable power, Lin Yun couldn't feel relieved with him around.

This might sound strange.

Lin Yun could be at ease with Faleau and William, but why not with Hogg?

The reason was quite simple: Lin Yun didn't have the strength to contend with a 9th Rank High Mage at the moment.

He had too many secrets…

Whether it was the prince tomb or the Bone Plane, either of those would be enough to make an Archmage crazy with envy. If someone acted up because of that, Lin Yun would directly get rid of him, but if Hogg decided to raise hell, Lin Yun wouldn't have the ability to take care of him.

No matter how powerful he was, what use was there in a helper he didn't feel safe with?

Hogg seemed very regretful after being turned down by Lin Yun.

"Then… Then I'll go back to Cloud Tower, but Merlin, if the Watson Family still dares to come, you must tell me. Even if I cannot help you, I'll let Sir Jouyi know. I'm telling you, Merlin, Sir Jouyi admires you very much. You must use this opportunity carefully."

Before leaving rather unwillingly, Hogg gave Lin Yun some advice.

"Of course, of course," Lin Yun agreed while sending Hogg off.

After leaving the reception room, Lin Yun addressed William.

"Call all the 5th Rank Mages over."

"At once!"

This time, William had learned even more about Mafa.

In the last hour, he had seen his own Great Mage cousin beat up a 1st Rank High Mage, and had also seen a 9th Rank High Mage trying to curry favor in every way possible.

Those were High Mages, people that could decide the life and death of a Great Mage without the slightest bit of effort! But they were nothing in front of his cousin. William had been thoroughly stunned when watching all of that unfold. Only when Lin Yun called out to him did he recover and then promptly rushed to gather the fifty 5th Rank Mages.

If it had been before, William would still have had some doubts regarding the future of these fifty Mages. Now, William was thoroughly convinced that his cousin would have a way to make them advance to the Great Mage realm in a short time.

No certain grounds, no sure reasons…

But William believed it.

Faleau soon arrived with six mining puppets. William brought the fifty 5th Rank Mages. After this group was gathered, they left for Lin Yun's home.

The array was activated, and the space nearby distorted once again.

The Planar Path leading to the Bone Plane was opened by Lin Yun once more.

But Lin Yun wasn't alone this time. A full team was behind him. Two Great Mages, six mining puppets, and fifty 5th Rank Mages. Although the overall strength wasn't anything to brag about, the group still looked imposing.

Naturally, no one in the team aside from Lin Yun could bother caring about this at the moment. The change in the environment had completely terrified them. That included William, the scion of the Merlin Family, as well as Faleau from the Black Horn Auction House.

Even though the background of these two wasn't insignificant, it was still the first time they had experienced a Planar Path.

Among them, William Merlin was still a bit better. After all, a major force like the Merlin Family should have at least one plane in their hands, or else they wouldn't have enough resources to support their development. Although William didn't have the qualifications to enter the plane, he had heard some things from the elders of the family.

But Faleau had never heard anything about this before.

And there was no need to mention those remaining 5th Rank Mages. With their strength, they wouldn't even have the power to talk in the Merlin Family, let alone coming into contact with a Planar Path.

The entire team was startled for a while after setting foot on the black wasteland, and it was chaotic for a while. But fortunately, after William sent a glance at Lin Yun, he managed to recover his calmness. He relied on the prestige he had amassed over the course of his time here to regain control over the team.

"This is the training ground I promised you." Lin Yun walked in front of the team and started talking. "What you have to do now is protect these six mining puppets so that they can work without being disturbed. It may take several months, but I can guarantee that the weakest among you will still be able to become 1st Rank Great Mages. Those that work hard might even reach as far as the 5th Rank."

With Lin Yun's words, the worried team managed to calm down. They were skeptical at first, but then all the Mages had fervent expressions on their faces.

There was an issue with these fifty Mages being sent to Thousand Sails City. It could be said that at least 80% of them would never have the opportunity to enter the Great Mage ranks. Otherwise, the Merlin Family wouldn't have been so generous as to send so many of them to Thousand Sails City.

A group of 5th Rank Mages with little hope of further advancement suddenly hearing that as long as they put in some effort, they could even become 5th Rank Great Mages…

How would they feel?

Moreover, the one who said this wasn't anyone. He was the boss of the Gilded Rose, a Great Mage who had just dealt with a High Mage!

At this time, the whole team became lively and the fifty Mages even forgot their surroundings as well as the undead lifeforms visible all around.

Lin Yun's speech was truly too dull.

There were no exciting feelings, no bewitching suggestions, no hidden meanings. The benefits and threats were all out on the open. But it gave hope to these fifty Mages.

These fifty Mages full of enthusiasm soon set up a simple camp near the Planar Path. Simple, but not crude, this was Lin Yun's special requirement, because this camp would become the first stronghold of the Mercury Mercenary Group's attempt to seize the Bone Plane in the future.

The camp consisted of a bonfire, a few tents, and a fence made of stakes and iron wire. There were also two temporary sentry posts put together in the east and west. Although the sentry posts weren't guarded, they both had Mage Eyes as well as a flame array to sound the alarm.

The Black Death Rune was floating in the center of this camp, hovering a distance from the ground. And the drifting Soul Fires within a radius of about a kilometer were already being sucked in and transformed into mana by the Black Death Rune before being stored in the newly built camp.

If someone could see the mana flowing…

At this moment, the mana was flowing in thread by thread from the Black Death Rune. The threads were like hazy mists, drifting between the two sentry posts, not dissipating, not spreading far.

This was the best way of using the Black Death Rune.

Under the effect of the matching alchemy array, the mana condensed by the Black Death Rune would reach a frightening concentration. Meditating and fighting within that area would be like drinking liquid mana.

What was the growth of a Magic Tool Incarnation in comparison?

Unfortunately, the Cloud Tower would only understand all of this a millennium later…

After the Black Death Rune started operating, the Bone Plane's first stronghold truly became lively. Faleau controlled the six alchemy puppets and started the mining of the Nether Iron Vein. William Merlin started confronting the scattered Skeleton Warriors with the fifty Mages. Every collapsed Skeleton Warrior would lead to a Soul Fire being absorbed by the Black Death Rune before being transformed into mana, and that mana would spread in the camp.

After confirming that he hadn't forgotten anything, Lin Yun left the camp.

Although Lin Yun didn't say much, he actually cared a lot about these fifty Mages. This was his first batch of subordinates. Moreover, they were subordinates that he could trust completely. Before they entered the Bone Plane, they had all signed contracts personally prepared by Lord Shawn.

Lord Shawn was very ruthless, and even Lin Yun couldn't bear to look straight at them.

The contents of these contracts weren't so great, but it could be said that Lin Yun was taking responsibility. Basically, these 5th Rank Mages had already signed their next generation, the one after that, and the third one to the Gilded Rose.

In any case, as a 5th Rank Great Mage with Undead Predator, no Skeleton Warrior dared to stop Lin Yun after he left the camp. That overbearing pressure was something they could feel when they were within a hundred meters of him, making them flee for their lives.

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Chapter 142: Undead Elder Treant

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Lin Yun soon reached the edge of the black wasteland as his path was completely unhindered, and he found the alchemy puppet hunting Skeleton Warriors.

'I wonder how much it harvested…' Lin Yun softly muttered a control rune and the pursuing alchemy puppet let go of its target to rush over to Lin Yun like a hunting dog.

Before the puppet even reached him, Lin Yun could already feel a thick death aura surrounding it. He knew that this was due to it carrying a large number of Soul Essences for a long time.

It looked like the harvest of the alchemy puppet over the course of the last two months wasn't small.

When the puppet reached him, Lin Yun used a control rune to open the spatial array storage on the puppet's arm. Sure enough, it held a great many Soul Essences, over three thousand at the very least. If he were to put them on Thousand Sails City's market, it would create a lot of chaos.

"Not bad." Lin Yun nodded, feeling pleased. This harvest had gone beyond his expectations. At first, Lin Yun thought that the puppet would be able to collect at most one thousand Soul Essences in the black wasteland. But unexpectedly, the harvest was triple that amount.

From this, it could be seen how fertile the Bone Plane was.

Lin Yun whispered a control rune, making the puppet stay alert while he piled the Soul Essences on the ground before taking out the Sage Chapter.

After Lin Yun's mana input, a dazzling light blossomed from the Sage Chapter, releasing shocking death energy, covering a radius of ten meters.

That small pile of Soul Essence on the ground resonated with the shocking death energy.

Only a glimmer could be seen at first, but then, the glimmer gradually shone brighter and brighter. Finally, the dark Soul Essences turned into dazzling Soul Fires. Due to those several thousand shining Soul Fires, Lin Yun's location shone like a sun!

Then, the Sage Chapter's light fluttered, and the several thousand Soul Fires became like moths attracted to the flame. They threw themselves into the Sage Chapter one after the other.

One, ten, a hundred…

More and more Soul Fires came pouring into the Sage Chapter, and in a short period of time, it had absorbed several hundreds of Soul Fires. Lin Yun could clearly feel that this shocking quantity of Soul Fires brought some kind of transformation to the Sage Chapter. After all this influx, the originally dim stone tablet looked like a sun emitting rays of sunshine.

The Sage Chapter would become brighter every time it absorbed a Soul Fire. After absorbing several thousands of Soul Fires, the Sage Chapter was now sparkling and translucent, like a crystal.

"It should have evolved…" Lin Yun grabbed it and looked at it. He could clearly feel a huge amount of death energy flowing within the Sage Chapter. It was several times more powerful than before.

Lin Yun considered for a moment and then tried to store a 2nd Tier Spell, Frost Ring, in the Sage Chapter.

And it indeed worked…

'It really evolved.'

The previous Sage Chapter could only store 1st Tier Spells.

After 1st Tier Spells became Ultimate Spells, their might would be comparable to that of a 4th Tier Spell. In other words, they would reach the level of a 5th Rank Great Mage.

But now, the Sage Chapter could store 2nd Tier Spells.

After 2nd Tier Spells became Ultimate Spells, they would reach the level of a 5th Tier Spell, raising the power of the Ultimate Spells he could use from that of a 5th Rank Great Mage to that of a 1st Rank High Mage.

This wasn't a small upgrade.

Except for a monster like Lin Yun, the gap between a 5th Rank Great Mage and a 1st Rank High Mage was almost insurmountable. But now, these several thousand Soul Fires directly made the Sage Chapter able to break through that huge chasm.

It could be said that the current Sage Chapter was several times stronger than it had been before.

The only regret was that the number of Ultimate Spells that could be stored was still the same as before, three.

'Well, three is more than enough…' After consoling himself, Lin Yun stored two other 2nd Tier Spells.

He then took the alchemy puppet and headed out of the black wasteland.

Half an hour later, Lin Yun entered a dense forest. The seemingly dense forest looked verdant and lush, brimming with life, but it also felt sinister and oppressive. A bloody smell filled the forest.

Lin Yun was pretty sure that this was the famous Blood Forest.

Towering trees spread everywhere within sight. But in reality, the trees and weeds were frightening, blood-sucking monsters.

Sure enough, a sharp hissing sound echoed by Lin Yun's ears just as he entered the forest. The originally verdant grass spun in a split second, and countless sharp, thorny vines rushed to try to coil around Lin Yun's legs like snakes.

But since Lin Yun dared to enter the Blood Forest, he would obviously have countermeasures.

Lin Yun incanted as soon as he saw movement. A Flame Path was cast and only a "bang" was heard as flames rose under Lin Yun's feet. Those sharp vines didn't have time to coil around his legs before being turned into ashes.

Lin Yun didn't even bother to look down as he kept walking with the puppet towards the depths of the forest, leaving a path of fire behind him. He didn't stop incanting on the way, a dazzling flame spreading out from the Elemental Amber of his Spiritual Magic Staff…

Lin Yun knew that the Blood Forest wasn't an ordinary place. This place was inhabited by undead vegetation, and although the weeds and underbrush were strangely sinister, their fighting strength was comparable to that of Skeleton Warriors. The true danger came from the tall Undead Treants with heights reaching up to a hundred meters. The strongest ones had power similar to that of the previous Bone Devil.

And furthermore, there wouldn't be just one or two Undead Treants in the Blood Forest…

Just as some shrub burned to ashes, Lin Yun felt the earth shake under his feet. He heard the sound of things breaking behind him, and the first things he saw when he turned to check were branches as thick as arms and legs, ruthlessly whipping over at him.

Fortunately, Lin Yun was prepared for this.

When he heard that sound, Lin Yun chanted the last part of his incantation. A flash was emitted from the Elemental Amber and the Pyroclasm that had been prepared for a long time was instantly cast. This was a 4th Tier Spell, and after merging with the Magic Array, it had become so powerful that even a High Mage like Allen Watson wouldn't dare to take it head on, not to mention an Undead Treant that wasn't even twenty meters tall.

A loud explosion thundered out as the dazzling flames landed on the Undead Treant just before the branches reached Lin Yun. A cracking sound then echoed as the entire Undead Treant was blasted in two from the middle.

Those branches turned into cinder in instants, not leaving any trace on Lin Yun's clothes.

But Lin Yun didn't dare to stop, because he knew that he had already alarmed the Undead Treants of the Blood Forest. This was only the beginning. He would have to face tens to hundreds of them.

Sure enough, after snapping that Undead Treant in two, the ground didn't stop shaking.

In a blink, five Undead Treants had burst out, and it looked like there were many more behind.

'Damn, I knew it…' Facing such a large number of Undead Treants, Lin Yun couldn't help but bitterly smile.

Lin Yun wouldn't hold back, he didn't dare to.

After whispering a control rune, the Gaugass Battlemage model puppet immediately entered all-out firepower mode, and the Gold Essence Spear in its hand carried a dazzling flame as it rushed towards the Undead Treants. As for Lin Yun, he raised his casting speed to its limit and using his five Magic Arrays, he cast spell after spell, levelling almost all the land in a hundred meters around him.

Half an hour into the battle, there were no fewer than a hundred Undead Treant corpses in front of and behind Lin Yun as his mana was getting depleted. The puppet was covered in wounds, but the Undead Treants' offensive was also slowly getting sluggish.

Lin Yun was panting when the final Undead Treant fell to the ground. There was not a single Treant left standing, and within a few hundred meters, the brush and weeds had all been turned into ashes. This had become a scorched land, a bit desolate even compared to the Bone Devil's territory.

Lin Yun couldn't do much about it at this time. He looked for a clean location and sat down, using the Elemental Amber Ring to recover his mana while ordering the puppet to search the area. Because Lin Yun had read that after these Undead Treants died, they would leave behind the Life Crystals.

Although Life Crystals didn't contain a lot of mana, the magic material had a wide range of uses in potioneering. Life Crystals containing a large amount of life power were most suitable for compounding two kinds of potions: recovery-type potions and berserk inducing potions.

Moreover, Lin Yun still remembered a recipe from the library that could make the effects of these Life Crystals reach an incredible level.

In truth, there were three shortcuts leading to the Book of Death.

Lin Yun chose this one because besides being safe enough, this path would also give him the opportunity to harvest the Undead Treants of the Blood Forest.

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Chapter 143: Giant Blood Tree

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

By the time the puppet finished gathering the spoils of war, Lin Yun's mana had almost fully recovered. Looking at his harvest, there were about thirty Life Crystals. This was a good drop rate. The larger the Undead Elder Treant, the easier it would be for it to condense a Life Crystal.

Most of the Undead Elder Treants that Lin Yun destroyed were twenty to thirty meters tall. Only a few among them had reached the standards for the condensation of Life Crystals, so it was already pretty good to get around thirty of them.

Lin Yun put these thirty Life Crystals into his pocket, and after ordering the puppet to follow him, he went through the several hundred meters of scorched earth to set out for the depths of the Blood Forest.

On the way, there were still endless numbers of the Undead Elder Treants that were twenty to thirty meters tall. Occasionally, he would even meet one or two that towered over fifty meters. But fortunately, Lin Yun already possessed five Magic Arrays. At the same time, he had two Spiritual Magic Tools in hand. He was over ten times stronger than when he had first entered the Bone Plane.

The battle puppet was opening the path ahead with its Gold Essence Spear. Lin Yun, with his Lava Dominator in one hand and the Spiritual Magic Staff in the other, looked like a lumberjack as he killed his way to the center of the Blood Forest.

After reaching the center of the forest, Lin Yun could clearly feel the pressure increasing.

The tallest Undead Elder Treants of the Blood Forest were all in this location, some of them sixty to seventy meters tall. Although Lin Yun would still be able to deal with them, it would clearly be too strenuous. Moreover, Lin Yun knew that behind these Undead Elder Treants, there was a truly powerful existence waiting for him…

And he had no choice but to face this truly powerful existence.

This was inevitable, as the origin of the Blood Forest's power all came from the Undead Elder Treants' ancestor. That was the Giant Blood Tree. A terrifying tree born alongside the Bone Plane.

If Lin Yun wanted to get the Book of Death through this shortcut method, he would have to destroy the Giant Blood Tree!

'Strange…' An hour later, the number of Life Crystals in Lin Yun's pocket had already passed two hundred. At the same time, he had already walked to the core area of the Blood Forest.

The soil was dark red as if it had been dyed with blood. A thick smell of iron wafted through the air, making anyone standing here feel as if they had been covered in bloody mud. The surroundings were empty. Not to mention Undead Elder Treants, there was not even a trace of any weeds nearby.

This was quite normal. The Giant Blood Tree could be said to be the ancestor of the Undead Elder Treants, the source of power of the Blood Forest. There would be not a single soul in the area where the Giant Blood Tree was rooted.

But there was something wrong.

Lin Yun looked for a long time, but he didn't find the Giant Blood Tree.

'What's going on?' Lin Yun was somewhat stunned. Nearly all the materials he'd read described the Giant Blood Tree as a colossus that towered several hundred meters in height, its treetop piercing through the sky, its roots reaching deep under the ground. Each sway would lead to a whirling gale, and its anger would cause earthquakes.

'Is it an illusion?' Lin Yun's heart suddenly tightened. He hurriedly cast Spirit Defense.

Now, the Spirit Defense had already been merged into Lin Yun's Magic Arrays, and with the buff of the Soul Walker on his left ring finger, it could be said that Lin Yun's Spirit Defense already reached the High Mage level both in mind and soul.

'Strange, this isn't an illusion…' Lin Yun didn't feel any change after casting his Spirit Defense spell, which suggested that this was all real. The Giant Blood Tree truly didn't exist.

Lin Yun now had a heavy expression.

He cast two Mage Eyes and searched the area of dark red soil within a kilometer.

Nothing, nothing, still nothing.

'How could this happen…' Lin Yun couldn't calm down. In ordinary circumstances, not finding the Giant Blood Tree after entering the Blood Forest would be cause for joy, since he wouldn't need to fight it to the bitter end.

But it was different right now…

Lin Yun had entered the Blood Forest this time specifically for the shortcut for obtaining the Book of Death. He clearly remembered that only by destroying the Blood Tree would he be able to get the Blood Heart. It not only was the crystallization of the Blood Tree's power, but also the life source of all Undead Elder Treants. The life energy contained within was enough to regenerate the Blood Forest in an instant.

And only this level of life energy could be enough to make countless ghosts gather and cause the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts to appear.

At that time, he would be able to follow the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts up until the Book of Death's resting place.

This should have been a perfect plan.

But the first part of his plan, the Giant Blood Tree, was missing.

This meant that the rest of his plan would be void.

In these circumstances, how could Lin Yun remain calm?

'Wait, Blood Forest…'

After thinking for a while, Lin Yun's eyes shone. That's right, it was the Blood Forest. The Undead Elder Treants on his way hadn't felt as powerful as he'd expected. The tallest Undead Elder Treant only approached a hundred meters, after all. And its power had been far from comparable with the Bone Devil's. This didn't look like the Blood Forest mentioned in the notes.

Moreover, he could feel that this forest was in a dormant state. Only after dealing with that first Undead Elder Treant did he meet with a large assault.

Didn't this mean that the Giant Blood Tree was slumbering?

It was actually easy to test this.

"Rumble!"

Lin Yun moved the Spiritual Magic Staff in his hand, his Magic Arrays quickly activating as the Elemental Shock Blast formation was used. In a flash, several dozen meters around him were overturned. Rocks and soil were flung in all directions, as overbearing power radiated from him.

But Lin Yun didn't plan to stop.

The Magic Arrays were spinning crazily as one Elemental Shock Blast after the other was cast. The mana surging was like a flood that couldn't be restrained. The loud noises following each Elemental Shock Blast kept echoing, and the dark red soil within a kilometer was tossed about.

By the time the 17th Elemental Shock Blast was cast, the earth finally started shaking from below as hundreds of branches that were as thick as a grown man's waist drilled out of the ground like pythons. Among the swirling soil and dust smoke, these thick branches gouged their way through the dark red soil. It could be seen that each one was long enough to easily pierce through a hundred meters of soil.

Afterwards, a rumbling noise grew louder and louder.

When Lin Yun felt something wrong, he poured mana into the Lava Dominator and instantly activated that blazing pair of wings to take off into the sky.

From his new vantage point, Lin Yun could see a colossus rising up from the ground.

The Lava Dominator's wings flew fast enough that they could already contend with Lin Yun under Elemental Incarnation. But at this moment, the speed of the wings was far from enough to compare to the speed at which the colossus sprung up from the ground… Lin Yun only managed to fly several dozen meters into the air when that colossus already reached his height.

'Shit…' Lin Yun was startled. In that situation where it was nearly impossible to escape, he flapped his pair of flaming wings in a manner that almost defied physics and forced himself to dodge at a sharp angle.

Almost at the same time, a dozen shadows fiercely thrust over, brushing past Lin Yun's body.

A cold sweat trickled down his back at this time.

These branches of the Giant Blood Tree all struck with power similar to that of an all-out attack from the Bone Devil. A dozen of them attacking at the same time was as frightening as a dozen Bone Devils attacking at the same time. If not for his reaction speed, allowing him to promptly change his position, he would have already been turned into a honeycomb by these branches.

Before the cold sweat could even dry up, the dozen branches sharply turned in the sky and charged once again at Lin Yun.

The sound of the sharp turnaround made his heart freeze. He cursed while pouring a shocking amount of mana into the Lava Dominator.

By relying on the surge of mana, the fast pair of flaming wings became even faster and carried Lin Yun out of danger, escaping from the pursuit of the dangerous branches.

But the Giant Blood Tree had already risen to the surface, and Lin Yun could clearly see it now. This enormous colossus was just like he had imagined it from those notes. Just the huge treetop covered a hundred-meter area. The countless branches were like pythons, attacking with stifling force.

Lin Yun could understand with a glance that this Giant Blood Tree's might was close to that of a 6th or 7th Rank High Mage. If he fought it head on, he would definitely die. The only thing he could rely on was the Lava Dominator in his hands. Only the pair of flaming wings could allow him to stay in the sky and fight with this colossus. This was why he chose this shortcut.

Lin Yun also knew about the dark red soil under the Giant Blood Tree.

The blood earth was the place the Giant Blood Tree was born in. After countless years, it had long since turned into a part of the Giant Blood Tree. If he carelessly stepped on it, he would immediately be like a fly stuck in a spider web, and the Giant Blood Tree would drain all his blood with a mere thought.

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Chapter 144: Advantages and Disadvantages

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Lin Yun knew that he could only fight the Giant Blood Tree when flying in the sky.

This was his only advantage, and at the same time, it was the only disadvantage of the Giant Blood Tree.

In fact, the python-like branches with the strength of Bone Devils were the weakest part of the Giant Blood Tree. After all, that was the only physical attack that could track a target. No matter how fierce, no matter how fast, there would always a way to contend with it. The only thing it could work together with would be the poison fog released by the tree's trunk.

But if he fell to the ground, the Giant Blood Tree would be invincible, at least as far as Lin Yun was concerned. At that time, he would have to face the blood earth, as well as a huge and terrifying force of the countless Undead Elder Treants the Giant Blood Tree would summon.

As for those sharp roots that could drill out of the ground at any time, that was only one of the Giant Blood Tree's simple attacks.

Thus, the only thing Lin Yun could do now was to finish the battle in the sky.

He had to remain vigilant every single second. If the Lava Dominator's flaming wings dissipated, Lin Yun would have no choice but to withdraw from the area with the blood earth, and even withdraw from the Blood Forest. Otherwise, he simply wouldn't be able to break away from the Giant Blood Tree's pursuit.

Lin Yun pushed his mana control to its pinnacle, and with his finesse, the flaming wings felt like another part of his body. Fast, nimble, and quick-witted, he managed to forcibly break away from some certain death traps while simultaneously casting spell after spell at the body of the Giant Blood Tree.

There was even a 2nd Tier Ultimate Spell among those.

The might of that 2nd Tier Ultimate Spell might already reached the level of a High Mage's spells, and even the Giant Blood Tree would suffer heavy losses under such a bombardment.

In just a few minutes, the Giant Blood Tree's trunk was already riddled with scars. Even the movement of those python-like branches was more sluggish than before.

It seemed like Lin Yun had the upper hand.

But Lin Yun knew that this would only be temporary.

The fight had been going for about five minutes. In this time, he had pushed his mana control to the limit and even cast a 2nd Tier Ultimate Spell, but the injuries that the Giant Blood Tree had suffered were far from enough.

In the end, the Lava Dominator's flame wings could only be materialized for ten minutes, so if he couldn't take down the Giant Blood Tree in the next five minutes, he would lose his only advantage. At that time, the flame wings would start disappearing and he would have no other choice but to flee in defeat and try again later.

Lin Yun knew that he didn't have that much time left.

The Giant Blood Tree never left the kilometer-wide area of blood earth because this was the Giant Blood Tree's birthplace, as well as its source of power.

In the remote Demon Era, the Earth Demon Hess stood on this soil, and his boundless power would forever remain within it.

Lin Yun was very clear about the fact that unless the Giant Blood Tree left the dark red soil, his chances of victory were probably less than 10%.

'Do I really have to come back again?' Lin Yun didn't have much time left. His flame wings would last at most five more minutes before dissipating. He was thinking hard, but he couldn't come up with a way to make the Giant Blood Tree leave the blood earth.

Branch after branch swung at Lin Yun, and it felt like an inescapable net was being woven as he controlled the flame wings to dodge through the narrow cracks while trying to form a feasible plan.

The seconds slowly ticked by…

Soon, half of the remaining five minutes had passed.

By this time, Lin Yun had tried a couple different times to make the Giant Blood Tree leave that dark red soil, but unfortunately, all his ideas failed. Although the Giant Blood Tree was an undead plant lifeform, its level of intelligence was most likely higher than that of the Bone Devil. How could it not know the importance of remaining on the blood earth?

As time slowly ran out, Lin Yun started to feel some despair…

Not to mention the fact that the Giant Blood Tree was refusing to leave the dark red soil, even if he found a way to force it out, he still wouldn't have enough time to drag the battle over a kilometer to leave the area of influence.

Unless he had a frightening power on the scale of the Death Garden, able to create a completely independent world.This somewhat ridiculous thought gave a reminder to Lin Yun.

'It's possible!'

Yes, he didn't have the power of the Death Garden, able to create an independent world.

But he could destroy!

However, it was a bit risky.

But at this time, Lin Yun couldn't worry about that.

After escaping from another encirclement, Lin Yun didn't make any counterattacks. Instead, he used the fact that the branch had yet to withdraw to get the flame wings to fly him towards the Giant Blood Tree.

In order to go faster, Lin Yun even used the Elemental Incarnation form that he had kept aside as a precautionary life-saving measure. With the flame wings on his back and Elemental Incarnation active, he could cast Flame Flash without restrictions. Only fire elements could be seen in the sky as Lin Yun used Flame Flash three times in a row before instantly reaching the tree's trunk.

Lin Yun, as a regular human, truly looked like an ant as he stood in front of the colossal Giant Blood Tree.

Just as he stepped on the Giant Blood Tree, ten branches darted towards his back. Lin Yun didn't dare to stop, and shrouded in raging flames, he took a huge leap. He looked like a meteor hurtling down towards the Giant Blood Tree's roots.

When he saw that he was less than fifty meters from the ground, Lin Yun spread his wings and relied on the Lava Dominator's spatial power to rapidly stabilize his fall.

He then poured a wisp of mana into the Soul Walker.

"Why are you summoning Lord Sha…" A lazy voice suddenly came out, but this lazy voice immediately turned into a screech, "Fuck! Giant Blood Tree!"

"Yes, as you can see, a Giant Blood Tree…"

"You… You… You… How did you provoke a Giant Blood Tree?" Lord Shawn's voice was shaky. He couldn't control himself as he scolded, "Damn, that's a Level 25 Undead! Equivalent to one of your 5th Rank High Mage humans. How could you provoke such a monster?"

"It's Level 26…" Lin Yun controlled the flame wings to dodge the branches' attacks while correcting Lord Shawn's mistake. "Maybe Level 27."

"Go to hell!"

"Lord Shawn, did you forget the master-slave contract you signed with me? If I die, won't you drop to the level of a Spiritual Magic Tool?"

"Fuck… Had I known that you were so troublesome, I would have rather killed myself than sign a master-slave contract with you…"

"Okay, stop talking nonsense, I need your help."

"What help?" Lord Shawn was on guard.

"You absorbed my level 18 mana crystals, shouldn't you have recovered some power? I need you to make a Soul Cage to temporarily trap the Giant Blood Tree's soul."

"Don't play with me!" Lin Yun didn't even finish explaining his plan before Lord Shawn cried out in fear. "Impossible! Even with the mana I recovered from those mana crystals, How could I make such a powerful Soul Cage?"

"That's why you need to use your Magic Tool Incarnation. You are always hiding in the Soul Walker, don't you feel that you are looking like a tortoise?"

"Using my Magic Tool Incarnation, you are crazy!" Lord Shawn's voice was trembling from fear. He sounded as if he was on the verge of being fucked.

At this time, he didn't even bicker with Lin Yun for being likened to a tortoise.

The might of a True Spirit Magic Tool lay in its Magic Tool Incarnation. If Lord Shawn really wanted to use his Magic Tool Incarnation, he would be able to make a Soul Cage powerful enough to temporarily trap a Giant Blood Tree's soul.

But at the same time, utilizing the Magic Tool Incarnation was very dangerous. If the Magic Tool Incarnation suffered damage, it would lead to the True Spirit Magic Tool deranking. If the Magic Tool Incarnation died, it could even cause a True Spirit Magic Tool to be reduced to an ordinary item.

Lord Shawn was relatively weak at this moment, his power not even at 1% of what it had been at his peak. And he would be facing a Level 26 or 27 Giant Blood Tree. In this situation, Lord Shawn was naturally unwilling to use his Magic Tool Incarnation.

Lin Yun naturally knew that, and thus he didn't try to convince him that it would work when he saw his reaction. He only said, "Then you can start praying, hoping that the backlash of the master-slave contract won't make you fall to Inheritance level…"

"Fuck…" Lord Shawn cursed. 'Don't say Inheritance… Lord Shawn can't even bear being a Spiritual Magic Tool.'

Although a Spiritual Magic Tool would have a Magic Tool Spirit, it would only be at the most basic level of spirituality. Comparing it to a Magic Tool Incarnation, was simply like comparing heaven and earth.

To Lord Shawn, falling to the Spiritual level would be like dying…

Even if he was extremely lucky and had a fortuitous encounter allowing him to rise to become a True Spirit Magic Tool once again, the Magic Tool Incarnation born then wouldn't be the current Lord Shawn.

"Fuck, you win!" Shawn finally cursed and the Ghost Wolf Incarnation appeared.

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Chapter 145: River of Ten Thousand Ghosts

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

After the sound of a deep roar, a translucent Ghost Wolf appeared on that dark red soil, with a pair of eyes flickering with mana and endless power flowing at the tip of its claws. For a moment, strange distortions appeared within the mana fluctuations surrounding it.

This was the might of a True Spirit Magic Tool Incarnation.

Unfortunately, the image was ruined because Lord Shawn's voice was quivering way too much.

"Merlin, are you sure…"

"Okay, don't speak nonsense…" It looked like the offensive of the Giant Blood Tree was becoming even more fierce, and Lin Yun couldn't even stop to catch his breath, so how could he bother to assure him about certainty? "Quick, Soul Cage!"

"Damn…" Lord Shawn ground his teeth as he cursed. He urged some of his mana out and a deep roar echoed as a strange hexagram star appeared on the dark red soil below him…

Purple light crisscrossed on top of the hexagram. It looked incomparably dazzling in the dark red soil as an astonishing amount of mana began converging. In a flash, a cage of light appeared.

This was the Soul Cage.

All of a sudden, the Giant Blood Tree shook. A scarlet shadow could be seen struggling in the Soul Cage. Without a doubt, that was the soul of the Giant Blood Tree!"

"Damn, hurry up!" Just as the Soul Cage was formed, Lord Shawn roared in alarm. He could already feel the Giant Blood Tree struggling crazily, counterattacking. If the Soul Cage was broken, the only fate awaiting him would be to become a mere Spiritual Magic Tool.

Only one of the two could survive now.

Lord Shawn truly went all-out, reinforcing the Soul Cage as if his life depended on it, trapping the frantically struggling Giant Blood Tree's soul.

But he definitely wouldn't last long…

Against such a powerful foe, with Lord Shawn's current power, being able to keep the Soul Cage up for thirty seconds would be a miracle.

Lin Yun knew about this, but it was his only opportunity.

Although the Soul Cage wasn't actually a separate world, it could confine the Giant Blood Tree's soul, and while the soul was imprisoned, it was the same as the Giant Blood Tree being banished to another world. This was the only opportunity to separate the Giant Blood Tree from the dark red soil.

All he needed to do now was to thoroughly destroy the Giant Blood Tree.

Just as the Soul Cage appeared, Lin Yun used his casting ability to the utmost, firing off a total of ten spells in just a moment, each of them carrying extreme might.

But Lin Yun wasn't satisfied.

Because he discovered that the Giant Blood Tree didn't show any signs of collapse, and on the contrary, it was actually struggling even more fiercely in the Soul Cage.

"All-out!" It had already reached the point where Lin Yun could only pull out all the stops. He poured mana into the Sage Chapter and a Frost Ring instantly burst out.

This was the most powerful control spell in the 2nd Tier…

After becoming an Ultimate Spell, it was had an astonishing restrictive effect on enemies. A blue halo could be seen with Lin Yun at the center. In a flash, it spread and covered everything within several hundred meters. The entire area turned into an ice world. Even the frantically struggling Giant Blood Tree was trapped in ice, and moving seemed exceptionally difficult.

Naturally, those tentacle-like branches were more important…

Hundreds of branches froze in an instant, turning into sculptures of ice, unable to continue their attack on Lin Yun.

But at the same time, Lin Yun lost his last resort to protect himself.

This was the Frost Ring. Lin Yun had originally planned to save it, to keep it in case he couldn't defeat the Giant Blood Tree. With its power, he could buy himself time to escape.

But Lin Yun ended up using his Frost Ring. Now that he had forced himself into this corner, his only choice was to triumph. And this was the perfect time, as its only means of attack, the branches, were frozen.

Lin Yun's mana was ignited to the maximum…

At this time, what defenses, what control, what flexibility? There was no use thinking about it. Right now, this was a contest over damage. He would either destroy the Giant Blood Tree, or be destroyed.

The Magic Arrays were frantically rotating as the mana within Lin Yun poured out like water from a broken dam as one spell after another blossomed with light within his hands.

Countless spells filled the sky as they bombarded the Giant Blood Tree.

Fire, Ice, Lightning…

A large, stifling Elemental Storm wreaked havoc on the Giant Blood Tree.

"I'm at my limit…" Lord Shawn's voice came from below, but Lin Yun turned a deaf ear as he was completely immersed in casting his spells, throwing everything else to the back of his mind.

There was only one thought in Lin Yun's mind…

Faster, faster, faster…

Second after second passed, and after about twenty seconds, the Soul Cage's light was getting dimmer and dimmer, and it could be seen that the blood-red shadow would soon come out.

Lin Yun only had one last chance.

His mana poured into the Sage Chapter once again as the final Ultimate Spell glittered in the night sky.

This was his last Ultimate Spell, Flame Storm!

At the same time, it was the most powerful.

When the mana was infused, the sparkling pure Sage Chapter looked as if it had burst into flames, flickering wildly in Lin Yun's hands. An explosion thundered as nine flaming dragons rushed out from the Sage Chapter with deafening roars. Even the air was burning as the mana within the atmosphere completely flared up. The power displayed at this instant was already approaching that of a 6th Tier Spell.

A loud rumbling sound then echoed as the nine flaming dragons ruthlessly charged onto the Giant Blood Tree, making the red shadow within the Soul Cage issue a mournful scream.

Then, silence filled the Blood Forest.

The several-hundred-meter-tall Giant Blood Tree withered at a visible speed, and the hundreds of branches hung down lifelessly, before turning into ashes. The leaves yellowed and fell off as the trunk withered. The Giant Blood Tree that had once dominated the entire Blood Forest seemed to have aged millennia in an instant, crumbling away into ashes in front of Lin Yun.

"Phew…" Lin Yun sighed in relief and slowly hovered down from the sky.

While looking for the precious Blood Heart within the ashes, he asked Lord Shawn in a concerned tone, "How is it, you still alive?"

"I won't die before you!" The dejected Ghost Wolf shot out of the ashes before shaking the residue away while cursing resentfully.

"Right, at worst, you'd become a Spiritual Magic Tool," Lin Yun snickered before quickly finding the Blood Heart.

The Blood Heart looked like a pure ruby the size of a fist. It let out shining red lights under the night sky. Moreover, it was still throbbing within his hands…

Lin Yun could feel a surge in vitality with each of the throbs. Compared to this Blood Heart, those previous Life Crystals were truly too inferior, on a completely different level. It could be said that the life energy contained within all the Life Crystals of the Undead Elder Treants still simply couldn't compare to the Blood Heart's life energy.

Indeed, this was the Blood Heart, the origin of life of all Undead Elder Treants.

The Blood Forest headed towards its death after losing the Blood Heart. Weeds wilted, leaves withered, and one after another, Undead Elder Treants turned to ashes drifting in the wind just like their ancestor. After a few minutes, the dense and lush Blood Forest disappeared, giving way to a desolate plain.

"Now, the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts, there should still be time left…" Lin Yun casually threw the Blood Heart into his pocket while treading upon the ashes of the forest that he'd destroyed.

The Blood Forest wasn't far from the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts, and it only took twenty minutes for Lin Yun to reach a precipitous cliff. Atop the cliff was a sinister forest suffused with cold winds, and below was a black river surging onward.

Countless Ghosts were struggling as they were drowning in the river. Mournful howls and weeping cries echoed in Lin Yun's ears. Under the stifling death energy, countless illusions appeared before Lin Yun's eyes. That test in the prince tomb simply couldn't compare.

Lin Yun's Spirit Defense lost its effect for the first time.

With his peak Spirit Defense, he still couldn't break away from the Ghosts.

Nothing could be done about it, as the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts truly had too many of them, to the point that they simply couldn't be counted. One or two might be fine, but withstanding several thousand or even several hundred thousand Ghosts appearing at the same time, let alone a Great Mage like Lin Yun, even a High Mage wouldn't be able to resist these illusions.

It could be said that this was a true path of no return.

Unless one was an Archmage, one simply couldn't make it through this River of Ten Thousand Ghosts.

But Lin Yun stood on the cliff, and without a shred of hesitation, cast a Float and a Water Walk. Once he was done, Lin Yun directly leapt down towards that black river filled with drowning Ghosts.

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Lin Yun was still in the air when Ghosts pounced over at him.

The River of Ten Thousand Ghosts was named this way due to the amount of ghosts within, far surpassing any place within Noscent. It could be said that the entire Bone Plane's Ghosts were already focused in the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts. It could be seen from how several hundred Ghosts were surging towards Lin Yun while he was still several hundred meters above the river.

Ghosts were unconventional undead lifeforms, monsters made up of negative emotions and shattered souls. They didn't have real bodies, they didn't have formidable power, and they didn't even have thoughts. They would end up drifting in the same area forever, continuously exuding an aura of death and resentment. Unless it was a special area, places where Ghosts were concentrated would definitely become sinister and full of death, just like the Flame Tyrant's Ghost City.

The fighting strength of Ghosts was actually not worth talking about. For the most part, they were around level 5, and furthermore, they didn't have the ability to think. They only had one fighting strategy, which was to tear at their targets like wild beasts.

But now, several hundred of them were pouncing towards Lin Yun.

This was certainly an amount that was enough to make a 5th Rank Great Mage nervous.

However, Lin Yun wasn't paying much attention to them. He urged his Magic Arrays and was computing at a shocking speed, analyzing the aura of these Ghosts.

Lin Yun wanted a brand new version of Spirit Defense.

There really were too many Ghosts in the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts, to the point that his Spirit Defense couldn't handle them, allowing these several hundreds to cause him to experience illusions. Wouldn't he go crazy when several thousands charged at him?

To Lin Yun, a satisfactory Spirit Defense was most important.

As for those several hundred Ghosts…

Before they were able to draw close to Lin Yun, they felt the pressure of Undead Predator. This was the pressure that the masses would feel when a ruler looked at them. Even if they were formed from negative emotions and fragments of souls, they had an instinctive fear of that pressure.

However, although those Ghosts could feel fear deep within them, they weren't like those Skeleton Warriors who would all bolt in defeat. They stopped charging at him, but they didn't flee, either. They only kept a certain distance from Lin Yun, trailing behind him like sinister puppies.

His Magic Arrays finished the complex calculations when he reached the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts.

A brand new Spirit Defense finally covered Lin Yun.

Lin Yun suddenly felt his surroundings quieten down, and there were no more strange hallucinations appearing around him.

Naturally, it would be impossible to completely avoid the harassment of the Ghosts in a place such as the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts. After the Spirit Defense had been reinforced by the Magic Arrays, it still could only block most of the illusions. For the rest, he could only rely on his staunch willpower.

Lin Yun's feet were already reaching the water surface. Under the support of the 4th Tier Spell, Water Walk, the water felt just like solid ground. From Lin Yun's current position, he could clearly see the countless Ghosts drowning in the river. Mournful howls and weeping kept echoing in his ears, sounding sinister and strange, making his heart tighten.

An endless amount of Ghosts covered the horizon. Although The River of Ten Thousand Ghosts flowed for about three kilometers, the Ghosts gathered there amounted to several millions.

It was also for this reason that even though the Ivory Tower were able to conquer the Bone Plane several millennia later, the members who had yet to reach the Archmage realm weren't allowed to approach this river. It was a true forbidden region.

Aside from a person on par with Archmages, only an abnormal existence like Lin Yun could enter this place.

And the main reason that he could get here this early was the Undead Predator ability.

For Great Mages, and even for High Mages, the assault of several hundred thousand Ghosts was inescapable. Even if they were around level 5, even if they fought like wild beasts, once the scale reached hundreds of thousands, those weak points would become meaningless.

But to Lin Yun with his Undead Predator ability, Ghosts didn't have the same meaning. As long as he was able to deal with the illusions and hallucinations, the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts would be the shortcut leading him directly to the Book of Death.

Lin Yun stepped on the surging waves as he followed the river, while countless Ghosts followed him. Yet none of the Ghosts dared to breach the ten-meter void around him. They only screamed, wept, and wailed with all their strength…

But in the end, they were unable to stop Lin Yun's progress across the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts.

He soon crossed over half of the three-kilometer-long river, with none of the Ghosts managing to get any closer to him during that time. Lin Yun's expression grew grave as drew closer to the Book of Death. He tightly held his Spiritual Magic Staff in one hand while clenching the Blood Heart in his pocket with the other hand.

He knew that he only had one chance!

Under the impetuous waves, several hundred meters were crossed in an instant. From his position, he could already see a huge figure standing at the end of the river.

That was the Ghost King.

It was the ruler of the countless Ghosts within the river, and its strength far surpassed that of the Giant Blood Tree he had battled earlier. It was only a step away from reaching level 30. In the entire Bone Plane, the only existence stronger than this Ghost King was the Bone Dragon slumbering at the Bone Peak.

Besides that slumbering Bone Dragon, the only thing that could restrain the Ghost King was the Blood Heart in Lin Yun's hands.

'It's time!' Lin Yun's grip tightened on the Blood Heart. One opportunity would decide between life and death…

300 meters, 200 meters, 100 meters…

The distance between them was slowly. Lin Yun who was softly walking on the surging waves felt cold sweat on his palms. 50 meters, 30 meters, 20 meters. Lin Yun could already see the Ghost King's sinister face, a pair of window-sized eyes staring at him. Sharp teeth were visible in that bloody maw.

"I dare you to bite me!" The Elemental Incarnation prepared in Lin Yun's Spiritual Magic Staff was released, and he instantly transformed into a flowing stream of water.

In his Water Elemental Incarnation state, Lin Yun used the waves of the river to transform into a sharp arrow shooting towards the open maw of the Ghost King.

Just as he went in, Lin Yun poured mana into the Blood Heart, and with the help of a prepared alchemy array, a huge amount of life energy gushed out.

That was the entire Blood Forest's life energy.

Even if the Ghost King was already a frightening existence approaching level 30, it could only let out a blood-curdling screech under the attack of such powerful life energy. Life energy was a source of power that all animals and plants yearned for. But for the Ghost King, it was like a fierce poison piercing it from the inside.

That's right, piercing from inside.

The Blood Heart surging with life energy almost instantly gouged through the Ghost King's chest, and Lin Yun, who had just been swallowed by it, used this wound to flow out. An angry roar echoed behind him, but Lin Yun didn't throw a single glance back and directly leapt down the end of the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts.

It was a bottomless cliff. The River of Ten Thousand Ghosts was flowing down this cliff as countless Ghosts were screaming amidst the misty water. While still being surrounded by these Ghosts, he poured mana into the Lava Dominator and the pair of flaming wings spread out again, fiercely flapping, leading him towards the place he remembered from the notes.

The Ghost King's roar sounded more and more distant and the illusions before his eyes gradually faded away. As he flew away, Lin Yun eventually was certain that he had left the range of the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts.

After Lin Yun touched down to the ground, he raised his head and looked around. His surroundings were filled with bones. There was a majestic palace several hundred meters ahead. However, that palace hadn't been built from brick, but rather from ghastly and sinister bones.

That was Lin Yun's destination, the Bone Peak.

The summit of the Bone Plane, the location where the Book of Death resided, and also the place where the Bone Dragon was slumbering.

Several millennia later, the three young Mages from the Ivory Tower would drive a worn-out magic battleship, and the first volley of cannon fire landed exactly on this Bone Peak, conveniently ending the life of the slumbering Bone Dragon.

Unfortunately, Lin Yun didn't have a magic battleship right now. Thus, Lin Yun had no choice but to be cautious, approaching the Bone Peak very slowly. But at least he had gone through a shortcut by ending the Blood Forest and forcing his way through the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts before finally standing in front of the Bone Peak.

The Bone Dragon's lair was a place that ordinary undead creatures didn't dare to approach. After avoiding a few groups of Bone Knights, he smoothly entered the Bone Peak.

Then, Lin Yun used Haste on himself.

Lin Yun knew that the Bone Dragon was slumbering, so he had to be careful. It wouldn't be that easy to grab the Book of Death once the Bone Dragon awakened

After being melded in the Magic Array, this Haste spell made Lin Yun's speed reach its limits. He managed to pass through the entire Bone Peak in less than ten minutes and stood in the middle of a spacious hall made of bones.

This hall was a few hundred meters wide, feeling spacious and cold. Besides a hexagram star array flickering with a dazzling light, there was only a black book hovering above the ground.

Lin Yun knew that this was the Book of Death…

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Chapter 147: Spatial Overlap

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

The Book of Death was there. It looked as if Lin Yun could take this Extraordinary Magic Tool just by walking up and reaching out with his hand.

That was a power surpassing all ordinary living beings. If Lin Yun could control just 1% of its power, it would be enough for him to sweep aside all High Mages and contend against an Archmage. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that this was the kind of power that could let Lin Yun reach the peak in a single step. Having an Extraordinary Magic Tool in this era was equivalent to having the power to stand against a force like the Black Tower.

Lin Yun had entered the Bone Plane four times in half a year, experiencing danger after danger as he struggled his way through, before finally reaching this Book of Death.

But now, as Lin Yun stood in front of his goal, not a hint of happiness was visible within his eyes. They were filled with vigilance instead…

Because he already felt that the mana fluctuations in his hall were very strange…

The mysterious Book of Death was visible within the strange hexagram star formation in the sinister bone hall, but the mana fluctuations seemed to be abnormally fierce here, as if they were igniting. Moreover, it carried a dense smell of sulfur, and just by standing there, he felt a bit of dizziness along with some chest pain.

'Is it an illusion?'

Thinking of that possibility, Lin Yun subconsciously cast Spirit Defense.

'Strange…' But nothing changed in the hall after the spell was cast, making doubt appear on his face.

After all, after coming to this era, Lin Yun had encountered illusions many times.

Even the Death Garden's illusion could be said to have already touched on the frightening existence of the Laws. After casting that Spirit Defense, Lin Yun looked for some clues, but the spell was completely ineffective.

'Is it truly not an illusion? But the flowing mana can't lie…'

To a mage, their sense of the flow of mana was far more reliable than their eyes. What their eyes could see might not necessarily be real, but the truth could always be found by observing the mana.

Due to his hesitation, Lin Yun still didn't dare to step into the hall. Instead, he patiently roused his Magic Arrays to make a thorough analysis of the hall's flow of mana.

At this time, Lin Yun could only be grateful that he chose the most troublesome Magic Array when building his Magic Conducting Rune.

True, the difficulty of forming Magic Arrays was somewhat excessive.

It wasn't an exaggeration to say that if Lin Yun had decided on a more typical Magic Conducting Rune, such as the Extreme Forge, which strengthened the might of spells, Time Hand, which improved casting speed, or Endless Spring, which supplied copious amounts of mana, he would have already reached the 9th Rank. Moreover, the power of the Magic Conducting Rune might not necessarily be much inferior to that the Magic Array.

As for the Magic Array itself…

Even after Lin Yun found the Reincarnation Eyes in the prince tomb and accumulated over a hundred thousand runes in a month, he only became a 5th Rank Great Mage.

It could be seen from this how much trouble it was building the Magic Array.

But, forming such a troublesome Magic Array wasn't just for power. The Magic Array's frightening computational ability was what Lin Yun truly needed. Just like right now; Lin Yun only needed to gather some of the mana within the hall and his Magic Arrays carefully and precisely analyzed it.

After a long minute, Lin Yun slowly stood up. When he opened his eyes, Lin Yun's gaze didn't have the doubt he previously had. 'Turns out it is a spatial overlay…'

Although Lin Yun still couldn't see anything with his eyes, after the analysis of his Magic Array, the mana flowing within the hall was already pictured in his mind, and through that flow of mana, Lin Yun could clearly understand the secret of the hall.

Indeed, that seemingly unobstructed hall actually was two spaces overlaid upon each other.

Fortunately, Lin Yun had been alert.

If he had been overzealous, he would have ended up in huge trouble. Lin Yun couldn't take a single wrong step within the overlaid space. If he did, he would fall into the other space, and from the thick smell of sulfur, that space was most likely the Demon Plane. What would await him there might be Demons, Greater Demons, or even Demon Overlords.

Walking in the rifts between the two spaces wasn't a good idea either. Doing that would result in being cut into countless fragments…

In other words, even though the hall seemed empty, it could be said that Lin Yun's didn't have a lot of space to walk in, and these spaces weren't something he could casually pass.

The boundary between the two spaces had already become extremely frail, and it could be said that only if Lin Yun asked an Archmage powerhouse would he be able to open a Planar Path here through Magic Burst.

Naturally, Lin Yun wouldn't do this.

At least not now…

Lin Yun felt his head ache. How could he still have time to think about opening a Planar Path? If he could, Lin Yun would separate the two spaces. That way, he wouldn't have to face the countless Demons…

'I can only do that.' Lin Yun took a deep breath while tightly holding the Spiritual Magic Staff in his hand.

He then stepped into the hall.

The Magic Arrays were roused. A flow of mana clearly appeared in Lin Yun's mind and the entire hall turned into a different world. This was an abstract world, and there was no hexagram star array in that world, nor was there any black book. Only the flow of mana was there, as well as the overlapping spaces.

From the entrance of the hall to the center, there was a total distance of over twenty meters, but Lin Yun knew that these dozens of meters were more troublesome than the few kilometers of the River of Ten Thousand Ghosts.

Sure enough, just as he stepped foot in the hall, the hexagram star array flashed with a dark ray of light before a thick smell of sulfur assaulted his nose.

Lin Yun only heard a screech behind him before, the temperature abruptly rose around him. He turned around and caught sight of three Fireballs flying at him.

He reacted quickly, releasing an Ice Fire Shield immediately. The two red and blue lights circled around him rapidly as the three Fireballs exploded on them, and not one managed to get through.

Lin Yun managed to see who had attacked him amidst the flames, three short and sinister monsters. Their skin seemed to be scorched and covered with flame-like magic patterns, and each had a pair of curved horns sprouting from its forehead.

Lin Yun knew that they were Ash Imps, Fire Spirits born from lava. They innately had the power to control flames, and although their level of power was comparable to that of Mages, they usually moved in groups of over several hundreds to a thousand. In a real battle, even many powerful Demons would retreat.

Fortunately, only three of them appeared here…

Lin Yun pointed the Spiritual Magic Staff at them and cast a Frost Ring, freezing the three Ash Imps in an instant under the scattering ice. He didn't waste any time and cast three Tornado Whips to shatter the Ash Imps into pieces.

'Annoying…' Lin Yun's expression didn't ease up after he dealt with the three Ash Imps.

It was because he knew that this was only the beginning.

The two spaces were already overlapping and the boundaries between both had already become extremely frail. It would usually be fine, but stepping into the hall would draw some Demons to the Bone Plane.

This also meant that he would experience a battle at every step…

The only bright side was that these Ash Imps weren't too powerful.

After all, the two spaces weren't completely overlapped. The power that the area could hold was very limited. If a Demon that was too powerful wanted to enter the Bone Plane, it would immediately suffer from rejection from both planes simultaneously.

But even so, it was already troublesome enough.

With the distance between the entrance of the hall and the Book of Death, he would have to fight over twenty battles before reaching the book.

Moreover, he also had to keep in mind that he should never use spells that were too powerful during these battles. It was because the more powerful a spell was, the more easily it would destroy the unstable space. If he wasn't careful and accidentally created some sort of Planar Path, he wouldn't be able to forgive himself.

After scattering the three Ash Imps, Lin Yun shook his head and once again stepped towards the Book of Death.

After his first experience, Lin Yun was already on guard.

Sure enough, just as he stepped again, Lin Yun felt the mana flow in his surroundings becoming strange. The boundary between the spaces turned indistinct and a sulfurous smell came from the Demon Plane, assaulting him instantly.

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Chapter 148: Moluo

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

This time, a ten-meter-tall Void Walker appeared. A strange distortion appeared in the hall, as a dozen Ash Imps appeared behind it. The smell of the sulfur from the Abyssal Fire spread to his nostrils.

"Damn," Lin Yun instantly cursed. The Void Walker was troublesome enough as it had power comparable to a level 30 magic beast, and it also had the ability to devour mana. Even a High Mage would be troubled, and it was even followed by a dozen Ash Imps. One in front and a dozen behind, and it wasn't as simple as taking the sum of their strength…

Unfortunately, Lin Yun didn't have the luxury to choose.

With the deep roar of the Void Walker, the Ash Imps raised their flaming claws and one Fireball after another heavily flew towards Lin Yun.

He promptly roused his Ice Fire Shield, resisting the dozen of Fireballs while at the same time blocking the Void Walker's attack. The Void Walker's power was tyrannical, but to a mage, the most troublesome thing about it was actually its mana-devouring ability.

Void Walkers were often called "Mage Killers" because of that detestable ability. Even for High Mages and Archmages, if their mana was eaten away, the only fate that awaited them was to be trampled to death.

Lin Yun naturally didn't dare to be careless. After the Ice Fire Shield resisted the first volley of Fireballs, Lin Yun didn't counterattack, and instead activated the Lava Dominator.

But rather than using the flame wings this time, he activated its absolute defense, the Lava Shelter.

Only a blaze could be seen as the Lava Shelter expanded and the Void Walker that had been rushing at Lin Yun suddenly knocked against it. The whole hall shook when the level 30 monster clashed against the Lava Shelter.

'Such a frightening power…' Lin Yun couldn't help feeling a twinge of fear. Fortunately, the Lava Dominator was in his hands, or else he might not have been able to endure that strike.

After all, he was in between two planes, so he didn't dare to use 3rd and 4th Tier Spells. He didn't dare to hope that he would be able to block the Void Walker by relying on just the Ice Fire Shield, Flame Barrier, Ice Armor, and other such spells.

Strictly speaking, the Lava Shelter's defensive ability was equivalent to a 5th Tier Spell, but because the mana was being processed by the Magic Tool, it was already formed by the time it was released, and thus, it was stable enough to not have any influence on the spatial boundaries.

After the Lava Shelter was released, the rest of the fight became a lot less complicated.

Lin Yun stood behind its protection and cast several dozen low tier spells on the Void Walker, so many that they fell like rain. Finally, that famous mage killer was cut into pieces by Lin Yun's Wind Blades.

After dealing with the Void Walker, the dozen Ash Imps weren't as troublesome. Lin Yun followed the same strategy, using Frost Ring and Tornado Whip, and the dozen Ash Imps shattered into pieces.

But for Lin Yun, this was still only the beginning.

This short distance felt far more hopeless than its appearance would suggest.

Lin Yun was forced into a fight after each step, and the enemies were all Lesser Demons from the Abyss. There were Ash Imps, Void Walkers, Hellhounds, Horn Demons, and others. It could be said that Lin Yun's walk through this hall was like reading a Lesser Demon Encyclopedia that had its contents come to life. Moreover, the quantity kept increasing, as did their strength.

During the last battle, Lin Yun even alerted a Great Demon with a True Name!

Fortunately, that Greater Demon's power was too great, and thus it hadn't been able to come with its main body, so it only sent one claw over.

But just that one claw was enough to make Lin Yun suffer.

This fight was simply miserable.

After no less than an hour, Lin Yun finally forced that claw to return to the Demon Plane.

But just as the claw disappeared, a deafening roar echoed.

"Worm, you dare to injure Lord Moluo. One day, Lord Moluo will descend into your world and make you suffer eternal torment from ice and frost!"

"Moluo…" When he heard that name, Lin Yun truly became frightened.

In the legends, Frost Lord Thun was served by six Great Demons, one of which was Moluo.

Moluo actually wasn't too worrying… Although a Greater Demon was powerful, Lin Yun believed that once he entered the High Mage realm, he would be able to contend against one.

But Frost Lord Thun…

That was a frightening existence on the same level as Desolate Lord Jalax.

Not to mention becoming a High Mage, even if he became an Archmage, in front of the Frost Lord, he might not be stronger than an ant.

'Damn, how can I be so unlucky as to have that person as my neighbor…'

Lin Yun cursed to himself, before his sight fell on the Book of Death.

The Book of Death was finally in front of him, and just by reaching out, he would be able to have an Extraordinary Magic Tool in his hands.

Lin Yun took a deep breath before extending a shivering right hand…

But…

Just as Lin Yun's fingers touched the Book of Death, a deafening roar echoed above him.

'Fuck, the Bone Dragon!' Lin Yun jumped out, startled. How could this happen?

Before Lin Yun could draw out a plan, the book at his fingertips burst with shocking power. The space around Lin Yun twisted, and the sinister hall, the strange hexagram star array, and the mysterious book all disappeared. It looked as if Lin Yun had fallen into a black wasteland.

After carefully looking around, he felt that it looked like the black wasteland the Bone Devil had been slumbering in.

'Hold on, this is wrong…' Lin Yun observed, 'That black wasteland didn't have such frightening death energy.'

Not to mention the Bone Devil slumbering in the black wasteland, even the Bone Dragon slumbering at the summit didn't hold such frightening death energy. Upon appearing here, Lin Yun's first thought had been that he had entered a Death Garden. The death energy was too frightening and showed some hint of Laws.

"Human, you truly overestimated yourself…" While Lin Yun was feeling puzzled, a black silhouette started approaching from the other end of the black wasteland.

It looked as if that figure could cross the entire black wasteland with a mere step, and just as the voice echoed, the figure already stood in front of Lin Yun.

"Such insignificant power, yet vainly attempting to become my master?"

"You are…" Lin Yun was frozen at first, before he opened his eyes wide." You are the Book of Death?"

"No, no…" The black figure shook his head. Because of the cloak covering his face, it was too hard to make out his expression. "You can call me Kane. As for the Book of Death… If you truly get the chance to become my master, you would understand then that I'm not just the Book of Death…"

"What do you mean, not just the Book of Death?"

"Human, you have too many questions. What does something so important have to do with you? Do you think that with your pitiful power, you'll be able to become my master?" A mocking tone was hidden with the black silhouette's laughter as he continued, "But you are the first human to come in touch with me after a thousand years. I have to give you a fair chance."

"Fair chance?" Lin Yun held his breath. Although he hadn't confirmed the other side's level of strength, just the ability to cross the Plane in one step was inherent to Archmages.

Moreover, it would be like the power of a peak Archmage.

Such an existence offered a fair fight.

This was like an elephant inviting an ant to arm wrestle and saying 'don't be scared, I'll only use one hand.'

"If you can defeat me, I will think about serving you."

"What if I lose?"

"If you lose…" The black silhouette stood up straight. "If you lose, you'll forever remain trapped in this deathly wasteland."

After hearing this, the figure didn't wait for Lin Yun to respond and directly cast Elemental Incarnation, charging at Lin Yun with raging flames trailing behind him.

"Damn, this is cheating!" Lin Yun instantly cursed. 'What was that about a fair fight?' Elemental Incarnation was a 3rd Tier Spell. Even if he now possessed five Magic Arrays, he still needed three seconds to cast his own.

Yet, that Kane instant casted Elemental Incarnation after saying it would be a fair fight…

How was this fair?

Lin Yun inwardly grumbled while hurrying to react. A being that could instant cast Elemental Incarnation had to have an understanding of that spell that had reached a shocking level. If Lin Yun allowed him to approach, he didn't have confidence that he would be able to block the attack.

Lin Yun immediately retreated a dozen steps.

But the speed of Elemental Incarnation was greater. Though Lin Yun quickly drew back, the distance between them didn't grow, and instead, it was reduced by a meter in a wink. At that time, the silhouette would be able to easily break Lin Yun's neck just by lifting his hand.

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Chapter 149: Fall Into My Lap

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

This was definitely an existence with the strength of an Archmage.

Lin Yun didn't dare to hold back and directly cast an Ice Wall.

But Kane was too fast. Raging flames appeared in front of Lin Yun before his Ice Wall even formed. An explosion echoed out as the Ice Wall bust open. Rushing through the ice shards, Kane's Elemental Incarnation wasn't slowed at all, and the flames enveloped Lin Yun.

In the mist formed from the melting of the ice shards, Lin Yun only had time to cast Ice Armor before another deep explosion rang. In that split second, Lin Yun felt as if he had been hit by a meteor as he was sent flying.

After hurtling several dozens of meters away, Lin Yun crashed onto the ground.

He felt as if every bone in his body had shattered, as if his internal organs were on fire. He wanted to get up, but moving made him feel a sharp pain in his chest, and immediately afterwards, he spat up some blood.

As Lin Yun wiped off the blood at the corner of his mouth, his pale face was somewhat frightening, but strangely, he was actually smiling despite being in this state.

'Turns out it's like this…'

Lin Yun understood.

Why would Kane say that he would give him a fair fight?

After all, the fighting power that Kane displayed was definitely that of a peak Archmage. That Elemental Incarnation wasn't something that could be withstood by a 5th Rank Great Mage's Ice Armor.

But Lin Yun withstood it.

No, no, this wasn't Kane being lenient.

Rather, just as Kane said, he had a chance at a fair fight.

In fact, the instant he cast that Ice Armor, Lin Yun had felt that the power that he had released was far stronger than that of a 5th Rank Great Mage… It was a hundred times to a thousand times stronger. But everything had happened too quickly, so Lin Yun hadn't been able to react before being sent flying by the raging flames…

After regaining his bearings, Lin Yun finally realized what had happened.

Indeed, this was the fair fight Kane had talked about.

In this world created by the Book of Death, he already possessed the power of an Archmage!

"Human, you are truly overestimating your abilities…" In his Elemental Incarnation state, Kane was made up of raging flames, and within his mocking tone was an indistinct trace of disappointment.

"Haha, don't you think that this is too early to draw such a conclusion?" Lin Yun stood up from the ground and looked at Kane while exuding endless self-confidence.

"Good, then show me your skills!"

Just as Kain said those words, the raging flames were roused. He only took one step, yet the Flame Path was already burning under Lin Yun's feet, while the surroundings within a kilometer had already turned into a sea of fire. Moreover, Kane was still chanting his incantation and Lin Yun felt as if a mountain had been smashed as the earth shook and the black wasteland suddenly split open.

In a flash, a thick pitch black smoke could be seen covering the sky as lava started flowing above the ground. Kane had actually summoned an active volcano!

"Day of Destruction!" Lin Yun was startled. This Kane was truly troublesome. He actually used a legendary 8th Tier Spell!

At this time, he couldn't care about keeping Elemental Incarnation as a last resort. He quickly incanted and turned into a mass of raging flames, wanting to borrow the sea of flames under him to escape with Flame Flash.

But before he could cast Flame Flash, Lin Yun suddenly noticed something strange.

As an 8th Tier Spell, Day of Destruction already approached the Extraordinary realm's strength, it was not an exaggeration to describe it as calamitous. Any regular mage would choose to escape when faced with such power.

The obvious first choice for escaping would be to use Flame Flash while in the Elemental Incarnation state, and the sea of fire brought about by Kane's Flame Path should be the only way out.

This was inevitable…

The question was, what was behind this inevitable attack?

Kane was the Incarnation of the Book of Death, so how could he make such a novice mistake, leaving his opponent an obvious escape route? He first used Flame Path to make an endless sea of fire and then followed up with Day of Destruction, this 8th Tier Spell that would normally leave no way out. Wasn't it simply telling him, "Come here, fall into my lap."

'Damn, too sly…'

After Lin Yun angrily cursed him in his mind, he forcibly scattered the Flame Flash elements and chose not to retreat, but to actually to go forward, using the speed produced by Elemental Incarnation to start climbing to the top of the erupting volcano.

"Ah?" Kane was puzzled by Lin Yun's unexpected action, but then, he increased the output of Day of Destruction. Flaming rocks and lava surged, turning the black wasteland into a cataclysmic scene.

Meanwhile, Lin Yun used a shocking speed to climb to the top. An Archmage's Elemental Incarnation was completely different from a Great Mage's. Lin Yun's form was now just like that of a Flame Spirit, completely looking like burning lightning.

His entire world seemed to sway as thick smoke formed a cloud in the sky, with raging flames almost igniting the entire sky as huge, flaming rocks rolled about everywhere. Lin Yun was almost crushed a few times. As the lava was flowing down, Lin Yun seemed to be walking on a tightrope. If he wasn't cautious, he would fall into a deep abyss of defeat.

But Lin Yun didn't plan to retreat.

He was like a Flame Spirit, finding a gap between the flowing magma and flaming rocks, using his extreme speed to reach the top.

Because this was his only opportunity.

Kane's Day of Destruction had sealed his escape. Flame Flash, Spatial Folding, Flight, Tunnel… All methods below the Extraordinary realm had already been taken into account by Kane. It could be said that Kane had an answer to all of those. As long as Lin Yun made a move to escape, he would immediately fall into Kane's trap.

This was the frightening part about the Book of Death.

Lin Yun remembered what Bane wrote in his diary in his later years. His greatest regret was that he had never been able to break the true secret of the Book of Death. He had always felt that the Book of Death's complete form was very likely to be one of the first two books born with the world, the Book of Laws recording all spells in the world.

Naturally, this Book of Death was far from its complete form.

Not to mention its complete form, the current Book of Death was far from the one Bane spent millennia on, or else Kane wouldn't have just shown abilities at the peak of the Archmage Realm, but rather, the power of the Extraordinary Realm.

But Bane's guess made a lot of sense.

It could be seen from the current Kane; although he was only the Incarnation of the Book of Death, what he displayed in this battle really was a frightening scheme. He used Elemental Incarnation, Flame Path, and Day of Destruction to make an almost inescapable trap.

This wasn't something an ordinary mage could do.

Even Lin Yun, who came from the end of the magic era, didn't have such ability. True, Lin Yun had incomparably advanced magic knowledge, and he truly did possess casting abilities far surpassing any ordinary mage, but in the end, Lin Yun was only a human. He wasn't an ice-cold machine. As long as one was human, they would make mistakes, they would overlook things, they would never be like this Kane, computing every detail, every possibility, and then building a near-perfect trap.

But, being good at planning wasn't the most important thing, as long as one was good enough at destroying.

Lin Yun was like that. After avoiding the fiery rocks, stepping on the gaps within the lava, and moving across like flaming lightning, he finally reached the top of the active volcano. This was the place where the power of the Day of Destruction spell was the densest. All fire elements were gathered in this area that was less than ten meters wide. Any random eruption had the strength of a 6th Tier spell at the very least. The frighteningly high temperature was enough to melt steel in a second. The pitch-black poisonous fog present everywhere was something even a Dragon couldn't resist.

Lin Yun could stand here only because of his Elemental Incarnation form.

The Elemental Incarnation of a peak Archmage already was a pure Elemental Spirit. Although it couldn't withstand the might of Day of Destruction directly, it still had some immunity to the poisonous fog and the high temperature.

But naturally, it wouldn't last long…

Maybe ten seconds, maybe a handful.

If Lin Yun couldn't deal with it now, then there would be no need for Kane to make a move as harsh environment of the volcano would be enough to make Lin Yun fall and remain in this black wasteland forever.

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Chapter 150: Final Spell

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

In the distance, Kane was still in his Elemental Incarnation state, but besides controlling the Day of Destruction spell, Kane didn't cast anything else. He was looking from the distance, watching Lin Yun standing at the erupting volcanic crater at the top of the volcano as he cast a long incantation.

There was a hint of ridicule within Kane's gaze.

That was the core of his spell, where the temperature was extremely high, and it was filled with poisonous fog. It could easily take an Archmage's life at any time. Chanting an incantation in that place… Wasn't it no different from killing oneself?

And so what if Lin Yun managed to complete his spell?

Day of Destruction was already active, so regardless of how that young human struggled, he was bound to become a corpse in the black wasteland.

Unfortunately, Kane's countless years of waiting would end up in another disappointment.

Kane shook his head as looked at the other side with cold eyes, calmly waiting for that long chant to end.

The seconds ticked by…

Lin Yun's incantation became increasingly louder, and the pitch-black cloud was faintly starting to turn red. At first glance, it looked just like the burning sunset as flaming red heat filled the atmosphere, suppressing even the erupting volcano.

When the final rune was cast, the cloud instantly scattered as a huge meteor with a long flaming tail fell from the sky.

If ten other Archmages watched this scene, all ten of them would sigh while shaking their heads. This was simply making a mess! Day of Destruction was an 8th Tier Spell, an extremely powerful fire spell reaching the boundary of the Extraordinary Realm. If one wanted to use the similarly ranked 8th Tier Spell Heavensfall Meteor to contend with it, they could only be described as naive.

"Ridiculous!" Kane coldly snorted from the distance. He originally had some expectations for what the young man had in mind, but after the appearance of the meteor, he lost all his patience.

A huge amount of mana instantly burst out as Day of Destruction's power increased once again. The entire volcano seemed to be roused as it seemed to be on the verge of erupting. The burst power contained within the volcano seemed like it would be to destroy heaven and earth, and even a Heaven Rank powerhouse would have no choice but to dodge that burst of power, let alone Lin Yun, who was still at the top of the volcano.

The frantic flow of lava, the raging volcano, the falling meteor…

This looked like a true apocalypse.

Then, yet another explosion thundered out. The falling meteor crashed into the volcano and exploded, creating spurts of lava reaching several dozen meters into the sky. But at that time, Lin Yun had already completed his Flight incantation and was rushing to take to the sky.

The poisonous miasma in the sky had already been pierced by the meteor, just enough to make a gap for Lin Yun. After flying up, Lin Yun used two spells to disguise his location and hide within the splashing lava.

"Truly naive…" Kane watched the young mage's actions with cold eyes as he calmly waited for his spell to do its work and release truly desctructive power. A dozen meters, several dozen meters, it wouldn't make any difference.

But after Kane waited for a long time, the eruption still didn't happen. No, no, it wasn't that it didn't happen… In fact, it showed signs of cooling down, and even the flowing lava seemed to have lost its source.

"What's going on?" Kane seemed to be shocked for the first time.

"Haha, didn't I tell you that some words shouldn't be said too early…" At this time, Lin Yun had already left the range of the volcano summoned by Day of Destruction and fired his own spell at Kane.

This was crucial for Lin Yun.

Kane's plan had been based on his Day of Destruction spell. Now that Lin Yun had broken away from it, he had a lot of space to manoeuver and didn't have his hands and feet tied like before. How could Lin Yun miss such an opportunity? The instant he left the volcano, he attacked the stunned Kane.

This was the first time Lin Yun held the initiative in this fight.

And it might be the only time…

Having gone through the first exchange, Lin Yun knew how hard it was to get this initiative. Kane's strength was at an unreasonable level, and it wasn't only his might, but also his battle awareness. From the start, Kane had not only displayed overpowering strength, but he also made Lin Yun feel as if he had been stuck in a huge spider web. No matter how much he struggled, that huge spider web remained taut, slowly tightening, making Lin Yun despair little by little.

Up until Lin Yun stood on top of the volcanic crater and let off that Heavensfall that left Kane stunned…

Only Lin Yun knew how crucial that Heavensfall Meteor was. It could be said that this 8th Tier spell was the most perfect spell he had cast ever since he arrived in this era, displaying the best of Lin Yun's casting ability.

Whether it was the meteor's accuracy, or the size of the meteor itself, there was not a single mistake with the spell and it perfectly blocked the volcano's crater.

That's right, the volcanic crater had been blocked by Lin Yun.

This was perhaps the most inexplicable use of this 8th Tier Spell ever since it was first conceived.

Even the Incarnation of the Book of Death wouldn't have thought that such a baffling scene would occur.

The power of Day of Destruction came from the violent eruption, from lava to flames, from the poisonous miasma to the scorching temperature. The last burst also had to come from the volcanic crater.

And in the end, the crater had been blocked by the meteor.

Thus, all the burst power had been suppressed and unable to unleash its destruction on the surroundings.

Of course, as an 8th Tier Spell infinitely close to the Extraordinary Realm, the spell still wouldn't be completely stopped by a meteor. Lin Yun only flew away for about five seconds before that meteor exploded from the might of the spell. But it was meaningless by then since five seconds were enough for Lin Yun to break away from Day of Destruction's range and use the opportunity to launch an attack on Kane.

Lin Yun knew that this was likely to be his only opportunity. If he missed it, he might not have another chance to reverse the tide. Under tremendous pressure, Lin Yun pushed himself to the limit and calculated every detail. Even in an ordinary exchange of spells, Lin Yun would also calculate the variation of spells between both sides.

This is a fight where no mistakes were allowed.

It was fortunate that Lin Yun's Magic Conducting Rune was the Magic Array. Along with his repertoire of spells of an entire era, this gave Lin Yun the capital to confront an abnormal existence like Kane.

But it was only to the level withstanding the fight.

Indeed, at first, the Heavensfall Meteor made Kane feel somewhat surprised, even giving Lin Yun the initiative, but as the Book of Death's Incarnation, his grasp on spells was far superior to that of Lin Yun, who came from the end of the magic era. With each passing second, Lin Yun was losing his initial advantage.

Then, the fight sank into a deadlock.

One was a human from the future, one was the Incarnation of the Extraordinary Book of Death. They kept switching between offense and defense, showing that this was truly an evenly matched battle. At this time, even a true Extraordinary Realm powerhouse might not be able to determine the winner between the two of them. No mistakes, no negligence, all the details were almost perfect.

That fight lasted for a full three hours.

Lin Yun and Kane might have never thought that the victory would be actually be decided by a Wind Blade…

Yes, a Wind Blade.

After a three-hour-long fight, the spells used by both sides had been of lower and lower levels, from 8th Tier to 7th Tier, from 7th to 6th, 6th to 5th…

By the time their mana reached their limits, these two with the power of Archmages actually used 1st Rank Spells to keep fighting.

In the end, Lin Yun used a Wind Blade to cut Kane's throat…

When he finally fell, Kane's face was filled with disbelief. As a peak Archmage realm powerhouse, he had been ended by a Wind Blade… This was simply the greatest joke. Even if they both had little mana remaining in their bodies, it was impossible for an Archmage to be knocked down by a Wind Blade… Even the most basic Mana Shield should be able to block a few dozen Wind Blades.

But regretfully, Kane didn't have the slightest bit of mana remaining when Lin Yun's Wind Blade lightly flew out and softly cut his throat.

"I did tell you earlier, you spoke too soon…" Lin Yun looked at the collapsed Kane and panted as he muttered a few words.

In the end, before Lin Yun's words finished, the black wasteland disappeared and the entire world collapsed. It twisted at first before exploding into countless fragments.

By the time Lin Yun recovered, he was already back in the bony hall. His experience in the black wasteland, his long and strenuous battle seemed to have lasted a split second in the outside world.

But at this time, Lin Yun didn't have the time to think, and he directly grabbed the Book of Death. At the same time, he used Elemental Incarnation and a Flame Path, before immediately following with Flame Flash, instantly leaving the hall. Before he even touched the ground, he cast Haste and used a shocking speed to flee.

An angry Dragon's roar echoed behind him as the entire Bone Peak shook. A frightening aura of Dragon Might spread everywhere, but Lin Yun couldn't care about it anymore. While frantically fleeing, he opened the Book of Death.

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Chapter 151: Mysterious Language

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Besides being an Extraordinary Magic Tool with boundless power, the Book of Death was also the control center of the Bone Plane. Lin Yun wanted to get the Book of Death so urgently because of its ability to open the Bone Plane anywhere, anytime.

And now, Lin Yun was in dire need of this ability.

'Fuck, what's this?' But when Lin Yun reached out his hand, he found that the Book of Death was shut, as if it had been locked by a mysterious force. "Are you kidding me? It's not the time for that!"

The entire Bone Peak shook with the Bone Dragon's roar. Lin Yun could even feel the boundless death energy within the approaching Dragon Might.

"Kane! Come out now!" Lin Yun tried to call him out, but the Book of Death's Incarnation didn't answer… He seemed to have disappeared.

Lin Yun really felt like crying, feeling very flustered. This was simply not leaving him a way out… The Bone Dragon was chasing after him.

'Wait, wait, the Sage Chapter! Let's try the Sage Chapter…' Lin Yun wasn't able to think much at this time as he quickly grabbed the Sage Chapter from his pocket. Ever since he entered the Bone Plane, the stone tablet had absorbed countless Soul Fires and had already become sparkling and translucent, just like a crystal.

In any case, he didn't have much choice at this moment, so he took the Sage Chapter and inserted it into the Book of Death.

Surprisingly, it fit in pretty well.

The Book of Death flashed with light as the palm-sized Sage Chapter merged with the Book of Death.

Then, the first page of the Book of Death opened!

'Sure enough…' Lin Yun wiped his cold sweat and poured mana in. Characters immediately appeared on the originally blank page.

These were characters Lin Yun had never seen before.

They had gorgeous design and were filled with a mysterious aesthetic, and Lin Yun felt that they carried some mysterious power.

But it was very strange.

Lin Yun had obviously never seen those characters before, but as they slowly appeared, he blurted an incantation out of nowhere.

'This…' Lin Yun was suddenly startled. 'What is this?'

He hadn't even thought about opening his mouth, yet he had subconsciously incanted.

But what made him feel even more creeped out was that after he chanted the incantation, he clearly understood the use of this spell. Of the characters that showed up, three characters were used to open the Planar Path, two were used for positioning, and the last two were used to complete the Planar Teleportation.

Cold sweat was trickling down Lin Yun's back at this time.

Only three characters were needed to open a Planar Path.

What kind of frightening power was this? It meant that the power contained within these three characters was equal to that of a Master Alchemist's alchemy array. Lin Yun couldn't believe that in the entirety of Noscent's history, there was a language able to hold such a frightening amount of power.

After all, nearly all the languages in Noscent's history were recorded in the decaying library several millennia later: Common, Elven, Draconic, Abyssal, Dwarven, Infernal… They all originated from mighty races in Noscent's history, or from powerful civilizations. But no matter where they originated from, none of them were as powerful as this one.

This wasn't power that words could reach.

As Lin Yun sighed, the space around him distorted, and in a split second, he appeared in his home in Thousand Sails City.

Lin Yun looked around and noticed that he was in the secret room. The Book of Death was in his hand, the first page still opened.

"Kane?" Lin Yun tried to call the Magic Incarnation of the Book of Death once again, but there was still no answer.

This made Lin Yun very angry. There were too many secrets around the Book of Death, and the clues he had grasped came from thousands of years in the future, leaked by the Ivory Tower's Heaven Mage. Knowing something was better than not knowing anything at all.

Lin Yun had planned to ask Kane after escaping danger, but it looked like he would have to slowly research it, just like when he got the Sage Chapter.

He looked at the Book of Death's first page and looked over all the characters.

The first thing that fell in Lin Yun's eyes were those five Ultimate Spell Slots.

Right, five…

When the Sage Chapter absorbed the Soul Fires, the only upgrade in its effect was to allow 2nd Tier Spells to become Ultimate Spells, but it still only had three slots at the time. From this, it could be seen how rare it was to upgrade the number of slots for Ultimate Spells.

But now, the Sage Chapter merged with the Book of Death and became an Augment of an Extraordinary Magic Tool, increasing the number of slots by two at once!

'Worthy of an Extraordinary Magic Tool.' Lin Yun couldn't help feeling somewhat apprehensive. This kind of upgrade was too frightening… This was giving him two more 2nd Tier Ultimate Spells, adding more variation to his strategies. With five 2nd Tier Ultimate Spells, as long as he combined them properly, he might still be able to fight a 5th Rank High Mage.

Moreover, apart from the five Ultimate Spell Slots, there were thirty-three characters on the first page. Seven of them had been used for the Planar Path, and ever since Lin Yun unconsciously chanted them, they had already been carved into his mind, as if he had always known about them. Lin Yun felt that the could use the power contained within these characters at any time he wanted.

But Lin Yun was unable to understand the remaining twenty-six characters.

This was a bit regretful. If seven characters were enough to use a Planar Path, what kind of shocking power would the remaining twenty-six have?

But at least he had mastered these seven characters. As long as he was willing to spend the time, he would be able to solve these characters sooner or later, and moreover, his Magic Array and his advanced knowledge of formulas gave him the greatest computing ability of the entire era.

Lin Yun felt that he would need at most a year to be able to understand these twenty-six characters.

But the rest was more troublesome…

This simply couldn't be the only ability of the Book of Death, an Extraordinary Magic Tool. But now, the Magic Tool Incarnation, Kane, was refusing to communicate. Lin Yun yelled, but didn't get the slightest bit of a response. He didn't know how long it would take to dig the secret of the Book of Death out from Kane.

'Looks like I truly have to find a way to force Kane out.'

After a few days, Lin Yun had yet to leave the secret room. Besides computing the use of the twenty-six characters, he would supply mana to the alchemy array from time to time. If he only relied on the Abyssal Magic Diamond and a Frost Lich Heart, the Planar Path would remain closed for a long time.

Finally, on the morning of the 7th day, Lin Yun was spreading open a piece of paper, planning to continue the work of the previous day, when the space around him suddenly distorted. William appeared.

"What about Faleau?" Lin Yun asked while he continued with his calculations.

"Still unwilling to leave…" William felt that his experiences during the last few days were still a dream. When he looked at Lin Yun, his eyes were full of admiration. "Cousin, your move was truly amazing. Some of the fifty 5th Rank Mages broke through to the 6th Rank after a few days, and now they are all staking their lives to remain in the camp. The mana inside the camp had transformed into a mist, so meditating there is a hundred times faster…"

"Then let them stay for three days, but they have to come out after those three days. That place's environment is different from Noscent's, staying for too long would cause problems." Lin Yun thought for a bit, and seeing that William had yet to leave, he put down his quill and sorted everything out before standing up. "Let's go take a look at the Gilded Rose, shall we?"

"Okay, I have a batch of Nether Iron Ore to bring there." William flashed a spatial ring. It had been given to him by Lin Yun before entering the Bone Plane. The work of the mining puppets had already filled the ring. Had that not been the case, William would have been unwilling to leave the Bone Plane after the Planar Path opened.

After heading outside, the two didn't call a carriage and instead just walked to Victorious Return Street.

The Gilded Rose was still booming. A dozen carriages were parked outside, and every major force of Thousand Sails City was there, carefully watching. The Silver Moon Mercenaries, the Viper Nest, the Snow Fox Mercenaries, and even the Sage Tower and the Alchemist Guild. These were all the first-rate forces of Thousand Sails City, and they were the most faithful customers of the Gilded Rose.

"What's going on?" Lin Yun was about to enter when he suddenly found out that William was frozen in front of a carriage.

"Someone from the family came…"

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Chapter 152: Magic Hand

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Lin Yun was stunned for a moment as he looked at the carriage in front of William, and sure enough, it had the crest of the Merlin Family, a flaming staff.

"Would you like to say hello?" Lin Yun asked without thinking. After all, William was now staying in the Gilded Rose, but he was still a member of the Merlin Family. Now that someone of the Merlin Family came, if William didn't greet them properly, things might become awkward for him afterwards.

"Not going, not going…" But William immediately shook his head as a reply.

What a joke… If it had been in the past, William might have hesitated a bit. After all, although his Master Alchemist cousin had boundless prospects, it would be a very long time before the Gilded Rose become a force that could stand shoulder to shoulder with the Merlin Family. Before that, keeping a good relationship with the Merlin Family would be good to keep a potential escape path.

But now, William's thoughts had changed.

As one of the few outstanding members of the young generation of the Merlin Family, William Merlin was already entitled to some of the secrets of the Merlin Family. William knew to some extent how the Merlin Family had been able to rise so quickly in the last millennia to the point that they were now on par with the Watson Family. It was all because the worthy ancestors of the Merlin Family managed to conquer four planes in over a millennium.

The income brought in by those four planes was five times that of the Merlin Family's territories!

This was just in the field of money and resources…

Apart from this, the land reclamations and campaigns in the four planes would provide a great number of elite warriors to the Merlin Family. These warriors would experience the baptism of blood and battles, and they were the most valuable resources of the Merlin Family. At least two-thirds of the Archmages of the Merlin Family had advanced in these four planes.

There was no need to mention other hidden benefits, as just these two points were enough to know how important a private plane was.

Now, William knew that this cousin also had his own private plane…

Moreover, that private plane was very rich. Just the Nether Iron Vein was enough to arouse greed from any major force in the kingdom, and furthermore, William didn't dare to imagine what was past the black wasteland. If the black wasteland was like that, then how many riches awaited beyond it?

But it didn't matter if William couldn't imagine it. William knew that with this rich and shocking private plane, surpassing the Merlin Family was only a matter of time. Maybe even the Cloud Tower and the Black Tower would have to bow before the Gilded Rose in the future.

Thinking of such a beautiful future, how could William still worry about keeping an escape path? How could he still have the time to deal with the Merlin Family?

"Let's go say hello." After thinking about it, Lin Yun rephrased his sentence, using an imperative sentence rather than a question.

Lin Yun recalled that he still had some use for the Merlin Family.

"Okay, understood." William had been in Thousand Sails City for long enough that he already knew his cousin's character. Hearing this, he understood that his cousin had some plan and immediately nodded before entering the Gilded Rose with the latter.

The business of the current Gilded Rose was booming.

Almost all of the major forces of Thousand Sails City sent their people. Large orders were queued one after the other, lining up until the next year, yet they were unwilling to give up. The Twin Moons Splendor was only a street apart from the Gilded Rose, and although there was a gap between the quality of their items, with the advantage of lower prices, how could it not take some business away from the Gilded Rose?

But the strange thing was that…

The Twin Moons Splendor was now completely deserted. Let alone orders for the next year, who knew if they would even have an order for the day? If the major forces went over, they might be able to directly get what they needed.

But none of them were willing to go to the Twin Moons Splendor.

In the alchemy business, the winner would win everything and the loser would starve. Alchemy items were directly related to fighting power. Even if it was only slightly better, it might determine one's life or death in battle. Under such circumstances, no one would be foolish enough to pick substandard products.

Moreover, the alchemy products of the Twin Moons Splendor weren't just slightly inferior.

Weapons and armors forged from Nether Iron… In the entire eastern kingdom, only the Gilded Rose sold those. In these circumstances, no matter how much the Twin Moons Splendor lowered their prices, they simply couldn't contend with the Gilded Rose…

After Lin Yun entered, he directly walked to his alchemy laboratory.

He had William go to the reception room to greet the person from the Merlin Family.

After entering the alchemy laboratory, Lin Yun noticed the huge crystal ball flashing continuously. This was a communication request from the Cloud Tower. Lin Yun just realized that he had foolishly stayed at in that secret room at home for a week and completely forgotten Star Sage Jouyi.

Lin Yun promptly accepted the transmission from the Sage Tower.

Sure enough, the person appearing in the crystal ball was Jouyi.

"Eh… Hello, Star Sage Jouyi." When Lin Yun saw Star Sage Jouyi's appearance, he understood that this communication request must have been going on for a long time.

"Merlin, you are very busy…"

Jouyi had a fake smile on his face, which made Lin Yun feel somewhat guilty. But it's not like Lin Yun could explain himself, so he just let out an awkward "ha ha".

"…" Jouyi's temper was able to calm down; this was an advantage of age. The youth in front of him was no more than twenty and was acting like a youth, what could Jouyi say? He shook his head with a sigh and asked, "The matter I mentioned last time, did you think it through?"

"That…" Lin Yun found it quite tricky. When Lin Yun had asked to borrow Black Death Rune, this Star Sage straightforwardly agreed, but he raised a condition to Lin Yun, or rather… A request.

Jouyi hoped that Lin Yun would become a member of an organization called the Magic Hand.

Lin Yun was startled at first, thinking it was a cult.

But after hearing Jouyi's explanation, it turned out that the Magic Hand was actually an academic organization. It was first established by a few peak mages of the kingdom to exchange magic knowledge. It gradually expanded over a few hundred years and had now admitted nearly all the peak mages of the kingdom.

This also meant that regardless of whether it was the Cloud Tower or the Black Tower, the Sage Tower or the Ash Tower, as long as one had enough qualifications, one could join the Magic Hand without being affected by the hostile relationship between the various sides.

Jouyi did this out of good intentions.

After considering it, Lin Yun did have a certain amount of interest.

This was normal. Although Lin Yun had mastered knowledge that was beyond this era, this didn't mean that he was already omnipotent. This was simply impossible, as the field of magic was as vast as a sea, and Lin Yun only possessed one library in the end of the magic era. Regardless of how huge, no matter how well furnished that library was, it simply couldn't include everything. Becoming a member of the Magic Hand and exchanging magic knowledge with peak mages could potentially be very beneficial to Lin Yun.

"Sir Jouyi, since you so generously offered, how would I dare to refuse…"

"Good, good…" Hearing Lin Yun's positive answer, Jouyi laughed from his crystal ball.

Jouyi had hardly concealed his admiration for this young mage in the distant Thousand Sails City. In fact, if the other side wanted, Jouyi wouldn't mind making him his inheritor and handing him the Cloud Tower in the future.

Because Jouyi could see that this was a true genius that would walk the path of magic to the peak.

Solomon's insight couldn't compare to Jouyi's.

Solomon might be able to see that this young mage would most likely become an Archmage, but he couldn't see beyond that.

But Jouyi could see.

Not only could he see that youth would reach the Archmage realm, but he could also see him reaching a higher place.

That place might not be limited to the Heaven Rank.

Unfortunately, that young mage had his own goals. Not only was he unwilling to join the Cloud Tower, but he was also unwilling to leave for Okland. Thus, Jouyi had no choice but to settle for second best. He would first make him join the Magic Hand, and the rest could be discussed later.

When his thoughts reached this point, Jouyi once again shook his head regretfully. After a short moment of silence, he reminded, "By the way, Merlin, there is the yearly meeting of the Magic Hand on the 15th of next month. The meeting will be held in Oddrock City. You must come, I'll formally introduce you into the Magic Hand."

"Oddrock City?" Lin Yun suddenly mused, 'Isn't that the domain of the Ash Tower…? That isn't so good… I just got rid of a Great Mage from the Ash Tower and I am still holding on the Lava Dominator. If I go to Oddrock City, wouldn't I be walking into a trap?'

But he then thought that since it was the yearly meeting of the Magic Hand, the Ash Tower wouldn't dare to try anything, and if they did, others would help deal with it, so he nodded as he agreed, "Okay, I'll definitely go."

After obtaining a positive answer, Jouyi shut the transmission with a satisfied expression.

The crystal gradually darkened. Lin Yun then took out the Book of Death and then spread a piece of paper on the refining table to continue the work he had yet to complete in the secret room.

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Chapter 153: Recruit

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

After calculating for a week in the secret room, Lin Yun almost completed a small part of the analysis of the 8th character. He gradually was able to tell that this character was far more powerful than the previous seven. If he succeeded, it would most likely give him a huge strength boost and might even help his Magic Array become more refined.

This discovery immediately made Lin Yun look forward to mastering the 8th character, and eventually all the rest, too.

After all, Lin Yun hadn't found a good opportunity to break through ever since he completed his 5th Magic Array in the prince tomb. Although Lin Yun had gained several tens of thousands of runes, he had yet to find a suitable opportunity to turn these runes into another Magic Array.

Now that this opportunity finally appeared, Lin Yun could hardly wait. He put all his energy into it. Once the transmission was over, Lin Yun immersed himself in the world of magic. Time slowly passed and the sun had reached its peak when Lin Yun finally lifted his head away from his piece of paper.

'It looks like it would take a month…' Lin Yun massaged his aching arm before carefully looking at the results of his work with a satisfied smile. This speed could be considered quite astonishing. After all, Lin Yun had no knowledge of that language besides these seven characters. This required an exhaustive amount of computing, and being able to complete it in a month was already outstanding.

Lin Yun then checked the time and saw that it was time to go grab something to eat.

After leaving the alchemy laboratory, Lin Yun was rather absent-minded, still lost in his calculations, so he didn't hear people greeting him. When he passed the reception room, he suddenly recalled that Faleau and that group of Mages were still in the Bone Plane.

Lin Yun thought about it and felt that he should make William bring them out today.

As he considered this, he opened the door to the reception room.

But after opening it, Lin Yun felt something wrong. William wasn't the only one in the reception room… those people from the Merlin Family were still there.

Lin Yun felt a bit embarrassed about barging in.

But just when he thought of apologizing and leaving, a youthful voice echoed from the other side of the table. "Fuck off."

"Ah?" Lin Yun froze and subconsciously glanced at the person sitting on the other side. This young man in his early thirties was staring at him very coldly. That young man looked very similar to William, but his presence was more steady.

"You never learned to knock?" the young man coldly berated before looking back at William. "Looks like our little cousin is extremely busy, busy to the point that he doesn't even have the time to discipline his subordinates…"

"Eh…" William's expression became strange, and he remained stunned for a moment before recovering and said in a mumble, "Leon, he is Mafa…"

"Eh?" The young man's gaze settled back on Lin Yun. After sizing him up for a bit, a milder expression appeared on his face, and he gave a quick nod as he said, "Take a seat."

'Shit…' William's heart suddenly accelerated. 'Something is going to happen…'

Leon was the most outstanding member of the Merlin Family's younger generation. He had always shown shocking magical talent ever since his birth, and he was already a 1st Rank High Mage despite being only 33 years old. Let alone in the Merlin Family, even in all of Okland, few of his age could contend with him.

As early as a few years ago, the Merlin Family had unofficially decided that Leon would compete with Aube from the Mercury Tower over the spot of next Patriarch. Thus, while the members of the younger generations made great efforts in the past few years to improve and solidify their positions in the Family, Leon and Aube already had a seat at the Elder Council.

A young man in his early thirties having a seat in the Elder Council had only happened three times in the recorded history of the Merlin Family. Sitting in that seat meant entering the core of the authority of the Merlin Family. Their words and actions would decide the fate of the family.

Sitting in this place for years made Leon more steady, and he even gained an imposing presence.

But…

'This isn't a good place to act imposing… Leon, ah, Leon… You don't even know what's good for you…'

As he thought about it, William couldn't help having a headache.

'If you want to show off your imposing stature as the future Patriarch, why not do it in Okland? Why would you come to the Gilded Rose to show off, and tell Him to "Fuck off", do you know who you were rude to? That's the owner of the Gilded Rose, a Master under the age of 20!

'You know Allen Watson of the Watson Family, don't you? He is a 1st Rank High Mage just like you, and he dared to act rampant in the Gilded Rose. The outcome? He was scared shitless by the Cloud Tower's 9th Rank High Mage. And when he wanted to leave, it was the person in front of you that didn't give him the chance to leave with his dignity and sent him flying. You shouldn't be thinking of giving him a try, are you?

'Oh, and that 9th Rank High Mage of the Cloud Tower… You should know Hogg, he is a good friend of your teacher, yet he lowered himself to help Him deal with the mess. His excessive boot-licking made even me blush… Is that the kind of person you can be rude to?

'It would be fine if you only said "Fuck off" because you didn't know him, but I already reminded you, I was clear, I told you, "Leon, he is Mafa." And even after I made it clear for you, you still went and proudly told him to "Take a seat."

'Who do you think you are talking to? Why didn't you think as to why a smart person like me would shamelessly remain in the Gilded Rose. Did you think it was to get the Nether Iron Ores for the family?'

Unfortunately, William didn't dare to say these words aloud and they remained a long and pointless inner monologue. He could only stare at Leon with a meaningful glance to try to remind him.

But regretfully, Leon wasn't paying attention to him.

After all, when compared to the other members of the younger generation, Leon was already in a completely different world. Even if William was a well-known figure, in Leon Merlin's eyes, he could only be considered a capable subordinate. They could joke and even have brotherly chats, but on formal occasions, how could Leon care about Willam's opinion?

Moreover, Leon had discovered a more worthy person to recruit.

That was Mafa Merlin, the one who held the Nether Iron Vein.

With a seat at the Elder Council, Leon was privy to all the secrets of the Merlin Family.

Leon naturally knew that the Mafa Merlin before his eyes was definitely an offspring of the Merlin Family. And as long as the Elder Council approved it, he could directly become a member of the Merlin Family.

Leon wouldn't be concerned about this normally, but now, he knew that there was a Nether Iron Vein in Mafa's hands. Furthermore, besides providing the Merlin Family with the much needed Nether Iron, he had also amassed a huge amount of wealth.

A wealthy subordinate, this was very important to Leon.

The fight over the position as the next Patriarch had reached its climax. Aube and Leon already had their pawns, but who would become the final victor was still undecided.

If he could recruit Mafa Merlin to his side, he would be able to take advantage of his wealth and reverse this deadlock.

As he thought about this, Leon displayed a rare, lukewarm smile.

"Regarding your return to the Merlin Family, there are indeed some opposing voices…" Leon stopped there and then gazed at Lin Yun with a pondering smile.

"Are there?" Lin Yun threw a strange look at William, wondering if that older cousin had been acting meddlesome.

William was startled and didn't wait for Lin Yun to say anything before shaking his head to deny Leon's words. What a joke, this Master Alchemist cousin of his was clearly uninterested in returning to the Merlin Family. If Lin Yun misunderstood and thought that William had been trying to get him recruited, wouldn't he slap him again? Or he might even send him flying like he had done to Allen Watson, swatting him like a fly.

Seeing William's reaction, Lin Yun understood that he had guessed wrong.

However, if William didn't say anything, why did the Merlin Family think that he wanted to return? Moreover… What was this about opposing voices?

Thinking about this, Lin Yun gave Leon a doubtful look, wanting to ask this newly arrived cousin of his who had told him that he wanted to return to the Merlin Family?

Unfortunately, Leon misunderstood Lin Yun's expression.

And thus, the future Patriarch smiled once again.

"You should know that the Nether Iron Vein in your hands is very important to us. There are many people in the Merlin Family insisting that if you want to return, you will have to hand over the Nether Iron Vein first."

"Oh?" Hearing this, Lin Yun's expression became unpleasant. 'This Merlin Family doesn't know when to be satisfied. I already gave them so much Nether Iron Ore, yet they are still scheming for my Nether Iron Vein. Do I really have to beat them twice like the Watson Family to make them give up?'

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Chapter 154: Mana Shackles

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

In fact, this was the part that he didn't understand about the influence of a Family.

That power was maintained by bloodline. They were greedier and more guarded against outsiders than anything else, and they were used to controlling everything.

To them, having to get Nether Iron Ores through a deal also brought a kind of a problem.

In contrast, they were much more willing to directly control this Nether Iron Vein.

This was a common problem of all Families and Clans. The Merlin Family was like this, and so was the Watson Family. Even Thousand Sails City's Monchi Family was like this.

"I can give you an opportunity right now." Leon saw the other party's unsightly expression and felt that it was the crucial moment to extend his olive branch.

"What?" Lin Yun had been inwardly thinking about how to teach a lesson to the Merlin Family when he suddenly heard the word "opportunity" and immediately looked at Leon suspiciously.

"I can let you return to the Merlin Family, and I can also let you keep the Nether Iron Vein…"

"Ahah…" Lin Yun understood when he heard this. 'Turns out he was trying to recruit me all this time!'

At this point, Lin Yun didn't know whether to laugh or cry. 'How come the rank decreased? Earlier, Star Sage Jouyi tried to recruit me, yet, a few hours later, it's now just a 1st Rank High Mage trying to recruit me!'

Oblivious to these thoughts, Leon continued, "Moreover, after returning to the Merlin Family, you can directly server under me as my manager of business and financial affairs…" After saying this, Leon glanced at William with a domineering expression. "You can ask William… Not just anyone can join my circle."

"Ff…" William suddenly felt like cursing.

'Fuck, it's fine if you are courting death, but don't drag me in! Saying something like managing finances and business, didn't you just take a fancy to the Gilded Rose's wealth? So annoying… Those old guys of the Elder Council are obviously just thinking about the Nether Iron Vein. And did you think that the person in front of you will agree?

'Please, don't bother… Just look, He has such an unsightly expression on his face, if you keep going, I can't guarantee that you will be able to leave the Gilded Rose in one piece.'

Unfortunately, Leon didn't understand his painstaking worries. After not getting a response for a bit, he angrily said, "I already gave you the opportunity, it's up to you to grab it."

"Well, High Mage Leon, I have a question…"

"Yes?" Leon suddenly frowned. He saw that Lin Yun was somewhat dissatisfied and thought, 'This Mafa isn't very tactful. I'm giving him such fair treatment, yet he is pushing it. Looks like people from such a small place like Thousand Sails City don't have a sense of propriety. Just because I was being nice to him, he would dare raise some conditions…'

This made Leon quite unhappy…

In Leon's eyes, a subordinate should have the appearance of a subordinate. They should receive what they are offered and not reach their hands for more.

As he thought about it, Leon's frown accentuated. Although he didn't say it, he inwardly decided to wait until he thoroughly subdued this Mafa Merlin before teaching him a lesson. He had to make him understand that meddlesome subordinates were an eyesore.

"I want to ask, are you dreaming?"

"What?" Leon suddenly froze. He hadn't expected this question, and furthermore, why did it sound so antagonistic?

"I mean, if you are still dreaming, I can introduce you to a few hotels where you can finish your night…" Lin Yun clapped his hands and stood up from his chair. Ignoring Leon's reaction, he called William over and told him, "Cousin, help me take care of High Mage Leon, I still have some matters to take care of. Also, next time High Mage Leon comes sleepwalking by, remember to get a room at the Oak Inn on the other side, you can accompany him back over here once he wakes up…"

"Yes, yes, yes…" William nodded repeatedly while mentally hurling curses at Leon. 'Damn, I kept reminding you to not provoke him. You can daydream, but why are you dragging me in? Now you provoked him and implicated me… Forget it, it isn't that bad today, it didn't reach the point of a fight breaking out, that's rare enough. I'm tired of eating a loss because of the Family, I'll just send you out…'

But William didn't have the time to say anything before Leon flared up. "Mafa, what is this attitude?" The High Mage loudly struck the table, making a few drops of water spill from the cup in front of him.

"Don't be impulsive, don't be impulsive…" When William saw this, he knew that it was too late. He couldn't deal with the future Patriarch of the Merlin Family, but he straightforwardly went all-out to try to stop Leon Merlin's arm, urging him as if his own life depended on it., "Leon, Leon, you have to be careful with your words. Don't be impulsive, by all means, don't be impulsive…"

"Let go."

"You have to talk nicely, by all means, try to remain friendly…"

"I told you to let go." Leon gave him a cold glance. "William Merlin, pay attention to your status. You are speaking for an outsider, and this is affecting my assessment of you…"

William Merlin almost felt like crying…

'Fuck your assessment, I'm trying to save you, and you are still talking about my status? If I were really paying attention to my status, I would have already let go and let you rain curses while hitting the table, and then you would know why Raven and Allen Watson made themselves scarce after returning to Okland. They had been scared to death by this person…'

Unfortunately, Leon didn't know or care about that. Although his arm had been held by William, he still hurriedly shouted at Lin Yun's back, "Mafa Merlin, I shall let you know that you will regret refusing me sooner or later. I want to see who will stand by your side when Aube Merlin comes to get the Nether Iron Vein from your hands."

'It's over, it's over…'

William felt his sight darken when he heard that…

"Eh?" Lin Yun stopped just as these words echoed. "You are saying that the Merlin Family is going to send more people?"

"Ahaha, you are truly naive. Did you think that you could keep a Nether Iron Vein to yourself with your strength as a mere 5th Rank Great Mage? Let me tell you, you are dreaming. Without my protection, don't mention your Nether Iron Vein, you won't even be able to keep your Gilded Rose…"

"Your words are reasonable…" Lin Yun nodded, paused, and then stretched his hands out.

Suddenly, it felt as if a huge vortex had appeared in the reception room. Leon didn't even have time to understand what had happened before he flew towards Lin Yun. The latter only opened his hand and grabbed Leon's neck.

"Wh… What do you think you are doing!" Leon was startled, but he immediately roused his mana to retaliate against this frightening power.

But unfortunately, Leon's mana was suppressed by a more frightening mana. Leon then suddenly discovered that the magic power he had been so proud of since his childhood was simply unable to contend with that astonishing mana.

'Ho… How could this be!'

Leon almost went crazy on the spot. 'How could this be? I'm a true High Mage, how could I be suppressed by a 5th Rank Great Mage?'

"I want you to take some words back with you."

After Lin Yun said this, he chanted a mysterious and abstruse incantation. Leon then felt as if the mana within his body had been shackled by some sort of force. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't get his mana to show any signs of circulating.

'Wh-wh-wh… What's going on?'

Leon's eyes suddenly became filled with fear. The mana that he had accumulated for over twenty years had been sealed. He was now like an ordinary person, when he had been a High Mage just before. Such a huge change made Leon feel frantic and desperate.

'Isn't that Mafa Merlin a 5th Rank Great Mage? How could this be… How could a 5th Rank Great Mage have such frightening magic power, to actually suppress a High Mage in an instant… And what kind of incantation was that, how could he suddenly shackle my mana?'

An esteemed High Mage was transformed into an ordinary person. The feeling of having his life in the hands of someone else completely broke Leon Merlin's imposing pretense. That young High Mage's face was filled with fear as he opened his mouth one more time to ask with a shivering voice, "Wh-wh… What words?"

"Return to let the Merlin Family know that when they have someone that is able to undo the shackles on your body… At that time, they can start thinking about the Nether Iron Vein."

After saying this, Lin Yun loosened his grasp on Leon's neck. After helping pat the dust off of him, he opened the door to the reception room and left. Before leaving, he told William, "Cousin, don't forget to help me send High Mage Leon to Oak Inn to rest."

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Chapter 155: Ancestral Land

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

After coming out of the reception room, Lin Yun had someone deliver some food before he went back to the alchemy laboratory. As for Leon, Lin Yun had quickly put him to the back of his mind.

One Leon Merlin wasn't enough to make him worry at all. What future Patriarch of the Merlin Family, what 33-year-old High Mage, he was nothing in Lin Yun's eyes. Lin Yun was a 5th Great Mage with three Magic Tools that were at the Spiritual rank or higher. It could be said that any High Mage below 5th Rank would be crushed by him at this point.

Leon was already considered lucky. If it weren't for Lin Yun having noticed the flaming staff crest when he entered, he would have directly snapped Leon's neck and wouldn't have bothered spending the effort to use Mana Shackles.

It was this crest that made Lin Yun remember a certain place, a place that could let him advance to become a High Mage.

Advancing would inevitably be difficult for him. Who told Lin Yun to choose the most complicated Magic Conducting Rune, the Magic Array, among the countless Magic Conducting Runes?

If Lin Yun had chosen a different one, he wouldn't have such a headache figuring out the best way to advance right now. Even with the most complicated Extreme Forge, Lin Yun would still have three ways to directly reach the High Mage Realm.

But the Magic Array was completely different.

The Magic Array had the most complicated and detailed structure among Magic Conducting Runes. Even someone like Lin Yun, who transcended this era, wasn't sure of fusing the nine Magic Arrays into one to enter the High Mage realm.

It wasn't because Lin Yun wasn't capable enough, but rather because the Magic Array was too powerful.

In fact, Lin Yun had taken time to work out numerous calculations ever since he came back from the prince tomb, but regardless of how he looked at it, the result was still the same. Unless he was willing to remain a 9th Rank Great Mage for a few years and use extreme patience and willpower to slowly fuse the nine Magic Arrays into one, Lin Yun would have only a five percent chance of becoming an Archmage.

Moreover, every failed attempt at reaching the High Mage Realm would harm his own Magic Conducting Runes. The first one or two might not be that important, but he might lose the chance to step onto the High Mage realm after the 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th failures.

Lin Yun didn't want to remain a Great Mage forever.

But earlier, he saw the flaming staff crest on the carriage.

Lin Yun had always felt that the Merlin Family sounded a bit familiar. It was only when he saw the crest that he remembered that a millennium later, there would be an Archmage who rose like a comet, and he would be known as the Flame Ruler, Doug Merlin, one who was invincible below Heaven Rank.

And this Flame Ruler wasn't a startling genius at first. He became a High Mage when he was sixty. This was far from equal to Leon Merlin.

But thirty years later, that man had become someone known as being one undefeatable under the Heaven Rank, sweeping aside all the Archmages of the era.

Indeed, the Magic Conducting Rune of that Flame Ruler was the Magic Array.

Lin Yun clearly remembered that at the time, the Merlin Family had already vanished. The millennium-old Family would be exterminated after a few hundred years. Although the Flame Ruler was a Merlin, his rise had nothing to do with the Merlin Family. He rose up from the ground, step by step, and the only relationship to the Merlin Family were those fifty-odd years spent in the Merlin Family Ancestral Land.

But when Doug Merlin came out of that land, it only took him three months to become a High Mage and then another ten years to become the strongest Archmage of Noscent.

Thus Lin Yun couldn't help making a conjecture.

What kind of secret was behind the Merlin Family's Ancestral Land? Doug Merlin managed to fuse nine Magic Arrays in one after coming into contact with that secret and reaching the High Mage realm in one go.

Thus, once Lin Yun had nine Magic Arrays, he had to go check the Merlin Family's Ancestral Land; otherwise, he would have two choices left. One was to take his time and spend a few years to slowly fuse the Magic Arrays, and the other was to bet on the 5% chance by forcibly charging into the High Mage realm.

The secret of the Merlin Family's Ancestral Land seemed much simpler in comparison.

But it wasn't suitable to be truly at odds with the Merlin Family.

Naturally, this didn't mean that Lin Yun could sit and watch the Merlin Family lust after his own Nether Iron Vein.

Thus, after some hesitation, Lin Yun had chosen to use Mana Shackles. This was a common method for higher ranked mages to crush lower ranked mages, sealing away their magic. There was only one way to undo the Mana Shackles, that was to find the key to the Mana Shackles.

That key was actually a word incanted when the Mana Shackles were applied.

And Lin Yun had actually used one of the seven characters that he had learnt from the Book of Death. Besides him, there should be no one in all of Noscent that was able to undo it.

Lin Yun wanted to use this to make the Merlin Family know that if they wanted the Nether Iron Vein, they had to be prepared to pay the price.

He knew that a force like the Merlin Family was greedy and cunning. If they could effortlessly obtain the Nether Iron Vein, they definitely wouldn't have one iota of leniency towards him just because he was a child of the Merlin Family.

But once they found out that this child was not to be trifled with, they would consider his potential worth.

They would be even more restrained if that child had some power that they couldn't understand, and they would even use some appeasing methods, and perhaps make a business deal or try some other way to entice him. In short, only benefits were important to a force like the Merlin Family. As for what method they would undertake, it would depend on how they intended to maximize their benefits.

Lin Yun believed that the Mana Shackles on Leon's body would stop the Merlin Family for a while.

What he needed to do now was to quickly form nine Magic Arrays.

Only then would he leave for Okland to pay a visit to the Merlin Family's Ancestral Land.

But if he wanted to form the remaining Magic Arrays, Lin Yun had to go to Vaughn Laboratory. It was because Vaughn had a set of Crystal Scales, and although each part was only Spiritual level, together they were not inferior to a True Magic Tool. Furthermore, besides the shocking strength of the Crystal Scales, they also had an extremely special Magic Tool Spirit. It was said that this Magic Tool Spirit was created by Vaughn himself by using a soul. It could push the computational ability of the user to a frightening realm.

Lin Yun had promised Lys that he would join the exploration with the major forces of Thousand Sails City mainly because of this set of Crystal Scales.

If Lin Yun could get a hold of these Crystal Scales and use them while analyzing the 8th character of the Book of Death, the speed at which he carved the Magic Array would be raised ten times!

After Lin Yun returned to the alchemy laboratory, he once again opened that piece of paper and continued working on the calculations that he had yet to complete.

At this time, Leon still had yet to leave the Gilded Rose's reception room.

The future Patriarch of the Merlin Family looked at William with a dull gaze.

"Didn't you say he is a 5th Rank Great Mage?"

"Indeed, he is a 5th Rank Great Mage…" William couldn't help shaking his head when he saw the dazed expression of this proud scion.

'Why did you bother saying all that? I did remind you several times that our cousin's temper is not very good. You insisted on showing off the imposing might of a future Patriarch, putting on the halo of a High Mage, and you thought you could easily convince our cousin? Did you think he had never seen a High Mage? And now, the High Mage has turned into an ordinary person, how can you explain when you go back…'

"5th Rank Great Mage… How could this be…" Leon couldn't believe it no matter what. How could a 5th Rank Great Mage use restrain him with Mana Shackles?

"Okay, don't talk about what's possible and what's impossible…" Seeing his appearance, William was disinclined to talk about it again, so he only kindly reminded, "I advise you to quickly return and think of a way to remove the Mana Shackles. Otherwise, you might be in great trouble when Aube comes back from the Mercury Tower."

After saying that, William left the reception room, leaving Leon Merlin by himself. He was standing there, a bitter smile on his face.

'Return quickly? It's not that easy…' he thought. 'How I can return like this? I sneaked to Thousand Sails City this time because I heard that besides the Nether Iron Vein, that Mafa Merlin also had gained a vast amount of wealth from the Gilded Rose. That's why I wanted to recruit him.

'I had thought that by using my strength as a High Mage and the status as the future Patriarch of the Merlin Family, that Mafa would definitely throw himself under my wings once I promised to help him return to the Merlin Family. At that time, not only would I get hold of the Nether Iron Vein, but I would also gain the wealth produced by the Gilded Rose. At that time, I would be almost certain to win the competition for the Patriarch's seat. There shouldn't have been an issue…' He lamented.

'So why did it end up like this?'

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Chapter 156: Jouyi's Arrival

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

'Even if the strength of a High Mage didn't work, the status as a future Patriarch of the Merlin Family was still there, and my seat at the Elder Council isn't fake… If Mafa wanted to return to the Merlin Family, I would have a lot of say in it. So how did it end up like that? Does that Mafa Merlin, despite being a child of the Merlin Family, actually have no plan to return to the Merlin Family?'

The idea seemed incomprehensible to Leon.

'This… This is impossible, right? That's the Merlin Family… To a child stuck outside the clan like Mafa Merlin, isn't it a dream to be able to return to the Merlin Family? What was all this, then?'

Leon thought for a long time in the reception room, but couldn't think of the reason behind all this.

But he knew that he couldn't ask the Merlin Family for help in this situation, or else Aube's people might impeach him from his Elder Council seat for misconduct.

'Should I go ask for help from Teacher in the Cloud Tower?'

As this idea suddenly popped in his mind, Leon's eyes brightened. 'That's right, Teacher is a 9th Rank High Mage, only one step away from becoming a truly distinguished existence. Undoing the Mana Shackles would be as easy as blowing off dust. If I take advantage of this and seek Teacher's help and have him personally come to Thousand Sails City, not only will I be able to get rid of this resentment, I'll also win the Nether Iron Vein from Mafa Merlin, and even the entire Gilded Rose…'

After carefully thinking about it, Leon's dazed expression was swept away, replaced by self-confidence. He didn't bid William farewell as he directly left the Gilded Rose.Lin Yun had stayed in his laboratory for the greater part of a month, spending all his energy on studying the 8th character, the stack of paper on his refining table becoming thicker all the time. The 8th character was also becoming clearer in Lin Yun's mind. His entire research was reaching the end, and it would take a week at most to finish this task.

At this time, Lin Yun had opened the Planar Path three times, but he didn't go in himself. Hunting Skeleton Warriors and collecting Nether Iron Ores were Faleau and William's jobs. Last time they came out, there were some 9th Rank Mages appearing among those fifty Mages. He estimated that a month later, the first Great Mage would appear within the Gilded Rose's Mercenary Group.

Everything was progressing methodically.

Time quickly passed and it was finally the 13th of the next month.

Lin Yun had just entered his alchemy laboratory and noticed the large crystal ball starting to flicker. He knew that this was most likely Jouyi.

And sure enough, the elderly figure appeared within the crystal ball.

"Get ready, I'll arrive at Thousand Sails City tomorrow afternoon."

"Eh…"

"Oh right, do you have some relatively rare Spells or Formulas in your hands? If not, I can bring some from the Cloud Tower, this way you can participate in the knowledge exchange after arriving at Oddrock City. Whether you gain something or not, it is mostly to let you get acquainted with a few people. You will grow moldy after staying time confined in your alchemy laboratory in Thousand Sails City all the time…"

From the last sentence, it could be heard how Star Sage Jouyi was still somewhat resentful about Lin Yun refusing to go to Okland.

"No, I'll make my own preparations." Lin Yun was somewhat moved after hearing this. Even though Jouyi's words weren't particularly pleasant, even a deaf person could hear the support in his voice.

But being moved was only being moved. After thinking about it, Lin Yun still refused Jouyi's proposal.

It wasn't that Lin Yun was afraid of owing Jouyi a favor…

But Lin Yun had his own plan for the magic knowledge exchange of Oddrock City.

"Good, then we will see each other tomorrow." After being flatly denied by Lin Yun, Jouyi didn't seem to take offense and straightforwardly ended the transmission.

The next day, Lin Yun took a rare day off.

After going to the Gilded Rose at dawn, he didn't go to his alchemy laboratory like usual, and instead, he waited for Jouyi's arrival.

Jouyi arrived in the afternoon. This Star Sage didn't look like an Archmage… He looked like an ordinary old man as he entered the Gilded Rose.

The only difference was that an ordinary old man definitely wouldn't have the Leader of the Mage Guild to wait upon him.

Star Sage Jouyi didn't politely greet Lin Yun after entering the Gilded Rose and straightforwardly asked him where he had put the papers that he had used to calculate the Fanrusen Formula's core spell matrices.

"In the alchemy laboratory. What…" Lin Yun wanted to ask what Jouyi was up to, but he didn't have time to finish his words before Jouyi disappeared with Solomon.

"…" Lin Yun was stunned for a while before helplessly shaking his head. When he planned to follow them in, the Gilded Rose welcomed two more guests.

This time, it was surprisingly Leon…

Leon seemed to have changed greatly.

His face that looked similar to William's didn't have the same calm that he'd had when he entered the Gilded Rose the first time. He looked like a totally different person. He was filled with a hard-to-conceal impatience, and even his steps seemed somewhat hurried, as if afraid he would miss something.

It looked like the Mana Shackles on him had yet to be undone. The High Mage's mana fluctuations had completely disappeared and he simply looked like an ordinary man.

But it was the one standing next to Leon who made Lin Yun frown.

He was a middle-aged man in his fifties, was tall, and had a square-shaped face. Lin Yun only needed one glance to know where Leon had learnt magic from.

But what made Lin Yun frown was the fact that this middle-aged man was a peak High Mage.

If he wasn't a 9th Rank High Mage, then he was at the 8th Rank at the very least. And when he entered the Gilded Rose, he was already spreading mana fluctuations, pressuring Lin Yun without a word.

"Looks like there is an issue…" Lin Yun was startled. A peak High Mage, that was an existence on the level of Hogg.

"You are Mafa Merlin?" After the middle-aged man entered the lobby, his eyes fell on Lin Yun.

"Indeed, I am Mafa Merlin, and you are…?"

"I am Leon Merlin's teacher, Head of the Cloud Tower's Magic Department, Hoen."

Lin Yun instantly understood.

He introduced himself as Leon's teacher first and then as the Head of the Cloud Tower Magic Department. In other words, this High Mage Hoen came for Leon today.

But Lin Yun had seen worse. So what if it was a peak High Mage? Solomon and Star Sage Jouyi were both in his alchemy laboratory. Picking this time to look for trouble, wasn't that too awkward?

Unfortunately, this middle-aged High Mage didn't know that.

Nothing could be done about that, as Hoen had been fighting in the Cloud Tower's Pale Plane up until the previous day. Thus, he didn't know that Jouyi had come to Thousand Sails City, and he also didn't know that not long ago, a youth had helped Jouyi solve the difficult Fanrusen Formula.

Hoen only knew that his only disciple, Leon Merlin, had suffered a big loss in Thousand Sails City and had his mana sealed by Mana Shackles.

Leon Merlin's talents in magic were outstanding. Becoming a High Mage at only 33 years of age was something only a few in Okland were ever able to accomplish. It could be said that Hoen had great hopes for Leon, and although he was exceptionally strict on the surface, he had inwardly decided to make Leon his inheritor.

But he hadn't expected that when he left for the Pale Plane, the disciple that he regarded as most important actually suffered from being bound with Mana Shackles.

At that time, even Hoen, who would never show his anger, suddenly flared up and didn't even undo the Mana Shackles.

This was because undoing the Mana Shackles should be done by the one who set them up. He would then use Mana Shackles on that perpetrator and make him taste the feeling of having one's mana sealed.

Early that morning, Hoen took Leon and rushed to Thousand Sails City before making a beeline for the Gilded Rose in Victorious Return Street.

'Those who dare to make a move on my disciple should be prepared to pay the price.'

As for whether that Mafa Merlin came from the Merlin Family, whether he had a Nether Iron vein, Hoen simply didn't care. Hoen didn't care about that, it would be others that had to worry about him.

"Are you the one who left those Mana Shackles on Leon's body?" After reaching the Gilded Rose, his eyes were fixed sharply on Lin Yun. As he released the aura of a peak High Mage, an invisible pressure filled the entire lobby.

"This…" Lin Yun hesitated. 'Should I let him know that Jouyi and Solomon are here? He is a member of the Cloud Tower, after all. If this blows up, it might not be so good…'

"No need to explain, you only have to answer yes or no." Unfortunately, Hoenn saw that hesitation as a desire to shirk responsibility, and his square face became heavy.

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Chapter 157: One After The Other

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

Three carriages stopped at the Gilded Rose at this time.

Three people got off their carriages, Black Horn Auction House's Cadgar, Viper Nest's Sauss, and the last one was somewhat unexpected to Lin Yun, it was Leader Monchi of the Monchi Family.

Among these three, the relation between Cadgar and Lin Yun was the best, the Gilded Rose and the Black Horn Auction House had already formed a very firm cooperative relationship. Thus, after Cadgar got down from the carriage, he didn't treat Lin Yun as an outsider and greeted him after entering.

And there was also Sauss.

Although the leader of the strongest underground power of Thousand Sails City had a disagreement with Lin Yun at the start, after meeting in the Poison Fog Canyon, having a sentry tower exploding, and getting rid of a Great Mage together, Sauss had become extremely well-behaved. Moreover, after becoming well-behaved, Sauss surprisingly found out that the Viper Nest's life had become better.

The most obvious part was that the Gilded Rose was supplying them with the best alchemy items, raising the strength of the Viper Nest by one whole level. It was providing them with the support they were in dire need of for the expansion in the Poison Fog Canyon. Moreover, Sauss was an opportunist, thus, with the deeper cooperation and future prospects, he didn't think much about it and drew a clear dividing line with the Monchi Family and drew close to the Gilded Rose.

Thus, the face of Monchi as he came down from the carriage wasn't very good.

But it's not like Monchi could do something about it. Although Sauss could be said to be a subordinate force Monchi supported in the past, but in recent years, Sauss had already broke away from Monchi's influence and his Viper Nest had been operating in the Poison Fog Canyon away from everyone's eyes like an independent kingdom. Although Monchi was quite resentful, he could only hide it in his heart. Only in front of his two sons would he dare to curse Sauss as a thankless wretch, and other names.

In any case, Monchi had avoided appearing together with Sauss as much as possible in order to avoid being made fun of by others behind his back.

But he couldn't do so today…

Because Lys had already clearly said that the Gilded Rose's Mafa Merlin was in charge of breaking all the alchemy arrays of the Vaughn Treasury and in exchange, he would have priority on choosing magic materials. If they had some demand on magic materials, they only had two choices. One was to replace Mafa Merlin to break those alchemy arrays, and the second was to discuss with Mafa Merlin.

Those were alchemy arrays left behind by the final Artisan of the 3rd Dynasty. Although the three had many Alchemists subordinates and Cadgar and Monchi even had Great Alchemist subordinates, the three didn't even think about breaking the alchemy array of an Artisan.

Thus, they only had one choice, coming to discuss with a certain person.

Cadgar and Sauss were fine, they would usually chat with Lin Yun. But Monchi was a bit bitter…

Not to mention Locke Merlin's shipwreck, just the relationship between Twin Moons Splendor and the Gilded Rose couldn't help but make Monchi feel embarrassed. They were irreconcilables competitors. To defeat the Gilded Rose, he hadn't hesitated to attack both in the open and in the dark, yet he didn't get a single advantage and the Gilded Rose kept expanding every day, leaving the Twin Moons Splendor far behind in the dust. Monchi would feel troubled about it.

After hearing that the Monchi Family would participate in the exploration of the Vaughn Treasury, the Black Tower immediately had someone send a list of items and asked Monchi to spare no efforts to get those three materials. They promised that as long as Monchi was able to meet the requirements of the Black Tower, Monchi would obtain the full support of the Black Tower.

Full support, this temptation was too great for Monchi.

For this, Monchi was ready to lose his self-respect and personally visit Mafa Merlin.

Standing outside the Gilded Rose, Monchi only felt uncomfortable. Besides the betraying Sauss, there was also the one who set off against him time and time again, Mafa Merlin. Monchi felt like a piece of meat getting ready to be roasted.

"Eh…" Monchi couldn't help sighing when he entered. If he had dealt with that Mafa Merlin properly at the start, or if he had paid more attention later then he wouldn't have such a headache now.

But it was too late right now.

The Gilded Rose had already thoroughly expanded. Not only did it have huge financial resources, it also maintained a favorable relationship with every major force in Thousand Sails City. If Monchi did anything, he might be attacked by all major forces. Thinking of this, Monchi couldn't help throwing a disgusted look at Sauss. Seeing that scoundrel's smile, he knew that Sauss had most likely obtained many benefits from the Gilded Rose.

What's more, Mafa Merlin was a 5th Rank Great Mage himself, it wouldn't be as easy to deal with him as it could have been before.

Monchi took a deep breath and kept urging himself, 'Must endure, must endure, I have to be patient and accommodating. I have to get those three materials, only then will I get the full support of the Black Tower. This is crucial for the Monchi Family, especially since Solan isn't here this year. The Black Tower support is everything to the Monchi Family.'

'All I have to do is endure for a year. When Solan returns as an Archmage a year later, everything will be different. At that time, the Monchi Family would have the power to sweep through Thousand Sails City. Not to mention a small Gilded Rose, even the Sage Tower and Silver Moon Mercenary would have no other choice but to look up to him. At that time, everything he lost today would be returned.

Monchi fiercely clenched his teeth and squeezed an unsightly smile, "Great Mage Merlin…"

Lin Yun was surprised when he saw this situation, 'Is there a meeting I'm unaware of? How come they all chose to come at this time?'

First was Jouyi and Solomon, then Hoen and Leon, and now it was the leaders of three major forces in Thousand Sails City. As Lin Yun greeted them, he couldn't help looking outside, wondering if a few more would appear.

"Erm, three leaders, how about you take a seat in the reception room first? I still have something to take care of…" After throwing a few glances outside and making sure that no one else would come, he welcomed the three and asked them to wait in his reception room.

"Merlin, this is…" Cadgar noticed something wrong at this time, there was someone else with Lin Yun besides the three of them.

He was fine before noticing, but once he discovered that this person was actually a peak High Mage, Cadgar suddenly became startled. This was a power that only two or three people could equal in Thousand Sails City.

Moreover, the expression of this peak High Mage wasn't very good. Although he was just standing there, he was unleashing the mana fluctuations of a peak High Mage.

This meant that he wanted to make a move!

Cadgar was suddenly startled and almost retreated one step. At the same time he asked Lin Yun, "Merlin, this is?"

"Eh, this is High Mage Hoen, Cloud Tower's Head of the Magic Department."

"Eh…" Cadgar nodded with exaggeration and enthusiastically greeted him, "High Mage Hoen, it's an honor to meet you. I am Cadgar of the Black Horn chamber of commerce, I…"

"Okay, you don't need to say anything else." Hoen didn't look at him and coldly interrupted his introduction, "Who you are doesn't matter, I came for Mafa Merlin today."

Cadgar and Sauss were suddenly stumped by those words.

It seems that this Mafa Merlin provoked great troubles. A 9th Rank High Mage came to look for him, and when Cadgar introduced himself under the Black Horn chamber of commerce, the High Mage didn't even glance at him. From this, it could be seen how powerful his background was, he didn't even need to show respect to the Black Horn chamber of commerce.

This time, this matter might not be that easy to solve.

"Mafa Merlin, I'll ask you again. Are you the one who put Mana Shackles on Leon Merlin's body?"

"Yes, I did."

Lin Yun's words silenced the entire lobby. Cadgar and Sauss both looked at Lin Yun, shocked at the words Mana Shackles!

The two then looked at the youth next to Hoen and their expression sank. There was no need to ask to know that this youth without a single mana fluctuation was most likely the Leon Merlin he had mentioned. As for the relation between the two, it was clear that even if they weren't family, or master and disciple, it still wouldn't be simple.

In other words, Great Mage Merlin had used Mana Shackles on someone related to a 9th Rank High Mage.

This was definitely drawing a lot of hostility.

Mana Shackles was used to seal mana, as long as it was set up, it could make a High mage turn into an ordinary person. Even when a higher ranked mage crushed a lower ranked mage, they would only use it when there was great hatred between them, because to a mage, losing their mana was no different from death.

Thinking about this, the two couldn't help grumbling, 'Great Mage Merlin, this isn't a game…'

At this time, Monchi's eyes shone as he watched from the side, 'Ahah, Mana Shackles? Mafa Merlin, you doomed yourself.'

At this moment, Monchi stood out, "Hello, High Mage Hoen, I've been looking forward to meeting you. My younger brother Solan Monchi often mentions you…"

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Chapter 158: Who Called Me?

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

"Oh…"

Hoen glanced at Monchi and then nodded, as he indeed knew Solan Monchi. Although the Cloud Tower was the Black Tower's mortal enemy, in the struggles between those forces, there were rarely any major conflicts breaking out because of their large influence. They wouldn't make a move unless one side was at least 80% certain that they could eliminate the other side. Their fights were mostly about who was leading in various fields as well as small-scale conflicts and clashes. A true life or death battle might not even occur once in a year.

Sometimes, the mages of both forces might even cooperate, and their understanding of each other wasn't inferior to their understanding of their own side.

Hoen and Solan were both 9th Rank High Mages and had come into contact on many occasions. And because of one of the times they cooperated, Hoen even owed Solan a small favor.

"High Mage Hoen, it's an honor to see you…" A smile blossomed on Monchi's face. He had heard Hoen's name by accident and had now talked purely based on his instincts as a businessman. It had been a gamble.

In any case, he wouldn't have lost much if he lost the gamble, but if he won the gamble…

And he won the gamble!

Although Monchi wasn't gifted in the field of mana, he was pretty skilled at reading other people. And seeing Hoen's expression now, he could confirm that this person indeed had some degree of friendship with his younger brother.

And sure enough, the originally tense 9th Rank High Mage slightly eased up after hearing of Monchi's identity, and he even greeted him in an amiable way. "Is Solan doing well?"

"Not bad, not bad, last time he returned to Thousand Sails City, he kept talking about you, talking about how your accomplishment in the field of magic was greater than his…" Monchi lied through his teeth. Everyone in Okland knew that Solan would definitely reach the Archmage realm once he returned from the Dark Azure Plane while Hoen had just advanced to 9th Rank High Mage this year and was on a completely different level compared to Solan.

But who would hate flattery?

Especially when the one who was flattering him was Solan's older brother…

Hoen would spend all his time on magic so he rarely had the chance to come in contact with people. How could he resist such sugar-coated words? A hard-to-discern smile appeared on that square shaped face.

But no matter how faint that smile was, it couldn't escape the eyes of an old fox like Monchi. Monchi knew that the opportunity had come and immediately showed an embarrassed expression as he gently asked Hoen, "High Mage Hoen, can we speak?"

"Ah?" Hoen gave Monchi a suspicious look, but after thinking for a moment, he nodded and walked over to Monchi's side. "Speak, what is it?"

"It's like this, High Mage Hoen, this Mafa Merlin had some business issues with me. He owes me three magic materials and has yet to hand them over…"

"Eh?" Hoen suddenly frowned. Mages cared about honoring their obligations even more than merchants did. Hearing that Mafa Merlin had such vile conduct, his originally poor impression of him had dropped even lower.

"I'm also to be blamed for being too trusting. I thought that the great Gilded Rose wouldn't short me of my three magic materials, I didn't expect it…" Monchi shook his head as he explained as if he had truly been cheated of these magic materials.

"Your point is that you want me to help you get them back?"

"No no no…" Monchi was suddenly startled. How could he have them returned now? The Vaughn Treasury was still lying unexplored in the Four Seasons Canyon. Even if Hoen was willing to help out, Mafa Merlin didn't have them in his hands right now, and thus, Monchi promptly shook his head and said with a helpless expression, "High Mage Hoen, I wanted to see if you could help get Mafa Merlin to sign a contract." Monchi sighed dramatically and continued, "I had been too trusting and only made an oral agreement so I don't even have a contract sheet left…"

After saying this, he shook his head and sighed once again. Sympathy could be seen on Hoen's face as he straightforwardly agreed, "Rest assured, I'll definitely make him sign a contract."

"Thank you, High Mage Hoen…" Monchi thanked him profusely while showing a perfectly contented smile. 'Let me see how you get out of this Mafa Merlin, this is a High Mage on the same level as Solan. Even if that old man Solomon came, he wouldn't be able to do anything.'

After agreeing to Monchi's request, Hoen walked back to Lin Yun. He didn't make any moves, but the fierce mana fluctuations emitted even made Cadgar and Sauss feel breathless.

"Mafa Merlin, it isn't easy to reach your rank at such a young age… It could be considered quite an accomplishment. I won't make it too hard on you, I'll give you one chance. As long as you agree, I can make it as if nothing happened, otherwise…"

"What chance?"

"First, you undo Leon's Mana Shackles, and then you have to sign a contract for Leader Monchi's three magic materials…" He then paused. "But as a punishment, I'll also put Mana Shackles on you. Three years later, you can come look for me at the Cloud Tower."

"Ah?" Lin Yun was stunned. Lin Yun could understand the matter about removing Leon Mana Shackles, and he could even understand why he wanted to add a punishment, but what was that matter about three magic materials and Monchi?

Lin Yun looked at Monchi, and then at Cadgar and Sauss, not knowing what he should ask.

"Well, Merlin, Leader Lys made us come."

"Oh…" Lin Yun immediately understood from Cadgar's expression.

No wonder the three of them had arrived together today, it was due to the conditions he raised with Lys.

"What, you don't want to agree?" Hoen frowned when he saw Lin Yun's hesitation. That young mage truly didn't know how to appreciate kindness. Hoen felt that his three conditions were good to the point that they practically couldn't be better. Leon was his most cherished disciple. That young Great Mage had the gall to make a move against Leon and use Mana Shackles on him…

Seeing that he was young but still stronger than Leon, he only suggested three years of Mana Shackles, along with the three magic materials he owed, yet he would dare to reject it?

'Does he think he is too good to speak? Looks like I have to teach him a lesson first.'

Hoen said no more as he composedly brandished his staff. In an instant, a gust swirled in the lobby as nine realistic pythons appeared, hissing loudly as they pounced at Lin Yun.

This was the 4th Tier Spell, Wind Python.

But compared to William's, Hoen's Wind Python was on a completely different level. Not only were there nine Wind Pythons, but the difference between the two spells was like heaven and earth. At that time, Lin Yun hadn't even frowned when William made a move, yet today, Lin Yun felt pressured in front of Hoen. Amidst the whistling gales, Lin Yun only had time to cast a Frost Armor before the nine pythons reached him. A snapping sound echoed as countless small cracks appeared on the Frost Armor.

'Troublesome…' Lin Yun couldn't help feeling a bit startled. After all, the Frost Armor had been combined through the Magic Arrays and its defensive power was far stronger than an ordinary Frost Armor. But in front of these nine Wind Pythons, it felt no different from the average Frost Armor and started showing signs of shattering.

"You dare to resist!" Hoen sneered when he saw that Frost Armor. How could a young Great Mage block a power close to the Archmage realm? He tightened his grip on his magic staff and poured a huge amount of mana into it, making the gem at the top of the staff blossom with a dazzling light.

The nine Wind Pythons hissed as a frightening power burst out and the cracked Frost Armor shattered in an instant.

"Mafa Merlin, still not begging for forgiveness? Don't you know that I only need to rouse some mana to shatter your Frost Armor…"

"Ahahah…" Lin Yun laughed as if he hadn't seen those nine Wind Pythons.

Because he could already hear footsteps coming from the 2nd floor.

"Fuck…" Sure enough, just as Lin Yun laughed out loud, Solomon's withered figure could be seen hurrying down the stairs. "Hoen, do you know what you are doing?"

"Solomon?" Hoen's hands suddenly slowed, and he stared right back at Solomon. "You want to shelter this Mafa Merlin?"

"I asked you, Hoen, do you know what you are doing?" Solomon raised an eyebrow. 'This Hoen can't do anything right, Teacher finally managed to pull Mafa Merlin into the Magic Hand, yet right after you come back from the Pale Plane, you come and attack him!'

"Solomon, you think you can criticize me because you are Sir Jouyi's disciple? Who do you think you are?" But Hoen wasn't Hogg. Because Hogg had shallow backing in the Cloud Tower, he couldn't say anything in front of Solomon. But Hoen was different, as he was the Head of the Magic Department. Even if Solomon was Star Sage Jouyi's disciple, he couldn't make the esteemed Head of the Magic Department bow his head.

"I…" Hoen's words truly infuriated Solomon, but he didn't know how to deal with him at this moment.

"Okay, Solomon, you are a tactful person. Stand to the side. With your identity, you aren't qualified to order me around. That Mafa Merlin used Mana Shackles to seal Leon's mana, and as a punishment I wanted him to be subjected to Mana Shackles for three years, this is fair, is it not?" Hoen stopped there and looked back at Lin Yun. "Mafa Merlin, I already gave you an opportunity, but unfortunately, you didn't cherish it. I'll let you know, unless Sir Jouyi personally appears today, no one can save you!"

After saying this, Hoen tightened his grip on his staff once again and the gusts, which had paused while they spoke, once again created a storm in the lobby.

But another set of footsteps came from the 2nd floor.

And the footsteps were followed by a sentence.

"Who called me?"

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Chapter 159: Saving You

Translator: Shiraishi Editor: TheAlliance

The old man's voice was very soft, his steps were very gentle, he had a thin figure, and his head was full of grey hair. He looked no different from an ordinary old man.

But after the old man's words, the entire lobby became quiet. Gusts of winds no longer whistled past, mana no longer flowed, and the hostility instantly disappeared. It was as if everything was frozen.

It felt as if that ordinary old man was carrying some indescribable magic power. Just walking down the stairs made everyone feel boundless pressure.

"So?" Although Lin Yun was only a 5th Rank Great Mage, he was the most sensitive to the flow of mana and to the change of the magic elements. In this boundless pressure, Lin Yun could feel that this power wasn't coming from the old man himself, but rather from the world.

Lin Yun, instantly understood that this was most likely the rumored Extraordinary Power.

Star Sage Jouyi was now only a step away from being a Heaven Rank existence. Although he hadn't truly mastered the Extraordinary Power, his understanding of Extraordinary power already surpassed all Archmages. The mana fluctuations he emitted now had a shadow of Extraordinary Power.

When Lin Yun had been dragged into the world of the Book of Death, he experienced the power of a peak Archmage. But this power infinitely close to the Heaven Rank, the power that could cause destruction with a simple move, this was something Lin Yun was experiencing for the first time. This was the power of the world's laws, a frightening power that didn't belong to humans.

Now, that old man who had already touched the realm of Extraordinary Power was slowly walking down the stairs before stopping in the middle of the Gilded Rose's lobby, emitting boundless power. Even Sauss and Cadgar, who were the furthest away, felt breathless.

Not to mention Hoen, who was bearing the brunt of the force.

This 9th Rank High Mage was now holding tightly onto his magic staff, maintaining the gesture of the Wind Pythons, but his square face was twisted. It was a strange expression filled with anger, shock, doubt, and fear.

It was as if a mysterious force had extracted all those expressions before mixing them together on Hoen's face.

At this moment, Hoen was dumbfounded. His eyes were looking at Jouyi with shock and fear, but also still devoid of guilt.

Indeed, he truly felt that he wasn't guilty of anything.

This was the same feeling as innocently walking along the road at night and attracting a wolf by humming. Hoen truly didn't understand. He had only mentioned Sir Jouyi's name, he had only told Solomon not to get involved, how could he be so unlucky as to attract Sir Jouyi's wrath?

"You just said that no one could save Merlin?" Jouyi only stood there, his words not carrying a hint of anger.

But Hoen's face turned deathly pale, and beads of sweat were sliding down from his forehead. This previously imposing 9th Rank Great Mage was now unable to say anything due to fear in front of Jouyi.

Jouyi took over the Cloud Tower three hundred years ago. During these three hundred years, Jouyi carried the Cloud Tower to the peak of the Andlusa Kingdom almost all on his own. Even the Gaugass Battlemages of the powerful Black Tower couldn't make Jouyi retreat half a step. To every mage of the Cloud Tower, Jouyi's position could be said to be supreme. Their feelings towards Jouyi already couldn't be described with just fear and respect.

It wouldn't be exaggerating to say that Jouyi was like a God in the Cloud Tower!

Now, the Cloud Tower's sole God was standing in front of him, and even when he didn't show his anger, Hoen was still paralyzed from fear.

"Solomon doesn't have the qualifications to order you? Then am I qualified to order you?" This was Jouyi's second sentence aimed at Hoen, and he had frowned this time.

And Hoen completely collapsed.

"My apologies, Sir Jouyi, I didn't know Merlin was with you…" Hoen almost cried on the spot.

At this time, Hoen already knew that Leon would definitely suffer in vain. Not to mention the fact that Mafa Merlin was powerful, even if he were ordinary, as long as he was sheltered by Sir Jouyi, it wasn't something an insignificant Leon could deal with.

And it wasn't just a matter of suffering in vain for Leon.

If Mafa Merlin held a grudge and said a few words in front of Sir Jouyi, then let alone Leon, even Hoen might follow Leon in his lack of luck, despite being a 9th Rank High Mage.

Hoen didn't dare to say anything further. He only hoped that Mafa Merlin wouldn't pursue this. What about Mana Shackles, what about magic materials, they had long since been forgotten by Hoen.

But Hoen didn't think that the frowning Star Sage's face would turn grave after hearing his words.

"What, you think I am taking sides with Merlin?"

"No no no, I didn't mean this. Sir Jouyi, please listen to my explanation…" Hoen almost peed his pants, trying to explain as he shook his head frantically.

"Okay, Hoen, you don't need to explain. I watched you grow up. How could I not know what you are thinking? Don't you feel that I'm personally sheltering Merlin? Don't you feel that I'm compelling you to agree?"

"No no no… Star Sage Jouyi, I truly didn't have this idea. Let… Let me explain okay?" Hoen urgently said. With each word from Jouyi, he was feeling more and more scared. Siding, compel, it was as if Hoen was repeatedly being slapped.

Moreover, Hoen still didn't dare to run.

Besides incoherently asking to explain himself, he was unable to actually say anything.

"Idiot!" After reaching this point, Jouyi couldn't help scolding him, "You can't fucking understand? I'm saving you!"

"Ah?"

This time, not to mention Hoen being stumped, even Cadgar, Sauss, and Monchi were befuddled. They doubted whether they had misheard Sir Jouyi saying… that he was saving Hoen?

How could this be?

A 9th Rank High Mage would crush any 5th Rank Great Mage in a fight, so how could the 9th Rank High Mage be the one being saved?

At this moment, the three all wondered if Jouyi had mistaken his words.

"You don't believe so?" Jouyi coldly looked at Hoen.

Although there was no expression on the face of that 9th Rank High Mage, his eyes were filled with doubt, completely exposing Hoen's thoughts.

That's right, Hoen didn't believe him at all.

He was a genuine 9th Rank High Mage, and although he wasn't as strong as the Black Tower's Solan, how could he have a problem getting rid of a 5th Rank Great Mage?

'Even if that 5th Rank Great Mage is very powerful, it can't be enough to contend with a 9th Rank High Mage, can it?'

'True, that Mafa Merlin did defeat Leon, who was also a High Mage. But Leon is only a 1st Rank High Mage, comparing Leon to a 9th Rank High Mage is like comparing heaven and earth. Regardless of whether I'm careless, regardless of how abnormal he is, how could I be defeated by such a young mage?'

"Looks like you truly don't believe it…" Jouyi attentively watched Hoen for a moment before finally looking at Lin Yun. "Merlin, you should say something. Can you defeat Hoen?"

"I can't…" Lin Yun didn't think much and directly shook his head.

Hearing Lin Yun's words, all the people in the lobby sighed in relief for some unexplainable reason. For Monchi, who had wanted to profit from Lin Yun's misfortune, the stronger Lin Yun was, the worse it would be for him. But even Cadgar and Sauss, who were on friendly terms, with Lin Yun sighed in relief.

This was enough to show how shocking Jouyi's words were…

"Tell him the truth…" Jouyi didn't even raise an eyebrow.

"I truly can't…" Lin Yun resolutely shook his head, but after some time, he added some words. "But High Mage Hoen would definitely die."

"…" The moments those words fell, everyone in the lobby of the Gilded Rose held their breaths.

"I'd definitely die?" Hoen almost burst with rage when he heard those words.

'How could a 5th Rank Great Mage have the confidence to decide the life and death of a 9th Rank High Mage! Even if Sir Jouyi is standing behind you, how could you have such confidence in yourself?'

"Hoen, you shut up…" Jouyi was distracted at first. He then frowned after berating Hoen. He was then silent for a dozen seconds before nodding, "Indeed, Hoen, would definitely die. If I didn't come down with Solomon, both of you would die…"

"Yes." After nodding, Lin Yun didn't say anything else.

The people standing in the lobby, including Leon and Hoen, were unable to calm themselves. Although they could understand each word of that discussion between the elder and the youth, their brains still couldn't make sense of it.

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The discussion between Jouyi and Lin Yun wasn't complicated.

It was just that the information revealed was too shocking. This was like saying that this 5th Rank Great Mage was equal to a 9th Rank High Mage. This was truly preposterous. The first reaction of any regular person hearing this would be to bursting out in laughter before praising the joke.

Even a fool would know that the gap between a 5th Rank Great Mage and a 9th Rank High Mage could be described as almost unbreachable. This wasn't something that skills or tactics could make up for. The difference in power between both sides was something set in stone, and there would be no fluke in such a battle.

But no one in the lobby of the Gilded Rose was laughing.

Because the one who said that was none other than the master of the Cloud Tower, the strongest Archmage, Star Sage Jouyi.

Even the one involved, Hoen, could only stand there and grind his teeth. Although there was disbelief on his face, he didn't dare to say anything.

"Looks like you are still not convinced…" Jouyi laughed after seeing Hoen's expression.

"Sir Jouyi…" Because of Sir Jouyi's smile, Hoen regained some courage, and after some hesitation, he clenched his teeth and said, "It's not that I'm not convinced by your assessment, but…"

"Okay, no need to say anything more." Jouyi didn't even let him finish and waved his hand to interrupt him. "Since you aren't convinced, then let's show you. Merlin, come with me for a moment…"

After saying that, he ignored Hoen's expression and gave Lin Yun a pat on the shoulder before finding a table to sit on.

"Weren't you going to head for Oddrock City?" Lin Yun slowly sat next to Jouyi while hoping to find a way out of this situation.

Unfortunately, Lin Yun's struggles were ignored by Jouyi. This old man called the most powerful Archmage of the kingdom picked up a piece of paper and then divided it into two in front of Lin Yun. "You are in charge of Hoen, I'll be in charge of you."

"Okay…" Lin Yun nodded, resigned to his fate, as he took a quill from his pocket and started writing.

Jouyi and Lin Yun wrote in Nesser Runes as the tips of their quills streaked across the papers, leaving one rune after the other on them, one formula after the other. The two looked extremely focused, and everyone present seemed to be influenced by them, controlling their breaths as they stared at the pieces of paper in front of the two men.

'Those are battle matrices!' Cadgar was the first to discover, and that discovery made him feel startled.

To a mage, establishing a battle matrix for combat analysis was an essential skill. But usually, this kind of analysis would only be done partially, it would be at most an exchange of one or two spells, because that kind of analysis needed countless details and possibilities, and the calculations required could only be described as endless.

If a mage could establish a complete battle matrix of a fight lasting thirty seconds, he would already be described as a genius. Even in a place like Okland it would be enough to make a few major forces fight over him.

Furthermore, the difference in rank between both sides couldn't be too high. If one side exceeded the other side's rank, the analysis would become incomparably difficult. Let alone a battle analysis, even one spell exchange would have errors that were difficult to predict due to the difference in strength.

But now…

There was no problem with Star Sage Jouyi. As the strongest Archmage of the kingdom, he could establish the battle matrix of any mage. But Mafa Merlin…

Mafa Merlin was only a 5th Rank Great Mage!

How could he establish the battle matrix of a 9th Rank High Mage? Moreover Jouyi had said that the fight would have lasted five minutes!

At that time, Cadgar finally understood why the two would use Nesser Runes…

Because regardless of whether it was Jouyi or Lin Yun, they would reach astronomical figures while calculating. These huge numbers would make countless mages feel despair, and Cadgar felt that if they didn't use Nesser Runes, their papers would fill half of the lobby.

Only Nesser, that language which mixed Draconic and Elven, praised as characters with mystical mana, could possibly complete this frightening battle matrix.

But could Merlin really do it?

He was only a 5th Rank Great Mage, after all.

Cadgar looked at those pieces of paper spread on the table with worry that was hard to conceal…

And Hoen, who was next to Cadgar, had already put away his disbelief and was now frowning.

At first, Hoen simply didn't believe that a 5th Rank Great Mage that wasn't even twenty was able to establish a battle matrix, but the longer he looked, the stranger he felt.

Because the dozen characters and three formulas written on the piece of paper already amounted to seven spells. These seven spells were seven options he had considered back then, but due to the arrangement of elements, he chose the Wind Python spell, and the remaining six spells had naturally not appeared.

Seeing this, Hoen's frown accentuated. This wasn't a joke, the remaining six spells never appeared. How could that Mafa Merlin guess them?

'No no no, this cannot be, this is definitely a coincidence,' he reassured himself. 'That's right! It's a coincidence!'

Hoen comforted himself to bolster his courage as he kept looking while trembling. The quill streaked across the piece of paper for another ten seconds before his expression changed once again, because those Nesser Runes were now detailing analysis of a few spells he would have chosen after completing his Wind Python. After one glance, Hoen knew that he likely would have used any of these spells.

'No way…'

The more Hoen looked, the more cold sweat trickled down his back. If he couldn't see the piece of paper with his own eyes, he would never have thought that he had been thoroughly so analyzed by a 5th Rank Great Mage in the previous fight!

As he thought about it, Hoen felt some lingering fear. 'Thank god he is only a 5th Rank Great Mage. If he was a 9th Rank High Mage… No, even just being a 5th Rank High Mage would be enough… By controlling 6th Tier Spells and knowing my every move, he would be able to easily kill me.'

'Fortunately, he is only a 5th Rank Great Mage.'

Hoen secretly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and when he raised his head again, he didn't dare to look at Lin Yun's piece of paper. He sneakily changed his target and looked at Jouyi's paper, hoping he could find a tiny bit of self-respect from the Star Sage's battle matrix.

But after changing target, Hoen froze foolishly.

At that time, Jouyi's battle matrix had only been half completed, but Hoen could clearly see that although he had overwhelming power, he would have been led around by the nose by that 5th Rank Great Mage, and all that started from that shattered Frost Armor…

At that time, Hoen clearly understood that the shattered Frost Armor had turned into a frightening trap. If not for Solomon's sudden appearance, that shattered Frost Armor would have made him sink into a swamp, rendering him unable to take advantage of his overwhelming power and ultimately causing him to lose control of the battle.

Seeing the Nesser Runes on the paper, Hoen could only feel a chill down his spine, like a viper was slowly crawling across his back.

Hoen had never even dreamed that the battle could have taken such a direction, but now, through the two battle matrices, Hoen suddenly found out that he might have died together with this 5th Rank Great Mage. Thinking about this, dread finally appeared on that square face as he looked at Lin Yun.

"Right, what did you plan to do in the end?" Jouyi's battle matrix was almost complete, but there was still a large gap left at the end of the piece of paper. Thus, that Star Sage tapped the table and asked Lin Yun as if they were deliberating.

After Lin Yun looked at Jouyi bluntly, and then he took Jouyi's piece of paper and used his quill to write another block of Nesser Runes and Magic Formulas.

Jouyi took a look at the paper for a long time before frowning. "If it's like this, you would need to use at least two Spiritual Magic Tools…"

"Three, Sir Jouyi."

"…" Hearing those words, Jouyi rolled his eyes at him. The jaws of the people on the side almost fell off. Three Spiritual Magic Tools, a 5th Rank Great Mage actually had such frightening capital? At this time, whether it was Cadgar, Sauss, or Monchi, the way they looked at Lin Yun had changed.

The two completed their battle matrices one after the other. After looking at the battle matrices together for some time, Jouyi walked over to Hoen with his hands behind his back.

"Good, Hoen, do you still have something to say?"

"No… I don't…" Hoen's face was devoid of colors at this time. He was in a daze due to fear and dread and didn't even ask why on Mafa Merlin's battle matrix there were a few times he used the power of a 5th Rank High Mage.

Because he knew…

That young Great Mage had the qualifications to use that power; this was something Hoen had to acknowledge. He was able to use Nesser Runes to establish a battle matrix and completely analyze five minutes of a 9th rank High Mage's battle… this wasn't something a 5th Rank Great Mage could do. Not to mention a 5th Rank Great Mage, even Hoen as a 9th Rank High Mage didn't have such frightening computing ability. With such talent, it wasn't strange if he could burst with power in battle.

At this point, Hoen understood why Jouyi said he was saving him.

He truly had saved him.

As Mafa Merlin said, he might not be able to defeat him for sure, but Hoen would definitely die. He hadn't been talking big, that was a fact!

"Good…" Jouyi smiled as he nodded.

Afterwards, he smacked the piece of paper in Hoen's face.

"Idiot!" Jouyi then burst forth with the fury he had restrained. "Now fuck off to the Cloud Tower and ask anyone you know why your task of gathering the most basic data in the Pale Plane had suddenly stopped. I'll tell you this, if not for Merlin, you might have spent another ten years without having been able to return to Noscent. A hundred of you can't even compare to Merlin's contribution to the Cloud Tower, to all of Noscent's mages, yet you dare to make a move against him? Did you think I already died?"

"Because of him?" Hoen had been collecting basic data for the Fanrusen Formula in the Pale Plane. But recently, for some unknown reason, his task had been stopped. By the time Hoen returned from the Pale Plane, he was directly put at the seat of the Head of the Magic Department for his two years of hard work.

From what Jouyi said, him coming back to Noscent and his seat as the Head of the Magic Department, weren't they both due to Mafa Merlin?

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