123 - 130

Rank 1 Warlock

After Leylin had fainted, the red light in the second storey of the villa did not disappear, but gradually became more intense.

Time passed, and very soon, it was the morning of the second day.

The scarlet light grew stronger, and even the blue runes on the wall produced creaking noises as if they were unable to endure any longer.

*Ping Pang!* With sounds like the shattering of glass, the blue runes were finally dispersed and the red light shone through the walls and onto the villa beside it.

"Look quickly! What's that?"

The unusual condition of the villa was finally found out by the passersby. A bald man who looked like a merchant began to point at Leylin's villa as he shouted.

Following the direction to where he pointed, one could see that the second storey of the villa was currently radiating scarlet rays of light.

The red light was so dazzling that even the sun could not hide its presence.

With the continuous emission of rays of light, many regular humans around Leylin's villa mysteriously fainted.

*Peng!* The bald merchant who had pointed at Leylin's villa now had a frightened expression on his face as if seeing some natural nemesis. Both of his hands gripped his chest where his heart was, his eyes turning white as he fell onto the ground.

With the continuous expansion of the light rays, the number of passersby who fell to the ground increased, eventually extending to the whole street.

The citizens screamed and cried out in fright. A horde of them squeezed and jostled out of the city as if there was some scary demon behind them.

...

Leylin had a very long dream.

In his dream, he was an incredibly tiny snake that constantly hid and snuck around, learning the methods of hunting prey.

The surroundings were up in flames. What surrounded him were simply lava and black boiling stones. The sight ahead was also a fiery-red.

As for him, he gradually grew up, going from sneaking around to avoid enemies, to being a natural predator at the top of the food chain.

No matter how many ferocious or horrifying creatures there were out there, they could only accept death in front of him while he swallowed them.

Leylin constantly changed his territory. One day, he arrived at another location.

That place was filled with the same species as him. Deep in his heart, there was a feeling of longing, which made him press on and climb deeper in.

As he went deeper in, Leylin could feel that the aura of the stronger members of his species increased. Just the aura radiating off of some of them was enough to leave Leylin with a feeling of suffocation.

Moreover, the surrounding flames and sulphur rapidly disappeared. What took its place was pitch-black darkness.

This darkness had countless shadows, yet it gave him a sense of security as if he was returning to his parent's body.

In the centre of the darkness, he could finally see.

What he saw was a giant ball of snakes, which seemed to cover the sky's horizon. It seemed to be a planet in the universe, eternal yet mighty. Every giant snake in the ball had strength surpassing his imagination.

"Hissssss!"

Leylin flicked his tongue out, letting off a hiss that was only produced by snakes.

The giant ball of snakes opened, revealing the figure of a black haired woman.

This black haired woman had an exceptionally charming feature. Her eyes had vertical slits for pupils and looked as if they were made of a ceramic glaze that would let one see through to its bottom. She also had hair that writhed continuously, as if they were tiny snakes.

The hair, which seemed to look like snakes, also gave her another layer of mysterious allure.

"You have come!" The woman opened her mouth, her voice ringing within Leylin's heart. The language spoken was extremely strange and Leylin hadn't heard of it before, yet he still understood it.

Just as Leylin was about to speak out and ask a question, a flash of bright light appeared in his vision.

He reached out to shield from the light and realised that his hand was that of a human's. Only then, he realised that he had woken up from his slumber.

"I recall it now; I'm Leylin, who was completing the ceremony of transferring a bloodline to break through a bottleneck.

The life in his dream, which had seemed to be the reality, appeared in Leylin's mind. For a moment, it made him think that he wasn't human.

It seemed as if his reality had had been obscured by a veil- nothing could be seen clearly.

Slowly, large amounts of memories surfaced in his mind.

"The villa has been destroyed?" Leylin looked at the construction which had collapsed, and the sunlight, which bore through the holes in the ceiling, finally noticing the difference.

With Leylin at the centre, the surroundings were in a mess. Apart from him, there were no other living organisms.

"It seems like the energy absorption spell has failed and copious amounts of radiation leaked out…"

Leylin stroked his chin, suddenly thinking of something. "Warlock?! What happened to my advancement?"

At this moment, he was stark naked, but Leylin could feel an intensifying strength under his skin. Moreover, his spiritual force had significantly increased from before.

Leylin, somewhat unsettled, delved into the sea of his consciousness.

At this moment, his sea of consciousness was filled with a scarlet light, turning the space into a patch of redness.

At the centremost was a spell formation that had an octagonal crystal, floating quietly in the space.

The power that he felt from inside to outside continuously emanated throughout his whole body.

After he sensed the innate spell inside the crystal, Leylin grinned as he knew he had successfully advanced into an official Magus!

"A.I. chip, bring out the previous monitor record!"

[Detected traces of suitable composition for Host's absorption! Determined to be the blood essence of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent! Beginning absorption] [Blood essence burning! Host spiritual force increases significantly!]

...

[Successful completion of the first level of the Kemoyin's Pupil! Host advances into a rank 1 Warlock! Various stats have been greatly boosted!] [New scanning of Host's data…] [Beep! Leylin Farlier. Rank 1 Warlock, Bloodline: Giant Kemoyin Serpent. Strength: 7.1, Agility: 6.7, Vitality: 8.5, Spiritual force: 27.9, Magic power: 27 (magic power is in synchronisation with spiritual force). Status: Healthy]

The A.I. Chip duly reflected the data in front of Leylin.

"There is actually such a great increase, no wonder I feel different. Even my physical figure has been enhanced and my strength has increased!"

Leylin clenched his fist and punched, emitting a shrill air explosion in the air.

"Right now my body is not inferior to that of any powerful creatures!"

Leylin looked at his chest. The appearance did not change much, only that his skin looked even glossier. His abs were well defined, yet not too protruding, maintaining a fine balance.

"However, such a huge disturbance will definitely alert nearby magicians. It's better to leave earlier!"

Leylin casually picked up a black robe in the mess and put it on. Seeing the mess, he smiled wryly.

About the advancement to an official Magus, the A.I. Chip had no better research materials. Although Leylin did his best to lay the energy absorption spell formation, it still shattered under the sheer amount of energy emitted.

As for official Magus, even if they restrained their radiation, regular humans would not be able to withstand it.

How would Leylin be able to restrain himself during the advancement? Hence, it resulted in such a scene.

After figuring out the details, Leylin shook his head and kept a few important items from the rubble before placing them all into a knapsack.

*Bang!*

Leylin exerted strength and made a deep impression on the ground. His body then turned into a dark flash and left the area with a speed several times faster than before.

Some time later, a cawing of a bird was heard.

A snow white giant bird landed, with two official Magi on its back. What they wore were the clothes from the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

"We're here, the place where we sensed the energy waves!"

A female Magus touched the rubble on the floor and shut her eyes to sense for something.

"I sense a tremendous spiritual force and also a blood-reeking aura. The feeling that it gives me slightly deviates from an official Magus…"

"This is very normal!"

A cloaked male came together with the female Magus. Under the cloak was the voice of a male.

"Choosing to advance here would only mean that it's a wandering magician! Furthermore, they have obtained the inheritance from a remnant!"

The cloaked man grudgingly shrugged his shoulders. "There are many remnants in the south coast, who knows what period the inheritance that the magician obtained came from. He seemed to have inherited some sort of ancient cultivation path, so his aura having deviations from the norm is not out of the ordinary. However, the energy waves have obviously reached the might of a rank 1 Magus, so this matter should be treated seriously…."

After hearing the words of her counterpart, the woman's face turned solemn.

In the south coast, various guilds and magisterium had mostly controlled the advancement of acolytes to protect their unique positions.

However, in such a vast domain, there were always many of these lucky wandering acolytes who had obtained the inheritance or remnants of others and advanced successfully.

Although it wasn't very often, these sorts of things occurred once every couple of years.

The approach of the powerful organisations in the south coast was very clear. They would rope them in if possible, and if not, they had to coerce these lucky people into not spreading their knowledge about advancement!

As for the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, which was the closest to Grey Stone City, they were naturally the people in charge of enforcing this law to the wandering magicians in the Poolfield Kingdom.

Very soon, the cloaked male and female magicians began to investigate. However, all of the eyewitnesses had more or less died. As for those who were lucky enough to survive, they seemed to be in trauma. No matter what, they could not remember Leylin's appearance. Even retrieving their memory was meaningless, so the two investigators could only leave.

At this moment, in the nearby dim forest close to Grey Stone City, Leylin stopped.

"After running for so long, I am actually not showing any signs of exhaustion. My vitality, which has reached 8.5, is indeed extraordinary!" Leylin could not mask the joy on his face.

The current Leylin was a complete beast in the form of a human. No matter how hard a greatsword would be sent chopping towards his body, his muscles would still most likely wedge it within, and hold it in place.

"According to the Book of Giant Serpent's description, usually, acolytes who advance into an official Magus would only get a great increase in their spiritual force, which would also form their innate talent. Warlocks, however, are different. They would be able to unearth the power of the bloodline, and obtain the strengthening of both their spiritual force and their physical bodies.

Leylin's vitality right now had already surpassed many Grand Knights. Even if it were the Branded Swordsmen in the legends, they would most likely only be equal to him.

Innate Spell

"I am almost used to the familiarity of my physical body, but I wonder what kind of innate spell did I obtain?"

After a long run, Leylin casually did a few standard swordplay movements. After having some understanding of his reinforced body, he shifted his thoughts to other matters.

According to the Kemoyin's Pupil meditation technique and the introduction of the Book of Giant Serpent, Leylin had more understanding about the innate spell of Magi.

As far as regular Magi were concerned, most of them would choose a rank 1 defensive spell model and complement it with Grine Water to make a breakthrough.

Magi, who advanced with this method, had the smallest potential. In future, if they were unable to obtain more precious resources and a rank 2 spell model that were suitable for them, they would have absolutely no hope of advancing.

As for some large organisation heads or first-rate Magi Families' core members, they could practise the high-level meditation techniques.

Each level of the meditation technique could correspondingly promote the rank of a Magus. Moreover, the innate spell model found in each level is fixed.

In other words, it would be easy to guess a Magus' innate spell just by looking at a part of the high-grade meditation technique that the Magus practised.

However, Warlocks were different; they were literally "dependant on the heavens to have bountiful crops"1.

The formation of innate spells was heavily dependent on luck, purity and concentration of the blood essence of that bloodline.

Leylin knew his luck was only so-so, but he had got the blood essence of an ancient being – the Kemoyin Serpent! Thus, it should be highly compatible with this high-level meditation technique, and would thus be good for him.

After putting a thread of his spiritual force into the crystal, almost instinctively, Leylin knew the details of his own innate spell.

Eye of Petrification… and… Scales of Kemoyin!

Two innate spells! That's right! There were two innate spells!

"Haha…" Leylin did not contain his laughter and let out a hearty laugh.

Concerning Warlocks, in the process of forming their innate spells, there was another scenario that could happen. That only occurs when the blood essence of the bloodline was extremely rich, almost the same as the origin of the bloodline. In such circumstances, there would be an additional innate spell.

Of course, the two innate spells Leylin obtained were rank 1 spells, not that he immediately advanced into a rank 2 Magus.

Inside a rank 2 Magus, they would have two innate spells too. However, one was a rank 1 spell while the other was a rank 2 spell! As for now, Leylin only had two spells that were of rank 1.

Only after advancing to a rank 2 Warlock, the rank 2 innate spell would be formed!

As for the might of the rank 2 spells, they would naturally overpower the rank 1 spells.

Even so, having an additional spell will allow Leylin to be proud and unyielding amongst rank 1 Magi.

This was equivalent to having an additional spell amongst the magicians of the same level, so naturally he had a great advantage.

Very soon, Leylin looked through the Kemoyin's Pupil meditation technique and the Book of Giant Serpent, obtaining more information on those two innate spells.

"Eye of Petrification: A petrifying gaze will be emitted from the eyes, equivalent to the might of a petrification spell. The target will immediately be petrified. For more powerful beings, they would become rigid temporarily! Consumption: spiritual force 1, magic power 1!"

"Scales of Kemoyin: A layer of scales will form instantly providing a layer of defense. Physical defense: 25 degrees! Magic defense: 27 degrees! Consumption: Every 5 hours spiritual force 1, magic power 1!"

The consumption was calculated by the A.I. Chip. Leylin looked at it blankly.

According to the estimations of the A.I. Chip, these two innate spells were rather outstanding even amongst all the rank 1 spells.

If it was formed through a spell model, each of the spells required consumption of at least 10 points of spiritual force and magic power.

As for now, the consumption was one-tenth of before. This was the advantage of innate spells!

Furthermore, Leylin also felt that he could only spend a consumption of 2 points in spiritual force and magic power to have the Scales of Kemoyin always in effect.

At this moment, he roughly knew what the defensive forcefield, which always hovered around Magi, was.

Those were the innate defensive spells that they had activated around them perpetually. Any attacks, as long as they do not break through their innate spell defense, will never be able to cause them any harm.

"These two innate spells, one is for offense, and the other is for defense. With them, my current abilities, even amongst official Magus, can be considered excellent!"

Leylin estimated his might calmly.

As he chose the path of Warlocks which had good meditation technique and bloodline, the benefits he obtained right after an advancement greatly surpassed that from regular Magi.

As for those newly advanced Magi, they were not Leylin's opponent at all. Only those who remained for some time inside the rank 1 domain, those with their spiritual force and magic power almost reaching the limits and having recorded a large number of rank 1 spells, would be a force to be reckoned with for Leylin.

As for rank 2 Magi? Right now Leylin was far from being their opponent. He did not even have much confidence in fleeing from them.

Every level between Magi had the difference like that between heaven and earth. It was not something that the bloodlines or better meditation technique could solve.

However, Leylin was extremely pleased with the present outcome.

After all, he had just advanced, and his path in future was broad.

With a joyful heart, Leylin took off the black robes that he put on and changed into a new set of clothes as he began to rearrange the things that he had brought along with him.

After wearing black robes, Leylin immediately hung the Fallen Star Pendant on his neck again.

"The defense of this pendant is rather low now! Most of the rank 1 spells are above 20 degrees. Any attack from an official Magus will be able to break the defense of this Fallen Star Pendant!"

"A.I. Chip! Establish mission and calculate the probability of improving the Fallen Star Pendant!"

[Beep! Mission establishing, beginning analysis…] The A.I. Chip carried out its mission, and also gave a stream of information for Leylin to check on the progress.

After advancing into a rank 1 Warlock, the A.I. Chip that was connected to Leylin's soul also obtained large benefits. Its calculation abilities were evidently more powerful than before.

After changing his robes, Leylin walked towards a small stream and looked at his reflection.

In the clear waters, a handsome, black-haired youth looked back at him, his body emitting a strange charisma.

"My hair, why has it turned black?" Leylin looked at his reflection, suddenly recalling the black haired snake woman inside his dream.

"Could it be…That the dream was not just an illusion?"

Leylin faintly guessed that it was the external changes caused by the changing of bloodlines.

Moreover, Leylin realised that there were some slight changes to his face.

Leylin had a rather average countenance at the start, at most having the looks of a youth. As of now, his eyes were brighter than before, his brows sleeker and the face turned more handsome than before. Combined with the dignity as a Warlock, there was a mysterious charisma to it.

"In legends, not only did Warlocks have powerful spells and physical bodies, each and every one was a handsome man or a beauty. So, this was all influenced by the bloodline!"

Leylin looked for a while more, before continuing with his preparations.

He was a Warlock, not someone who relied on his face to live, so being handsome or ugly had no difference.

...

Sapphire Lake, situated at the eastern part of the Poolfield Kingdom, was an extremely beautiful lake.

During winter, when the sun shines down from the sky, looking at it from a vantage point the azure lake seemed to be crystal clear like sapphire.

Not only that, there were even a special species of Blue Ice Fishes living in the Sapphire Lake. Its taste was extremely fresh and succulent. If acolytes were to include it in their diet often, it would have a slight boost in their meditation.

Hence, this area was controlled by a Magus family.

Tyler family was the Magus family which controlled the Sapphire Lake from nearby, to which Bicky belonged.

On this afternoon, there was a visitor inside the Tyler family's ancient castle.

"This is the ancient castle of the Tyler family?"

Leylin looked up at the large stone castle.

The Tyler family's castle was erected on a cliff close to Sapphire Lake. Around it there was even a layer of poisonous cloud hovering around it, so very few people were able to come here.

Leylin sized up the giant castle. The large yellowish cliff had the depression and precipitation that withstood the test of time, silently standing here, bringing on a gloomy and declining feeling to it.

At the front of the castle were two fire breathing statues.

"The Tyler family was known to have a period of golden age; one can tell just by looking at the outline of this ancient castle. A pity…"

Leylin touched the two lifeless statues and sighed.

Magus families which were slightly more powerful can lay a defensive spell formation around their fort. At the very least, the door guards should at least be guarded by magical creatures.

As for now, Leylin only saw two stone statues, and there was no aura of radiation coming from the ancient castle.

With Leylin's strength as a rank 1 spell right now, he could completely demolish this castle.

It seemed like the news of the Tyler family of not having a rank 1 spell was true.

After lingering around the front of the castle for a while, the people inside it were shocked.

*Boom!* Huge stones axles revolving sounded, and the two sides of the door opened slowly.

"May I ask…Who are you looking for?"

A chirpy birdlike girl's voice sounded. From behind the door, a green haired girl roughly 8 to 9 years old peeked out.

"I am Leylin, looking for your family's head!"

Leylin caressed the little girl's hair.

"My Lord! I'm sorry my Lord, this is my daughter, I did not pay attention to her for a while…"

At this moment, a middle-aged man with the energy waves of a level 2 acolyte finally appeared from the door, looking at Leylin in fright.

"Kushy! Hurry up and bow!" The middle-aged man hugged and placed the girl behind him, making her do a bow.

From the middle-aged man's knowledge, although Leylin seemed rather young, he had the terrifying energy waves which had far surpassed himself.

"He's at least a level 3 acolyte!"

He would never be comparable to a level 3 acolyte that this young man was.

Moreover, the Tyler family was in decline for a long time already, so they did not have much backing.

1. (看天吃饭) – Depends on the heavens to have bountiful crops refers to luck.

Tyler Family

"Hi! I'm Leylin, here to meet the head of the Tyler family!"

Leylin repeated his intent.

"Leylin? Leylin!" The middle-aged man repeated the name before his expression changed suddenly, before asking in a more respectful tone, "May I ask if you are the Leylin from the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy?"

"That's right!" Leylin affirmed.

The smile on the middle-aged man's face grew in splendor; it seemed more forced than good-natured as he said, "Welcome to the Tyler family! I will immediately announce your arrival…"

After learning of Leylin's identity, this man's manner changed.

The man had heard Leylin's distinguished name many times; not only was he Bicky's junior, and Professor Kroft's accomplished student, as well as a genius in the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, rumor has it that he has astonishing talent in Potioneering and advanced to level 3 acolyte, with potential to become a Magus before turning 20 years old.

However, the most important thing in the letter was, Leylin had promised to compensate the damage caused by Bicky.

Thinking of this, although the man appeared deferential on the surface, there was a trace of greed within the nervousness he felt.

"I feel very upset regarding the matter of Miss Bicky…"

The man squeezed out some tears as he said, "Previously, Miss Bicky was a very obedient child, but now…"

"I am well aware of all this, bring me to see your family's head!"

Leylin gaze turned frosty, and the middle-aged felt a chill run down his spine. He felt as if he were being stalked by an extremely dangerous beast.

"I shall go at once! I shall go at once!"

Following which, he took hold of his daughter and immediately vanished behind the door.

More than ten minutes later, Leylin had already been received within the great hall of the castle and was in the presence of the Tyler family's patriarch.

"Distinguished guest! I am Tyler family's patriarch – Johnson Tyler! I welcome you to the Tyler Fort, and I hope that your stay here will be pleasant."

The patriarch of Tyler family was known as Johnson Tyler. He was an old man wearing a formal black attire and had a head of lustrous, silver hair which had been carefully combed. But his eyes appeared a muddy white.

[Johnson Tyler. Level 3 acolyte. Strength: 1.9, Agility: 2.5, Strength: 2.0, Spiritual force: 13. magic artifact on target's body can unleash attacks up to three times, each producing a force of more than 20 degrees. ]

A trace of blue light, invisible to others, flashed through Leylin's optic nerve, as the A.I. chip scanned and recorded the information regarding the Tyler family's patriarch.

Then, Leylin's nose twitched; he had smelled a deteriorating and decaying odor emitted from that Patriarch's body.

It was clear from the many wrinkles on this patriarch's face that this man did not have many years of his lifespan left.

Too weak! This kind of strength, in front of Leylin, was the same as grinding an ant to dust.

Leylin swept a glance from top to toe of the patriarch and found that the magic artifact he wore was somewhat decent.

If a level 3 acolyte were allowed to pay an extremely high cost, they could attain a magic artifact suitable for a rank 1 Magus. It seemed that this was something that was passed down the family.

However, from what Leylin saw, instead of one hit, he needed just two to take Johnson down.

The disparity between their strengths was too high, and Leylin did not feel inclined to gossip with him.

"My purpose for coming here is: as stated in my letter from before, I will pay a sufficient cost to compensate for the Rainbow Potion, and you all must pardon Bicky of her crimes."

Leylin ignored the angry look upon the patriarch's face and found a seat to sit down on.

Seeing that Leylin did not show any courtesy, a trace of fury flashed in the eyes of Johnson Tayler, but he quickly suppressed it.

But within his mind, he felt aggrieved, as if a large stone had been placed in his heart. Since when could a level 3 acolyte act this brazenly inside the Tyler Fort?

However, Johnson had, after all, had plenty of experiences during his span of life. Moreover, he could always detect a trace of danger from Leylin.

The many years of training made Johnson put a smile on his face as if he was not even the teensiest bit angry due to Leylin's actions.

"The Rainbow Potion is a precious ancient treasure, right now many of its ingredients are hard to find…"

"I will give the Grine Water in exchange for it!"

"Wh… What…" Johnson stammered immediately, and an unbelievable expression filled his face.

"I said that I will give the Grine Water for it! That would be enough to exchange for the Rainbow Potion, would it not? After all, the Rainbow Potion's effect is to complement the success rate with the Grine Water. When comparing the treasures, the Grine Water is much rarer!"

Leylin interlaced his fingers as he smiled, immediately throwing out a temptation that Johnson could not refuse.

The composition and effect of the Grine Water had long since been analysed by the A.I. Chip during this period.

Only that the brewing process required a lot of ingredients to carry out. Leylin did not have that many ingredients on him, so he could only make do with the analysis.

According to the A.I. Chip's calculation, the effect of the Grine Water was to burn the life force of the acolyte and breakthrough the spiritual force bottleneck.

This method had very evidently had a huge backlash and after effect.

As for Leylin, although he burnt a little of his life force during his advancement, it was very soon replenished by the Giant Kemoyin Serpent's blood essence.

Leylin guessed that it was the tremendous vitality found within the Giant Kemoyin Serpent's blood essence that substituted his own life force that was burnt during the advancement.

Hence, after advancement, right now Leylin had at least 500 to 600 years of lifespan according to the A.I. Chip.

As for normal rank 1 Magus, even if they used many methods to prolong their life, they would at most live up to 200-300 years old.

Moreover, after Leylin advanced to a rank 1 Warlock, the Grine Water that had effect for acolytes was not of much use to him anymore.

Leylin had planned to exchange it for some resources, but now it seems that using it as compensation was not a bad idea too.

As expected, after hearing the words 'Grine Water,' this patriarch Johnson began to pant.

There hasn't been the birth of an official Magus in the Tyler family for over 300 years!

Moreover due to the decline of the bloodline and lack of resources, the Tyler family members had very little chance of advancement. They did not even have a level 3 acolyte where the academy chairman could fawn upon to sign a contract. So naturally they had no way of obtaining the Grine Water.

As for other families, they were extremely pleased to watch the decline of the Tyler family before stepping in to swoop all of their resources. Thus, there weren't any good-natured people to aid them.

Although the Rainbow Potion was good, it was not rarer than the Grine Water.

After all, the Rainbow Potion's effect that could raise the success rate was rather hard to determine. It would at most raise it by 20%.

However, the Grine Water was different! With it and an outstanding acolyte, the Tyler family could definitely try to cultivate their own official Magus! They did not have to be restrained by other contracts!

However, although this wily fox Johnson was extremely willing, he still put on a difficult expression.

"When Bicky stole the Rainbow Potion, she even ruined some treasures…"

Leylin shook his head. He had already predicted such a scene before his advancement.

Even if he was willing to compensate, he would definitely be ripped off.

As he was merely a level 3 acolyte, yet the other party was from a Magus family. Even if it was a declining family, their power is still to be reckoned with for any regular acolytes.

If Johnson did not ruthlessly try to knock off a huge amount from Leylin, then he would have lived to this ripe old age in vain.

"Enough!" Leylin's face darkened.

At the same time, a mighty spiritual force energy wave emanated from his body.

*Hu Hu Hu!* As if a strong gale had swept past, the cloth on the tables and curtains on the windows let off a rattling sound.

The mighty spiritual force of an official Magus mercilessly swept through the fort as frightened wails were heard.

Many youths in the Tyler family fainted on the spot, without making a sound.

They were all regular humans without any resistance to Magus's methods.

As for those level 1 acolyte and level 2 acolyte, they were not any better off. Their faces were reddened as they tried their best to support themselves and not fall onto the ground.

"Of… Official Magus?!"

As if seeing a ghost, Johnson's mouth gaped widely, large enough to stuff several duck eggs inside.

After which, fright surfaced on his face as he immediately knelt onto the ground, "Most respected Lord Magus! Please be appeased and let my family members off!"

Seeing that Johnson, who had wanted to rip him off just a few moments before, was now kneeling on the floor like a frightened rabbit, Leylin harrumphed coldly. However, he still retrieved his spiritual force.

Leylin only did a slight test earlier with some restrain. If not, the regular humans in the fort would have all died from the radiation.

Johnson shuddered as he knelt, his inner heart wildly howling, "This spiritual force definitely belongs to an official Magus! It can't be wrong! He… He is only 18 at most!"

Once he thought of having offended such a genius official Magus, Johnson desired to cry yet there were no tears. He even had the notion of committing suicide.

"Bicky! Yes! His relationship with her is good!" Johnson's eyes lit up as he suddenly thought of this point.

"Quick! Quick bring Bicky here! No… Maid! First, bring her for a bath…"

After seeking approval from Leylin, Johnson scampered off and ran into a large hall, screaming at an acolyte that was sprawled on the floor.

After which, Johnson put on a flattering smile as he bowed towards Leylin. "My Lord, do you have any other orders?"

Looking at his shameless behaviour, Leylin was somewhat speechless.

After all, this was Bicky's family; he could not do things to the extremes.

After Johnson accompanied Leylin in trepidation for another dozen minutes or so, Leylin finally got to see Bicky.

Bicky had apparently gone for grooming; her hair even had water droplets which had not been dried properly. She wore a white gown, her expression, however, did not seem very well, having huge eye bags and dark circles around her eyes.

"You… You're Leylin?!"

Bicky looked at Leylin who stood there unyieldingly and then at her family head who was smiling obsequiously, suddenly feeling dizzy as she tried to connect the dots…

Clayde

Several minutes later, within the large hall.

There was no one else apart from Leylin and Bicky.

Leylin and Bicky sat facing each other, only separated by a small, white round-table. There were many appetizers and aperitifs arranged on this table.

Bicky was holding a piece of sponge cake within her hand, but it appeared she had no appetite.

"Is it true? How did you actually get promoted to a level 1 Magus this soon?"

Bicky, still appearing absent-minded, picked up a steaming drink and took a gulp.

"Congratulations, Leylin! Also, thank you for coming over to help me."

"Don't mention it. After all, you are my friend." Leylin smiled as he said.

"That's right! You are a good friend." Bicky unconsciously repeated whatever Leylin said, still looking dazed.

"What do you plan to do from now on?" asked Leylin, anxiously, seeing Bicky acting in this manner.

"In the future?" Bicky bowed her head as in deep thought and said, "I do not intend to return to the academy. I shall go and travel and perhaps one day; I will return to my family…"

Saying this, she looked eagerly at Leylin, "Maybe I can become your follower?"

After becoming an official Magus, a person can usually accept a few followers and agree upon a soul contract where the followers would pledge their life and loyalty to their master. In return, based on their accomplishments, the masters would have to provide their followers with knowledge and resources to the best of their abilities.

And in the outside world, a follower can be the representative of their master to a certain extent.

"This will not do!" Leylin refused Bicky's request after thinking for a while.

"I have a big problem on hand. Besides all that…"

Even though Leylin did not speak it out, Bicky understood that followers must have certain strength, which could, later on, be of help to their masters

Now, Leylin was already a Magus. With his talent, this was only the beginning of his journey.

And because of this, Leylin's followers' aptitudes should not be lousy. Otherwise, further cultivation would be useless.

Bicky's spiritual aptitude was not very good-till now she was still only a level 2 acolyte. Leylin reckoned that, if she did not experience any strange events, the status of a level 3 acolyte would be the highest she could achieve in her lifetime, which would not be of much help to him.

"If it's like this! I merely made a passing remark…" Bicky laughed forcefully.

Seeing the way Bicky behaved, Leylin suddenly felt he had a headache coming on. He said, "Regarding Fayle, have you decided what is to be done?"

"About him…" Bicky remained silent for a moment.

A good while later, she calmly spoke, "He entered the Purple-Gold Flower family and now has both Grine Water and the Rainbow Potion. I am afraid that he has already broken through and become an official Magus. What can I do?"

"At an appropriate moment, I will make him pay the price."

Leylin still wished to offer some hope and guarantee to Bicky.

Certainly, when and how he will take revenge is up to him to decide. In any case, Leylin himself wasn't prepared to be riddled with troubles to kill the guy who cheated Bicky.

Even if Fayle had advanced, he was now only a newly-minted Magus-which was definitely not a match for Leylin.

Moreover, there were many rank 1 spells contained within that Book of Serpent, some which can kill people without a trace of sound. Outsiders will definitely not be able to connect the death to Leylin.

Bicky's eyes reddened as tears the size of beans rolled down her cheek.

"Thank you! Thank you! Leylin…"

She cried as she pounced into Leylin's arms. Leylin's expression was tender as he hugged her with his left arm, with the right hand patting her gently on the back.

After which, Leylin made a strange gesture with his right arm where Bicky did not realise it.

A greyish black gas was pulled out from Bicky's body and held firmly in Leylin's hands.

Several hours later, after refusing Johnson's invite to stay, Leylin left the Tyler Fort on his own.

Before leaving, he still went according to the contract and gave the Grine Water to the Tyler family as compensation.

In exchange, Johnson pardoned Bicky's crime in front of all the members, even with the intent of making her the successor immediately.

Leylin walked a good long distance before looking back at Tyler Fort. With his vision, he could see a smoky white figure standing alone in front of the Tyler Fort, maintaining the gesture of sending Leylin off earlier.

"I hope the potions I gave her will be of some use!"

Before leaving, Leylin even gave Bicky some of his modified Azure Potion and told her clearly of its uses. And like before, Leylin told a lie, saying that he managed to chance across them and made a purchase.

Although he had the strength of a rank 1 Warlock now and could definitely protect a potion's formula, he still wished to avoid trouble.

To him, Bicky and the other acolytes in the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy were only part of his journey to climb to the top.

He would slightly halt in this part of the journey, but not forever.

He still wished to climb further to greater heights, to see and accomplish more things.

Perhaps, after he had climbed to the highest point, he would then reminisce of his past and return to it.

But before that, he will never leave behind any regrets!

"The issues are almost settled. Maybe I should leave the Poolfield Kingdom and travel around the south coast?"

The Lilytell family was a large family with a strong backing. Leylin's might could not even be compared to a fraction of it.

Leylin did not assume that after advancing into a rank 1 Warlock, he would be able to eradicate this family.

Moreover, at the very end, the Chairman Siley of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy will definitely appear. This was a rank 2 Magus! An existence Leylin had no chance against right now!

As the representative of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, Siley will definitely take action!

After thinking for some while, Leylin felt that deserting the school was his best choice.

As for whether his professors and friends would be implicated?

No matter if it was Kroft, or the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy members, or even Nyssa and the other acolytes, they were all members of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

As one of the three big families, the Lilytell family had to maintain its decorum of nobility and exercise the compliance of rules.

Towards this, the noble family amongst regular humans which Leylin was born in were not much different.

Moreover, even if the Lilytell family did not want face at the end and used other people as hostage to capture him, so what?

Would Leylin be this foolish to walk right into this trap?

Although Leylin would offer his help for Bicky and the rest of them, it always came with a prerequisite. That he had enough power to do it and it would not bring him much trouble.

Once exceeding this threshold, Leylin would somewhat become cold-blooded.

To put it in another way: even if the Lilytell family went to the Chernobyl Islands and used the Farlier family as a hostage to threaten him, Leylin would not give two hoots about it.

At the very most, after his power had increased, he would return to exterminate the Lilytell family, thus avenging the Farlier family.

Leylin thought of his plans as he rode on a horse along the road.

*Thud Thud!*

With the fast trampling of the horse hoofs, they ran past a forest.

As for Leylin, he had been squinting his eyes. At this moment, they were suddenly opened, and a streak of toying expression appeared on his face.

*Pu!*

Just when the horse was about to leave the forest clearing, several arcs of light shot out from the trees.

*Ka-Cha!*

With a huge boom, the fine steed was severed into a few pieces, bleeding out a huge amount of blood and intestines.

At that moment when the light hit his horse, Leylin used his palm to press on the horse, grabbed his knapsack and jumped away from it.

When both of his feet landed on the ground, he realised he had been surrounded by a group of black-robed figures.

They all gave off the energy waves of level 3 acolytes. A few of them also had the aura of magic artifacts radiating from their bodies. As for the one in the centre, his strength had already reached the standard of an official Magus!

The clothes on these black robed figures had an image of several crows stitched on with a gold lining on it.

"Such a getup? The Academy's Enforcement Squad?"

Leylin already guessed who they were, and calmness showed on his face.

"Leylin! Someone has accused you of killing your fellow level 3 acolytes. Bosain, Jayden, Shaya and Roth. Come back with us for your trial!"

The scarred faced leader did not hide the killing intent in his eyes.

Leylin understood that the Lilytell family had finally investigated the matter previously, and even push the blame of the other level 3 acolytes death onto his head.

"And if I say no?"

The people who surrounded Leylin were not only level 3 acolytes but also an official Magus. Before his advancement, he could not even escape such a formation. But now, Leylin had an impulse and was rather eager to battle.

"Defying the Enforcement Squad! Kill on the spot!"

The official Magus, Scarface, unleashed his killing intent and waved his hands.

Many incantations sounded, and various energy waves were emitted.

Dazzling fireballs! Jade green corrosive acid! Purple blades, as well as several other magic artifacts were used, appearing above Leylin's head.

*Bang!*

A huge pit appeared on where Leylin stood. On the sides there were still flames burning, the surroundings littered with broken bones and mutilated corpses.

"He's already killed?" An acolyte behind Scarface spoke.

"Boom!"

Suddenly, the acolyte's brains exploded with the white brain juices and blood splattering on the ground.

"Ted?!"

The group members behind him shouted with faces of disbelief.

*Sua! Sua! Sua!*

Arrows were immediately shot off, causing the level 3 acolytes behind the official Magus to have their heads explode.

"This is? Illusionary spell?" Scarface shouted and immediately chanted an incantation.

*Sssii!*!

Ear piercing wails continuously sounded, and the air in the surroundings seemed to undulate like waves in the water.

The void seemed to be ripped open like the curtains from a theatre. Scarface looked at the surroundings. The level 3 acolytes were all laying on the ground with their eyes shut tightly, not knowing if they were still alive or dead.

However, at this moment, the official Magus did not pay any more attention to them.

"You… Advanced?" Scarface had a shocked expression, "You actually… Advanced into an official Magus at 18 years old!"

"What a frightening talent. A pity you have offended the Lilytell family, so you're destined to die here!"

Scarface licked his lips, revealing a bloodthirsty expression. "Let me introduce myself. Clayde is my name, Clayde Lilytell!"

Defeat

The moment Clayde declared his name, Leylin gave out an order silently.

"A.I. Chip, Scan the target in front of me!"

[Beep! Mission establishing, scanning in progress… A defensive forcefield around the target detected, unable to collect data!]

As expected, the A.I. Chip still gave the same answer.

"Which is to say, if I broke through the layer of forcefield, I'll be able to scan it?"

Leylin used an immense force on his legs and charged towards Clayde like a bullet.

*Bang!*

Leylin's right hand bulged, and the strength of his fist reached 7.1 degrees, smashing onto Clayde's chest.

The sound like a hammer striking at leather sounded. With a huge spark, Clayde was sent flying backwards.

Leylin stood at where Clayde stood originally as he looked at his arm.

Black scales appeared above the skin. On the scales, there were tiny traces of flames continuously flickering.

[Data of target's defensive forcefield obtained, comparing to database!] [Determined target's innate spell as high-temperature forcefield, creating a flame of 24 degrees to burn objects within its vicinity!] [Target's forcefield damaged: 4.6%. 20 more strikes are estimated to break the defensive forcefield!]

The A.I. Chip reported to data to Leylin.

"Cough cough…"

At this moment, Clayde who was lying on the ground got up. There was soot on his somewhat dirtied face.

"What tremendous speed and strength! A pity that you only advanced not too long ago, so how many rank 1 spell could you have learnt? Two? One? Or do you only have your innate forcefield?"

Clayde patted his chest and yelled.

Often Magi, who just advanced were in their weakest stages, not to mention memorising a few rank 1 spells. More often than not, they could not afford a single use scroll or magic artifact either.

After Clayde had finished yelling, he chanted an incantation immediately.

The energy particles in the air changed visibly, shining a dazzling yellow light.

"This might, at least 20 degrees…"

Leylin's expression turned solemn. Right now his Kemoyin's Scales resistance was only at 27 degrees. It was considered pretty good amongst newly advanced Magi, but it could not fend off all of the rank 1 spells.

Only by continuously tapping into the strength of the bloodline, the Kemoyin's Scales would become stronger.

As for now, once the opponent's attack exceeded 27 degrees, it would immediately break through his forcefield.

"I can't let him cast any spells!" Leylin's pupils contracted

*Crash!* The black light flickered, and finely articulated scales surfaced on his body, even his face was included.

In an instant, Leylin was covered by a layer of snake's scales. He right now looked half snake and half human.

The blackness of the scales had an ancient aura and reflected a cold, glossy light which sent Clayde's heart racing a little faster.

"Such a defensive forcefield? So strong!"

"Die!" Leylin shouted, and he moved quicker than before, charging towards Clayde.

Clayde snorted, and a layer of green light appeared on his body which turned into thorns as they blocked Leylin.

*Bang!* *Bang!*

Leylin's expression did not change as he swung his fists. After two punches, the thorns shattered.

After covering himself with the Kemoyin's Scales and coupling it with his strength, Leylin was now like an ancient creature, with an aura that was unstoppable.

Clayde face turned rather unsightly after seeing Leylin breaking through the thorns like wild grass.

"You damned worm! What other methods you have, use them all now!"

Leylin howled and felt every drop of his blood being set ablaze. It made his appetite to battle even more intense than before.

"Damn it!" As Clayde chanted, he kept on changing positions. Moreover, he even activated several magic artifacts to block Leylin from advancing.

Although the might of these low-grade magic artifacts were not strong and mostly restraint type, breaking through them still required some effort.

After Leylin broke through another layer of ice, Clayde finally finished his incantation of a rank 1 spell. An enormous blue fireball was sent flying towards Leylin.

*Boom!*

After the heat wave had dissipated, the mud around the area melted, creating a large pit.

"Haha… No one could survive after being hit by my corrosive fireball!"

Clayde laughed heartily. The joy of killing a genius early in developing stages swelled in his chest.

However, Clayde's expression very soon changed and he hurriedly retreated several steps, as if he saw something unfathomable.

"How… How's this possible, he's actually still alive?"

In the sea of blue fire, a human figure parted the flames and walked out from it.

At this moment, Leylin's clothes were thoroughly razed to ashes, revealing his scaly body. The A.I. Chip's warning continuously rang within his ear.

[Host has suffered an energy attack! Element: Fire, Acid. Estimated power: 20 degrees. Actual power: 26 degrees. Host's innate spell, Kemoyin's Scales, was activated! Energy consumed: 34%. No harm dealt directly to Host!]

"It's actually an attack of 26 degrees. Just one more degree to breaking my defense!"

Leylin had some lingering fear before it manifested into a stronger killing intent!

*Bang!* His figure flickered and appeared right in front of Clayde. The fist covered with scales punched Clayde's chest with a tremendous might.

*Crash!* A bright red flame rose from Clayde's chest, engulfing Leylin's fist within.

*Bang!* Clayde's face turned red as he was sent flying backwards.

Leylin stepped forward, ignoring the flames on his body as he throttled Clayde.

"Run! Why don't you run again?"

Leylin's expression turned malevolent, ramming fists after fists on Clayde's body.

*Bang!* *Bang!* *Bang!*

Massive explosions sounded continuously, and the earth quivered as if there was an earthquake.

Finally, after some time, Clayde cried out, and the flames on his body disappeared.

[Target's defensive forcefield broken, acquiring data…]

The A.I. Chip's voice intoned, bringing Leylin, who was somewhat frenzied back to his senses.

"What happened? I was actually this impulsive and reckless?"

Thinking of how he did not dodge or block as he smashed his opponent's defensive forcefield, cold sweat trickled down Leylin's forehead.

Normally he would have never acted that way. Not to mention the final barrage of attack like a madman was not his way of handling things usually.

[Clayde Lilytell. Strength: 4.5, Agility: 3.7, Vitality: 5.6, Spiritual force: 31. Elemental Essence Conversion: Fire! Progress: 30%…]

Clayde, who was lying on the ground, had his data extracted and sent to Leylin.

"Elemental Essence Conversion? No wonder his acidic fireball was so strong!" Realisation appeared on Leylin's face.

After advancing into a rank 1 Magus, if one wanted to advance again, the basic conditions was to complete the Elemental Essence Conversion!

At this time, the importance of having an affinity for elements was finally shown. If one does not choose the highest affinity element to cultivate in, it's impossible to have the Elemental Essence Conversion progress to get over 80%. Which is to say, they would never be able to advance into a rank 2 Magus!

Furthermore, with the increase in Elemental Essence Conversion, it would improve the might of spells of that particular element.

Originally Clayde's acidic fireball only had a power degree of 20. However, after the 30% Elemental Essence Conversion it reached 26 degrees, almost breaking Leylin's defenses.

Moreover, the multiplier effect could only be applied on one's chosen element affinity. For instance, Clayde's fiery spell could have a 30% multiplier, but the spells of other elements would remain the same. In cases such as Water or Ice Elements, the power might even be reduced.

However, why would Magi gifted with the affinity of Fire element even use Water and Ice spells?

Blue light flashed in Leylin's eyes continuously. This was the first report of data he obtained from a rank 1 Magus. It could aid his understanding towards himself, complete the database and even compare the stats to a Warlock's.

"You… Kill me now! The Lilytell family will never let you off!"

When the innate defensive forcefield of Magi was broken, they would also suffer damage on their sea of consciousness. At this moment, Clayde was already near his last breath.

"Why do I suddenly feel like the villain?"

Seeing Clayde, who put on a 'loyal and unyielding' expression, Leylin wanted to laugh.

"You wish for death? It's too early for that!"

Leylin forcefully chugged a potion down Clayde's throat. Clayde's eyes turned white immediately, and he fainted. There were even some forbidden runes appearing on his body which isolated the branding of spell formation on his body.

After hastily cleaning up the area and packing his spoils, Leylin picked Clayde up and left the area.

With the vitality of 8.5, even if Leylin were to run for a day he would not be exhausted. The reason why he chose to ride a horse previously was just for convenience.

After running wildly for several li, Leylin then had the notion of checking his body status.

It worried him that he lost his control in the battle earlier.

"A.I. Chip! Bring out the data monitored earlier and investigate the cause of losing control!" Leylin managed to simmer down only after sitting in a refreshing stream and cooling off.

[Beep! Mission establishing! Bringing out monitored data!] The A.I. Chip intoned icily, not bringing any trace of emotion.

[14 Hours 23 Minutes, abnormal activities observed within Host. Blood flow increased by almost 45%, activity of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent blood essence significantly increased!]

The A.I. Chip reported the series of data to Leylin. Through a comparison, there was a strange stimulant released by the Giant Kemoyin Serpent's bloodline during the battle earlier. It was similar to doping, and the stimulation caused Leylin to lose his rationality.

"This is the origin of the Warlocks' emotional aftereffects?"

Leylin muttered, immediately asking, "A.I. Chip, bring out the best solutions to solve this!"

[Beep! Method 1: Forsake the Giant Kemoyin Serpent! Method 2: Use the Serenity Potion! Method 3: …]

Very soon, the A.I. Chip presented the possible solutions to Leylin.

Fayle

"The ingredients needed for Method 3 and above are too precious. I can't even get them now!"

"Right now the Giant Kemoyin Serpent's bloodline is already fused with my body and even the soul. Forcefully removing it would mean that I will demote from a rank 1 Warlock. I might even lose my life, so this is impossible!"

"It seems like I can only hurry and brew the Serenity Potion!" Leylin's face was solemn.

He long since gotten the formula and even gathered the ingredients in the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. Brewing the completed potion was only a matter of time.

He thought he could rely on his willpower to overcome adversities. However, the emotional fluctuations had perplexed Warlocks for hundreds of thousands of years. It was something that could not be easily overcome with mere willpower.

Leylin was always proud of being a rational person. A circumstance where he could not control things was tormenting for him.

After which, Leylin looked at a nearby cave and gave a cold smile.

After stripping Clayde of his belongings, he trapped Clayde, who was unconscious, in a cave.

Leylin was somewhat anticipatory on the information about the Lilytell family.

Even though he suspected that Clayde has some sort of tracing spell on him, Leylin still decided to grill him.

As long as he acts fast enough, Leylin predicts that he can leave before Clayde regains full consciousness.

Moreover, the enemy merely assumed Leylin to be a level 3 acolyte; they would never anticipate that Clayde would fail. However, Clayde will never have the chance to be assigned to such an easy task in the future.

...

After a few hours, Leylin retrieved what he wanted and left the area.

Nothing was left of Clayde's presence in the area except for a pool of yellow pus.

"I never thought that Bosain's backing would be this powerful. He was the only grandson to an elder who had reached the requirements of advancement by having an Elemental Essence Conversion of 80% and above…"

Leylin pondered on the latest developments as he hurried along his way.

Potion Masters crafted different types of potions. Leylin accumulated an assorted bunch of torture methods from the experiments in Extreme Night City. Leylin tested these torture methods on Clayde. Very quickly, the official Magus was driven to near insanity, letting the cat out of the bag in the process as he begged for a quick death.

According to Clayde, Bosain's grandfather was a powerful elder of the Lilytell family and also a magus that Clayde was serving.

This was the reason why he was able to command the rank 1 Magus.

After eliminating the linchpin of the enemy and Clayde, Leylin knew that the powerful elder's hate for him grew by the day.

However, there was still good news at the end.

Because of selecting the head inside the Lilytell family, the internal conflict in the Lilytell family had reached a critical point. The various elders were not affiliated with each other; thus, Leylin only needed to worry about escaping from Bosain's' grandfather.

However, the audacity of Leylin to kill the enemies' linchpin magus has angered all of the clans in the family and they will certainly not mind dispatching of Leylin if it was convenient.

Alone, Leylin stood no chance against the powerful clans

Leylin took little time to realise that his best option was to escape

The Poolfield Kingdom was Abyssal Bone Forest Academy territory, which was sort of Lilytell family's gathering grounds. The more to the east, the more obvious it gets.

The region to the north was filled with unspeakable dangers. Leylin decided that West was the way to go. He ploughed through the Zither Moon Mountain Plains and entered the vicinity of the Sage Gotham Hut

The two forces just had a war, where they were irreconcilable like fire and water.

In the vicinity of the Sage Gotham Hut, the influence of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was definitely the weakest.

However, Leylin was not planning to stay for long in the vicinity of Sage Gotham Hut. Although they would definitely be willing to rope in an official Magus and even put the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy at a disadvantage, Leylin had never planned to be a pawn for them.

The whole south coast was still big! Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and Sage Gotham Hut only belonged to the remote area on the eastern side of the south coast, like the rural area.

After passing through the Inlan Dukedom controlled by the Sage Gotham Hut and passing through the Great Canyon Margaret and traversing through a dozen more kingdoms, he reached the central area of the south coast.

It was said that the Light Magi in this area held the highest power and could live in harmony with regular humans. Massacres and battles seldom occurred here.

Leylin's plan was to continue his progress in this area.

Although he only needed to meditate the high-grade meditation technique to advance, it did not mean that he had no need for resources.

Rather, it was just the contrary, no matter if it was for Elemental Essence Conversion or the decreased time between meditations, Leylin required resources, lots of magical resources!

At the same time, he required huge quantities of potions and to obtain enough gold for it.

All these required a distribution centre to collect the ingredients.

The largest markets in the south coast were in the central region, which was overseen by the Ennea Ivory Ring Tower and other large magisterium.

As he thought of Ennea Ivory Ring Tower, Leylin recalled George.

It was a youth who set off at the same time as him, finally entering the Ennea Ivory Ring Tower for his studies. In a flash, five to six years had passed. George had a fourth-grade aptitude, so it was very likely he had already advanced into a level 3 acolyte.

"I wonder how they are now."

Leylin muttered as he sped up his pace towards the Zither Moon Mountain Plains.

*Bang!*

A huge cave immediately crumbled into a landslide, showing the apparent rage of the person who struck it.

Under the rubble, the figure of an old man in silver white armour could be seen.

There were some strange metal ornaments on this old man's face, his eyes showing his wrath.

"Clayde… Clayde was actually killed too!"

"I will definitely not let you go!" The old man gritted his teeth, the veins on his forehead bulging.

...

Fayle's frame of mind was somewhat good the past few days.

Especially when his servants and acolytes called him; Lord Magus Fayle', he would often have some smugness from it.

Fayle did have the ability to be arrogant.

Before the age of 30, he already advanced into an official Magus! This degree of progress even shocked his mentor.

Fayle enjoyed giving this astonishment to others.

Moreover, with his title as a genius, the Purple-Gold Flower family took its initiative to rope him in, offering him an attractive contract.

The restraints from the spirit contract were much looser than those given by the Academy.

Although he lost some freedom, it was insignificant compared to the knowledge of advancement and a rank 1 defensive spell model.

Without these two items, he would never be able to advance into a rank 1 Magus; maybe to add one more item-Rainbow Potion!

Fayle immediately thought of Bicky after recalling the Rainbow Potion. "I guess that fool has already been killed off by her family?"

He smirked in disdain.

Previously, if not for Bicky always sending him magic crystals and other resources, he would have already kicked her away already.

Moreover, Bicky unknowingly revealed that her family had a Rainbow Potion in their possession, so Fayle could not hold back from wanting it.

First, he put on an act to save her in the bloodbath to deepen their relationship. Afterwards, he told her of his concerns in advancement, and requested her to steal her family's treasure!

"Hng! I, Fayle, will be a monarch unifying the south coast in future. Why would I even have my eyes on such trash?"

Furthermore, according to some inside information, the Purple-Gold Flower family wanted to betroth a young girl to him. This was normally the methods used by Magi families to rope in genius Magi.

Not only could they bind him on their bandwagon, but they could also inject new heirs with superior bloodlines.

"Men…Mentor, it's time to have lunch!"

A shy voice sounded. It was a blonde female acolyte wearing grey robes. She was only about 11 or 12, where there was some baby fat on her cheeks.

"En!" Fayle acknowledged and caressed the girl's cheek.

The girl's face reddened yet she did not dare to move, letting Fayle touch her. Finally, she left with an embarrassed expression.

An insatiable lust could not be concealed in Fayle's eyes as he watched the girl's leaving figure.

Fayle knew that he had some fetish towards this aspect. For example… He did not like mature women but only young girls!

This little girl was an acolyte he had taken in after becoming an official Magus. As for why he took her under his wing, it was the Purple-Gold Flower family's request. On the other hand, it was also after seeing how she was this pure and lovable.

He always felt it was disdainful to hide his desires.

Moreover, to outsiders, there was nothing wrong with that.

Official Magi always have special rights. Furthermore, if it was only this much the Purple-Gold Flower family had to invest in to get the teachings of an official Magus, the little girl was definitely benefitting from it.

Fayle, whose robes was neat and tidy, sat on a long table.

Beside him was the little girl from before.

Around them, there was a dozen of maids and menservants quietly attending to their needs.

In reality, there were the servants assigned by the Purple-Gold Flower family, so he did not have to waste a single coin.

Moreover, even this tower that he lived in was constructed by the Purple-Gold Flower family and sent to him by the initiative.

Every time something like that happened, Fayle would be put in a good mood.

"What's today's lunch menu?"

"Fresh tenderloin beef, My Lord!" An old housekeeper bowed and replied.

A pretty maid went open and opened the golden lid. An aroma of hot food wafted in the air. In the middle was a well-done beef tenderloin steak, coupled with soup and juice.

Fayle expertly cut with the knife and used the silver fork to poke the meat.

"This meat… Seemed to be redder than regular beef…"

Fayle spoke indifferently and placed the meat piece into his mouth…

After eating, Fayle used a white napkin to wipe his lips.

"Today's beef flavour was pretty good, where did the beef come from?"

"My Lord! It was a meat vendor who approached our front door and pitched a sale. I saw that the steak quality was not bad, so I bought a few…" The housekeeper reported.

"Isn't this the outer vicinity of the Purple-Gold Flower family? There are actually meat vendors coming up to sell their goods?"

Fayle suddenly felt that it was absurd.

An Incurable Curse

"Yes, I remember it clearly. That meat vendor wore a black hood, his dishevelled hair covering half his face. There was a metal hook on his left hand…"

The housekeeper vividly recalled the memory of the meat vendor.

"This is really strange!" Fayle shook his head and looked at the little girl beside him.

"How is the construction of your mind runes coming on?"

"I have already constructed three but I can't seem to construct the fourth! Also, inside the biology…" The little girl reported back meekly.

"So it's like this?" Fayle interlaced his fingers.

"Your progress is too slow. Tonight you must come to my room, I'll be personally 'coaching' you!"

"Yes, Mentor!" The little girl replied softly.

*Dang Dang Dang!*

The copper grandfather clock in the hall gave a resounding boom and the clock struck 12 times. The sky outside had already darkened and one could slightly see some visible blue stars.

"It's already so late, why isn't Nida here yet!"

Fayle slammed opened the door with a loud bang, annoyance evidently seen on his face.

"Nida! Nida!" Fayle began to shout.

His voice echoed throughout the silent hallway, reverberating for a long distance.

The surroundings were in dead silence. Fayle could even hear his own breathing and the flow of his blood.

"Housekeeper! Housekeeper! Maids! Where are they?!"

Impatience began to show on his face, as he hurriedly put on his outer garments and stepped outside of the door.

*Dong Dong Dong!* The sound of leather boots striking the floor was heard.

A black figure walked slowly towards Fayle.

"Who? Who's there?" Fayle called out warily, a silver short sword appearing in his hands.

No matter how Fayle shouted, the footsteps maintained a constant pace that was neither too fast nor slow and walked towards him.

When the black figure drew closer, Fayle could almost see the full appearance of the figure.

It was a middle-aged man who wore black robes. On his chest hung the trademark apron that butchers wore. On his head was a black hood, his dishevelled hair covering most of his face. What was especially attracting was his empty left sleeves. Instead, only a rusty metal hook was seen at the end of the sleeve.

This description perfectly fit the one that the housekeeper mentioned earlier.

*Weng!*

The silver short sword glinted and flew directly to the man with a whistling sound.

*Pu!* As if piercing through an illusion, ripples appeared on the meat vendor's body and the silver short sword went through it.

"Illusory spell?!" Fayle's lips started to move as he chanted a high pitched incantation.

*Xiu Xiu!*

A mixture of the sound of a quick panting on a metallic flute and like the sound of a rusty knife scraping against a metal continuously sounded, causing ripples in the air.

After the whistling sound ended, it was still absolute silence in the tall tower, as if the world only had Fayle and the meat vendor in it.

The black robed man immediately raised his left hook and swung it at Fayle.

*Bubble!* From Fayle's body, a layer of fluid formed transparent water shield, blocking the metal hook's assault.

This was Fayle's innate spell which was finally activated in crucial moments!

Seizing this opportunity, Fayle hurriedly chanted and multiple frost spikes were shot towards the man.

*Pu!* *Pu!*

The frost spikes entered the body and countless blood was spurted out. However, the man in the robes seemed not to be conscious about it, even his expression did not change, like that of a zombie who did not know pain. He continuously brandished his metal hook, causing ripples after ripples on the water shield.

"F*ck, what is this damned thing?"

Fayle struck at the man in the robes for several more times before his mental fortitude seemed to be on the verge of collapse.

No matter if it was physical or magical attacks, it all amounted to nothing when they landed on this man's body.

Instead, every strike from this metal hook continuously consumed the energy needed to maintain the innate spell. Fayle could clearly feel that if the opponent were to attack several more times, his innate spell would completely shatter.

"Run!"

Under the life or death crisis, Fayle felt as though he returned back to his acolyte days where he had to greet every Magus respectfully, before turning around and running away.

*Dong Dong Dong Dong!*

Hearing the approaching footsteps of the man wearing the black robes resounding in his ears, it made Fayle run even faster.

20 metres!

10 metres!

5 metres!

1 metres!

Fayle grabbed hold of the large main doors of the tall tower and dashed outside.

*Peng!* The door behind was closed shut. To Fayle's utter dismay, he actually appeared inside his bedroom once again. Also, there was only a 3 metres distance between him and the man now!

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! What's happening?"

Fayle gritted his teeth and continued to run, yet returning to his room every time.

Finally, tears and mucus ran down Fayle's face as he returned yet again to his room and closing the door shut tightly.

*Dong! Dong!* The knocking sounds that were the footsteps of the death god. Fayle felt that every step was stepping directly on his heart.

"Mentor! Papa! Mama! Save me!"

Fayle crouched behind the door, crying like a little child.

As if hearing his pants, the booming footsteps halted. Finally, when it was just one step away from the door, it disappeared….

Fayle was pale stricken as he waited for a good half hour before his trembling hands opened the door, only to see no one there.

"Hu…."

Fayle exhaled a large breath and collapsed to the ground as if all the bones had been removed from his body.

"It's finally gone! I must write a letter to Mentor tomorrow and let him check what had transpired…"

Fayle closed the door.

Suddenly, just when he had turned around, a dishevelled face appeared right before him.

What came closely following it was a black metal hook!

*Pu!* This time, the black metal hook directly broke through Fayle's defensive forcefield and gouged his right eyeball out.

The moment his eye was hooked out, black and red viscous liquid mixture flowed out.

The man seemed to be unsatisfied as his sent his hook at Fayle's head again!

*Bang!* Fayle's body was sent to the ground from the force. The metal hook bore through his brains deeply. Fayle was still unconsciously writhing before he lost all signs of life.

*Brush!*

Following wipe, the man in black robes immediately withdrew a greasy bone saw and began to expertly dissect Fayle's corpse.

After the dissection, Fayle's muscles had been completely stripped clean. The colour of it too turned even redder, revealing the veins of blood, similar to that found in the beef tenderloin!

Winding the time back to yesterday morning.

The black robed man knocked on the kitchen's door of the tall tower, revealing a hideous smile. "Do you want to buy meat? I have good tenderloin steak for sale…"

...

Several li away from Fayle's tall tower, Leylin looked at a spell formation with a solemn expression.

In the centre of the formation, a black flame was flickering, in the heart of it was the scene of Fayle's ending.

With the images continuously flashing by, Leylin stared at the image without blinking, mysteriously chanting at the same time.

Finally, after the black robed man killed Fayle and scoured his flesh clean, Leylin's expression loosened.

*Pa!* The black coloured spell formation collapsed.

The surroundings immediately quietened down and a dead silence followed after.

*Dong Dong!*

The black robed man inside the image earlier appeared in front of Leylin.

"You're here now?" Leylin seemed to have expected it, with no shocked expression on his face.

"Shihiohj" The black robed man let off several indiscernible words and charged towards Leylin.

*Bang!* The black metal hook was grabbed by a scaly palm.

Leylin faced the black robed man and could even see the crude construction of his facial features.

"Look into my eyes!" Leylin spoke gently with a hissing voice like that of a snake's.

The black robed man unconsciously looked into Leylin's eyes.

At this moment, there were some phenomenal changes in Leylin's eyes — both his eyes turned into vertical pupils, letting off the crystal glow like amber!

Innate spell—Eye of Petrification!

*Ka-Cha!* *Ka-Cha!* A grey-white colour extended from the man's face to his whole body.

Several seconds later, the black-robed man completely turned into a grey-white statue.

"Seize the chance!" Leylin picked up the grey statue and tossed it into the heart of the black formation!

*Crash!* The stone statue shattered in pieces, from it grayish-white gases appeared as if wanting to form into a human figure.

"Dust to dust, earth to earth, return to where you came from!"

Leylin chanted in the ancient Byron language.

A black circular whirlpool suddenly appeared in the middle of the formation. With a huge suction force, it sucked in the grey-white gas in.

After the whirlpool disappeared, Leylin then heaved a sigh of relief and collapsed to the ground.

"Such a curse cannot be easily activated by anyone!" Leylin smiled wryly.

After destroying all traces of Clayde, Leylin hurried along the way as he brewed the Serenity Potion, finally suppressing the emotional fluctuations that Warlocks had.

However after some thought, he wanted to see things come to an end. So he decided to kill Fayle before escaping the area.

The Lilytell family would definitely have a wanted list on him through the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, so what if he were to add another pursuer, the Purple-Gold Flower family to it? Anyway, it was the wanted list put up by Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, so having one or two families chasing after him had no difference.

Furthermore, Leylin saw a rank 1 curse spell inside the Book of Giant Serpent. It could completely kill Fayle with no one the wiser, and no trouble would come after him.

However, Leylin did not think that this curse was this malicious, it would even reverse the sorcery on the spell caster!

This left him with some lingering fear, especially after seeing the monstrous way Fayle was killed.

These rank 1 spell requirements were extremely harsh.

First of all, he had to cast a Darkness body and use the opponent's trace of scent, if not it could not be casted.

Afterwards, it required one to know the basics of spirit bodies. Fortunately, Leylin had amassed some experience in Extreme Night City, so he picked it up rather quickly.

Finally, this curse had a limitation which was the distance. Moreover, it could only attack a target that had lower stats than the spell caster.

Horse Carriage

The Book of Giant Serpent mentioned that the curse had had to have stats lower than the spell caster. If any one stat of the target is higher, the might of this curse would be reduced by more than half.

Leylin found out that once the curse has ended, the caster still had to face the wrath of a vengeful spirit which was summoned in the process.

It was absolutely ridiculous!

With so many prerequisites, and being only able to deal with targets with lower stats, finally having to suffer the backlash from a vengeful spirit!

In Leylin's opinion, this kind of curse wasn't very useful.

However, Fayle met this requirement just right.

He had just advanced and embarked on the simplest path. The various stats were lower than Leylin. Moreover, he had already collected his scent when he was with Bicky previously.

Adding on to the various reasons, Fayle had become Leylin's first sacrifice to practice the curse on.

"I always feel that there's something wrong with this curse, it's better to use it lesser in future!"

Leylin patted off the dust on his body.

"However, with the disappearance of the great Magus Serholm, the people on south coast who can recognise this curse are barely alive, no to mention finding out who the caster was. No matter how the Purple-Gold Flower family investigates, they couldn't trace it back to me…"

If Leylin could avoid such troubles and remove all traces of himself, he would do so, never leaving behind any leads.

After the task was completed, Leylin left the Poolfield Kingdom.

...

In the Inlan Dukedom, on a broad road, a black horse carriage continuously sped on it.

The wooden wheels which were galvanised by iron let off creaking sounds.

As there were no shock absorbing functions, the rise and fall of the carriage was extremely great, so the passenger inside the horse carriage did not have a good ride.

It seems that this rented horse carriage had all sorts of passengers on it. There was a white-bearded old man with his granddaughter, wanton women, and even those merchants wearing caps hugging onto their belongings tightly.

In their midst, there was a black cloaked youth.

The youth had pure black hair with some lustre on it. His handsome face had a radiant smile, which made him have a strange yet strong charisma!

This person naturally was Leylin.

After using the curse to kill Fayle, he no longer had any concerns, so he left the Poolfield Kingdom immediately.

Although the Zither Moon Mountain Plains was rather dangerous for acolytes, Leylin who was a Warlock that surpassed regular rank 1 Magi treated it as a walk in his back garden. It was a place where he could roam around freely.

After arriving at the Inlan Dukedom, Leylin finally relaxed!

Ever since the armistice, there has been peace between the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and the Sage Gotham Hut. However, with the increasing degree of hostility, even the powers of the secular realm were affected. There was news of this two great kingdoms going to war once again.

No mercy would be given to the two kingdoms' official Magi. Once spotted in enemy's territory, they would be viciously hunted down.

With much of the troubles passed, Leylin began to feel more relaxed. He abandoned the notion of ploughing through his travels as a lone wolf and instead made use of secular methods to conduct his travels.

Since he did not opt to join the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy after his promotion, Leylin was not affected or restricted by the armistice. However, he was still in a precarious position.

As a betrayer of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, and with no intention to join Sage Gotham Hut, he had to be careful while in their territory.

Blending amongst the regular humans seemed like a good way to travel.

The downside was that the traffic conditions while travelling with the plebeians were pretty bad.

A scowl crossed Leylin's' face as he experienced the chaotic congestions and rancid odour emitted from the carriage.

If there was an alternative way to travel, he would have long ago alighted from this carriage.

Amidst the foul experience on board the carriage, Leylin noticed a child dressed pink seated opposite him and let out a brief smile.

The adolescent female child had a pair of sapphire-like eyes and milky white skin. She spotted Leylin smiling at her and smiled back friendly at Leylin.

The little girl's grandfather seated next to her spotted the interaction and immediately pulled her close to his side. He whispered words into the child's ear which caused her to hurriedly avoid Leylin's attention. Although hard to hear, It was most likely a warning against the dangers lurking outside.

Following which, the white-bearded grandfather stared menacingly into Leylin's eyes as a sign of warning.

Unaffected by the grandfather's hostility, Leylin let out a chuckle.

Leylin felt an aura of familiarity from the little girl. Although just 12 or 13 years of age, she was already exuding an odd amount of charm, causing passengers of the carriage to constantly steal glances at her.

Even Leylin was fascinated by the little girl.

After observing her for a little while more, Leylin came to the conclusion that she had a Warlock's bloodline!

The strength of Warlocks came from the bloodlines. Their descendants would also carry traces of their bloodline. However, it was extremely difficult to unearth that strength again.

For instance, this little girl's bloodline was already extremely thin. Moreover, there were no energy waves coming from her. She was the most regular of humans, not even an acolyte.

Also, the further away from the first generation Warlock, the bloodline would slowly thin out over the generations, finally turning into regular humans again.

However, in the second and third generations, there were still plenty of decent quality bloodline inherited.

Hence, Warlocks tend to reproduce often to establish their own family.

Leylin, for example, was a first generation bloodline. If he had any descendants, his children and grandchildren's bloodline would also have the strength of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent!

This scenario was somewhat similar to the Magi families, yet different.

The main thing that Magi wanted to pass on was their soul aptitude, every generation may be regular humans with no aptitude. Furthermore, although both the Warlocks and Magi held bloodlines in esteem, the Magi would not mind accepting fresh blood to raise the genes passed down in the family, which might sometimes exceed that of the ancestors!

However, Warlocks were different. They revered the purity of bloodlines, so they would protect the purity of the bloodlines and soul through the marriage of relatives. To them, if an outsider joins their family, not only would it not increase the density of the bloodline, it would even contaminate their bloodline.

Moreover, the descendants inheriting the bloodline of Warlocks found it extremely difficult to advance into an official Magus. Unless they found a high-grade meditation technique that was suitable for their bloodline. Under normal circumstances, these things were usually passed down from the first generation.

However, once the density of the bloodline thins out, or if the inheritance of the high-grade meditation technique stopped, it was often the start of a Warlock family's decline.

When a Magus family declines, there was the possible chance of their descendants bringing it back to glory. However, it was extremely difficult for Warlock families to do the same.

Unless the descendant found the original source of bloodline, or through some other methods to replenish the strength of bloodlines!

In the Central Continent, there were 3 schools of thoughts. Families consisted of either those who revered high-grade meditation techniques, those with bloodlines or some other assortment of the magisterium. This were the 3 main representatives in the continent.

This information and news naturally came from the Book of Giant Serpent written by the great Magus Serholm.

From some information that the great Magus Serholm had revealed, he was most likely in the central continent, yet for some unknown reason, he went to the south coast.

As Leylin was a rank 1 Warlock, he was extremely sensitive to his kind.

On that old geezer's body, Leylin could not detect a single trace of the bloodline.

It was very evident that he was not the biological grandparent of that little girl.

However, this old geezer was not any regular human. Leylin detected a trace of acolyte's energy waves from him. Looking at the might, it belonged to a level 2 acolyte.

"Interesting! A housekeeper? Or adoption?" Leylin smiled 'apologetically' and continued with his pondering.

What was undeniable was that Leylin had an extreme interest in his same kind.

Although it was most likely that no high-grade meditation techniques could appear on her. Even if there was Leylin would not use it, unless she was had the bloodline of snake types.

However, as the descendant of another Warlock, Leylin had a very good comparison sample on how to unearth his own strength from the bloodline.

Moreover, he wished to try and see if he could extract the blood essence from this girl and purify the bloodline. So that he could obtain another ancient creature's bloodline.

The other party's destination was also the Great Canyon Margaret, which coincided with Leylin's plans, so he naturally dispelled the thought of travelling alone.

As for the white bearded old geezer beside the little girl, he often saw Leylin sneaking glances at his granddaughter, even having a smile that seemed to harbour malicious intentions. So naturally his expression was not too pleasant.

However, he did not discover Leylin's identity, only treating him as a mere human.

After the advancement previously, Leylin spent much time and effort to have the A.I. Chip optimise his shapeshifting ability again. The effect was greater than before, although he did not have the information from an official Magus, Leylin knew that this old geezer could not discern of his shapeshifting ability after activating it.

Right now, he had not yet completely know how to make use of this little girl.

Should he abduct her directly and obtain the blood? Or conduct some experiments while observing her at the side?

After all, he did not know if the backing of this little girl was a Warlock family or not. Although this possibility wasn't great, Leylin still did not wish to take the risk.

However, it seemed like he could unravel the mysteries very soon!

The corner of Leylin's lips curled up.

After so many days of observation, he realised that the old geezer was mostly frowning as if he was riddled with a great load on his mind.

Moreover, with the passing of each day, he was evidently becoming more impatient, as he hurriedly requested for the horse carriage to move faster.

After being rejected, he even had the plan to leave the party. However, it seemed that he recalled of something, so he could only put up with it and continue on the horse carriage.

"It seems like this journey would not be too boring!"

Leylin was only an acolyte previously, so naturally he did not wish for trouble. If he had not yet advanced into a Warlock, he would definitely be the first to leave the horse carriage if he met this acolyte who seemed to be running away from something.

However, everything was different now. In the south coast, rank 1 Magi were great powers, much less to mention himself who was a little stronger than newly advanced Magi.