678 - 686

Ease and Departure

"You learnt about that too… It seems like you know me quite well," Leylin shook his head, "But did you know that the thing I hate the most is being coerced?"

His expression instantly darkened. "Furthermore, it's better to deal with dark Magi than the likes of you. As long as I display enough strength to shock them, they become even more obedient than dogs, and won't resort to sneaky actions in the shadows…"

"It looks like Sir Leylin is very prejudiced against us light Magi. What a pity…" Nonov spoke slowly, the golden scepter in his hand emitting even more dazzling rays of light.

"Are you done with all that nonsense? Like I said earlier, we should just eliminate him. He started out as a dark Magus!" Marjorie, who was beside Nonov, began to speak with a piercing voice.

*Sou sou!* The giant tree Magus under them did not speak, but large amounts of roots spread out from it to envelop the surrounding region. It formed a grid of roots in the area.

"Increasing your vitality by combining your life with plants'? How pathetic." Leylin shook his head, seeing through the tree with a slight glance. While he didn't say more than that, the look of pity in his eyes threw the banyan tree into a violent rage.

Boundless green light spread around the area. It was like it had formed a translucent crystal in the air, sealing the air around Leylin.

"As we discussed before. Keefa will be in charge of restraining him while you amplify our power. I'll take the charge." As he said that, Nonov took the lead, the golden scepter in his hands abruptly increasing in size to become a golden holy lance.

"Understood!" Marjorie answered quickly from behind him. All sorts of complicated and mysterious runes appeared from her body, disappearing into the giant tree and Nonov's body. With that support, more of their spiritual forces crystallised, approaching the limit.

"Even after the amplification, they're still only close to the limit of rank 3?" Leylin sighed, the disappointment evident in his eyes as he waved his arm.

*Rumble!* Black flames began encircling the horse carriage in defence. "Wait here, don't come out and block me."

Numerous tendrils that had come to probe the area sizzled, instantly burnt to ashes by the black flames. It caused the large banyan tree to let loose a miserable cry.

The black flames looked to be about to burn right up the roots, and the tree had no choice but to sever the affected ones, cutting its connection with them. Jade-green sap flowed out of the wounds in great amounts.

"AARGHORH…" The human face on the trunk let out roars that nobody could make sense of. On the other hand, the faces of Nonov and Marjorie changed.

"These flames burn the very soul! Lord Leylin seems to have obtained some amazing inheritance in his time away." Golden light was produced from the lance, covering Nonov's body as if some kind of golden armour.

"You think I'm relying on some inheritance? You think that's what gives me my strength?" Leylin replied, disapproving.

"Heaven's Lance, make a judgement for light and justice!" Nonov's body seemed to burst into golden flames. He hurled the lance in his hands into the distance, and it seemed like a golden meteor was launched. The lance reached Leylin in the blink of an eye. Black even streaked near the tip of the lance, fine spatial cracks being formed.

"I must say, you're quite good for a rank 3 Magus." Leylin stretched out his hand as he yawned. In front of that pale hand, be it the golden flames or the spatial cracks, everything was destroyed. The terrifyingly sharp tip of the holy golden lance could do no harm to his skin as he grabbed it.

"It's best not to show this stuff and humiliate yourself." As if in answer to all the taunting from the three Magi, Leylin exerted a bit of force with his two hands.

The golden lance broke apart at the center, the screech it left behind sounding miserable. Golden sand fell from where it had broken apart, causing the main body to quickly collapse.

"No, how is that possible?" Nonov took several steps backwards, blood flowing from the corners of his mouth due to the backlash of having his holy lance destroyed. Two streaks of red fell from his eyes, "This is a treasure that's been passed down in our academy! Even peak rank 3 Magi shouldn't be able to so much as move it!"

"Let's go! He's even more terrifying than that Gargamel!" Marjorie pulled at Nonov, and the banyan tree below them abruptly pulled up its roots and fled like a giant, each step allowing it to cover hundreds of metres.

"Activate the interference formation we'd planned for the Gargamel!" Nonov seemed to have recovered, but his eyes still held a trace of shock. He took out a white handkerchief to cover the blood from the corner of his mouth even as he gave his command.

The earth rumbled as four pillars of light, red yellow, blue, and green, shot up around Leylin. Smoke and multi-colour light appeared in the air, forming a tremendous spell formation with runes snaking around its surface.

"Nonov, the enemy is far stronger than we expected. The four-pillared stone seal shouldn't be able to hold him down for long. We'll need to use our final treasure!" Marjorie exclaimed solemnly.

"Roar…" The banyan tree Magus under them thundered, emitting spiritual undulations of approval.

"In that case…" Nonov's expression underwent several changes before he finally gritted his teeth and reached into his robes.

*Rumble!* All of a sudden, loud thuds sounded from the sealing formation, causing shivers to go down the spines of the three Magi. It was like some powerful ferocious beast had been set free in there, bursting forth with enough force to break it open. Bumps appeared in the barrier, and the runes on top of it shattered like glass.

"How is that possible? That's our four-pillar rock seal, even the Gargamel was trapped inside it for a few minutes. How long has it been?" Marjorie let out a piercing shout.

"Prepare to strengthen the seal. Use the Aquatic Devil Seaweed and help me gain time. Quick!" Nonov looked exceptionally sinister.

"But that's the last secret trick we have. There's only enough of the Aquatic Devil Seaweed to be used once…" Marjorie obviously hesitated.

"His strength is the greatest catastrophe for us. I even suspect… quick!" Nonov coughed out blood.

"Fine." Marjorie merely hesitated for a moment and immediately grew clear-headed, tossing a dried-up seaweed into the formation.

"Emissary sleeping deep within the sea, please heed my call…" With her chants, the small dried-up marine seaweed abruptly swelled in mid-air, as if it had absorbed a large amount of moisture. Even its surface grew wet.

Large amounts of moisture gathered within it and formed a dark green ball of plants, with all sorts of seaweed on it. The plant ball shifted above the sealing spell formation before it suddenly exploded, threads of black seaweed forming a web that covered the area.

"Alright! Even if it's a peak rank 3, the Aquatic Devil Seaweed can still achieve…" The glee in Nonov's eyes only lasted a short while. His eyes nearly popped out from their sockets and he lost all of his previous demeanour, "How is that possible?"

He could see a gap in the middle of the formation, be it the four pillared stone seal or the threads of seaweed. A Magus wearing dark-golden scholarly robes and a mysterious mask on his face walked out arrogantly. Immediately after, a black hole appeared in his hands, sucking in the surrounding seal and the aquatic seaweed.

*Pow!* A slight explosion sounded in the air, and in the blink of an eye, the spell formation and the devil algae seal had turned into a miniature model in Leylin's hands.

"This is far beyond rank 3. You're a Morning–" Nonov's face immediately seemed to lose all blood, becoming so pale that it was frightening.

However, Leylin did not give him the chance to kneel and beg for forgiveness nor flee, "The tasteless games shall end now. I'll return this to you!" He tossed the model in his hand lightly in front.

The seal that was compressed a thousandfold rumbled, abruptly blowing up along with the devil algae. Formless energy buffeted all directions, shaking the earth itself. Multi-coloured light rippled in the air, the magnificence concealing a deadly danger.

"I'm warning you right now. Don't provoke the Farlier Family, or else…" Leylin gently landed above the carriage, and under Krupp and Darlie's reverential gazes headed inside.

The demonic nightmare horse neighed and galloped wildly, several times faster than before. It even soared into the air after a while, turning into a flash of light that streaked through the horizon.

The terrifying explosions continued for a while in the place they'd left behind before gradually ending to reveal two figures, both in a sorry state.

Keefa, the gigantic banyan tree of a Magus, had already disappeared; he'd used his body to absorb most of the attack.

"Keefa!" Marjorie was not in a very good condition, but what had given her the greatest blow was not her injuries. It was instead that terrifying and invincible figure.

"It'll be fine! Though his body was destroyed, his seed is still alive." Nonov produced a green seed.

Return and Change

"Keefa has already become a living plant. As long as this trueseed of his still exists, he can revive at any time. However, it'll take a long while for him to amass the amount of life force he had before…" Nonov sighed, fixing his eyes on the green seed.

It was the size of a grown man's fist, with complicated plant runes on it. She could vaguely sense a familiar spiritual force undulation coming from it, as if there was a gravely injured life that had fallen asleep inside.

"He seems to have let us off intentionally, restraining himself at the last minute. If not, none of us would have been able to survive…" Nonov laughed wryly, "What do you think?"

"We still have our final treasure. If we're pushed to the limit, we can use it to deal him immense damage," Marjorie said hatefully, before her expression suddenly changed, "What?".

The sound of an item shattering could be heard from Nonov's body. More specifically, it was from a secret compartment in his robes where the final treasure was kept.

"What's going on? Could it be…" A chill rose in her heart.

Nonov expressionlessly shoved his hand towards the area and fished out a few shattered metallic pieces. There still remained powerful radiations and complicated, intricate patterns and clearly was a part of a high-grade magic equipment.

"The Blade of Avarice! What's going on? It's a high-grade magic artifact. How can it suddenly shatter?" Marjorie yelled, her extremely sharp voice even dispersing the clouds in the sky.

This high-grade magic artifact that was the final treasure of the light Magi could recharge itself automatically. It produced a terrifying attack that could destroy peak rank 3 Magi, hence it was regarded as the final trump card of the light Magi, being safeguarded tightly. It wouldn't be used unless it was a life or death situation.

It was this very item that had injured the Gargamel previously, but now… Nonov looked at the blade fragments in his hands, and suddenly felt like the honour and glory that the light Magi upheld seemed to be collapsing magnificently.

"To be able to go past my defences and even destroy the Blade of Avarice without my knowledge, lowering the energy waves to the limit so that the explosion wouldn't injure anyone… This strength…" Nonov felt as if all the bones in his body had been extracted as he collapsed to the ground.

He took a deep breath and then guessed, "He must be stronger than the peak of rank 3, having reached the unfathomable Morning Star realm!"

"Morning Star… A rank 4 Magus!" the old woman shrieked, "What kind of joke is this? A Magus of this rank in our south coast… a Magus of this rank…" She kept repeating the words, her voice becoming softer.

She was beginning to believe in this conjecture. Perhaps only Magi at and above the Morning Star realm could break out of their attack so easily, leaving them powerless and in despair.

After staying silent for a long while, she asked a very practical question. "What should we do next? What kind of attitude should we use to face that… Lord?"

"I don't know," Nonov laughed wryly, "But what I do know is that the whole situation in the south coast is going to experience a tumultuous change soon. Whatever it is, we know one thing for sure— never provoke the Farlier Family!"

At the end, Nonov's expression turned incomparably grim…

Flames streaked across the sky. Krupp was instantly terrified by their speed once he opened the door to the carriage.

"If we'd hurried on at this speed earlier, those light Magi wouldn't even have had any time to react, right? Why…"

"Why did I deliberately slow down and let them chase up to us?" Leylin reclined on the sofa in the carriage, gus eyes narrowed slightly. His expression was hidden by the half-mask.

"Per–perhaps Lord Leylin wanted to exhibit his strength to them. This can be seen from how Lord Leylin let them off at the end!" Darlie stammered out while clutching at her skirt.

"You said it well!" Leylin nodded in praise. Darlie was a smart girl, and her talent and qualities were all good. In addition, with the limitations of her soul vow, she could never go against the will of the Farlier Family, and instead become Krupp's valuable companion.

"These Magi are obviously nothing to Lord Leylin, but my lord is making plans for us? My Lord is taking precautions so that once he leaves, they will be too terrified to give us trouble," Darlie guessed.

"Patriarch, are you leaving?" Krupp turned pale in fright.

"Mm, the south coast is just too small. This place is too barren for me and there's nothing worth my attention here. If not for the Farlier Family being here, as well as some debts I had to settle, I wouldn't have returned." Krupp grew disappointed as Leylin nodded, "I'll leave the task of restoring the Farlier Family to you. The reputation I'll leave behind won't count for much; what you'll really need to rely on is your own strength. I'll teach you and Darlie well in this period of time…"

…..

News of Leylin's reappearance did not shock most of the lower-ranked Magi in the south coast. What made them sigh with sorrow was the change in the leadership of Teljose City, as well as the strange death of the rank 3 Magus Alric along with his friends, disciples, and family.

The acolytes and rank 1 Magi were too far removed from the upper echelons, and the news that spread to them was limited. Hence, they believed that Alric had been struck by some unknown curse. Suffering a curse due to some lab accident or mistaken summoning was common in the Magus World, even ones that ended one's lineage. It was just that the scope of the curse this time was far more terrifying.

Though their guesses were rather close to reality, never did they expect that the one who had caused Alric's fall was the wanted Magus, the Toxic King Leylin, the name that was just a symbol in their history textbooks.

However, no matter which organisation they belonged to, the higher-ranked Magi were shaken. This trend did not seem to vanish, but instead became increasingly intense. The fall of Alric and his families was like a giant rock being thrown into a lake, resulting in immense ripples in the south coast.

As a rank 3 Magus, Alric was probably one of the top five in the light alliance. Yet he'd been killed just like that. Even his family and disciples hadn't been let off. Such a ruthless power caused terror in the hearts of both light Magi and dark.

What they did not expect was that the death of Alric was merely a prologue of sorts. The fact that the higher-ups amongst the light Magi had surrounded the murderer and fought him was concealed originally, but eventually it leaked. The Magi that heard of the real situation sank into a mysterious silence.

The news was just too shocking, to the point they believed it to be fake. Three peak Crystal Phase Magi had been grievously injured and lost the Golden Staff, Aquatic Devil Seaweed and countless other treasures. Even the Blade of the Avarice had been reduced to pieces! Such a terrifying battle might dumbfounded the high-ranked Magi of the south coast.

Meanwhile, news of Leylin's achievements spread like wildfire, and many Magus historians flipped through thick tomes hoping to find all traces of him in the historical records. The most important order now was not to provoke Leylin or the Farlier Family. It wasn't just the light Magi, even the dark Magi enforced this rule.

In such a situation, a carriage that was being pulled by a flaming skeleton horse slowly entered the boundaries of the Abyssal Bone Swamp.

*Caw! Caw!* A few red-eyed crows flew in the sky, causing nostalgia to arise in Leylin's eyes. Having moderated his aura, he seemed like a regular human. The only thing that showed he was not normal was the aura of nobility that he inadvertently leaked.

The Abyssal Bone Swamp belonged to the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, which was Leylin's destination. As the place that had guided him into the ranks of Magi, Leylin still felt something for his alma mater.

As the place that had guided him into the ranks of Magi, Leylin still felt something for his alma mater. Furthermore…

"Kroft, Bicky, Neela, Jayden, Dorotte, Nyssa…" Leylin announced the names slowly, "Though a lot of them have probably disappeared, I still want to take a look…"

Huge tombs appeared before him after he crossed through the dark forest. Several enormous stone statues of gorillas lined the sides of the tallest tomb in the centre came to life and screeched "INVADERS!"

Shrill alarms began to ring, and white human skulls emerged from the earth one by one. They were followed by torsos and then the rest of their skeletal bodies. The skeletons emitted a dense aura of death as they grabbed rotting metal weaponry before slowly surrounding Leylin and his party.

A few double-headed dogs growled gruffly, with pus flowing profusely from the gaps between their teeth as they circled around them

"Lunatics who dare offend the dignity of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, you will learn what it means to pay a price in blood!" The largest stone gorilla snarled, and the undead troops began to attack.

"Wait!" An imposing voice sounded out, accompanied by large amounts of green flames. Many human figures emerged from underground, all having energy undulations of at least rank 1.

"Director!" The magical beasts bowed towards the new arrivals, but what surprised Leylin the most was that standing in front of the many professors was a female Magus.

'Wasn't the director of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy Siley? So it's someone else now?' Astonishment flashed in Leylin's eyes as he curiously watched the person in front of him.

Abyssal Bone and People

The director of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, standing in front of their many professors, was a female Magus. This had exceeded all of Leylin's expectations. On top of that, Leylin felt like her face was familiar.

Leylin couldn't help but begin to inspect her features closely. She had long, wavy blonde hair and a doll-like face. Her starlike eyes, small stature with some baby fat remaining on her face making the woman whose skin was as pale as snow seem lovable and adorable. Materialised spiritual force at the peak of rank 2 was being emitted clearly from her body.

'Huh… These energy undulations are different from those of regular Magi, she must be from an ancient branch. Was she fortunate enough to obtain some ancient inheritance?'

"Lord Leylin!" The female Magus opposite him curtsied, her pleasant voice sounding like a black-naped oriole, "Welcome back! Abyssal Bone Forest shall forever be your home!"

She was obviously showing her good will, and her voice immediately made Leylin think back to the bonfire at the acolyte camp. He remembered her as a person, but her appearance had drastically changed that he no longer remember her original visage.

"You are… Nyssa?" Leylin spoke slowly. This female Magus was the one who had been deceived by her Mentor. The one who had turned into a disgusting freak due to a failed experiment. Contrary to her former nickname of 'swine', the Nyssa now was the very personification of beauty.

"It's me. Thank you for all your support and encouragement in the past." Nyssa's chest bounced up and down, she evidently had many things to say. Immediately after that, she ran her eyes over the surroundings, "Lord Leylin is no enemy. You may return."

"Understood." The stone orangutans saluted respectfully and brought the skeletal troops back to their original places.

"Everyone, let me introduce you. This is Leylin Farlier, the eternal pride of our Abyssal Bone Forest Academy! Let us welcome him warmly." Nyssa spoke with the poise of a leader to the professors behind her. She was completely different from the fragile and weak girl of the past.

"He's that Leylin!" "The Toxic Sovereign King?" "No, I heard that…"

His previous actions had earned Leylin a reputation second to none in the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. People quickly began whispering under their breaths when his name was announced; some of them who were ranked high enough had received some information that caused them to humble themselves further before him.

The chattering stopped with but a wave of Nyssa's hand. This simple action showed off her authority.

She shot a sweet smile at Leylin, and it seemed to light up the whole graveyard. "I know there's a lot you want to know. I have a lot to say myself, so it's best we continue this in my drawing room below."

"Mm," Leylin nodded. Following that, he entered the underground construction that was the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy escorted by the many Magi.

The surface of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was a graveyard, but it had a huge underground structure that could accommodate thousands of Magi and those doing odd jobs inside. It was like a complicated but precise beehive.

In the main drawing room, Leylin put down the black tea in his hands and listened to Nyssa as she gave an account of all that had occurred after they parted ways.

"… And so I acquired that sage's inheritance and successfully became an official Magus. Two centuries later, I reached rank 2 and was elected the director of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy." Nyssa tucked her long hair behind her ear.

"Mm, it's been hard on you," Leylin watched the girl in front of him. While what she said sounded simple, he could imagine the price she'd had to pay for all these changes. However, she wasn't willing to share more and he wouldn't pour salt on her wounds. It would do him no good.

However, since she wasn't willing to share more, he wouldn't pour salt on her wound. More importantly, it would do him no good.

"I'd thought I'd need to deal with some bugs and trash in the academy, but it looks like there's little for me to do!" Leylin laughed as he spoke bluntly.

Three Magus families had managed everything when he'd been studying at the academy, even electing its director. He'd fought with the Lilytell Family which was one of the three, and was left with no choice but to leave. Though he later dealt the family a huge blow, circumstances hadn't allowed him to completely uproot it from the academy.

However, the fact that Nyssa was the director and nobody from the Lilytell Family disrupted his arrival was telling.

"I've already completely uprooted the Lilytell Family, and the other two have been affected as well. They can't meddle with anything to do with the academy anymore. Come to think of it, this is all thanks to you. If you hadn't killed a peak rank 1 grand elder who had a chance of reaching rank 2, the families would never have grown imbalanced in power. And that was what sparked everything…"

Nyssa was all smiles as she watched Leylin. Although her words were light, the carnage behind them did not need to be described. Whatever be the situation, the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was merely a small-scaled organisation with its most powerful Magus being Siley who was only a middling rank 2. However, Nyssa was at the peak of rank 2, which made it easy for her to push him off his throne.

"Since the Lilytell Family has been completely destroyed, it saves me a lot of trouble…" Leylin chuckled, "There are a few other people I want to find the whereabouts of…"

Hearing this, Nyssa's eyes dimmed, "I can guess who you want to ask about. Our companions, Guricha, Dodoria, and even Jayden have all died… Only the two of us remain from that batch…"

"Even Jayden, with his grade 5 aptitude…" Leylin shook his head, looking grim. However, he would never admit his knowledge of the reason for his death.

"Jayden's Mentor, White Bone Dorotte, went missing during an expedition into some ruins. News spread that his life imprint dissipated, which means there's little chance of his survival.…" Nyssa spoke calmly. She hadn't dealt much with either Jayden or Dorotte, and her sorrow for their deaths couldn't compare to what she'd felt when Guricha and Dodoria died.

In reality, magic study and research was filled with dangers. For two acolytes from the south coast to survive and even achieve such dazzling results was quite rare.

"Mm… How about my mentor, Professor Kroft?" Leylin asked on.

"Potioneering Professor Kroft died peacefully of natural causes a century ago. His grave is right behind the academy, should I take you there?" Leylin immediately went silent upon hearing Nyssa's words, and scenes of Kroft's lectures emerged in his mind.

He wasn't surprised that Kroft had died of old age, though he was still a little sad. The professor was merely a rank 1 magus, and even if he was adept at Potioneering there was a limit to his lifespan. Leylin had no idea how long Kroft had lived before he'd become his student. Since he hadn't advanced to rank 2, it was natural for him to die of old age.

Such a death was actually pretty good in the Magus World, and it didn't really cause Leylin any grief. It only made him think that time was indeed the largest foe of life. This event only strengthened his resolve to pursue immortality.

Leylin stayed silent for a while longer before his voice sounded out, "Thank you very much, Nyssa. I plan to stay here for a period of time, and there are a few other people whose whereabouts I need to trouble you for. Neela, Bicky, and Anna who's from Extreme Night City. She's a human who once took over my manor…" He announced a few names.

"Alright, I've remembered their names. I'll give you an answer within a week," Nyssa quickly replied.

"Many thanks. I'd like to be alone now." Leylin reclined on the sofa, waving his arms as if in weariness.

"Then I'll take my leave." Although Nyssa was the host, she seemed to obey Leylin unconditionally. She bowed slightly before retreating in caution.

...

"Kroft Leslie…" The lettering on the mottled black tombstone had dulled with the passage of time, but Leylin was still able to read the name out. He was currently among a large number of tombs; numerous black tombstones and upside down crosses covering the area. It caused the place to feel ominous and cold.

The tomb in front of him belonged to his ex-mentor, Kroft.

"Mentor… I'm back!" Leylin said, the words emerging after a long period of silence. The cold wind kept blowing, causing the black trees to rustle.

"Professor Kroft left very peacefully, and he didn't leave behind any descendants…" Nyssa walked over, "Also, I've gotten an answer about what you wanted me to check out…"

"Tell me." Leylin's voice was calm, but that only caused a shiver to run down her spine. It was as if she had met some natural enemy.

"First is Neela. It can be confirmed that she passed away 129 years ago, and her family was extinguished 67 years ago due to a leak during an experiment… Those from Extreme Night City have also returned to report, saying that Anna did live there for a period of time, and even developed the organisation to the perimeters of Extreme Night City. She was a very capable woman and never did marry. She later died alone of old age. Her organisation withered away after her passing. As for Bicky…"

Nyssa glanced at Leylin, "She's… gone missing…"

"Gone missing? Clarify!" Leylin furrowed his brows.

"After you rescued her in the Tyler Family, she left and travelled the continent by herself, apparently to look for you. Nobody knows where she is…"

Serpent Blood Modification

Nyssa sounded very gentle, "The person who was the head of the Tyler Family at that time has been waiting here. Would you like to meet him?"

"There's no need for that," Leylin waved his arms. He'd never been interested in those who were so brazen in looking for benefits. Noticing him sinking into silence immediately after, Nyssa retreated tactfully.

After a long while, he sighed deeply. "Neela was a very smart woman after all, while Anna was slightly foolish. I never thought Bicky would have the perseverance to do that…" Leylin knew Neela's personality very well. She was adaptable and knew when to advance and retreat. It was only expected for her to meet a good end.

Anna's organisation had only been a way out that Leylin had prepared while he was an acolyte. It was understandable that it could not hold out for long.

What Leylin found the strangest was Bicky. With her personality, she evidently wasn't the kind of Magus who liked to work hard. It seemed like that matter had influenced her greatly, to the point that her personality had changed.

All three of them were good friends of Leylin's, perhaps even closer than that. If he could still see them, he would naturally want to help. However, it didn't matter if he couldn't.

Leylin left the graveyard after indulging in nostalgia for a while, returning to the luxurious room that the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy had prepared specially for him.

"Patriarch!" Krupp bowed deferentially. Now, however, he seemed vastly different from before.

The colour of his eyes and pupils had changed, and they were turning pure black. The lines on his face were more gentle, and he had grown more handsome, emitting a unique charm.

"Mm. How's your body? Can you get used to it?" Leylin's eyes shot out blue light that scanned his body up and down.

There were many methods that could be used to raise one's strength quickly, but the most suitable for Krupp was the modification of his bloodline.

Krupp had been receiving a transplant of Leylin's bloodline all this while. It was rather like contaminating a lower-ranked being with the power of a higher-ranked one.

Though Krupp had chosen the path of a Magus, he was still only a rank 1. With the methods Leylin had currently, it was easy for him to push him onto the path of a bloodline Warlock.

Not only was the aura of a bloodline Warlock rippling out of Krupp's body currently, his energy undulations had quietly crossed the threshold of rank 2.

"I'm alright. It's just uncomfortable, like even my marrow is burning…" Krupp was feeling very emotional right now. A bit of pain was a cheap price to pay for the modification to a Magus' bloodline, something that would give them great power. Such a chance was rare, not something one would find even if they were begging for it.

Now that he'd crossed over to rank 2 by drawing on the power of Leylin's bloodline, Krupp was completely subservient to him.

"Mm. That's natural with bloodline transplants. Remember to meditate using Kemoyin's Pupil a few times when you return." Leylin said, nodding inwardly at the information the A.I. Chip had gathered.

Leylin had planned Krupp's modifications out. After all, the south coast branch of the Farlier Family needed a powerful guardian. And once Leylin transported a Kemoyin bloodline into the boy, his ability of control as a Kemoyin Emperor have him great control over him.

'A rank 5 emperor bloodline will have an extraordinary effect. Just this bloodline force pushed Krupp to rank 2, and might get him to rank 3 in just 50 more years. The possibility of breaking through to Morning Star is…' Glints of intelligence flashed in Leylin's eyes.

He'd naturally used the Kemoyin Emperor bloodline, but it wasn't his own. Leylin's own bloodline was far too powerful, and just a single drop of it would cause Krupp to explode. Since a first generation Warlock's bloodline was too much, Leylin had instead given Krupp the umbilical blood that had been gathered from Syre's birth.

A second generation Warlock bloodline may be weaker than Leylin's, but it was still real rank 5 Kemoyin Emperor blood. It was diluted and hadn't matured, but that's what made it suitable for Krupp.

Now that he carried Syre's blood, Krupp could be considered a third generation Warlock. In other words, he was effectively Leylin's grandson.

At this time, the A.I. Chip's robotic voice sounded again. [Beep! Bloodline weakening graph completed. Estimated degeneration to Giant Kemoyin Serpent bloodline: 15th generation. Estimated further degeneration at 34th generation.…]

The weakening of Warlock bloodlines was something that couldn't be avoided. In order to keep the family bloodline pure, they had to practice endogamy or use even more sinister methods with hopes that the deterioration of the bloodline could be drawn out. However, no matter how much was sacrificed the process wouldn't be pushed back more than a century.

'In other words, the chance of a rank 5 Warlock appearing in the Farlier Family is pretty high before the fifteenth generation?' Leylin pondered over this thought while stroking his chin.

It wasn't true that everyone with the Kemoyin Emperor bloodline would become a rank 5 Warlock. Even within the Ouroboros Clan there were many with Kemoyin bloodlines but only Gilbert and the other two dukes had reached Morning Star. Even Bevis with his rank 6 bloodline wasn't guaranteed to reach the Breaking Dawn realm and become a Monarch. He only had the potential to do so.

Hence, while descendants that inherited Leylin's rank 5 Kemoyin Emperor bloodline only needed to work hard and would easily reach rank 4, whether they reached rank 5 was still a question.

As someone who had gone through this process himself, Leylin understood clearly that advancing as Magi did not only require a large amount of resources and hard work. Luck was a very important factor as well.

Other Magi did not have an A.I. Chip at the side like Leylin; they couldn't run simulations and predict possibilities for advancement.

"Understood, my Lord!" Having been modified by Kemoyin Emperor blood, Krupp's respect towards Leylin had evolved into a dependance and reverence from his very soul. He had the Kemoyin bloodline, and humility before the king of one's race had been carved into his very blood and genetics. It could not be changed.

'This is truly an intoxicating feeling…' Leylin's eyes flashed as he continued to think, 'As I am right now, Krupp probably wouldn't say no even if I were to order him to kill everyone he loves and then commit suicide. He'd even risk his life for this mission… The Snake Dowager's control over other serpents the same… I'm probably the only one of my kind.'

Leylin's finger kept brushing against his cheek. His forehead had been covered by the cold mask, and the Allsnake Curse's mark was dead silent with no visible movements.

However, Leylin could sense traces of fine bloodline force being absorbed by it from all areas of his body as it increased in strength. Though there wasn't much of an effect on him now considering the rate at which it was happening, his bloodline force would be absorbed completely in two more years, leaving him a regular human once more.

Krupp's display showed how the controlling ability of the Kemoyin Emperor was a revolt against the Snake Dowager's own authority. Were he to break through his bloodline shackles, perhaps all Kemoyins would break away from her rule. This was something she would never accept.

Hence, a conflict between them definitely could not be avoided.

"Also, Director Nyssa is waiting outside and hoping to see you!" While Leylin was deep in thought, Krupp had been standing respectfully at the side like the most loyal soldier or servant. He'd moved forward to make his report only when there was a reaction from him.

"Nyssa? Is there anything else she needs?" Leylin's brows furrowed slightly.

"It should be about other visitors. Ever since news spread that my Lord is staying at the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, many dark Magus organisations have dispatched emissaries to meet you. Some leaders have even come over personally, the head of the Lighthouse of the Night being one." As he said this Krupp sighed slightly in his mind.

Tyrants among the dark Magi like the leader of the Lighthouse of the Night were absolute existences in his eyes, ones to be looked up to. However, they'd come forward so humbly and waited for a meeting with his patriarch. It made him feel honoured.

"Also, a few light Magi organisations have secretly sent emissaries as well…" Krupp saw the calm look on Leylin's face and continued, "My Lord, do you think…"

"Set a time. I'll see them all." Leylin waved his hands.

...

"I never thought my Lord would visit the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. It truly is the honour of our professors and students!" Elsewhere, Nyssa was speaking to a Magus clad in black robes whose eyes flamed a dark green. She was accompanying him on a stroll through the interior of the Abyssal Bone Forest.

"The Abyssal Bone Forest managed to produce a genius like Lord Leylin. It surely has some redeeming qualities!" The black-robed man was evidently the leader of the Lighthouse of the Night, the strongest dark Magus organisation.

With its massive network, he'd quickly gained intel on Leylin's terrifying battle achievements, followed by other general information on him. He couldn't remain seated after he heard it all. After all, this Lord Leylin was very likely a great Magus who had entered the Morning Star realm!

Just some advice on his path of advancement would leave him very grateful.

"Lord Leylin relied on his own talents. The Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was merely lucky enough to instruct him…" Nyssa did not dare exaggerate when it came to this, and instead told the truth.

Granting Audience and Captive

"Whatever the matter, Lord Leylin is Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's greatest success and fortune!" the glance the leader of Lighthouse of the Night shot at Nyssa hinted at something, and no matter how hard she tried to conceal it a hint of glee appeared in her eyes.

The greater Leylin's reputation was, the better it was for the academy. With his fame, the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy would definitely be able to expand enormously under her administration. She could even accomplish more than what all the previous directors had been able to. This was the petty and low reason for which Nyssa was trying so hard to invite him to join them.

'If I could make use of their good relationship and get Leylin to become a famed professor at the academy…' Just the idea had Nyssa trembling in her excitement; she was perhaps smiling even in her sleep.

"Also… I seem to see a lot of old friends from the light Magi here!" The green-eyed Magus stared at Nyssa with a half-smile.

"Yes, there are quite a few. Ennea Ivory Ring Tower, Four Seasons Garden… Practically all the large light Magus organisations have secretly sent people to make contact with us." Since it was basically impossible to hide it from him, Nyssa just nodded and admitted it.

"Hu huu… looks like his reputation has terrified them…" The leader laughed in a strange manner, like an owl in the night.

The Magi of light and dark coexisted in the south coast. However, the light Magi were evidently much stronger and occupied most of the resource-rich regions, and the dark Magi could only eke out an existence hidden in the corners. The leaders of the light Magi had steadily suppressed them.

With the appearance of the Gargamel, there was now a three-way confrontation. The dark and light Magi might have temporarily stopped fighting, but the enmity between them had not been resolved, only inhibited by the existence of a powerful external enemy.

Now, with a Morning Star Magus who had started off as a dark Magus, this was more than enough for the old light Magi to be like cats on hot bricks.

At this thought, a sneer appeared about the leader's lips.

"Director Nyssa and this lord here!"

At this moment, Krupp appeared before Nyssa, and it was as if the figure of a snake flashed in his eyes. The bloodline aura he had caused even the leader, who was a rank 3 Magus, to feel his heart palpitate.

"The Patriarch is willing to meet you. Please come with me!"

Krupp's hair and eyes almost turned completely black, darkness elemental particles extremely dense as they strived to outdo each other and wiggle into his pores. Such a scene astounded Nyssa and the leader.

Having said this, Krupp led the way while Nyssa and the leader transmitted each other messages secretly.

"So this Magus is that lord's grandson? The descendant of the Farlier Family?" The leader's eyes were filled with curiosity. After all, a powerful rank 2 Magus was very rare in the south coast. Any one of them could take over an organisation and still hold immense power.

"He's obviously only advanced very recently. While in history, it's common for that to happen to the descendants of high-ranked Magi, but…"

A hint of hesitance appeared in his voice.

"Yes! This Magus isn't Sire Leylin's descendant, but only a branch from his brother!" Nyssa knew what he wanted to ask and gave the answer.

"A lateral relative?" His eyes went wide, before he lowered his head to chuckle, "I now have even more expectations towards Sire Leylin!"

"We're here!"

Krupp brought Nyssa and the leader into a large hall. There, many Magi were already in wait, but there were two entirely different groups.

At one side were Magi, with many wearing black Magus robes. Their auras were ice-cold and evil. After seeing the arrival of the leader of Lighthouse of the Night, many drew close and greeted him like moths to a flame.

The Magi at the other side who saw this mostly huffed, not looking very good.

They were clad in white robes, with many decorations of plants that represented life on it. Light and a holy aura began to emanate from their bodies.

"He called them all at one go? I've been greeting the leader of the Lighthouse of Night all this while, but this…"

Nyssa gritted her teeth, and her expression became a wry smile.

With Leylin's absolute power, that bit of authority she had as the director was probably even lighter than a feather in the eyes of the Abyssal Bone Forest professors.

Hence, after being ordered by Leylin, they carried out what he asked without hesitation and even gave her the misconception that they had abandoned her.

No! This wasn't a misconception. Nyssa knew very well that as long as that man were to say that he wanted to be the director of the academy, she would immediately be made to renounce her position.

Thankfully, he had never been fond of power and status. Furthermore, the academy was just much too small for him, to the point that he might turn his nose up at it.

Nyssa, who thought about this, finally relaxed, the bit of worry she had disappearing.

"Everyone!"

Krupp stood on the platform in the middle of the hall with Darlie beside him. While she had not undergone bloodline modification, she'd been observing Leylin and learning from him. Leylin's knowledge was abundant and he could give perfect answers to all her questions, which very beneficial to her without her being aware of it.

Flames flickered, and Leylin floated above the place where the master should be, black eyes scanning his surroundings.

A terrifying and vast aura that was like countless stars in the skies filled the hall. All the Magi that Leylin looked in the eye, whether the rank 2 Nyssa or rank 3 leader of Lighthouse of the Night felt a piercing pain in their eyes, and subconsciously lowered their heads, even bending their waists.

"Greetings, Lord Leylin…"

Having personally sensed Leylin's aura and how terrifying he was, the Magi had no disillusions about his strength.

"Rise!" Seeing the many Magi who had bowed, Leylin raised his arms slightly.

Immediately after, the Magi below the platform felt themselves being raised by a warm draft, holding within strength that they could not oppose.

The Magi could not help but stand up straight, eyes full of astonishment.

"I'm afraid it's true that this lord has already advanced to be a Morning Star!"

The leader of Lighthouse of the Night's pupil's flashed. He now had no doubt at all towards Leylin, who had easily defeated a top-notch master of the light Magi and even destroyed their final trump card, the Blade of Avarice.

Leylin glanced through. Lighthouse of the Night, Ennea Ivory Ring Tower, Four Seasons Garden, Skeleton Throne… Besides the representative from the Spirit Slaying Sect, everyone in the Magus World from the south coast had arrived.

These top-grade dark and light Magi organisations were very well-known back in the day. Now, however, they could only creep at his feet.

However, Leylin did not even twitch. The Magi under the platform could not tell Leylin's expression under the mask and merely lowered their heads humbly.

Leylin continued to speak, "I wonder what all of the Magi here have come for?"

The Magi exchanged glances. The reason they were here was mostly to verify Leylin's might and his attitude.

Based on what had happened, there was no question about his strength. Just displaying the tip of the iceberg had them gasping in admiration, and nobody dared personally test it out with a battle.

Besides that, this lord's attitude towards the two factions seemed rather mild. It wasn't good or bad, as if he had no ambitions to unify the south coast.

This discovery had many light Magi sighing in relief.

"Lord Leylin!" At this moment, the leader of the Lighthouse of the Night stood out.

"Speak." Leylin extended his arm and made a polite gesture for him to go on. Inside, he was sighing a little. In his acolyte days, he'd once seen the leader during the bloodbath for the secret dimension.

At that time, just a gaze could cause him grievous injuries or kill him. However, the tables had turned. With just a look, he would immediately be stricken with terror and die miserably.

"Please forgive me for my boldness in saying this, but… have you… already become a rank 4 Magus?"

The leader of the Lighthouse of the Night hesitated but eventually asked.

Things like status had long since lost interest to him. The only thing that would attract him and cause him to invest his mind and body in was a thirst towards a higher realm.

Hearing this question, the hall quieted down. Everyone watched Leylin expectantly.

"This question…"

Just as he was about to answer, a smile appeared about his lips, "Please forgive me, but I will answer this later. Let us first meet a friend!"

"A friend?" The leader was stunned, and immediately noticed two translucent faint figures pressing on either side of a demonic being that suddenly emerged from the void.

"That's… the Gargamel of the Spirit Slaying Sect!"

Between the two void assassins was a soul demonic being. It had a mask of a horned demon, and its body was as concentrated as a black crystal. Vast soul undulations was transmitted from its body, causing the expressions on these Magi to change.

This was a level that surpassed all of them who were advancing towards the path of Morning Star.

"Is that really the Gargamel?"

"Definitely! This strength that's mixed with resentment and lunacy is something all Magi who've seen it even once can't misidentify…"

Many Magi whispered incessantly amongst each other, and then watched Leylin with reverence in their eyes.

Confirmation and Travelling Together

With the appearance of the Gargamel, the Magi present sank into a mysterious silence.

They knew very well how terrifying and troublesome the Gargamel was. Not only was it powerful at magic, it could support its body with vengeful dead spirits, allowing it to maintain peak condition at all times. Even when struck by the light Magi's final trump card, the Blade of Avarice, it had only been injured and not killed. It only went low-profile for a while before making waves again.

If not for the Magi being unable to deal with it, the Spirit Slaying Sect wouldn't be able to rise in the south coast to be regarded equal to the dark and light Magi.

Now, however, the sect chief, the Gargamel that the disciples fiercely believed in had been seized so easily. The demon that had caused so much terror was suppressed under the platform.

The huge contrast left the Magi questioning whether they were in an illusion.

However, they had no choice but to admit that this was reality after a few tests. Even Leylin's subordinates had the ability to take down a peak rank 3 Magus!

Capturing someone at the same rank alive was more difficult than killing them. This was something known to all Magi. They would perhaps only have a slight increase in respect if Leylin had captured the Gargamel himself. However, this was his subordinates' work, the effect on them was so great that it couldn't possibly be better from Leylin's perspective.

The two void assassins bowed slightly and disappeared into the void. Such strange methods caused many Magi to have changes of expressions. Now, they understood very well that with just a command, he didn't have to do anything at all. Just his two subordinates could eliminate all the Magi here!

Recognising that, they no longer dared to have any thoughts about Leylin, fearing he would notice.

"Gaga… gege… you are… Leylin!"

A hoarse voice sounded from behind the Gargamel's horned white bone mask. It sounded intermittent, but was evidently much more quick-witted than when he'd first seen it.

"Yes. How's' that pitiful Magi mother and daughter doing?"

Leylin asked indifferently. He was obviously talking about Old Devil and her daughter in Teljose City then. The old witch had made a deal with the Gargamel to revive her daughter, and even tried to offer Leylin up as a sacrifice.

Of course, after Leylin's counterattack, they had suffered consequences and fused to form a strange being.

"Them? I ate those two useless pieces of trash long ago!"

The Gargamel's speech became more fluent.

"Is that so…" Leylin seemed to be in a daze for a moment, as if recalling some distant memories.

"Ga ga!"

At this moment, two bundles of crimson flames emerged from under the Gargamel's bone mask. Numerous runes burst on its body, and a layer of thick black fog spread.

"Crap! It's gotten out of its bindings!" The Magi shouted in their fear and anger, bodies flickering with colourful innate defensive spells.

"The home of all living things can only be the tomb of the soul for eternity… the Gargamel!"

The Gargamel yelled as if chanting runes of sacrifice that constantly echoed.

*Boom!* Amidst the curse, the Gargamel's body exploded and countless figures emerged from its body. There were the old, young, male, female, and the one common point they had were their vicious faces as well as eyes that were dripping blood.

"Keke, let's destroy everything together. Soul Disaster!"

The bone mask exploded with a rumble and turned into powder that flew through the air. Bits of light fused with the figures from before, the terrifying aura they emitted causing even the leader of the Lighthouse of the Night's expression to change.

The peak rank 3 Gargamel had now was treading on the threshold of Morning Star. The dreadful attack formed by ruining its own body meant he had no thoughts that he could survive as a rank 3 Magus himself.

He knew very well that once such a spell completely broke out and spread, the Magi in the hall would die, and even the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy would not be spared.

"I'm going all out! Though using secret techniques will consume much of our measly life force, it's still better than dying here!"

The leader called out in a low voice, a layer of fine black runes appearing around his body. They were like tadpoles cruising through the air, as if about to collide with that soul body of nothingness.

*Weng! Weng! Weng!*

At this moment, blue starlight descended, and the leader's body quivered. He found that his spiritual force had gone stagnant, and even the secret technique he was risking his life force for was forcefully being suppressed. He felt no weakness, and the backlash had evidently been pushed down and not consuming his life force at all.

"This– This…"

His eyes went wide as he watched the stars that spread from Leylin's back.

The light blue starlight brought with it a cold brightness that penetrated through the layers of defence and ground of the Abyssal Bone Forest, arriving in the hall. This made it seem as if the top of the hall was a dome showing the night sky with bits of starlight projecting and showing inverted images of gorgeous lights.

Accompanying the lights was a terrifying pressure that caused elemental particles to be rejected. The night domain that the leader had always been proud of exploded with a rumble in front of the pressure like bubbles.

"Ahh…" "Ga ga…" "Zhi zhi…"

The numerous spirit bodies in the sky were like bugs frozen in amber, unable to move at all. No Magi were injured.

"This– This is…" The leader trembled, crouching down almost involuntarily, "The Morning Star Domain of a Morning Star Magus!"

Compared to the fake domain of a rank 3 Magus, the exhibition of a real Morning Star domain with prowess that was terrifying to the extreme made him seem to be a joke.

"Gargamel, did you think I really didn't notice what you'd been doing?"

Leylin looked calm as he watched the many faint figures in the air. He grabbed forward casually, and a soul that looked dazed automatically flew over.

Immediately after, the look on the soul's face became sinister, body covered with black and two horns growing on the tips of his head as it growled at Leylin unceasingly.

"You look like you're going to implode yourself, but you actually hid your soul in one of the figures. As long one of these figures and vengeful spirits escape, you can use that body and revive yourself?"

Leylin coldly scanned the numerous vengeful spirits in the air.

"Very impressive. Perhaps regular Morning Star Magi might not notice and let you escape, but it's a pity… you met me!"

Leylin clenched his right fist.

*Boom!* Large numbers of vengeful spirits were like popcorn as they popped, a silver vortex forming and pulling the many figures and their remains within.

"No~~~!" A very unwilling roar was heard in the air before it finally became softer and disappeared.

The many spirits formed from the Gargamel's self implosion, as well as the one that Leylin had specifically picked out, all disappeared as they entered the silver vortex.

*Pak!* The Morning Star domain dissipated, and all that had just happened was like a dream, yet had happened in real life.

"Anye, greeting Morning Star Magus, lord Leylin Farlier!"

At this moment, the leader of the Lighthouse of the Night sounded. He knelt on the floor respectfully, looking as if he were a pilgrim.

"Greetings to Lord Leylin…" Now, the other Magi knelt like they had just woken from a dream, faces filled with excitement.

All that had happened just now and the appearance of the Morning Star domain made it clear that the Magus sitting at the main seat, Leylin Farlier, had truly entered the rank 4 realm.

In the south coast, after thousands of year, a Morning Star had finally appeared once more!

In that moment, some elderly Magi felt their eyes go blurry, filled with heat.

...

In front of the metal door where many light Magi were guarding, many peak rank 1 elite troops were with rapt attention as they did their job.

Not far away, there were many rank 2 Magi undulations transmitting from a few buildings.

*Sou! Sou! Sou!*

Three human figures appeared in the air, flying towards the metal door.

"Stop right there! This is the entrance to the pocket dimension of the Eternal Plains, and it's protected by the Lighthouse of the Night. What do you think you're doing?"

A spiritual force undulation was transmitted. Immediately after, the Magus standing leftmost hummed coldly, eyes emitting dark green light, "It's me!"

"Revered leader!" The rank 3 Magus' undulations dispersed, and the Magi who had been on their guard had their right hands on their chest as they greeted him.

Three human figures touched down, revealing two figures on top of that of the leader.

At the rightmost was a beautiful female Magus who had an exquisite face like a doll. Now, however, she and Anye automatically took a step back and allowed a space, as if not daring to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Magi between them.

The Magus in the middle wore dark golden, black scholarly robes with a cutting that was very proper. He had a very noble aura and had a black mask on his face with mysterious patterns on it.

Such dressing and to be accompanied by their own leader immediately rang the warning bells in this guard Magi.

Before, there had been no Magi that could stand on equal ground with their leader in the south coast. However, this situation had changed tens of days ago.

The guard Magus knelt respectfully and shouted the arrival's name, "We welcome, great Morning Star Magus, Sire Leylin Farlier…"

"We want to enter the Eternal Plains pocket dimension. Make preparations immediately!" Anye ordered.

Leylin nodded casually and stood by the metal door with Nyssa.

"The Eternal Plains pocket dimension… it's been so long!"

Leylin watched the large metal door before him, eyes full of nostalgia.

Scenes of the danger when he had advanced to rank 2 seemed to appear in his mind in that instant, every person extremely lively.

Benefits and Entrance

The Eternal River pocket dimension had been discovered when Leylin was just a rank 1 Magus. The fact that it still hadn't been divided into respectful affiliations was something that surprised Leylin.

Looking at the detailed patterns on the large metal gate that towered into the clouds, Leylin couldn't help but recall the scene when he'd advanced.

That year, he'd used a large amount of this metal gate's spiritual force as well as the souls of numerous Magi, to push himself forward and advance to rank 2 in one move.

Memories of all that had happened were still fresh in his mind, yet all of the people in them had disappeared. Leylin felt slightly regretful.

"Yes, Sir. Please wait a moment." That guard immediately placed his hands on the surface of the large gate. The metal gate immediately rumbled, emitting a dazzling radiance.

"Eh." Looking at the guard captain, Leylin let out a soft gasp.

"Did you discover something, Lord Leylin?" The head of the Lighthouse of the Night laughed from the side.

"Mm," Leylin nodded, "This Magus is the reincarnation of the original core of the metal gate's consciousness?" When he heard these words, the guard captain's body suddenly trembled.

"Indeed. We put a lot of effort in then and managed to subdue the gate's core of consciousness. We then nurtured it and had it reincarnate, finding it a suitable corporeal body required great effort…" Anye chuckled at the side.

"However, with this person, manipulating the gate of the pocket dimension has become much more convenient. Now, it is our Dark Night Lighthouse's honoured professor— Jeans!"

"Jeans? Good name!" Leylin analysed him.

Until the other party was a little creeped out, he then chuckled and a spot of light flew into Jeans' forehead.

The surface of his body made a futile attempt to emit a layer of metal defence but to no avail. He could only helplessly watch as the radiance entered his foreheadd.

"Sir Leylin, this is…" Anye grew anxious, but he did not step out and stop him.

One reason was that he knew Leylin's strength, that he would only invite humiliation upon himself by doing so. Another was that recent interactions caused him to realise that Leylin was not a Magus that was easy to kill. His personality was also good, so he was doing this with some unique intention.

"Lad, just treat this thing as my gift…" Leylin chuckled, stepped into the large gate while Nyssa followed closely behind.

"You guys be careful!" Anye was confused, but still followed him in, only leaving behind Jeans who stood there in a trance.

He didn't feel pain after the light invaded him. Instead, it transformed into a message that entered his sea of consciousness, instantly causing him to fall into a trance.

Many alphabets formed the beginning, "High-grade meditation technique: Dark Gold World — Suitable for metal innate skill!"

"My Lord?" Anye asked after he followed Leylin into the Eternal Plains pocket dimension, unable to endure it any more.

"Relax, I'm just giving him some benefits!" Leylin smiled. He owed his rank 2 advancement to the core consciousness of the metal gate to the Eternal River Plains pocket dimension. Now that he'd found a body with the same core origin, he naturally wanted to make up for what he'd done.

All of this followed his personality, but Leylin wouldn't shackle himself: if he hadn't seen Jeans today he probably wouldn't have thought of this at all.

"Central continent, south coast, Twilight Zone, and Chernobyl Islands…"

Leylin's gaze flickered continuously, "Once I've broken free from the threads of destiny, it'll be time for me to let go of everything and break through my bloodline shackles!"

Although he didn't know why he wanted to do this, Leylin had a feeling that this would bring him only benefits.

"Huff…" After listening to Leylin's explanation, although Anye was still slightly curious as to why Leylin favoured Jeans, he still finally heaved a sigh.

Three rays of glaring light streaked across the sky, suddenly pushing their way through the Eternal Plains pocket dimension.

Light flickered continuously in Leylin's eyes. Ever since he'd displayed strength at Morning Star to subdue the light and dark Magi, he'd essentially become the uncrowned king of the south coast. The Magi vied with each other to complete the tasks he wanted done. Whether they were a light Magus or dark, just a single command from him would make them work desperately for him.

Such an inconceivable thing had happened due to Leylin's power. It caused many uninformed people from the lower classes to cry out in incredulity. There were even some busybodies who proclaimed that the south coast would soon welcome an era of peace. But in fact, they were all thinking too much.

With the power of the masses at his beck of call, Leylin quickly made progress on finding people and dealing with past grudges. Krupp and Darlie were also married in the meantime, Leylin having hosted the ceremony. With that done, they returned to the Chernobyl islands to establish a kingdom in the original lands of the Farlier Family.

After everything was resolved, Leylin wanted to leave everything behind. But, the dark and light Magi made a request of him. Although he wanted to leave, the Farlier Family would remain behind here, and furthermore Leylin was quite interested in what the dark and light Magi had mentioned. Hence, he still came to this place.

Leylin and the other two weren't ordinary Magi. They moved at extremely high speeds, and it was but a short while before they arrived at the centre of the pocket dimension. A continuous building complex was present here, with the symbols of various Magus organisations in the surroundings. These were clearly large-scale ruins.

There was a momentary uproar in many of the camps present at their arrival, but soon after a white light transformed into an old white-browed Magus who welcomed them.

The moment he saw Leylin, he immediately bowed down in respect, "Nonov pays his respects to Your Highness Leylin Farlier, the great Morning Star Magus! I hope Your Highness will forgive our rude actions before, we are willing to pay any price…" This Magus was one of the impressive higher-ups of the light Magi that had originally attacked Leylin.

Ever since they'd been rebuffed by Leylin and had the Blade of Avarice destroyed, the three highest executives of the light Magi fell into silence.

Only, once news about Leylin advancing to Morning Star spread, Ennea Ivory Ring Tower which was Nonov's organisation carried out Leylin's orders the most thoroughly. They were at his beck and call, handling many issues with the obvious intent of atonement and to curry favour.

Hence, as Leylin looked at this old scoundrel, he only rolled his eyes, "Rise!"

"Thank you Lord Leylin! Your benevolence is like the torrential ocean, vast and boundless, as if it can contain the entire universe…" Nonov stood up smiling to please him and consciously stood behind Leylin, causing Nyssa and Anye who were at the side to be utterly speechless.

"I'm not here for that matter today, let's go!" Leylin arrived in the sky above a patch of the ruins and looked over everything. The buildings were simple and unsophisticated yet solemn, carrying a unique appeal. They were arranged in a surprisingly logical manner, and seemed to surround a mysterious spell formation.

"This is…" Leylin's pupils narrowed, and his face turned gloomy.

"My Lord?" Anye and Nonov closed up and surrounded him.

Leylin waved his hands at their inquiring gazes, "I can't confirm anything for now, let's talk after we enter the core hall."

"Of course. Please come with us, My Lord," Anye and Nonov hurried to the front to lead the way. With those two leading, Leylin would of course be unobstructed in the remains.

"This place is a base that emerged after the destruction of a large gate pocket dimension. At one time, we thought that the secret of the person who made the Eternal Plains pocket dimension was here, and fought many battles for it. In the end, we still wound up concluding on a joint expedition…" Nonov seemed to be a little regretful.

"We initially found many good things in these ruins, even remains of the ancient Wisdom Tree. We finished our exploration of the place 55 years ago, but who'd know we'd discovered even more incredible items than that…" Anye added from the other side. It wasn't convincing.

As the two spoke, Leylin explored the buildings one after the other to arrive at the centre-most ground.

This was an unnamed temple. There were large white stone pillars on all sides, and with no door and no walls, it could be entered from any direction. The roof exposed a large circular gap where the sky could be seen through the dome.

The hall was absolutely empty, it was only the ground that retained even more complicated and detailed patterns.

"Lord Leylin, look…" Anye and Norov glanced at each, with looks of agony on their faces.

Leylin though wasn't paying attention, mesmerised by the large patterns on the ground, "This is…"

'A.I. Chip, conduct scan!' he immediately commanded.

[Beep! Mission established, beginning scan!] The A.I. Chip's mechanical voice echoed, and there was a response soon after.

[Ancient combined sealing spell formation! Already discovered technique: Annihilating runes, dimensional seal, powerful isolation…]

"Indeed, the building complex here is a part of the large sealing spell formation, and the core is right here!" Leylin looked at the ground. The complicated patterns began to move around, as if they had a life of their own.

"The special nature of the ruins' core caused both parties to keep fighting around it. It wasn't until the appearances of Gargamel and the Primordial Spirit Slaying Sect that both of us united together to explore the ruins. It caused a rapid increase in progress, then we found… we found…"

Leylin lifted his head, "You found that this place was an entrance to the subterranean world's first layer, but it's been sealed?"

Nonov and Anye both looked at Leylin with shocked expressions. Even with their age they'd had to flip through many antique books before they could know, but Leylin could actually recognise it at first glance. This ability…

Could it be that because he was a Morning Star Magus, he was really omnipotent?

Strengthening and Way of Escape

"Lord Leylin is extremely erudite," Nonov said in praise, "Ever since the ruins appeared the seal has slowly been lifting. No matter what methods we think of, we haven't been able to stop this process…"

"And you've come to me as a last resort." Leylin's snort had Nonov and Anye break out in cold sweat but he didn't concern himself with them, instead stroking his chin as he fell into deep thought.

Although the subterranean world was rich in resources, with the violent invasion of the ancient Magi many of the tribes there didn't have a favourable impression of humans. Although humans remained there, after so many years would they side with the humans or the subterranean world? The latter possibility was more likely.

The subterranean world was vast and boundless, and wasn't lacking in powerful Morning Stars even in the first layer. There should even be rank 5 existences there.

Twilight Zone was only a very small part of this first layer, just like how the south coast was just a part of the surface world. Furthermore, even in spite of its long isolation, there were many terrifying tribes there.

Thus, it wasn't hard to understand why Nonov and Anye grew extremely panicky seeing the seal wither away.

"A.I. Chip, based on the current rate, how much longer will the seal last?" A blue light shone from Leylin's eyes before he had the answer.

With a series of calculations, the A.I. Chip gave an extremely precise answer. [Beep! Calculating with current rate of decay, estimated time to total disintegration is 28572h 34min and 12s.]

To the A.I. Chip which had already been renewed several times, this level of operation was only the simplest.

"You invited me here, what exactly is it for? If it is to strengthen the seal, I'm afraid I can only delay it for at most a hundred years' time…"

After he finished calculating, Leylin stroked his chin and said to Nonov and Anye.

"How… How can this be? Sir is a Morning Star ranked Magus!"

Such an outcome caused Nonov and Anye to be a little in disbelief.

"Hmph! If it's just to strengthen the seal. although it's relatively harder, it's not that I'm unable to do it, but now, the entire Eternal River pocket dimension has been completely developed for several hundred years, most the remains here have also been destroyed by you…"

Leylin snorted, watching Nonov and Anye, his tone was very hostile, "In fact, the entire Eternal River pocket dimension is a part of this seal. The Magus who set up this pocket dimension had long before installed the time when the pocket dimension would appear, he even used your greed and sped up this process artificially…"

"Until now, the breaking of the entire seal is already something that's unavoidable!"

"We're done for! We south coast, are we really going to be completely destroyed?" Nonov's both eyes were slightly despondent. If it really linked to the underground, apart from his Ennea Ivory Ring Tower moving to a distant place and collectively migrating, there was no other better way.

On the other side, Anye's expression was also very dark. Towards the viciousness of the underground tribes and their hatred towards humans, he who had the reference of historical books knew even more clearly.

Once they were attacked and occupied, probably not just Magi, even ordinary humans would face extinction.

Watching these two Magi who had sunk into a struggle, Leylin's pupils were very calm.

In fact, with the Radiant Moon strength and the assistance of the A.I. Chip, if he made an all-out effort, not stinting on cultivating more precious materials, it was not impossible to entirely seal this pocket dimension. However, the crucial thing was, how would that benefit him?

Nonov and Anye were both rank 3 Magi, they were small and weak like ants before the underground tribes. Naturally, they would not wish to see them infiltrate the surface and threaten their positions.

But Leylin was different! He was already a rank 5 warlock! His military strength was outstanding and the underground world's first layer was also the weakest underground world, he totally had the premise of associating equally with the underground powerhouses!

With the underground world's rich mineral resources, their legacy that had been passed down from the ancient times and the entirely different spell system, they could definitely bring Leylin great benefits.

He believed, not just himself, even if it were other Morning Star existence in the central continent, once they knew about this passageway, they probably would not choose to seal it too.

"How? Have you thought about it? If you are willing, I can step out and strengthen the seal, gaining you a hundred years' time…"

After a few minutes, Leylin spoke indifferently.

"Then… please, Sir!" Nonov and Anye took a glance at each other and in the end still gritted their teeth and requested.

No matter what, if there was another hundred years' time, be it discussing a countermeasure or directly retreating, there was more allowance for them.

"Okay! Pass down my command, seal this area, I want to set up a strengthening spell…"

After hearing them say that, Leylin nodded but instead sent away the two Magi who wanted to stay and help.

A Morning Star light screen enveloped the entire central hall with a buzz. Blue radiance was emitted in all directions, isolating it from the outside world.

"Ancient combined sealing spell…" The blue radiance in Leylin's pupils flickered, many materials were casually taken out from the space equipment.

According to his original intentions, it was naturally to open the seal as soon as possible and gain the benefits. However, his current condition was not good, the Allsnake Curse was like a sharp sword hanging above his head, causing him to have to end things here as quickly as he could and head towards the Purgatory World to resolve the bloodline's shackles.

Hence, postponing the disintegration of the seal for a period of time was also something that was in accordance to Leylin's interests.

"Perhaps, there might be a need to move the Ouroboros Clan here in the future, grasping trade with the underground world…"

Leylin had already drawn out a blueprint regarding the development of the Ouroboros Clan in his mind. The expansion of the entire Ouroboros Clan in the central continent had already reached its limits. Even without the appearance of the Flame Monarch, it would meet the resistance of other Magi sooner or later.

Although the elemental particles environment in the south coast was not much, towards warlocks that relied mainly on bloodline force, the influence in this aspect was much smaller than Magi.

Moreover, the entire central continent had not yet connected to the underground world's passageway, what was discovered occasionally, were just a few totally sealed miniature underground space like that of the Twilight Zone.

Once a passageway that connects to the entire underground world was developed, even simply controlling trade between the two places would bring about huge benefits, enough to allow the Ouroboros Clan to make a rapid development.

"The top priority now, is still to confirm if this connects to that ancient completed underground layer of the underground world or the miniature sealed area like that of the Twilight Zone…"

Leylin stroked his chin, there was even a radiance constantly flickering in his pupils, "If the place this links to is really that ancient underground layer, as long as we occupy here, the profits gained by the Ouroboros Clan would definitely not a little bit less than the Monarch of the Skies that has control over the entire central continent's airship network…"

"A.I. Chip! Export spell formation layout!"

[Beep! Mission established, beginning coordination with supplementary assignment…] The A.I. Chip's sound was as mechanical as usual, without the slightest emotions in it.

A complicated yet detailed formation diagram was rapidly exported from the A.I. Chip's database and was being projected by fluorescent light onto the hall's floor.

The spell formation diagram illustrated by the fluorescent light combined with the original patterns on the floor harmoniously, forming a brand new formation.

[Beep! Separating black hole spell formation deduction setup completed, estimated rate of success 98.99%!] The A.I. Chip sounded again.

"Very good!" A piece of mithril with black spots was melted into juice before Leylin, spreading out evenly onto the ground at the position where the fluorescent light had originally shone.

With Leylin's current alchemy grand master's academic achievements and the A.I. Chip's fine and detailed assistance, the entire setting up of the spell formation proceeded very smoothly and was thoroughly completed in almost half an hour.

Only, when setting up, Leylin would certainly not do it according to Nonov and Anye's requests, he included many of his own smuggled goods in it instead.

The entire spell formation continuously rumbled with a buzz, streaks of silver radiance rippled on the ground.

[Beep! Spell formation energy operating normally! Compatibility of connection 91.673%!]

Large amounts of data floated across Leylin's eyes, he could not help but nod secretly, "It is a linking technique that is acquired after all, to have 90% compatibility is already not bad!"

"Then…" Leylin took in a deep breath. "A.I. Chip!"

[Open up the connection assignment, attempting to establish a spatial link, searching coordinates!] Accompanying the A.I. Chip's sound, the patterns on the ground suddenly changed, its circulating speed was continuously increasing. Faint silver light emerged, undulating in mid-air, even slowly forming into a state of a semicircular arched door.

Opposite the arched door, was a patch of thick darkness and a mirror-like radiance was constantly emitted.

This was the smuggled goods Leylin had added. At the same time while strengthening the seal, Leylin also left a way of escape for himself, and could even reach the other side of the space with the prerequisite of not damaging the original seal by directly going through the crack in the spell formation.

"You guys guard here, no matter who comes, kill them all!"

Leylin flicked his hands and four translucent void assassins emerged. He faintly ordered a few sentences and these four assassins immediately vanished into the void.

Possessing rank 3 limit strength and with the addition of this kind of ability to go through the void, void assassins were almost invincible existences in the south coast.

Four void assassins along with the spell formation outside that Leylin had set up, even if the dark and light Magi joined forces, they would definitely not be able to fight their way in.

Although Leylin was more reassured towards Nonov and Anye and he also knew that they did not have the guts, he would not entrust his hopes on their reverence towards him just like that.

Countless historical examples have all proven that this was something very foolish, Leylin would certainly not do that.

Underground and Rescue

After preparing his backup plan, Leylin swished his robes and entered the arched door in mid-air. An icy membrane rippled as he passed through it. The moment he materialised, Leylin realised he'd stepped into another place.

A dark, frigid aura permeated the air, one that was specific to the subterranean world. The density of darkness and earth energy particles was even greater than in Twilight Zone.

"This is the other end of the spatial tunnel, huh?" Leylin swept his gaze across the surroundings. He was currently in a palace hall of sorts, where bizarrely styled sculptures were scattered around the vicinity.

Once the light in the spell formation subsided, a thick layer of dust could be observed in the area.

"Inextinguishable Flame!" Leylin pointed ahead and a bright and beautiful flame floated in front of him.

'This place seems to have been deserted for a very long while. Is it the depths of an ancient ruin?' Leylin scanned the surroundings with his soul force, before realising that the whole area seemed to be protected by a layer of mysterious energy. This mysterious energy even suppressed the soul force of a Magus.

However, given that his truesoul was at Half Moon, he could still cover a sizeable portion of the area. It wasn't long before he discovered several passageways leading out.

'I hope there aren't any complex spell formations outside, this will become very troublesome.' Leylin walked towards a large door, the unadorned yet aw-inspiring stone standing over ten metres tall. On the left of the doors was the sculpture of a devil, on the right that of a beautiful angel.

*Ka-cha!* *Ka-cha!*

Leylin stretched his hand forward as he pushed the door. Suddenly, two powerful streaks of lightning flashed and struck Leylin, but was repelled by Kemoyin Scales.

A pitch-black tunnel appeared in front of Leylin and without any hesitation, he stepped forward.

"I never expected that I would chance across some Magi on an expedition. This will save me loads of time!"

The corners of Leylin's lips curled upwards as he blended in with the darkness, before moving at a speed that defied the logics of physics.

…..

On the other side, a group of adventurers were running for their lives, escaping from something in the tunnel.

"Quick! It's catching up!"

This group of adventurers had a warrior adorning armour, an archer carrying a wooden bow, and the one that made up the most numbers were a group of Magi garbed in robes and carrying strange tools. This party composition was still rather decent. However, this small party now were scurrying away in fear from something behind them, their clothes torn and tattered. Traces of blood tainted their body, revealing profuse injuries.

*Dum dum! Dum dum!* Behind them, in the darkness, thuds of heavy footsteps were heard.

Upon hearing these noises, the people in the small party had their colour drained from their faces as they continued to flee at a faster speed.

*Crash!* A dark streak of light flashed, carrying a black long spear. It immediately penetrated the innate spell defense of one of the Magi, pinning him to the floor.

"Xander! Damn it!" The leader, a brown haired youth, turned back and saw his companion pinned to the ground with blood streaming out of his mouth. However, he gritted his teeth and continued fleeing.

"Run! Hurry and run!" His eyes turned bloodshot as he screamed at the top of his lungs.

At the same time, a blazing flame of unwillingness and regret gnawed at his soul bit by bit. "We were too careless! With our combined strength of three stars ranking, this vestige is way out of our league! Damn it! The danger level here is at least five stars! As long as I manage to make it out, I will definitely slay that damned asshole!"

"No! Xander! The female archer slinging the bow on her back halted immediately as she knelt beside the Magus pinned to the ground. She then took out a green vial of potion and poured it on his wounds.

"It's no use!" The leader roared, but he never stopped running.

Tens of seconds later, that blood curdling scream of his female party member sounded. The leader's face turned even more pale as he sped up.

*Dum dum! Dum dum!*

The footsteps sounded behind him, like that of a death god who had come to reap their souls. Although the footsteps were slow, the speed was extremely fast. Not long later, the youth heard several more wretched cries behind him.

It was only until now that he realised, to his astonishment, that not one of his companions had remained.

"No! I can't die here! I have to be a five stars adventure and even the crowned King Adventurer! I have goals yet to be fulfilled, and to return the glory of my family, the revenge, and also my…"

Another beam of black light shot towards him and stopped his train of thoughts. Although the youth had attempted to maneuver out of the way, he was still grazed by that black light, causing him fall to the ground and cough out a pool of blood.

*Dum dum! Dum dum!* Along with the footsteps, a giant figure emerged from the darkness.

It was a giant that stood tall at over three metres, with two long shafts of spears slung on its back. Complex runes covered his body, giving off a metallic lustre.

There was a grim expression on its face, as if it belonged to a dead creature. Only two scarlet rays of light were projected from its pupils.

"It's… It's here…." The youth teeth clattered. This undead creature that stood in front of him was a defense mechanism of the vestige. Previously, when the group had broken through a tomb like room, it had started to chase them.

The undead giant had a powerful physical attack, with a high resistance to magic spells. It led the youth to despair; he could only watch on as his party members perished one by one under the hands of this giant. Ultimately, he was the only one left standing.

*Dum dum! Dum dum!* The giant walked over as he unsheathed one of the spears on his back.

"No! I don't want to…. Please…" Tears poured from the youth's eyes as he start to turn deranged.

*Whoosh!" The spear thrusted forward, but funnily enough, it remained hoisted in midair. The anticipated pain did not come, which caused the youth to reopen his eyes.

He saw a black shield protecting him at the front, engaging in a deadlock with the spear.

"I'm…I'm saved!" The youth collapsed weakly and laid on the ground, with tears of joy flowing from his eyes.

"Ahoooo!" The giant withdrew his spear and turned his body to the back, howling towards the darkness. Very soon, he staggered half a step backwards, as if some sort of ferocious predator was in front of it.

"Interesting!" 'Although it seems to be a body made of flesh and blood, there seemed to be some modifications added to it. It's rather akin to a metallic bodied demon right now huh? Even it consciousness was wiped out, with the only defense mechanism within it remaining…"

Leylin stepped forward from the shadows, blue light shining from his eyes as he scanned the giant in front of it.

"Moreover… These runes on the body, it seemed really similar to that of Branded Swordsmen…"

Leylin always held onto part of the Branded Swordsman's inheritance, but it was extremely lacking of information. Even after the simulation and conjecture from the A.I. Chip, it could only reached the strength of a rank 1 Magus, which was not of much use.

Right now, after the A.I. Chip had upgraded several times and even added troves of information from the Great Library, it could raise the power of Branded Swordsman from rank 1 to 3. However, for Leylin who had the backing of the Ouroboros Clan and the Warlock Alliance, these Branded Swordsman were relatively useless to him. Hence, Leylin did not mass produce these Branded Swordsman cannon fodder.

However, at this moment, Leylin could clearly see the runes of Branded Swordsman on this giant.

Although the the style is slightly different, with modifications made on top of the original school of thought, this is no doubt the runes of Branded Swordsmen.

Just from looking at the runes and the energy that it radiated had gave Leylin many fresh ideas and inspiration about the Branded Swordsman.

Perhaps, after combining the knowledge found on the continent and in the subterranean world, the A.I. Chip might be able to produce runes which can create Morning Star Branded Swordsman.

"Arghhhhh!" Although the giant has discovered how powerful Leylin was, the defense mechanism inside its consciousness still made it reach out his hands.

Two black spears soared towards Leylin like two dragons.

*Peng!* *Pa!* A layer of black scales emerged from Leylin's palms. As astonishing scene was created accompanied by sparks and screeching sounds.

The two black spears that the giant hurled had been caught firmly in Leylin's palms.

"Hmm! The explosive power isn't bad, with the strength at 50 degrees of so. It is rather similar to a rank 3 Magus attack!" Leylin nodded his head, but the youth at the side had his eyes bulging out.

During the escape earlier, he had seen many of his companions perish under the mighty black spear. Even magic defense spells proved to be no defense against it.

However, Leylin had managed to catch it in his hands.

"This Magus, is he a monster too?" The youth looked at Leylin's appearance, garbed in luxurious black robes with a mask. Leylin gave off a regal yet mysterious aura, yet he did not seem to be a savage or tyrant.

"Groarrr!" The giant was stupefied momentarily before giving off a huge roar.

The sound waves involuntarily forced the youth to cover his ears. At the same time, black energy particles which could be seen by the naked eye surged towards the giant like water to a sponge, as the runes on the giant's body began to flicker.

"Groarrrrr!' With the howling noises made, a spell began to surface. The image of a dark creature's head appeared, baring its razor sharp fangs as it was sent flying towards Leylin.

"Rank 3 spell — Darkness Crunch?" This spell seemed to be missing on the continent for thousands of years. Only the Great Library in Sky City had mentioned of this before.

Leylin rubbed his chin. A lost and forgotten spell need not necessarily meant that it was powerful. It could be due to not keeping up with the times and entered natural selection. He would definitely not make the assumption that anything ancient is powerful.

The blue light in Leylin's eyes flashed and the A.I. Chip made its calculations.

Seconds later, the principle of this rank 3 spellcasting and even the spell model had been conjectured by the A.I. Chip.

"So this is how it works! Although this spell isn't too bad, but it requires a huge amount of darkness elemental energy particles. No wonder the central continent had phased this spell out!"