Chapter 162

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Edge of the World

Leylin attacked Cyril in his metamorphosis form with ferocious purple black lightning shaking the void itself.

*Pu!* Like paper being ripped through, Cyril defensive layers were pierced through by the Leylin attack, and even the Morning Star Magus' famed soul force was rendered useless under the lethal force of the ancient dominator.

The lightning arrow pierced through Cyril's chest as his defences broke down without any resistance and Cyril died in an instant.

*Poof!* A spot of light that was like a morning star emerged from Cyril body and, with the guidance of a stream of astral light, it was about to broke through the space and left.

This was a Morning Star Magus' point mass, holding his soul within.

Based on legends of the ancient Byron Empire, when Morning Star Magi completely died, their soul would return to the astral plane for eternity, floating in the deepest part of the astral plane and waiting for their next chance at reincarnation.

But the shocking thing which only Leylin could see, was the mind blowing scene where the point mass didn't return to the astral plane but was rather absorbed by him!

The point mass was devoured by him as it turned into sentient force and was stored in his body. This scene is horrifying as Leylin actually had the ability to devour the point mass as well, this is something that Leylin anticipated because after a Magus breakthrough to Rank 4 their only energy source is the point mass and their body just have the radiation and strengthening baptism from that point mass. Leylin wanted to know what would happen if he were to kill a Morning star, would he only get the sentient force in their bodies or the true source of their strength, the Point mass and now, his question was answered. He would get both!

Leylin fall into a contemplating stance thinking about his next move, because if this is the case then unlike other Morning star Leylin never has to worry about thinking of ways to increase his soul force he has the support of his unique ability. It was also a relief since, it would be beyond impossible to advance just by feasting on the deaths of lower ranked Magi.

....

"Return to the inn!" Lita, Cole and Roderick were waiting anxiously as the majestic voice of Leylin fall over them. Previously, they couldn't move because of the massive mountain like pressure on them of having their master clash against someone of his same rank but after receiving his orders everyone sighed in relief and bowed, proceeding to retreat.

Azure Mountain King was currently moving towards the edge of the world as he couldn't even suppress the immense shock he felt.

This shock was because Leylin had in his hand a head, one that didn't even have the chance to die a peaceful death with its eyes closed. It had thin lips and silver eyes— just that they had lost their luster. This was the head of the Demon Hunter, Cyril!

Azure mountain king wasn't able to catch the scene of Leylin devouring Cyril Point mass, because if it was the case then Leylin could only reluctantly silence him forever.

"Demon Hunter Cyril has already fallen in battle. Azure mountain king, were you perhaps thinking of joining together with him and encircle me?" Leylin stood proudly with Cyril's head held high, and looked behind at the figure that appeared.

The person here was certainly the Azure Mountain King. He possessed majestic blue hair and a pair of starry eyes. But currently he was very shocked as he looked at Cyril dead head.

This rank 4 Magus had always been held in high regard for a long time, and was even seen as a Morning Star Magus. But now, he had actually fallen right in front of his eyes?

Zack fell into a deathly stillness for a moment. When the he regained his senses, "Surely you jest my Lord but you shouldn't have killed him!"

"The Demon Hunter Cyril is famously notorious for his pettiness and shameless behavior, How could I rest easy knowing such a person is planning behind my back." Leylin refused to concede as he replied indifferently." This is just a lesson to him and doesn't Cyril still have a doppelganger?"

Although Leylin said that both him and Azure mountain king knew it wasn't any different from being dead.

It is only at rank 3, what use does it have? Furthermore, Cyril has bad blood with many other Morning Star Magi, and they won't let this chance slip by. He's as good as dead.

Azure mountain king didn't retort but both of them knew the real reason was not because of that. After being defeated Cyril would have most definitely retreat but Leylin didn't gave him a chance, rather he wanted to prove a point to Azure mountain king, which in design he did.

"You aren't a Kemoyin serpent warlock so, how could this group be associated with you?" Azure mountain king asked as he thought about Lita and her group.

"They are my spies, there is something in the clan that I desire, speaking of that I would have to ask you to attack the domain of Marquis Leylin Farlier later on, as people ally against the Ouroboros clan, make sure to act in such a manner that you isolate it, obviously this is just a ruse but being a bit heavy handed wouldn't matter. I don't think it would be much of a trouble to Distinguished Azure mountain king."

"You can call me Zack!" The Azure Mountain King spoke in a deep tone, without any further intentions of undermining Leylin.

"Alright, distinguished Zack, let's talk about the our previous discussion! This was an unpleasant circumstances but this could also display that I am not here to play."

Zack sighed as he knew his predicament," This is no place to have a conversation, I would like to invite my Lord."

Leylin nodded as both him and Zack went back and arrived inside an underground settlement to continue.

Inside the inner most and high class longue of the Oakheart clan, Leylin leant back on the sofa, intertwined his hands. He was unusually relaxed. Opportunities for such extortion, where one took advantage of another's weakness, were very rare.

"I would like to know what Distinguished Lord is thinking, I would try my best to accomplish it as long as you promise not to leak the matter of the stardust bugs!" Zack said frankly. He knew he has no chance of winning against Leylin. Previously he wanted to witness the confrontation and take advantage should it present itself but unfortunately Leylin ended it far too quickly and decisively, a feat that scared him.

He only yielded to Leylin as Leylin knew his biggest secret. If this information was leaked out, the entire Oakheart Clan would be faced with imminent disaster. Even his own life would be in danger.

Leylin was well aware of this. The fall of the Azure Mountain King, would not net him any benefits. On the other hand, such extortion had the potential for a lot of profits.

"In the Marquis Leylin Farlier territory there is a mountain called Atoot hill, I would ask you to construct a Magus Tower inside there. And just to be clear what I need, is a Magus Tower that corresponds to my status. Is that understand?" Leylin laughed with a hint of profoundness. Leylin wants a Magus Tower in a mountain in his domain, it would be hidden well. Leylin has already picked the location previously, This place is well hidden and not too far from his domain. It even has a shortcut tunnel connecting his current Magus Tower. Leylin as a Rank 4 Magus needs a Magus tower which can support the transportation of material bodies through the astral gate, just the spiritual seeds aren't good enough to him.

Although Leylin's current Magus Tower is of considerably high quality, it was only fitting for a rank 3 Magus. In the central continent, anything that catered to the Morning Star rank would cost more, especially so for the Morning Star Magus Tower!

"What…" Zack took a cold breath, and immediately blurted out, "Impossible! This is extortion!"

The construction cost of a Morning Star rated Magus Tower would be at least ten times more than that of Leylin's current Magus Tower. Even if he were to sell his territory, it could not even cover the cost of building one level of it. Leylin's request was like a lion biting a huge chunk of meat off the Oakheart Clan's body.

"Well I can see why you think that way but let me complete if you help me accomplish this then not only would I not expose you but also help you in the future." Leylin laughed.

Zack hesitated because he thought Leylin was just giving him lip service but he didn't had any option either compared to the matter about the stardust bugs and the whole Oakheart Clan being erased from this world, it's a good deal. With the accumulated wealth of Azure Mountain City, he should be able to somehow accomplish the task of constructing one such Magus Tower.

Zack's face hardened as he gritted his teeth in anger, "… Fine!"

Leylin looked at him and spoke, "Don't need to be so sour. You have seen my strength, what if I told you I have a way to increase your power then would you be interested! I promise you as long as you agree to serve me I would definitely take good care you."

Zack was stunned as he heard Leylin and his heart moved, people at their level even if they were to promise just verbally it has a certain authority. Their oath is nothing to scoff at. If Leylin truly mean what he said than this relationship is more than welcomed by Zack.

"Other that the Magus Tower, I would need your assistance inbuilding an astral gate"

Zack nodded and also decides to partner up with Leylin. Leylin choose to take him as a subordinate and later would determine on his performance if he should help Zack to become strong through Firesource stone of Lava World to cultivate. Benefits and trust go hand in hand, Leylin doesn't trust him because he don't need to, as long as he remain the stronger party, Zack would never betray him.

As for loyalty when he is injured or such, fat chance! There is no such thing. Leylin won't let that happen in the first place, he would never become a losing party. He refused to do so.

Eventually after some talking both of them come to an understanding, The Oakheart Clan would bear the burden of building a Morning Star level Magus Tower, as well as provide him with all the resources for an astral gate. In return, Leylin guaranteed that he would never divulge information regarding the stardust bugs in any shape or form. Leylin didn't force Azure mountain king in his submission there is plenty of time for that. Leylin also paid for all the items that Lita bought because Leylin has imposing amount of wealth, these expenditure is very affordable to him. Previously he wasn't able to exchange a lot of rare items because of his low strength which isn't a problem now.

Although compared to constructing a Magus tower of Morning star status the money he spent isn't anything special. Zack wanted to not receive any payment because it's negligible to him but after seeing the items Leylin was showing he was intrigued and Zack accepted the transaction.

To Leylin it doesn't matter either way but if he could reel in a Morning star so easily then why not. It not just about strength only because after a certain level there are something which cannot be accomplished by lower rank magi.

Azure Mountain King could be useful so Leylin wouldn't mind keeping him in the pocket.

The two of them had even made an oath under the Trial's Eye, which was at the request of the Azure Mountain King.

Soon after, Everyone received news of Demon Hunter Cyril departure from Azure Mountain City. As every Magus secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

With such volatile elements, the fewer there were in the auction, the better.

This was the similar mindset of the other Magi. Under such circumstances, in the presence of Morning Star Magi, there was no way they could have acquired their desired treasures with their limited magic crystals.

A stifled atmosphere had hung over the auction was lighted. The next day proceeded without any problem, the auction erupted in full force, as if finally free of suppression and mounting pressures. The degree of liveliness far exceeded the Oakheart clan expectations.

Leylin, too, came to the venue and watched emotionlessly as each precious object was bought by others. Leylin was in the big VIP cubicle as he was accompanied by Lita, Cole and Roderick. Although others are limited to only two guests such rules are not imposed on a Morning Star.

Towards the end of the auction, the host then announced, "This is today's most precious item: astral stone!"

The existence of the astral stone was widely known in the Magus World, but not many had laid eyes on it.

A shiny black stone that resembled any other was brought on stage. Upon close inspection, the surface of the stone reflected soft rays of blue light, as if it was starlight.

"The astral stone is a necessity for interplanar experiments! This stone weighs 1582 grams and its density is very high. This is known to be the highest quality stone within this century. It has an abundance of energy and is definitely the best choice for astral gate experiments!" The host rambled on about the astral stone non-stop.

While the astral stone was indeed worth less than the top-notch meditation technique from the day before, the application of this stone was widely known, hence the popular demand."This is an astral stone, the base price is set at 200 million magic crystals, and every increment set at a minimum of 1 million. You may use resources of equal value to make up any difference! Let the auction begin"

The presenter waved his hand and the huge screen in front of Leylin lit up immediately in bright colors.

Watching the numbers on the screen clambering up bit by bit, Leylin's smiled. Leylin is extremely rich and imposing as he has various rare treasure and unique items, although he just advanced his financial capabilities is still very high. Leylin was glad that he had no lack of good materials on him. Were he to sell them all, he could easily qualify to bid.

Leylin is more than capable of betting for this, so he won't let this chance slip, a Morning Star Magus could never have too much of Astral Stones. Leylin wouldn't mind having some more, even if his current amount could support various experiment.

This astral stone was one of the three most valuable items up for auction. The price had soared to an outrageous amount.

"One billion magic crystals!" Leylin softly spoke his bid with an announcement device. He knew this was far from being the end, in actuality he was just playing currently. There is no way the astral stone is worth only that much.

The bid keep getting higher as suddenly.

"Twenty billion magic crystals!!" Another bid was heard immediately. It came from VIP lounge 2.

Leylin stroked his chin and his eyes gleamed with interest as he knew the occupant.

"She is here huh? The second Elder Blood Duchess Emma." Leylin thought. Leylin knew that her presence could be expected but he also knew her main goal was to annoy Cyril so maybe she won't come as Cyril has not only departed this place but this very plane!

Blood Duchess Emma was a Morning Star Warlock, the second elder of the Ouroboros Clan. Blood Duchess Emma, was well-known for her crazy and savage ways. She is Freya's mentor.

Leylin didn't have anything to do with neither Freya nor Emma previously. Leylin was known as a rather cold individual who did mix with the crowd. Although Freya tried to have Leylin join her family it was all for naught. Leylin wasn't someone who could be forced and Freya had nothing which could be of allure to him. Honestly speaking Leylin thinks rather well of Freya but he didn't have any time for the stupid politics or romance with her because he was too busy.

Freya was not so lucky. Because she had no transaction of bloodline crystals with Leylin, she hadn't been able successfully manage to save her family bloodline as it was still facing decline.

And thereafter, she tried a lot to talk with Leylin and even went as far to ask for Leylin's fellow student Kesha's help but it was all for nothing. In the end she relented and there were rumours of her research in seclusion. It was as if she was attempting to break through the bottleneck to advance.

It was known that, once a Giant Kemoyin Serpent Warlock was promoted to the rank of the Morning Star realm, their bloodlines would be purified. This method was naturally preferred compared to that of obtaining it through the easier method of having a pure-blooded Warlock join the family.

What was worth mentioning was the fact that, among the female Warlocks of the Ouroboros Clan, Freya was considered to be one with discipline and self-respect. The only negative characteristic was her eagerness to be first.

"Thirty billion magic crystals!" Leylin raised the bet. The astral stone was an important element in the stage of his astral gate experiments. Even if he doesn't need it now, he would have some stock up just in case.

Emma, who was seated at the opposite side, had clearly received some unknown information, hence she stopped.

If she raised the bars any higher than the price for this astral stone clearly surpassed its actual value, which made Leylin reluctant to bet. He inwardly decided to not do so but fortunately Blood Duchess Emma stopped bidding probably because she understood that it would be of no use except for pissing off an unknown Morning Star Magus.