Chapter 179 - 308 - 315

Weeping Ghost Grounds

"My Lord! I've captured that old man!"

Along with Baelin's voice, there was a low thud as if someone was being tossed to the ground.

"Alright. Let's go see your little brother!"

Leylin laughed and left first, with James and Jenny trailing behind him.

Outside the carriage, Baelin was holding a large steel sword, his clothes tattered, thus revealing his firm muscles, and his skin also seemed to be glistening. He was staring at the old man in black clothing.

The old man still had the brand of a black skull on his face. This was naturally Rhodes, who had just escaped.

If one talked about strength, this level 3 acolyte wouldn't be so easily taken down by Baelin, a Grand Knight. However, Leylin had first done something to Rhodes' body, and Rhodes himself had lost confidence after seeing how terrifying Leylin was. This was how he had been able to be captured by Baelin and brought here.

"My lord, how should we deal with him?"

Baelin swung his large sword at Rhodes, an evil grin on his face.

However, knowing Baelin, he was simply intimidating Rhodes.

Seeing his brother who had chosen to embark on the wrong path, James' expression was complicated, a few times he opened his mouth to say something but quickly shut up. After all, Leylin was the one in charge here. Besides, Rhodes had been caught by Leylin's disciple, so he did not have the authority to deal with his brother.

"You- You can't kill me!" Rhodes gasped, body seemingly tied up by an invisible rope. Blood rushed up to his face, leaving him flushed.

"Oh? And why is that?" Leylin asked with a smile.

"I- I'm part of the Argus family! If you kill me, Master Siegfried won't let you off," Rhodes answered while struggling.

"Dream on!" Before he even finished speaking, he was interrupted by Jenny.

The young girl's face was filled with contempt, "You're just the conferred title of a subject in the family. Even if you're a level 3 acolyte, who do you think Master Siegfried would choose to listen to, an official Magus or an acolyte?"

These words were like a sharp arrow, directly piercing into Rhodes' heart and causing him to turn pale.

As long as these conferred subjects did not possess any land, to put things nicely, they could be said to be subjects of the family. In reality, they were high-grade servants of the Argus Family, and this was also Rhodes' position.

In addition, even Siegfried would not offend a Magus of the same ranking over an acolyte.

"I'm afraid in Grandpa Siegfried's heart even if my uncles or even father were to offend a lord Magus, he would send them over to the Magus as an apology!"

The girl looked at Rhodes who seemed to have lost his spine and had no intentions of taking revenge, and instead took pity on him.

Siegfried was a very distant relative of theirs. His family tree had probably branched away seven to eight generations ago.

Whether it was Jenny's father, her uncles, or anybody in the family who would take control of the Argus Family, it didn't matter who it was as long as they had the blood of the Argus Family!

Losing one of the families, who was a hindrance, would not really be a large issue for Siegfried.

"Only after gaining enough strength is it possible for Magi to make connections with each other!"

Jenny clenched her fists tightly, her desire for power intensifying.

"One day, I will advance to become an official Magus!"

In that moment, Baelin seemed to see boundless starlight shining from Jenny's eyes.

"How about him? What should we do?" Baelin scratched his head. Seeing James who seemed to want to say something, he was getting a headache.

"Let him go!" Leylin suddenly exclaimed.

"My lord!" James was evidently pleasantly surprised and half-knelt, "I thank my lord for his benevolence on behalf of my useless brother!"

It was obvious that he still thought highly of his biological younger brother. However, the one calling the shots here was Leylin. Without fully understanding Leylin's intentions, he did not dare say a word for fear it would cause Miss Jenny trouble.

Now that Leylin was letting Rhodes go, gratefulness could be seen in his eyes.

"Since Lord Leylin has spoken, I have no objections," Jenny spoke up, though James smiled wryly in his heart.

This tone meant she was furious with him. However, for his brother, he persevered.

*Xiu Xiu!*

An invisible rope was pulled on by Leylin, and Rhodes was made to stand up.

"Leave. Don't let me see you again!"

Baelin pushed Rhodes and pretended to be threatening him by gesturing with his sword.

Rhodes totally ignored Baelin's threats and glanced at his brother James, a complication expression on his face, and quickly left.

All this time, he did not dare to take a glance in Leylin's direction.

Leylin laughed. This was just a level 3 acolyte who was basically like an ant in his eyes. It didn't matter to him whether Rhodes was killed or released.

However, since this could earn him a good impression, why not?

He believed that he needed to return to the side of people who abide the law and were kind. Even if he didn't feel this way at all in his heart, it was necessary to display that image on the outside.

When associating with a Magus who was a stranger to them, a good reputation would lower many people's guards.

For instance, right now, James and Jenny's eyes no longer showed the prudence and cautiousness they originally had. Now, there was more admiration and respect towards him.

...

Rhodes was extremely intelligent. After knowing Leylin's status as an official Magus, he wisely chose not to bother them with their journey any longer.

Just like this, the undisturbed journey went past many towns, allowing Leylin and Baelin to learn more about this place.

Twilight Zone was not a peaceful area, and places, where the sun stone and light were not able to reach, were filled with many darkness type creatures. Moreover, apart from humans, there were many other intelligent species which inhabited such areas.

Along the way, Leylin met several handsome looking mice-men the size of human kids that rode large spiders as their steeds. They seemed to be a type of elf. According to Jenny, these were dark elves that even had a kingdom in the areas where light did not reach. The might of their species was about the same as humans.

Of course, the creatures which were the greatest threat to Leylin and their party were those lurking in the shadows.

Without flames or the sun stone to dispel the darkness, these creatures would swarm forward like mosquitoes, devouring unaware travellers to bits.

Hence, to travel in Twilight Zone, apart from having enough fire starter items or sunstones, power was a necessity. Otherwise, the only outcome was having regrets after becoming feces in the desolate field.

Of course, all of these proved no threat in front of Leylin, an official Magus.

Even if it was a horde of the most brutal creatures, they were just cute little pets in front of him, which could be broken apart easily.

Reverence filled Jenny and James' eyes as they looked as Leylin, who had closed his eyes for meditation.

Leylin had lent a hand several times along the journey. But just this power was the corner of the iceberg that Leylin possessed, it was enough to leave Jenny and James in utter shock and reverence.

All those times when he struck had might exceed the guardian of the Argus Family—Siegfried!

However, just at this moment, the horse carriage which had been moving stopped.

"Lord Leylin! Jenny and Sir James! In front of us is the Weeping Ghost Grounds, should we make a detour?"

Baelin opened the door and in one of his hand, he held a broken piece of the map.

On the map, the area that they were about to reach was the Weeping Ghost Grounds. It was circled in red, with several splatters of red ink that made it seem like spilled blood.

"We're going to the eastern capital, and the fastest way is through the Weeping Ghost Grounds! This will save us a good half of the total time. If we're making a detour, we must head north to the Geri Basin, and then through the Sicily Valley. This will cost us a lot of time…"

James explained to Leylin.

"So then, what special dangers are there in the Weeping Ghost Grounds?" Leylin asked as his interest was piqued.

From James speech, it seemed like he had also approved of this route. Of course, all this was only possible if Leylin was with them.

"The Weeping Ghost Grounds is a very famous forbidden area in the whole of the Twilight Zone. It is said that two powerful Magi had a battle here, hence causing many mysterious types of phenomenon and power lurking within, which are still present up till now…"

James was extremely solemn. "History has it that the Weeping Ghost Grounds has gobbled up many adventurers who doubted the myth. Mercenaries, Knights, acolytes and once even an army of ten thousand!"

"According to myths, one official Magus had once managed to pass through the Weeping Ghost Grounds. According to his description, there seemed to be many spirit bodies within the area. These spirit bodies were filled with malicious intents. Once someone were to enter the area, they would be relentlessly chased after.

Spirit bodies huh? That really brings back memories!

Leylin grinned. He had dived deeper into his research of spirit bodies. There were not many Magi who were more competent than him in this field. It could be said that the least of his fears was a spirit body.

Furthermore, since a Magus had already successfully passed through this area, then it would most likely not be very dangerous.

"We'll head through the Weeping Ghost Grounds then! I wish to see the traces of previous generation Magi!'

Leylin laughed as he spoke.

As for James and Jenny, glee was written all over their faces.

Lost

The Argus Family's Marquis illness demanded immediate attention, and time was running short. If they were unable to send the Dragon-Blooded Flower Bud back to the Marquis on time, he would very likely be poisoned to death.

By then, Jenny's two uncles would have most likely seized control of the internal powers within the Argus Family.

This was a scene that Jenny was not willing to witness.

However, to let her and James pass through the Weeping Ghost Grounds? That would only be courting death!

Hence, after hearing that Leylin agreed to it, Jenny and James were exhilarated.

"Oh, I got this! So, we'll pass through the Weeping Ghost Grounds, right? This name is really distasteful!" Baelin spoke casually and returned to the driver's seat, before cracking his whip.

As a local, the only knowledge he knew of his world was Potter Town and the nearby Woody Wastelands. Due to the limited traffic and deficiency of information that Potter Town received, he had no knowledge of other places.

In fact, this was his first time travelling!

Along with the horse neighing and the creaking made from the spokes of the wheels of the horse carriage, they gradually entered the area of the Weeping Ghost Grounds.

As the Weeping Ghost Grounds was labelled a forbidden area, very few travellers dared to tread through it. The roads had long since been abandoned, with many weeds and shrubs growing on the sides. Baelin could barely recognise the tracks that were once used as they travelled on uneven ground.

As the horse carriage went deeper into the Weeping Ghost Grounds, a layer of thin mist veiled the area, slowly engulfing their surroundings.

At first the mist was rather mild, but as it got denser, their vision was reduced to only a distance of five metres from the horse carriage.

"Lor… Lord Leylin! The mist is too dense now…" Baelin slowed the pace of the horse carriage. To be going quickly under such poor conditions was simply seeking death.

"I got this!"

Leylin waved his right arm, and a thread of grey mist swirled in his palm. It was dispersed in one moment yet they converged immediately after.

"There's a bit of chilliness in this aura. Also, it's not purely made from water vapours…"

He then ordered, "A.I. Chip, analyse components!"

[Beep! Mission establishing, gathering source material, analysis beginning…] The A.I. Chip's voice intoned.

Very soon, a composition image appeared in front of Leylin's eyes.

[The main component of this mist is water at 98.2%. There are also mixed amounts of salt, protein and other digestive enzymes…] [Through comparison with the database, it is determined to be the tears of a human! Accuracy: 99.99%]

The A.I. Chip's reply shocked Leylin a bit. After a moment had passed, the corners of his lips curled upwards.

"Using tears as mist? Interesting! I have even caught a whiff of some spirit bodies in this…"

"Lord Leylin, is there anything wrong?"

Jenny and James looked at Leylin, their eyes filled with worry. During the A.I. Chip's analysis, outsiders could only perceive Leylin staring blankly for a second before grinning to himself.

Weeping Ghost Grounds was a forbidden area established atop countless skeletons. If not for this official Magus, Leylin, standing guard this time, Jenny and James would not have dared to approach this area.

Furthermore, even with Leylin around, Jenny and James were still wary after entering the Weeping Ghost Grounds and did not let their guard down for a single moment.

"Lord Leylin! The mist is too much; I've lost my way…"

At this moment, Baelin stopped the horse carriage and turned back with an apologetic expression.

"This… How can this happen?" Jenny and James looked at each other before stepping out of the horse carriage. Very soon, they were stupefied by the amount of mist there was.

In front of the horse carriage were three forked paths, they seemed to be like branches of an ancient tree, winding and crooked, heading towards different directions.

There stood a badly damaged, rotten wooden signpost with countless vines creeping on it.

On the sign, the black words which had almost faded away were the names of the different paths and even had arrowheads pointing to their locations.

"Hut of the Weeping Woman, Paradise of Wailing Creatures, Jones' Pastry Shop…What strange names are these?" Jenny was bewildered. "I haven't been here before, but according to the map there should only be one path, nothing like forked paths of any sort…"

"It seems like we've met with some trouble!" James sighed exasperatedly, but deep down he felt a little more relieved.

Previously, he did not know what terrors were hidden inside the Weeping Ghost Grounds, which made him be on guard all the time. However, now that trouble had presented itself, he felt a little better.

At the very least, now that some troubles had appeared, their party had to solve them.

"Hng! Petty tricks!"

At this moment, Leylin walked out too. As he saw the sign, his expression showed distaste.

Very soon, a layer of red light flashed past Leylin's pupils, and the surroundings underwent a tremendous change.

The grey mist immediately thinned, revealing many bizarrely shaped trees. As for the signpost, many tiny three-headed snakes and toads now covered the words which were previously there.

"These are only the effects of poltergeists, affecting the mental soundness of regular humans and even acolytes. If it's only up to this extent, it would be such a disappointment."

"Now I will lead the way, and you will just follow my movements." Leylin let Jenny and James sat in the horse carriage as he took up the role of assistant driver.

"Yes, my Lord!"

After Leylin sat beside him, Baelin inhaled a deep breath, feeling much more relieved than before, "Which way do we go?"

"None of those paths, head to the extreme right!"

Leylin sneered at the originally pitched forks. At this moment, in Leylin's vision, the three paths had all disappeared, turning into three huge caves that were covered by trees.

If the horse carriage entered those areas, they would definitely meet with a dead end. Once they had deviated from the main path, they would be trapped in there.

"But, those are granite rocks! How are we going to travel through that?" Baelin scratched his head.

The direction that Leylin had pointed in was where a large granite rock sturdily stood, with algae growing on it.

*Pak!* Before Baelin could finish talking, he was smacked on the head by Leylin, "Just go where I tell you to, why do you have so much rubbish to say?"

Baelin wailed, but his experiences and training with Leylin allowed him to quickly follow the instructions given.

The horse carriage moved forward, charging towards the ten meter tall granite rock.

"Hey Hey! There're only five more metres, should we stop now?"

Baelin questioned Leylin as he rode forward. However, as no reply was given, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and urge the horses forward.

"Three metres! One metre now!" Baelin cried in alarm but at the very end he gave up and shut his eyes.

*Pop!*

As the head of the horses crashed into the granite rock, the expected impact and cries did not happen.

Baelin widened his eyes in shocked, and very soon a strange sight occurred!

The heads of the two horses had already extended into the huge granite rock. Looking at this scene, it seemed like the huge rock had swallowed them.

The huge rock continuously engulfed the horses from their head to their necks, to their back and tails, and finally towards Baelin.

"Yikes!" Baelin unconsciously extended his right hand to block the impact, but very soon a flash appeared in his vision.

*Pop!* A feeling like walking past a wall of water came onto him, as Baelin looked at the surroundings in awe.

After passing through the granite rock, the mist thinned by a considerable amount. With the torches carried by the horses and the frightening physical abilities as a Grand Knight, Baelin's vision had already extended to over a dozen metres.

On both sides of the road were black birch trees, growing in an orderly fashion. In the middle was a small path, which was where the horse carriage was travelling on. As for the original three forked pitches, they had completely vanished by now.

"Did we stumble upon some strange illusory spell earlier?" As a level 3 acolyte, James was the quickest to understand what had happened.

However, Leylin did not answer his question. On the contrary, he turned even more solemn, much more than when he looked at the pitched forks.

"The direction is wrong! This isn't the scene that I saw earlier!"

In his earlier observation, the correct path that Leylin saw should have been a small road laid with brambles, but not such a neat and orderly looking road like this.

"Don't tell me that I have also been influenced by the illusion earlier?" Leylin's face turned dark.

However, the astonishment deep within his heart far surpassed what his face revealed. He was already a rank 2 Warlock! Although he was injured, a simple spirit body could no longer affect his senses.

"A.I. Chip! Scan the surroundings!"

Leylin rubbed his temples and ordered as a flash of blue light glowed in his eyes.

[Beep! Mission establishing, beginning scan!] [Alert! Alert! Due to unknown interference, the scan is unable to be accomplished. Will try again in 1 second…Bzzt..Bzzt…]

The A.I. Chip responded. However, very soon the feedback received was like a broken tape mixed with a radio with no signals, giving off a buzzy feedback noise.

This piercing noise grew louder and louder, finally turning into the ear-piercing wail of a woman.

"Wuu…Wuu…"

This noise filled Leylin's head, making him dizzy.

"Have you guys heard anything? I think I hear a woman crying!"

In reality, Baelin muttered. He soon received the responses of Jenny and James, "Us too!"

"Over there!" James suddenly pointed.

Leylin also looked in the direction James had indicated, and under a rotten birch tree, a woman wearing a long black dress was crouching and weeping.

"This voice! This voice! It's Marsha's! I won't ever forget it!"

An incredulous look was on James' face. He quickly hopped off the horse carriage and rushed to the woman.

Dreamland's Creature

"Marsha! My beloved Marsha, is that you?"

Agitation filled James' voice as he skipped lightly towards the woman in the black dress, reaching out his hands to pull her shoulders back.

Leylin stood on the horse carriage while observing, yet he did not stop James.

The situation right now was extremely strange, and he needed a guinea pig to test the waters.

James used some force to turn the woman in black dress around.

Suddenly, all he saw was a face with no orifices, but only a black swirl on it.

*Xiu!* Horror filled James' face as he seemed to be pulled into a long black string and was continuously swirled as he was absorbed into the woman's face.

The whole process was extremely quick, ending just as Leylin was about to lend a hand. However, through a replay, he could clearly see how James was stretched and distorted bit by bit into more than a dozen metres and eventually absorbed into the woman's swirling face.

This time disorder left Leylin feeling so disgusted that he wanted to puke.

At the same time, his heart sank.

"This is definitely not any sort of spirit body, but a more terrifying existence that I am still unable to comprehend…"

In an instant, Leylin recalled from the A.I. Chip's database that back in ancient times, battles between two high ranking Magi would often devastate the earth and seas around them. At the same time, they could separate the dimensions of space and time, causing others to perceive things incorrectly.

Especially in such places, there would often be strange beings with terrifying powers.

Some of these existences were extremely weak, such that even a level 3 acolyte could easily eradicate them. However, some others were so terrifying that they could even surpass the powers of the Morning Star Magi, directly causing the stars in the sky to fall!

"This black clothed woman is but an apparition. Once certain conditions are fulfilled, the swirl on her face activates, swallowing any objects that come close to it…"

Leylin made his conclusion in an instant. "Right now, my power is still lacking. Against such an apparition, which obviously isn't weak, choosing to engage without any further information is simply a foolish act. Run!"

His body instantly turned into black mist and vanished into the thin air.

With the flicker of black light, Leylin's body appeared several hundred meters away with a black arc that followed behind.

"Wuuuuu!"

However, the ear-piercing screams still sounded in Leylin's ears, the pitch of which was even higher than before.

Leylin was stupefied as he found himself changing directions and flying towards the woman in the black dress.

*Ka-cha!*

The woman stood up and her skull split open into two halves. From that gaping hole, rows of razor sharp fangs were revealed, as though her face had turned into the jaws of a creature.

*Bang!* The giant jaw snapped shut, and darkness enveloped Leylin.

...

Leylin felt as if he had fallen from an extremely high place and hit the ground before his body shuddered as he regained consciousness.

"I seem to have been swallowed by that woman earlier!"

"Where is this?"

Leylin rubbed his head as he looked at his surroundings.

The room was dark and small, with many spiderwebs at the corners. There was not a single piece of furniture, nor even windows or a door.

It seemed to be a small, sealed basement of the sorts.

Besides Leylin, there also lay Baelin and Jenny. Their eyes were shut tight as they were unconscious. It seemed like they would need a long while before regaining consciousness.

"An even deeper illusion!" Leylin was extremely solemn.

"If the three pitched forks of the road were the superficial layer of this illusion, the women in the black dress was the second layer, and this, the third!"

An illusion! Also, Leylin did not have much interaction with the dreamland, but in ancient times, the Magi had once conquered another large world, in which the inhabitants had wielded dream and illusory powers. Through the powers of the dream realm, they could easily accomplish anything, and were even revered as gods by the ignorant inhabitants of the other planes and dimensions!

Also, through a short paragraph recorded in antique books, Leylin knew that the further one threaded into an illusion, the more difficult it was to escape.

"I've got to get out! The third level of an illusion is dangerous enough!"

Black flames ignited in Leylin's palm, "Latent Fireball!"

The black fireball struck a corner of the basement, creating a deep hole.

"First I must understand the constructs of this illusion!" Leylin rubbed his chin. He had no better solution against such a power, so he could only test things out before searching for other methods.

...

Leylin jumped into the dark hole he created.

"It's the 193rd time, yet I'm back at this place!" Leylin looked at Jenny and Baelin who were still unconscious, his expression looking extremely severe.

"Through my experiments, I have already understood the three-dimensional constructs in here. As expected, the deeper the level of illusion, the less sturdy the dimensions within are, which will finally turn into chaos…"

If the dimensions here were to collapse, there were only two possibilities. Either one would enter a deeper levelled illusion, or if their spirit was unable to bear the brunt of it, they would directly be swallowed by the caster of this illusion.

"I've tried all other places, so I am only left with this now!"

Leylin kicked the unconscious bodies of Baelin and Jenny away, revealing the dusty grey floor beneath them.

With a fireball, the ground was shattered…

*Pop!* The floor of the basement cracked opened, and Leylin jumped into it.

"It's still the same basement as before, but Jenny and Baelin have already disappeared. Good! Very good! There is finally some change…"

Leylin's eyes swept over the surroundings. It was still the same cramped basement. However, what was different than before was that Jenny and Baelin's bodies were no longer here.

"Signs of repair that cannot keep up with the damage done huh? Next, I'll have to…" As if plucking the strings of a zither, both of Leylin's hands streaked across the void, creating circles of ripples.

Under the movements of his fingers, the texture of the underground basement resembled water with light ripples.

The greater the area the ripples covered, the more the void contorted, until finally, a pop sound was heard!

The space of the underground basement shattered, and Leylin's body dropped downwards once again.

...

Mirrors! Bright mirrors were everywhere, reflecting the appearance of a black haired, noble youth.

"This should be the interval between the two levels of the illusion!"

Leylin touched the ice-cold mirror and made a deduction.

Right now, he had momentarily escaped from the illusion. This would definitely draw the attention of the caster.

However, this was the effect he desired!

"Wuu..Wuu…!"

At this moment, the weeping voice of an adorable girl traveled over.

Leylin abruptly turned his head, and in one corner of a mirror, he saw a little purple haired girl wearing a red dress with white socks who was crying.

"Wuuuu… Alice has lost her little bear! Big Brother, can you accompany me to search for it?"

The little girl stopped her crying and looked at Leylin with imploring eyes.

"My apologies, but I cannot!" Leylin shook his head.

"But why?" The little girl was puzzled. "Alice is extremely obedient! Don't you like Alice?"

As she spoke, more mirror images appeared in the surroundings.

"I want to, but let us speak first!" Leylin tried his best to speak calmly.

He did not have much experience dealing with such strange entities. Furthermore, the other party was a higher dimensional creature. Their trains of thought and level of thinking would be different than humans. Leylin himself did not know if he could convince it to let him go.

"Won't you accompany Alice to find her little bear?"

"No!" Leylin shook his head his head resolutely. It was rumoured in legends that similar things had happened before. Once one agreed to such a request, it would be treated as them having signed some sort of bizarre contract, and they would fall under the manipulation of others. Some were even indefinitely sucked into other dimensions.

Although there were a few lucky ones who had obtained mysterious strength through such encounters, Leylin was never one who relied on gambling, especially when his life would be at stake!

*Crash!*

Just as Leylin rejected her, countless beetles poured from the mirrors and engulfed him like a tide.

"I'll still have to attack!" Leylin's brows furrowed. He knew that he had to demonstrate his strength before the other party would acknowledge him.

"Latent Fireball! Eyes of Petrification!"

In an instant, his whole body was covered in scales, and black flames continuously billowed from his hands. Even his eyes had a mysterious light that shot outwards.

*Pak! Pak!*

Many of the black beetles were petrified as they fell to the ground, turning into a pile of dust. As for most of them, they were burnt into nothingness by the black flames.

However, the beetles still poured out continuously from the mirrors, and what Leylin had managed to get rid of was but one hair from nine oxen.

"The strength of my opponent has far exceeded my imagination!"

Leylin smiled wryly as he tossed a red powder out, "Scorching Touch!"

Two scorching rays of light were released, clearing the path in two directions.

However, Leylin's face turned pale immediately, and his consciousness wavered. The crystallised spiritual force had even more cracks opened, almost shattered.

Scorching Touch was a rank 2 spell, and right now Leylin only had a portion of his spiritual force solidified. With the strength of a rank 1 Magus, he would naturally receive backlash from recklessly using a rank 2 spell.

This backlash was considered relatively light. If he were to use the innate talent of a rank 2 Magus, it was very likely that his sea of consciousness would undergo drastic changes.

"Chi Chi!"

The sea of beetles cried incessantly, once again pouring towards Leylin.

Leylin, whose spiritual force was already depleted, could only watch as layer after layer of beetles engulfed his body.

Eastern Region's Capital City

The black beetles completely covered Leylin's body; it was as if he was wearing a very thick, black coat.

Numerous beetles tried to gnaw on Leylin's body; their teeth struck upon his black scales, resulting in crinkling noises.

Leylin's body emitted a black light and the layer of beetles trembled and fell off, but right after they just extended their exoskeletons and crawled back up.

These beetles eventually even advanced to the only exposed part of Leylin's body: his eyes! They wanted to completely submerge him in the sea of their bodies!

"I underestimated them," Leylin muttered. He had not expected that these black beetles would be so troublesome. There was not enough time for him to execute Toxic Bile!

"Ah! How can I die in this place?"

Leylin roared, and at this exact moment, the Giant Kemoyin Serpent's bloodline within his body began to violently circulate.

Soon, Leylin's pupils became amber colored vertical slits, and while facing the sky, he let out a loud hiss!.

"Hisssss!"

It sounded fierce, and appeared very sinister! A tremendous, devilish aura was cleanly emitted from Leylin's body; it was as if a predator from ancient times had been resurrected.

Black energy spewed out of his body and congealed behind his back, taking the form of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent, which hissed into the sky.

*Rumble! rumble!*

Along with this huge shockwave, the beetles, which had forcefully crawled all over Leylin, turned to dust in midair, as if they had all been struck by bullets.

Leylin's roars still echoed, and the power and emotions in his blood vessels recklessly surged.

*Ka cha! Snap!*

The surface of the surrounding mirrors covered with cracks and then exploded with a loud bang, exposing an opening of hollow space.

"Fu…Fu…", Leylin stopped his roaring and started panting heavily.

Just now, at the critical moment, the blood essence of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent within his body had exploded, which had also placed a very strong burden on his body.

Currently, Leylin was surrounded by pitch-black nothingness. Spread about on the ground were the butchered limbs of the black beetles.

*Hoo! Hoo!*

The mutilated corpses of the black beetles hovered in midair and formed the black face of a woman, which said, "A Warlock with the bloodline of the ancient Giant Kemoyin Serpent? I also get a whiff of the nauseous odor of spirits from your body."

Her lips squirmed as she spoke in the ancient Byron language.

It seems like it only likes the pure spirits of humans. As for the bodies of Warlocks, not only do they have a distinct bloodline, their spirits are different from normal spirits as well. Hence it doesn't like this scent!

Although he put on a calm expression, Leylin was inwardly excited. Using the ancient Byron language, he said, "I accidentally intruded upon your territory. I request that you let me leave; I will also pay a ransom for it…"

This existence wasn't human, so Leylin bluntly stated his conditions.

"Not bad! However, I do not like the spirit of a Warlock." The huge human face responded, "As for the price for redeeming your spirit and those of the other two civilians, I ask that you give me those green spirit crystals in your pouch."

"The green spirit crystals?" Leylin was startled. Immediately, upon his hand, were some beautiful crystals that emitted a green radiance and luster like that of a green diamond.

"Yes, precisely!" The huge human face spoke.

Those are the ancient, pure spirit crystals that I got by killing the Loathsome Evil in the Ancient Spirit Slaying Sect's secret realm. There are rumors that these crystals are valued equally highly by all existences in the different worlds… A flash of understanding went through Leylin's mind.

"So that will be the ransom for releasing me and the other two!" Leylin nodded, expressing his agreement. Then he asked, "What happened to that old man in the beginning?"

"He is deeply immersed in the illusion; he has already lost himself within my body…."

The huge human face replied.

Leylin had already guessed that to be so. He sighed, "Send me out!"

...

Hu…"

Leylin opened his eyes and found himself lying on one side within the carriage. Baelin and Jenny were on the other side, and James' body had silently vanished.

In the same way, the soul crystals also disappeared from Leylin's hands.

"Here it is, the original location of the three-forked paths…"

By now, the grey mist had settled down for the most part. The three forked paths and the huge granite rock had all faded, and in their place was the original road.

Leylin could clearly recognize the direction, and he quickly drove the horse carriage and left this place.

"This time, it was really dangerous!"

While Leylin kept driving, some traces of fear still lingered. If not for the enemy having disliked the idea of having her spirit contaminated by Leylin's bloodline, or perhaps even having feared the power of Leylin's bloodline, Leylin would have also ended up like James, being forever trapped in the body of that huge face made of beetles.

The further he went, the more the mist began to clear up, until eventually, it completely vanished, exposing the view of overgrown fields on both sides of the road up ahead.

"The Weeping Ghost Grounds are truly a dangerous place!"

The traumatic experience that Leylin had just gone through caused him to keep turning around and check behind his back as he continued to drive, up until he completely lost sight of the Weeping Ghost Grounds.

Behind him, the fading gray mist congealed again to form a wall that blocked his view.

I also wonder about the two Magi who had once fought there—what rank were they, and what was the result of their battle? Leylin thought, and then he sighed.

Just the aftermath of a fight had disturbed time and space and had created such a strange place. Leylin knew from this that these Magi's powers exceeded his own imagination. They were probably existences that surpassed Morning Star Magi!

"There will inevitably be a day when I, too, will reach such a level!"

This time's incidents only reinforced Leylin's resolution to become stronger.

"Oh! Where am I?"

After leaving the Weeping Ghost Grounds, Baelin woke up, holding his head with his hands.

"How do you feel? Do you remember anything from before you lost consciousness?" Without turning around, Leylin asked while he brandished his horsewhip.

"My memories are not very clear. I think that we encountered a woman as we passed through the gray mist." Baelin looked as perplexed as he sounded.

Very soon, the horses' reins were placed in his hands.

"You woke up just in time! You can drive the carriage instead of me!"

Leylin pushed the whip into Baelin's hands and sat back to enjoy this free manpower of his.

Baelin's physique was that of a Grand Knight, and thus, he woke up before Jenny. However, Jenny was still a level 1 acolyte, so she woke up soon after Baelin.

"Very good reaction!"

Leylin looked at Jenny who was still pretending to be unconscious as he touched Jenny's hand and complimented her indifferently.

"So it's Mister Leylin!" Jenny shuddered and opened her eyes, "I thought it was the bad guys!"

Afterwards, she opened the carriage window and looked out of it to see that there was no grey mist.

"Have we already left the Weeping Ghost Grounds? Where is James?"

"Yes, we are now in Olive Fields. We will be seeing the capital city of the eastern region of the Twilight Zone in two days at most."

Leylin slowly nodded, "As for James, you had best prepare yourself mentally…"

A short while later, Baelin, who was driving outside of the carriage, heard Jenny cry out in alarm, "No, it can not be so. You are telling a lie!"

*Bang!* The carriage door opened, from which a tearful Jenny could be seen.

"Jenny, you…" Seeing Jenny look so broken-hearted, Baelin was bewildered.

*Sob! Sob!* Jenny threw herself into Baelin's embrace and began to cry loudly.

...

The Twilight Zone was divided into 5 regions: the east, west, north, south, and central regions. The capital city of the eastern region was the most flourishing city in all the Twilight Zone and was also the center of politics and business.

Many aristocratic families had set up their headquarters here, forming the aristocrats' alliance which held a major influence in the entire eastern region.

There were also many Magi conducting research and establishing academies in secret locations there, which caused this place to be a meeting point for magicians.

In the center of the city, there was a sun stone that was the size of a small mountain, which brought eternal light and heat to this entire region.

"The city's walls are very tall!"

On this day, in the eastern region's capital city, a country bumpkin could be seen gaping at this tall and sturdy castle wall.

"Enough!" Leylin used the sheath of his sword to hit Baelin on the head, stopping him from continuing to behave like this.

Although the eastern region's capital city looked huge, as he looked around, it seemed to Leylin that it was the same as Nightless City. As a result, the way Baelin behaved made Leylin feel ashamed.

"You really are causing me to lose face," he reprimanded Baelin.

Hearing this, Baelin rubbed his head and looked at the surroundings, only pointing at the citizens from time to time. Only after a while did he smile in embarrassment as he said, "Lord! From the day I was born, I have never set eyes upon such tall city walls. I'm really sorry…"

Leylin was rather speechless. If not for the number of people around, he may have even harboured thoughts of killing Baelin right there and then.

"Tee hee… Lord Leylin, Baelin has only seen Potter Town until now. This degree of astonishment is quite a reasonable reaction!"

At this moment, Jenny, who was nursing her sorrow, was amused by Baelin's behaviour. She sniggered as she helped Baelin out of his predicament.

However, after seeing Jenny answer for him, Baelin drooped his head in embarrassment, not doing any other potential things that could be unbearable to look at.

After all, in front of the girl he loved, Baelin still had to put up some poise.

"Alright! Since we have sent Miss Jenny back safely, we should bid our farewells now!"

The atmosphere in the horse carriage turned silent, yet Leylin still smiled and faced Jenny.

"What?!" "What!?" Two shocked gasps were uttered by the two youths.

"Wh…Why? This is too sudden!" Baelin felt that something was amiss, yet he could not put his thoughts into words.

"Lord Leylin! I still request that you visit my Argus Family. My father will definitely wish to have your acquaintance, and Baelin's as well!"

Jenny bit her lips.

"From the start, I mentioned that we were only travelling together out of convenience!"

Leylin's expression turned resolute. "As for you, Baelin, you can return with Jenny! Furthermore, there are already people coming to receive you, Jenny!" He smiled.

*Thud Thud*

Right after Leylin spoke, the continuous thuds of hooves of horses sounded out. The approaching party was a group of white Knights sitting upon handsome steeds. On the tops of their helmets was a white feathered ornament. Their armour had not even a single speck of dust, and even their horses were fully white in colour!

Settling Down

There was a shiny insignia on the flags held by this group of white Knights.

Lush sun vines formed the border of the insignia, and in the middle were a giant sword and shield. On the top lay a crown, which represented the profound origins and illustrious history of the household.

"It's the Sun Vine Argus Family!"

"That well-known family where the Marquis is!"

"That is their 'Silver-White Knight Squadron. Could it be that some important figure of the Argus Family is setting out on a journey?"

The citizens and passers-by fervently discussed amongst themselves, and Baelin put on an extremely complex expression.

"I'll get going!" Jenny looked at Baelin and spoke.

"Oh? Eh! Alright!" Baelin replied sluggishly. Only now did he realise how great a distance he was from Jenny.

"Let's us leave too, my lord!" Baelin sucked in a cold breath of air and spoke with resolve.

"We will remain in the city for a period. As for the location, I'm sure you don't need to know. You'll definitely be able to find us, won't you?"

Leylin spoke to Jenny, before disappearing into the crowd along with Baelin.

As for Jenny, she inhaled deeply as she clutched onto the pouch that contained the Dragon-Blooded Flower Bud.

"Miss! Our men have immediately reported your arrival upon receiving the news. We are here to escort you home!"

The leader of the Silver-White Knight squadron looked at Jenny as he took out a badge with a red jewel embedded in it.

"Alright! Let us quickly enter the city! This time, I have completed the mission of bringing back the Dragon-Blooded Flower Bud for my father!"

Jenny muttered.

...

Very soon, she was escorted by the squadron leader to a lavish horse-drawn carriage. This young lady of nobility shed a tear, as she could no longer hold her emotions in…

Twilight Zone's eastern capital was extremely large. The permanent residents amounted to over a hundred thousand people. Of course, most of them were just regular folks. Even so, it brought about an extremely wealthy economy in the area.

As they were in the subterranean world, the architecture of the buildings and the items sold here were different from those on the south coast. From Leylin's observations, everything was engineered with defense in mind. The whole capital was like a massive fortress. Even the buildings themselves within were built with their defensive capabilities in mind.

"It seems like the environment for the humans in the subterranean world isn't that great. It might even be inferior to that on the south coast…" Leylin pondered as he analysed his observations.

In the south coast, any danger would have long since been driven away or controlled by the Magi. Not one species would engage in a long battle with the humans, hence the living conditions were better there.

However, it was a different story here! Apart from humans, several other intelligent beings resided in the Twilight Zone. Some of them even had their own kingdoms!

Hence, the horde of darkness beasts that forever lay in the shadows was the greatest nemesis for all intelligent beings.

Under such harsh conditions and the struggle for survival, the buildings and houses were not made to pursue aesthetic beauty, but rather, they were built with defense in mind, which was crucial for their survival.

"My lord! What are we going to do here?"

Baelin carried a knapsack and a greatsword. He gave off an extremely gallant disposition, yet he wore a vacant expression on his face.

Their reason for leaving Potter Town was to send Jenny back. However, now that she had safely returned, Baelin felt that part of his heart was vacant as if something of importance had gone missing.

"First of all, find some lodging, and then rent a building!"

Leylin looked at the bustling crowd and smiled. "After all, the inns in the capital aren't cheap! If we want to stay for long, we'll have to buy or rent a flat…"

"Settling down? We're going to stay here instead of returning?"

Baelin could not express his current feelings. However, permanent residence? Thinking that he could be in the same city as Jenny, it immediately turned into a happy thought.

"En! Is there anything in Potter Town that is worth being nostalgic over?"

Leylin grinned at Baelin until the little chap bowed his head down in embarrassment.

This poor fellow thought that it was because of him that Leylin had decided to reside here permanently; he thought that it was so that his heart would be filled with gratitude towards Leylin.

Alas! On the contrary, this was based on Leylin's own interests.

After recovering part of his strength, Leylin could wait no longer to get into contact with the Magi of the subterranean world. Although Leylin had exercised a mind searching technique on Aaron and the other acolytes, much of the information that he had gleaned was still incomplete. Due to their lack of status, no precious information could be obtained.

Furthermore, the circles of official Magi and regular acolytes were on two completely different levels. Leylin had no desire whatsoever to even take a look at the bazaar area that he got from Aaron's memories.

As for the eastern capital, it definitely had many Magi and academies for Leylin to come into contact with.

Even the Magus forefather of the Argus Family was an excellent choice!

Not long later, Leylin brought Baelin to the upper-class district on the northern side of the capital and rented a two-storey villa.

The area of the villa was rather vast, and its walls were sturdy and tall. As for its windows, they were both tiny and few in number.

Within the tall fences with coiled barbed wire laying on top of it, there was a tiny garden and a training ground.

A villa of this standard was considered way above average in the eastern city. Typical merchants and nobility would not even be able to afford it.

However, this was just peanuts to him.

Even without considering the vast amounts of magic crystals that he carried, just the gold he had gotten from Jenny was enough for them to live extravagantly for a couple of years!

Back in Potter Town, Jenny had almost cleanly swept all of Leylin's highly-priced equipment off the shelves for the use of her employed mercenaries and adventurers. Later on, to thank Leylin, who had lent her a hand together with Baelin, she sent even more gold and jewels to him.

To Magi, items such as currency were not essential items. Hence, Leylin was extremely generous with his purchases. Finding a villa and preparing the procedural documents was only hastened with the help of this worldly wealth.

"Ha! He!" A steady and loud shout sounded.

Leylin put down the coffee and newspaper he was carrying as he peered out of the window and towards the training ground.

Baelin stood on the training ground as he practiced, his bare upper body revealing his chiseled muscles.

After settling down, this fellow had turned even more diligent, training like a mad man each day. He even sought Leylin's permission to join a mercenary group to hone his skills.

"Still harbouring the dreams of a knight being together with a princess? Interesting!"

Leylin looked at the youth with interest, "If I had a word in things, and had helped him in reaching his goal, his dreams would most likely be fulfilled. But why would I? The glory of a story lies in the unknown!"

To him, Baelin was just a chap that he picked up on a whim to do odd jobs for him. Occasionally, he would guide him in some Knight training, but other than that, it was not worth it to spend any more effort on him.

On the contrary, as he was very curious about the developments of the story between Baelin and Jenny, Leylin had adopted the mindset of an audience member watching a show.

Ever since he obtained the premonition through the Sacred Flame by chance, he knew that Baelin and Jenny were no regular folks. To be more precise, they were some of the main characters in the Twilight Zone.

Such a life would definitely be anything but ordinary!

Suddenly, Leylin smiled. "Finally here?"

Loud doorbells sounded from the front gate.

"Who is that?" Baelin took a white towel from a wooden rack beside him and wiped off his perspiration as he ran to open a small, partitioned box on the door.

Just then, Baelin saw the girl of his dreams.

"Jen…Jenny, why are you here?" Glee was written all over Baelin's face.

"Why? Am I not welcome?" Jenny smiled.

"Welcome! Of course, you're welcome here!" Baelin immediately opened the door. Jenny walked in wearing the outfit of a noble; her beauty and elegance left Baelin awestruck.

It was obvious that Jenny did her makeup delicately. Not only was her attire vibrant with various ornaments, she even wore two giant ruby earrings and a sparkling diamond pendant.

"What is it? Do you not recognise me anymore?" Jenny chuckled as she spun in a circle.

"No! I mean… You're too ravishing today!" Baelin's face immediately turned as red as an apple.

This helpless reaction left the maidservants behind Jenny snickering. In addition, it was only then that Baelin noticed the several Knights standing alongside the maidservants.

This discovery left him feeling a little gloomy, but it was very soon concealed.

"Jenny! Has your father's illness gotten any better?" Baelin asked.

"Yes, thank you! It's much better now, but things are getting complicated! The purpose of my visit today was for this, and of course, also to see you!" Jenny swept her eyes at the vicinity.

"Where is Mister Leylin? I wish to be granted an audience with him!"

"The lord is in the house! I… I'll report to him!" Baelin now had an urge to cry.

"No need for that, I've heard it!"

*Pa!* The windows were pulled open, revealing half of Leylin's figure. "Do enter, beautiful miss!"

Jenny did not dare tarry facing this official Magus, so she curtsied and entered after telling her subordinates to stay outside.

In the guest chambers, Jenny sat opposite Leylin and between them were two coffees. As for Baelin, he stood behind Leylin.

There were only these three people in the guest chamber.

With a wave of Leylin's hand, the room was covered by a layer of black energy particles.

Magus Tower

The whole drawing room seemed to be covered by a black halo of light, and even the cracks on the window were also completely sealed off as if they had been covered with a layer of black cotton.

This kind of strange scene caused Baelin to be amazed. Feeling curious, he tried to touch the 'black cotton.' The light quickly refilled the path that his hand passed through

Baelin enjoyed this very much, and when he looked at Leylin, his expression was much more respectful than in the past.

During this journey, Baelin had come to know of Leylin's identity as an official Magus from Jenny and James.

For Baelin, who was from Potter Town, a Knight was already considered to be an awesome, lordly identity. However, a Magus? This was already something that was only heard of in legends.

In fact, Baelin had always fantasized about becoming a Magus and wielding the powers of lightning, fire, and ice.

This was also because if he could become a Magus, he would be able to marry Jenny.

But unfortunately, all his hopes were easily dashed by Leylin's words "you don't have any talent in this field".

Leylin also noticed that Baelin's aptitude was poor, at only around level 1, which was known as the least suitable aptitude for becoming a Magus; he could only remain as an acolyte during his entire lifetime.

However, even if he did not have a suitable aptitude, if he was diligently taught, he might possibly be able to become an acolyte! The identity of an acolyte was much better when compared to a Knight.

However, the problem was that training an acolyte required a lot more time and energy that training a Knight. Now that they were no longer at Potter Town, Leylin did not have any time for leisure, so why would he waste time on Baelin? Thus, Leylin had turned down Baelin's request without the slightest hesitation.

Even so, Baelin was very interested in the mysterious power wielded by magicians.

"Okay, this place has been sealed by me. If you have something to say, say it. It will remain a secret between us."

Leylin spoke out.

After hearing Leylin's words, Jenny grimaced as she said, "As expected, nothing can be hidden from Lord Leylin."

"Eh? Jenny, did you not come to visit us?" Now, Baelin finally reacted. He was about to make a fuss, but Leylin quelled him with a warning glance. Baelin quieted down and listened attentively to Jenny's narration.

"After having received the Dragon-Blooded Flower Bud, my father's condition has greatly improved. He is now able to get up from bed and handle simple tasks, and his spirit has also improved a lot…"

Jenny looked slightly cheered up for a moment, but in the next, her expression darkened again.

"But good things don't last long. Taking advantage of the fact that my father was recuperating, my two uncles once again convened a family meeting. They want to usurp my father's title…"

"I came here today to seek help from you."

Jenny stood up and performed an official curtsey to Leylin and said, "My lord, if only you can help my father get past this current crisis, we will repay you with anything, including my own self."

"Jenny! You!" Listening to this, Baelin became anxious, but he felt helpless, as he could not do anything to help her.

"Hehe…."

Hearing what Jenny said, Leylin remained composed and began to mutter to himself. When Jenny began to believe that Leylin had been possessed, he began to laugh out loud.

"I have no intentions of participating in the Argus Family's matter. However, I will pay your family a visit in three days' time…"

About a quarter of an hour later, Jenny left after having gotten what she wanted. Although Leylin hadn't clearly stated which side he would support, a good relationship with an official Magus was something no family would dare to neglect.

But what Jenny did not notice was that after she left, Leylin's lips curved up in a sneering smile.

"You hid so many things, yet you are still counting on me to come and help you. Do you people think I am an ignorant person with nothing better to do?"

The reason why Jenny's uncles dared to openly go against her and be so brazen is likely because they have a powerful backer and a high certainty of succeeding, thus forcing the original successor to seek external help. With such a guarantee, Leylin was 70% sure that they had gotten approval from Siegfried!

In such a situation, Jenny and her dad placed all their hopes on Leylin, even sacrificing Jenny herself as the bait and the gift.

"Hehe… do you really believe that I would involve myself in your matters for the sake of Baelin's happiness? Unfortunately, Baelin's happiness, and even his life are only like toys to me…"

With a ruminating smile, Leylin glanced at the towering figure of Baelin standing near the gate.

...

Three days later, Leylin, dressed in the black ceremonial suit of the nobility, visited the Argus Family with Baelin in tow.

"Lord Leylin, to be seeing you is an honor in itself."

Having been informed by the servant, Jenny and her father, the Marquis Argus, came out and greeted Leylin.

Leylin also sized up Marquis Argus while he acknowledged his greeting with a smile. This marquis had a full head of hair that was as bright as gold and shared many physical characteristics with Jenny. He currently wore a warm, cordial, and appropriate-to-this-occasion smile on his face.

Behind him, two servants bowed with bent waists—this was a most sincere and deferential invitation to come in.

"En!" Leylin indifferently grunted and nodded his head, and alongside Marquis Argus, he walked in. Afterwards, Leylin walked slightly ahead of the Marquis.

A Magus originally possessed a lot of stamina and authority. After seeing Leylin walk ahead of him, the Marquis' smile only became more fervent, as if he did not care about these matters.

Behind the two were Baelin and Jenny. Baelin opened his mouth on several occasions, wanting to talk to Jenny, but after he saw the solemn Jenny, who was dressed up as if to attend a royal feast, he was unable to say anything, and just closed his mouth.

It went without saying that this serene, well-constructed mansion of a marquis, as well as the respectful and cautious servants that stood on both sides of him as he walked past, all frightened the wits out of this youngster.

After welcoming Leylin, the marquis thought to introduce Leylin to the other relatives but was interrupted by a sudden voice.

"Ohoho! My dearest older brother, if you invited so many guests, why did you not invite us too?"

Upon hearing this voice, the marquis's smile remained, but a trace of wariness appeared in his eyes as he introduced the owner of the voice to Leylin.

"My lord, these are my two brothers, Lucas and Kermode."

Then he turned to the two men who had entered the hall and said, "This is Lord Leylin, who met Jenny while she was on her journey."

"These two must be the treacherous uncles that Jenny said are trying to usurp her father's position." With just a glance, Leylin had, with a lot of interest, sized up these two middle-aged lords.

Lucas, Kermode, and Marquis Argus all looked alike—after all, they were brothers! However, Lucas' eyes were purple and Kermode's eyes emitted a silvery radiance. It was all very strange.

But what caused Leylin to feel startled was that these two uncles' bodies emitted energy waves that were like those of magicians. These two were actually acolytes!

"We greet Lord Leylin!" At this moment, these two lords also respectfully bowed to Leylin. The Marquis found this behavior of theirs very hard-to-believe.

"Respected Lord Leylin, my ancestor Lord Siegfried cordially invites you to visit him and look around his laboratory. Also, he expresses his gratitude to you for having given a helping hand to the Argus Family."

Lucas respectfully conveyed his ancestor's words.

This invitation caused sunken expressions to appear on the Marquis' and his daughter's faces.

In this entire drama, only the foolish youth known as Baelin was unclear on what the significance of this invitation was!

The Magus Siegfried held a position of paramount importance within the Argus Family. Sending this invitation via Lucas and not via the marquis clearly indicated whom Siegfried was supporting.

"I am very honoured." Leylin gave a slight nod and then immediately left the place, following Lucas, all the while not glancing at the ashen-faced marquis and Jenny.

In the secular world, Magi all had very headstrong personalities due to the power they all wielded

Before leaving, Lucas and Kermode looked at Marquis Argus in contempt, making the atmosphere awkward all around.

"What is going on?"

The rather stunned Baelin asked Jenny, having just come out of the daze caused by the recent happenings.

Although Baelin's intuition told him to follow behind Leylin, looking at Jenny caused him to involuntarily remain beside her.

"It's…it's nothing… My family's ancestor wants to meet Lord Leylin."

Jenny was barely able to smile.

*Ka-ching!*

A sound of breaking glass was heard as the goblet in Marquis Argus' hands shattered into pieces, crushed by him gripping it too tightly.

...

Leylin, following Lucas and Kermode, arrived at the back half the Argus Family's mansion.

The further he went in, the tighter the security was, but with these two people leading the way, Leylin traveled unhindered, and reached the middle of the rear courtyard.

"Finally! Our ancestor, Lord Siegfried is in here. We ask for your forgiveness, as we are not allowed to accompany you in."

Lucas and Kermode brought Leylin in front of a huge conical tower, and then bowed and left. Each and every movement of them was executed perfectly, showing the flawless deportment of the nobility.

Leylin failed to pay any attention to them, as he was distracted by the white tower in front of him.

"Stability runes, restriction runes and runes which can transmute mud into stone! This is some very good construction. Moreover, I can sense the aura of energy particles in the air. It looks as if within this building, there is a source of at least two elements' energy particles."

Leylin gently stroked the surface of the white tower with admiration in his eyes and sighed.

This white tower, the curves of which were similar to those of a cow's horn, was built by a Magus.

Just the expenses of the solidification runes and the cost of building the pond of energy particles left Leylin in astonishment.

It is a construction worthy of a Magus that has lived for several hundreds of years. If I wanted to set up a tower like this, I would need to spend at least half of the resources that are currently in my pouch…

While thinking this, Leylin sighed.

A specialized and private laboratory held many advantages. Not only was it magically concealed, one could carry out covert experiments within it.

However, since Leylin had no fixed residence, there was no way that he could construct such a tower for himself.

Gaia's Might

"Haha… an outdated work such as this can also get a sigh of admiration from Magus Leylin? It is indeed my honour!"

At that moment, the door at the base of the white tower opened, revealing a linen-clothed old guy, who grinned at Leylin. It was evident that he had overheard Leylin's deliberate sigh.

"This humble self is Siegfried Argus! I greet Lord Leylin."

This old guy's expression was respectful, and he slightly bent his waist to bow, as was per the Magus' etiquette.

This etiquette was passed down from ancient times, and was something Leylin had only seen in ancient books. He remained unfazed and repeated the same bow as he said, "I, Leylin, greet Lord Siegfried!"

After the perfunctory greetings were done with, Leylin was able to size up this Lord Siegfreid.

Siegfried's style of clothing was very casual, as if it could be torn apart with a single pull. It was more leisurely and comfortable compared to the splendid attire of the lords in the outer hall.

The current Siegfried was not someone that Leylin would associate as being the trump card of a great family. If it weren't for his right-hand, Leylin would have assumed Lord Siegfried was just a peasant farmer.

That was right! His right-hand! This Siegfried's right hand was a robotic limb that gave off an awesome, bright, metallic lustre; even the gears and the welded portions were clearly visible.

*Ka-cha! Ka-cha!*

Siegfried extended this right hand as he said, "I shall call you Leylin. I lost my right hand permanently while experimenting with a spell. I know that a flesh and muscle hand can be transplanted, but I find that a mechanical hand is much more useful."

*Bang!* Then, his mechanical hand split open into finger-like parts, which were tools like tweezers, scissors, pliers, etc., and they were wildly swaying in mid air, looking like silver colored tassels.

"How is it? This 'hand' was created especially for me, using my specific measurements, by my old friend, an Earth Elf called Grandmaster Oak!"

"Very good." Leylin nodded. This kind of a very precise machine limb is extremely rare even in the south coast and thus Leylin was also not stingy with his praises.

It was clear that this Siegfried was very happy with the admiration from a fellow Magus.

He then invited Leylin into his lab to look.

"Siegfried, did you build an energy particle pond in here?"

Due to Leylin's graceful and cultured mannerisms, he soon became friends with Siegfried. They addressed each other directly by their first names.

This showed how well their relationship had progressed.

While Leylin casually walked around Siegfried's lab, he came in front of what looked like a small pond and he asked this question.

This small pond was surrounded by stable, ferrous metals. On top of the pool was a strange and complex pattern and in the middle of the pool was a khaki-colored liquid.

A large number of energy waves could be felt fluctuating from the pool.

"Yes, I have built here an earth element energy particle pond. This task consumed all of the resources that I have accumulated for nearly a hundred years!"

Siegfried's face appeared to experience a muscle spasm, but the next moment, it was replaced with an expression of pride.

"After building this energy particle pond, the concentration of earth element particles in this place has increased to 55% and the results of my cultivation have been more remarkable when compared to using just meditation techniques."

The element particle pond's ability was not restricted to the one mentioned prior. Magi could use the energy within this pond to replenish themselves in a crucial moment, and the element particles within could be used to attack enemies.

Thus, a Magus having such a pond would be stronger within his own territory when compared with his peers.

With his strength as a semi-converted elemental Magus, within this white tower, Siegfried's attack power would be roughly equal to that of a 70-80% converted elemental Magus.

"Oh, that's right, I haven't properly introduced myself. I am a reputed instructor at the Earth Fire Association, and I cultivated using their high level meditation technique, the Gaia's Might! It is divided into three layers: earth, magma, and organisms. I am currently still in the stage of earth. A high level mediatation technique's progress is too slow…"

Having said this, he looked at Leylin with curiosity, very much interested in the background of this Magus.

"It seems that sharing one's experiences with a high-level meditation technique is a tradition amongst the Magi of the Twilight Zone…" As this information flashed through Leylin's mind, he smiled very modestly, "I come from a very small institute known as Goodlaw! This institute specializes in researching in ancient reptilian creatures. It is very focused in that field. I cultivate with a damaged high level meditation technique called the Sacred Flame! Currently, I am stagnated in the first level of that meditation technique…"

After that, he explained, in simple terms, the first level of the Sacred Flame and its difficulties. As expected, he concealed that mystical ability to predict forthcoming events.

"Hu… Leylin! This meditation technique of yours is quite badly damaged." Stroking his beard, Siegfried's eyes shone as he looked at Leylin. "How about you join our Earth Fire Association? Our high-level meditation techniques are more whole as compared to your Sacred Flame, and moreover, we could continue to share our experiences…"

"No thank you!" Leylin shook his head, "Changing meditation techniques is too dangerous. I advanced to a level 1 Magus by depending on my Sacred Flame technique. I can't get rid of the impact it has on my spiritual force in such a short time. Moreover, I also want to pass on my Goodlaw School's inheritance, as it was my teacher's dying wish that I do so."

Leylin's tone remained firm and unwavering; it spoke of his resolve.

He knew that this invitation of Siegfried's was only small talk, and that it was not actually sincere. Moreover, in a situation where he did not know about the Fire Earth Association, he did not want to rashly become one of its members.

"En! That's right, acolytes can switch meditation techniques, but for a level 1 Magus, after his sea of consciousness is stabilized, it would be extremely troublesome if he decided to switch out his meditation technique."

Siegfried also solemnly agreed; it seemed that a while ago, he had spoken out without thinking.

As for Leylin's background, he did not have a speck of doubt regarding that.

After a memory search on Aaron, and having spent two years in Potter Town, Leylin had already grasped the customs, traditions, and manners of speech of humans of the underworld. He gave no indications that he was not from their world.

In addition, there were countless acolytes in the subterranean world, and schools that had only one or two Magi to pass on the inheritance were similarly too many to count. And perhaps one day when these Magi could not find the right apprentices to inherit meditation techniques, that school would naturally cease existing.

As for other lucky magicians who had obtained high-level meditation techniques, they would be considered the pillars of support for passing down inheritances in their small academies.

Thus, even if he hadn't heard of any Goodlaw, Siegfried believed Leylin to be only a disciple of some small-scale academy—perhaps even a bright shining disciple who was his school's sole Magus. Siegfried even felt some sympathy towards Leylin.

"Not only are high grade meditation techniques easy at first and difficult later, the further one advances the more difficult it becomes to keep advancing. For a Magus to train in them, they must meet some very lofty requirements in regards to their physique and spirit. It would be no easy task for an acolyte to find a complete meditation technique that is suited to him."

Leylin nodded in agreement with what Siegfried said.

With a high-grade meditation technique, a magician at the acolyte or level 1 Magus stage could easily advance, but then onwards, it would become harder. In addition, finding a complete meditation technique that would suit one's own physique depended upon one's character and luck.

Even Leylin was initially unsuitable to practise the Kemoyin's Pupil technique. Only after transplanting the bloodline did he have the qualifications to study that high-level meditation technique.

No matter how difficult it was to advance using a high-level meditation technique, Magi who used such techniques were much better off when compared to those Magi of the south coast who advanced by depending on resources.

Siegfried's magician tower was divided into 5 floors. The lowest floor was where the refined metal puppets stood guard. On the second floor, there were rooms that stored treasures and junk.

The third floor consisted of a magician's garden, a room for cultivation, and a room for training. The fourth floor had the lab and the elemental pool. The fifth and final floor contained his bedroom, a room where he received visitors, and other rooms for similar domestic purposes.

After Leylin had taken a look around the tower, he was invited by Siegfried to go to the fifth floor.

"Now, can you tell me the purpose of your visit, Leylin?"

The two of them had enjoyed their afternoon tea along with some light refreshments before they each took a seat on the sofa. The old man, with a wise expression in his eyes, laughed and then asked Leylin that question.

"Well, the fact is…." Leylin paid attention to how he phrased his next words.

"I have been wandering around in the Woody Wastelands, and do not understand much about the current situation of Magus powers in the capital. After hearing Jenny say that her family had an existence such as yourself, I decided to pay a visit!"

"Another reason is that she and her father had spent a lot of effort in inviting me over."

"Hehe. You are very frank!" Siegfried wore a happy smile. "Regarding these descendants of mine, I have no interest in their matters. In my opinion, they are all a pack of feral wolves, and only an alpha wolf chosen after a bitter competition will have the qualifications to lead the Argus Family."

He let his descendants cruelly fight it out amongst themselves, and from amongst them, he would choose the one who was capable of wielding power within the family.

This kind of speech that was dripping with blood showed the cold and detached outlook of a Magus who had lived a long time.

Leylin could also understand some of Siegfried's thoughts. It seemed that he had already cut off any feelings he had for his close relatives; these blood-related descendants of his were no better than strangers to him.

Because it was like this, Siegfried would be so cold and detached, and consider them as mere beasts or even commodities to be traded.

"Recently, Lucas had contributed an item that was of some use to me, and because of that, I have started favouring him."

Siegfried indifferently talked about the internal disputes in his family, "Of course, if Leylin is taking Jenny's side, then I shall immediately put an end to Lucas' dreams."

As far as Siegfried was concerned, Lucas was but one amongst the younger generation, while Leylin's status was on the same level as his own.

Thus, to strengthen their relationship, no hesitation was needed if sacrificing a small benefit of Lucas was needed.

Secret Knight Technique

"Oh! No no no! I think you've misunderstood me!" Leylin hurriedly shook his head.

"While I am acquainted to Jenny, I also have no intentions whatsoever to partake in the Argus Family's internal strife!"

Leylin made his stand.

With just one sentence, the calamity that was befalling Jenny and her father would be resolved. Even Lucas would not hold any objections anymore. However, what has all this got to do with Leylin?

Not only that, but after influencing Siegfried's decision Leylin would owe him a favour! Favours are oftentimes the most difficult of things to repay!

Moreover, directly interfering with another Magus' family matters could be seen as being disrespectful.

Whether or not Siegfried chose to mask his emotions, he would definitely be displeased about it.

Leylin did not concern himself with these issues. On one hand, Jenny's father had some worldly factions supporting him while on the other hand, Lucas had the backing of Siegfried. There was simply no hesitation when weighing the benefits.

After all, with his years of experience, he was already used to making decisions by weighing benefits. This was also the principle that Magi practiced.

As expected, after hearing Leylin's words, Siegfried smiled even more broadly. "Leylin, I think you are still unfamiliar with the Magi factions in the capital right? Don't worry, you can pay me a visit to learn more about it whenever you like. I'll also bring you to some Magi organisational places for networking and to make some new friends!"

"That'll be fantastic!" After achieving the goal he came for, Leylin revealed his joy.

Leylin and Siegfried then exchanged some information that they knew about high-grade meditation techniques. Although Siegfried had amassed a bountiful amount of information for 250 years, he was still somewhat amazed by some of the theoretical practices simulated by the A.I. Chip. So much so that he almost wanted to immediately have them undergo practical tests. This was a form of acknowledgement of Leylin's scholarly knowledge. As for Leylin, he respected the time that Siegfried had placed into his experiments.

After their sharing of information, both parties felt that the time spent was extremely short. Hence, only after setting a date for their next meeting did Siegfried reluctantly send Leylin off.

...

Now that Leylin had neglected to help Jenny's father, the series of events that happened could only be expected.

During the Argus Family's council, Lucas had amassed enough backing to take on the role of the next family head and to obtain the status of a Marquis!

During that very same night, the original Marquis died a painful death from a poison attack!

As for Jenny, she was accused of putting poison inside the Dragon-Blooded Flower Bud, thereby murdering her father.

Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that this was the lowest kind of set-up with a childish ploy. However, Lucas wanted to use this very method to know who stood on his side within the family and at the same time establish his dominance!

This deliberate misrepresentation of making a deer out to be a horse was done to punish Jenny, and to set an example for others.

After using a few lightning quick moves to rid himself of the opposing factions within the family, Lucas had a firm grip on the powers within the Argus Family. The entire family implicitly allowed this to carry on, and even corroborated the story of Jenny poisoning her own father!

Power struggles were often this harsh. Win, and become king. Lose, and become a dog. This was but another example of the bloody battles in this dog eat dog world.

"Hu..Huu…"

Jenny dashed rapidly through a dark forest.

This girl of noble birth had now lost her elegant and haughty appearance. Her skirt had already been torn apart by the shrubberies. Blood streaked her face and she had an extremely miserable appearance; worse than a beggar's.

"Dearest father!" Tears streaked down her face as she continued running.

The events had transpired so quickly that they left Jenny thinking that the whole thing was all but a dream.

Her backing, which was her very own father, had died just like that through a conspiracy. Worse yet, she was labelled as the murderer!

Dear heavens! Jenny did not know how perverted one had to be to brandish her as the murderer!

However, what followed next left her speechless. Under the immense political power, such absurdity was validated by the others, and even labelled her as a wanted criminal.

In fact, if not for the few loyal servants and kin who had tipped her off and protected her along the way, she would definitely not be able to escape with just her strength as a level 1 acolyte.

Of course, after helping her, those close ones encountered terrible fates.

*Plop!* Jenny stumbled on a tree root as she ran. Mud was splashed in the area as this young lady sobbed spasmodically as she knelt on the ground.

Even if she managed to escape this time, what good would there be ahead of her? Be it other nobles or even the common folk, she would be seen as a murderer. Her eventual outcome would either to be caught and be sentenced to execution, or to hide her name and honour in dirt, never revealing her identity. Just from thinking about this fact, Jenny adopted a bleak outlook for her future.

"Wuu…Why…Why did things turn out this way?" Jenny cried.

"Jejeje! Look at the pathetic state you're in!"

At this moment, a familiar voice sounded behind her back, leaving shudders throughout her body.

She turned around and saw a tall Knight in armour, who had a malevolent scar across his face.

"'Dagger' Todd, one of my father's personal bodyguards, even you dare to betray me?"

This man had the terrifying strength of a Grand Knight, and was even one of her father's own bodyguards, and as such commanded quite a lot of trust.

Todd only sniggered towards the lamentations of the young lady. However, his smile made his scarred face look even more horrifying.

"In fact, I've always been on Lucas' side. So there is no betrayal per se!"

Jenny's pupils dilated as she suddenly got a bad premonition.

"And as the reward of being an undercover operative, Lord Lucas has allowed me to seek pleasure with you before killing you!" Todd licked his lips and revealed a wanton grin.

"Five years! A full five years of listening to you call me Uncle Todd! In reality, during my duties I have thought frequently of possessing you, feasting on you, ripping you!"

"You! You sick pervert!" After listening to the man admitting to the desires of wanting her even since she was a ten year old girl, Jenny's hair stood on ends.

"Yes! I'm a pervert, but what can you do about it? Missy of the Argus Family!"

Todd advanced as he peeled off his gloves, "Relax, I will give you a great time…"

Jenny scuttled backwards, as if Todd was some kind of terrifying beast.

However, Todd was, in this moment, worse than a monster!

"Save me! Help, someone please save me!"

The girl wailed helplessly as tears streamed down her face.

"Stop!"

"At this moment, a extremely youthful voice sounded. What followed soon after was the wind caused from a blade being swung!

"Eh?" Todd jumped back and looked at the lad who had emerged from nowhere.

"Baelin!" Jenny snuggled into Baelin's arms as she sobbed quietly.

"You bastard, I'm going to kill you!" Baelin stared coldly at the large Knight in front of him. He seethed in fury, for had he arrived a moment later, something bad would have happened to Jenny.

It was the first time in his life that Baelin wanted to kill someone so badly!

"Kill me? Are you able to?" Todd unsheathed the sword hung at his waist. "You must be this missy's lover! I've decided that I will first chop off your four limbs, then take her right in front of you! At the time, your expression will definitely be extremely fascinating to watch. Perhaps, you can even join us…"

Todd licked his lips and smirked.

"Arghhhh….!" Baelin swung his cross blade that carried a flash of white light as he could not bear to listen for a moment longer.

"Grand Knight!" Todd turned solemn immediately.

His giant sword was swung forward as it clashed with the cross blade, emitting sparks.

*Clang Clang Clang!* Todd retreated several steps. "What power!" The vibrations sent from Baelin's swing left his hands somewhat numb.

"Kill him Baelin! Kill him!" Jenny wailed loudly behind Baelin.

Under the encouragement of his loved one, Baelin advanced and struck, sending Todd staggering backwards by several steps.

"Ping!" Just as the two weapons clashed, Todd suddenly released his giant sword and rushed to Baelin's side like a sweeping wind.

*Ka-cha!* A black dagger suddenly appeared in his hand and pierced towards Baelin's heart like a venomous snake!

Baelin struggled to move his body away, and a layer of spiritual life force appeared on his chest. *Pak!* As if thin leather, the dagger pierced through and left a deep gash on Baelin's chest, allowing blood to flow profusely.

*Shing!* Todd suddenly appeared from a distance away as he licked the edge of his dagger.

"Now you'd know why they call me 'Dagger' huh? Because I like to cut the flesh of my prey with this dagger, and then watch them die of anguish!"

Todd's face turned red and he spoke excitedly, "Your blood is the tastiest I've ever tried!"

"Secret Gale Technique!" Todd shouted and spiritual life force wrapped around his calves.

*Shik Shik!* He advanced again, this time even faster than before!

"Damn it! Secret technique, Cross Star!"

After suffering from several more wounds, Baelin could not bear it any longer and shouted.

*Weng!* His body suddenly doubled in size as a layer of translucent armour protected him.