Fortunately, Sauron's journey to Mist Forest this time was not without gains.
The Ghost Pattern Flowers collected by the group were enough to produce numerous Night Raven potions, allowing Sauron to use them for a long time and even advance to a high-level Knight.
Once promoted to a high-level Knight, both Sauron and Conrad would be almost fearless against the Wraith Tree Demon in Mist Forest.
"Mr. Conrad, are you okay?"
Sauron turned around, looking at Conrad. The repeated use of the life seed's power had put a considerable burden even on a high-level Knight.
"I'm fine."
Conrad shook his head. The injuries he sustained in Mist Forest were not too severe.
"That's good."
Sauron nodded and then led the group back to Night Raven City.
Upon returning to Night Raven City and seeing half of the team casualties, Frost Scholar was shocked. He relaxed only after confirming that Sauron was unharmed.
"Frost Scholar."
Sauron spoke, "Spread the word. From today onwards, no one is allowed to enter Mist Forest. Violators will be treated as bandits!"
"Yes, fief lord," Frost nodded.
"Also, please prepare some Night Raven potions as soon as possible."
Afterward, Sauron handed over all the Ghost Pattern Flowers collected from Mist Forest to Frost. He instructed him to make Night Raven potions as quickly as possible.
This task was simpler for Frost. With the Ghost Pattern Flowers, the production of Night Raven potions was no longer a problem. After briefing Frost on everything, Sauron turned and went back to his room.
After a short rest, he ordered hot water to be prepared. The chaotic battle in Mist Forest had left him covered in scarlet liquid, emitting an unpleasant odor. He wanted to wash off the stains as quickly as possible.
So, Sauron went to the bathroom.
Raven Castle's bathroom was divided into several areas. The largest one resembled a swimming pool, with a vast pool filled with hot water, emitting white mist.
In the bath, a burly silhouette was sitting.
Sauron raised an eyebrow. Unexpectedly, even the injured Conrad wanted to take a bath and had beaten him to it.
He shook his head and undressed.
Wearing only shorts, he entered the bath, feeling the water enveloping him. He felt as if all the fatigue in his body was about to be swept away.
Conrad remained silent on the other side.
Although Sauron knew about Conrad's personality, he still felt a bit awkward. After a moment of contemplation, he took the initiative to speak.
"Mr. Conrad, do you know my father?"
Hearing Sauron's words, Conrad slightly nodded.
"Are you friends?" Sauron asked.
"No."
Conrad shook his head, silent for a moment, and then said in a calm voice, "I once had a duel with Oren and lost to him."
Sauron's mind stirred.
Conrad and Oren were both high-level Knights, and it was normal for them to have a duel. However, judging from Conrad's attitude, things seemed to be more complicated than that.
"That must have been an exciting duel, right?" Sauron tried to say.
Conrad fell into silence.
After a while, he faintly said, "Your father defeated me with just one move!"
"One move?" Sauron's heart skipped a beat.
"Yes, just one move!"
Conrad's eyes were complex, and there was a hint of bitterness in his tone.
Then, he slowly stood up.
Crash-bang!
Conrad's robust figure appeared in front of Sauron. There was a fierce scar on his chest, looking like a twisted centipede.
Sauron's eyes narrowed.
Judging from the wound on Conrad, the duel with Oren might not have been a simple confrontation. Perhaps both sides had fought with a never-say-die spirit.
However, the result was Conrad's miserable defeat.
"For so many years, I've been cultivating diligently in the capital, just to have another fight with Oren one day!"
Conrad's eyes flickered, and he said, "Only by defeating him can I break through the mental barrier and have a chance to step into a higher realm!"
Hearing Conrad's words, Sauron's face looked thoughtful.
"Unfortunately, my father has already disappeared," Sauron said lightly.
"I can wait."
Conrad's expression was emotionless, and he said, "I don't believe Oren is dead. One day, he will return to Night Raven City."
"And at that time, it will be our moment to fight again!"
"This time, I must win!"
Conrad's tone was calm, but there was a determined gleam in his eyes.
The experience of losing to Oren many years ago had become a heart demon for Conrad. It seemed that even now, he couldn't break through his own realm.
Sauron didn't speak, sighing inwardly.
Oren hadn't disappeared but was sleeping in the underground chamber beneath Raven Castle. However, when he would wake up was uncertain.
Therefore, Conrad's wish might not be fulfilled in the short term.
Inside the bathroom, the two fell silent.
After a while, Conrad got up and left. Sauron noticed that the injuries he suffered in Mist Forest had almost healed by now.
"Is this the physique of a Great Knight?"
Sauron pondered, the physique of a high-level Knight was extraordinary, and their recovery ability could almost be described as terrifying.
A while later.
Sauron also finished bathing. He then called two maids to give him a massage, instantly feeling much more relaxed.
After that, he put on clean clothes and returned to his room.
By now, night had quietly descended.
After the events in Mist Forest, Sauron didn't want to meditate today. So, he decided to get a good night's sleep to recover.
"Who?"
But just as Sauron closed the door, he suddenly noticed a silhouette curled up at the corner of the bed, with only half of the head peeking out from the blanket.
"Sau... Sauron Young Master."
It was a thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl, with a sweet and delicate appearance. She was wrapped in the blanket, shivering slightly.
"Who are you?" Sauron frowned.
"Mrs. Nilan is my aunt."
The girl bit her lip, speaking softly, "Aunt asked me to serve Sauron Young Master tonight."
Sauron's eyes flashed with realization.
Previously, Nilan had indeed mentioned introducing her niece to work in the castle. Sauron hadn't paid much attention at that time.
Now it seemed that the girl in front of him was Nilan's niece.
"How did you end up here?" Sauron raised his eyebrows. Even if Nilan wanted her niece to work in the castle, there was no reason for her to appear in his room.
"Aunt... asked me to serve Sauron Young Master tonight."
The girl blushed, summoning the courage to slowly uncover the blanket.
Her fair and snow-white body was now revealed to Sauron, perhaps too nervous, her body couldn't help but tremble slightly.