Under the pitch-black night sky, Night Raven City was shrouded in silence.
Inside the castle, in a room:
"Snow Eagle Breathing Technique! Red Snake Breathing Technique!"
Gazing at the two Knight's Breathing Techniques in front of him, Sauron's eyes flickered slightly.
The arrival of the Black Sail Chamber of Commerce had brought many gains for Sauron. Aside from the information about wizards, these two Breathing Techniques were exactly what he needed.
Unfortunately, Sauron lacked magic stones. Otherwise, the extraordinary items in the hands of the Black Sail Chamber of Commerce could have significantly improved his strength.
"Let's leave that for later."
Sauron shook his head and began cultivating the two Breathing Techniques in front of him.
Half an hour later:
With the help of the proficiency system, Sauron successfully comprehended the two Breathing Techniques. His data panel appeared before his eyes:
------------------------------------
Name: [Sauron]
Occupation: [High-Level Knight], [Level 1 Apprentice]
Strength: [4.5], Physique: [4.3], Agility: [4.7], Spirit: [2.1]
Passive: [Brute Bull Breathing Technique Lv9 (90/100)], [Snow Eagle Breathing Technique Lv1 (1/100)], [Red Snake Breathing Technique Lv1 (3/100)], [Darkness Ritual Lv1 (85/100)]
Skills: [Three Arrows], [Seven Swords of Breaking Armies]
Runes: [Dark Soul Wave], [Raven Spirit]
Status: [Normal]
------------------------------------
Looking at the data panel, a pensive expression appeared on Sauron's face.
Night Raven Breathing Technique, Bow Arrow Technique, and Armybreak Swordsmanship had already been cultivated to the utmost, so Sauron hid them on the data panel.
Brute Bull Breathing Technique was just half a step away from the limit, while the newly comprehended Red Snake Breathing Technique and Snow Eagle Breathing Technique were just beginning.
Both of these Breathing Techniques were of relatively low quality, so the initial stage cultivation didn't have many requirements for the needed magical herbs.
As long as he followed the routine cultivation, the speed of improvement for these two Breathing Techniques would be quite fast.
Each Breathing Technique cultivated to the utmost would provide Sauron with a rune.
According to Thor's explanation, before becoming a wizard, runes were the source of an apprentice's power. The more runes one mastered, the higher the apprentice's level.
For example, the standard for a Level 1 Apprentice was to awaken magic power after comprehending the Meditation Method and simultaneously condense a rune.
To advance to a Level 2 Apprentice, in addition to the requirements for spirit strength and magic power, the number of runes condensed in the Sea of Consciousness had to be at least eight or more.
For the overwhelming majority of apprentices, condensing rune power in the Sea of Consciousness was a lengthy process.
However, Sauron was an exception.
Although he was unsure about his wizard innate talent, relying on the proficiency system, he knew that his rune condensation speed would not be slow.
Dong dong!
Just as Sauron was contemplating, a knock on the door echoed from outside.
"Master, here's the raven you requested!"
Kylo Knight walked in, holding a birdcage with a fully feathered, black crow inside, now in its adulthood.
Sauron's heart stirred.
"Thank you, Kylo Knight."
He nodded, stood up, and took the birdcage from Kylo Knight, examining the crow inside. Satisfied, he nodded again.
Kylo Knight slightly bowed and then exited the room.
The Swain family had a tradition of keeping crows as pets, and throughout the generations, Night Raven City lords often had a crow perched on their shoulders.
Perhaps due to the Night Raven Breathing Technique, avian creatures had a natural affinity for the Swain family.
"Come out, little fellow."
Sauron opened the birdcage, releasing the black-feathered crow. Fluttering its wings, the crow landed in Sauron's palm, showing curiosity rather than fear.
"Raven Spirit!"
Sauron uttered a soft syllable, and the Raven Spirit Rune in his Sea of Consciousness faintly shimmered.
Instantly, a dark luster appeared in his eyes.
Gu!
The crow emitted a caw, and for some reason, a peculiar connection formed between the human and avian before them.
"From now on, I'll call you Rall."
A hint of a smile appeared on Sauron's face. Through the power of the Raven Spirit Rune, he and the crow Rall were now in mental harmony.
Without hesitation, Sauron raised his hand.
Rall immediately spread its wings and flew towards the window.
Sauron's thoughts moved.
The next moment, a pitch-black scene appeared before him, and he shared the perspective with Rall, allowing him to view the world from above like a flying bird.
Night Raven City under the night sky was tranquil.
Due to the previous wars, the city was currently on edge, with residents locking their doors at night. Even the busiest streets were devoid of silhouettes.
Rall soared through the night sky, keeping a watchful eye on Night Raven City.
Sauron was also using the Raven Spirit Rune for the first time. The shared vision felt marvelous. At this moment, it was as if he could take in the entire scene of Night Raven City.
Utilizing Rall, Sauron patrolled his territory.
Suddenly, his gaze focused on a particular area.
"Hmm?"
Near the Raven Castle, on a street, a shadow was stealthily approaching, exhibiting suspicious behavior.
Thoughts flickering, Sauron manipulated Rall to descend slowly. Illuminated by the faint moonlight, he could clearly see the figure.
It was a woman.
Wearing black leather armor resembling sharkskin, outlining her curvaceous figure, she held a dagger in her left hand and two curved knives strapped behind her.
A high-level Knight!
Although he was observing through Rall's perspective, the moment Sauron saw the woman, he could sense that she was undoubtedly a high-level Knight.
"A Snake Shadow assassin?"
Inside the castle, Sauron squinted, speculating on her identity.
At the same time, Rall continued to observe the woman.
Her movements were agile, and within a few breaths, she had approached the Raven Castle, silently scaling the high wall like a poisonous snake.
Inside the castle, two guards were patrolling.
Swish!
The moment the woman landed, the dagger in her hand shot out like lightning, swiftly killing one guard. Before the other could react, she swiftly approached and took care of him.
Seeing this scene, Sauron's expression turned slightly cold.
It seemed his guess was correct; she was indeed an assassin sent by the Snake Shadow. Her current goal in infiltrating the castle was quite evident.
"Perfect timing!"
A faint smile appeared on Sauron's lips. Since becoming a high-level Knight, he hadn't yet engaged in combat. Now, it was an excellent opportunity to test his strength.