Translated by: Novellise
"Dread Demon King?"
Lu Yuan raised his eyebrows and felt an ominous feeling in his heart.
After living in the magical world for several years, this name was certainly familiar to him.
Five hundred years ago.
It was the Dread Demon King who used his own power to pierce through the planes of existence and open a spatial rift near the Bone Wasteland.
As the Lord of the Abyss, he was not only formidable, but also commanded millions of evil demons.
Although Lu Yuan didn't know what this transcendental dark curse was about, the fact that the Dread Demon King had risked defying the will of the magical world to send a clone indicated the importance of this curse.
If allowed to succeed, it would likely lead to catastrophe!
Since even Norton had received the news, it was impossible for the Empire of Holy Light, with all its resources, not to know.
Besides, the Holy Light Empire had been the most powerful force in the magical world for thousands of years.
Now that the Dread Demon King had reappeared, they couldn't possibly turn a blind eye and leave it to a mere skeleton to save the world.
"Perhaps they will only wake from their reverie when the demon army reaches the capital," Norton shook his head.
Though the Holy Light Empire appeared strong and prosperous, it was rife with internal contradictions and had long since fallen into disrepair.
In addition to its constant conquests and warmongering, it had bitter enmities with other races, leading to a situation of never-ending conflict.
With just one spark, all the conflicts and crises could erupt and spiral out of control.
"If the Empire of Holy Light is going to turn a blind eye, then so are we," Lu Yuan said firmly.
Despite his increased strength after refining the Elemental Essence, he was no different to an ant in front of the Dread Demon King, who was on par with a tenth level Archmage.
Since the Holy Light Empire wasn't concerned, why should he hurry when he was just a little skeleton?
Norton hesitated to speak further and stayed in the Bloody Castle without leaving.
Seeing this, Lu Yuan asked again, "Do you have anything else to say?"
"Master, I would like your help with some alchemical materials," Norton scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Although Lu Yuan lacked an innate affinity for elemental energies, he had an extraordinary talent for alchemy, surpassing even Norton in that aspect.
"What materials would you like to refine?" Lu Yuan didn't refuse, as he had some free time these days and helping out wouldn't take much time.
However, when he saw the alchemical materials that Norton brought out, his expression turned grim.
Norton revealed a palm-sized crystal ball filled with dense black mist.
As the black mist surged and swirled, the face of a middle-aged man suddenly appeared on the surface of the crystal ball!
The man's features were distorted, his expression was fearful, and he occasionally uttered an extremely mournful wail!
"The Soul Capture Crystal can absorb and store a person's soul, and is often used in dark sacrificial rituals. Are you trying to summon an Abyssal Demon?" Lu Yuan's eyes narrowed and he asked bluntly.
Worried that Lu Yuan might misunderstand him, Norton quickly explained, "Master, you've misunderstood. This matter has to do with the Dread Demon King."
Due to the Dread Demon King's evil deeds and notorious reputation, he had long been considered an enemy by the will of the magical world.
If he wanted to descend into this world, there were only two ways.
The first method was to violently break through the world's barriers, to personally pass through the spatial rift to enter the magical world.
But if he did that, he would undoubtedly face the resistance of the Empire of Sacred Light.
The second method was soul transmutation.
Using a large alchemical matrix, the Dread Demon King's soul would be dismantled and reassembled, thus bypassing the control of the magical world's will.
However, soul transmutation violated the laws of life and death, and was considered forbidden by the will of the magical world.
If one continued on this path, various unforeseen consequences would occur.
Therefore, the original dark organisation had gathered all of its dark alchemists to ensure the success of this ritual, to gather alchemical materials and to participate in the soul-transformation ceremony.
And the place for this soul transmutation ceremony was none other than the Bone Wasteland!
The Bone Wasteland was located near the Abyssal Rift, which greatly weakened the influence of the magical world's will, thus facilitating the arrival of the Dread Demon King's soul fragment.
"Soul transmutation?"
After understanding the whole situation, Lu Yuan chuckled ironically.
The original dark organisation was taking a huge risk; weren't they afraid of mishaps?
Of all the elements, the spirit was the most mysterious and powerful.
Without a doubt!
The Spirit element transcended all the other elements and had the power to suppress everything.
If the four basic elements of Earth, Wind, Water and Fire formed the framework of the magical world, then the Spiritual Element was its soul!
Throughout the long river of time.
Countless alchemists had pursued soul transmutation as the ultimate goal.
Soul transmutation was associated with a legendary alchemical item.
The Philosopher's Stone!
The Philosopher's Stone held the power of law and divinity; it was the ultimate secret of all things in the world.
It possessed various unimaginable magical powers.
It could transmute metals, grant eternal life, and make you an Archmage in a single step!
However, creating the Philosopher's Stone was as difficult as ascending to the heavens.
At the very least, Lu Yuan had never heard of anyone accomplishing this feat, at least not from the numerous ancient alchemical texts and records he had read.
"Master, these are the information and documents sent by the original dark organisation. Perhaps they will help you."
Norton removed a spatial ring from his finger and handed it respectfully to Lu Yuan.
The original dark organisation had spared no effort for this time's ceremony to allow the Dread Demon King's fragment to descend smoothly.
Not only had they provided all the alchemy books for the organisation's members to read freely, but they had also generously distributed a spatial ring to each alchemist.
Furthermore, the original dark organisation had made a promise.
If this soul-transformation ritual could be successfully completed, these spatial rings would be given to all alchemists as a reward, free of charge!
Upon hearing this news, all the alchemists were excited.
Including Norton.
After all, this was a magical world.
Even the lowest quality Space Ring was a priceless treasure, enough to trade for a small city with a population of two or three hundred thousand!
But even so.
Spatial Rings were still rare and priceless, and many nobles and royalty fought each other for them, often in vain.
But this time, the original dark organisation spared no expense, offering dozens of spatial rings at once.
This showed their deep background and how seriously they took this ritual of soul transmutation!
(End of chapter)