Chu Yan met with the leader of the team of scholars.
This group of esteemed scholars hailed from Noah Academy, the most renowned institution on the continent, without exception.
Other academies merely served as "talent screening institutions" for Noah Academy, where only the most exceptional students earned the privilege to exchange knowledge.
It could be said that all the esteemed figures, whether practitioners of physics or magic, had experienced further studies there.
Had it been any other scholars, Chu Yan would have worried about their qualifications and the potential waste of time; however, if even these scholars were incapable, he would have to resign himself to fate.
"Greetings, I am Chu Yan, the lord of this place. You are all aware of the project you've come to undertake, and I would like to outline a few details..."
The magical array considered miraculous by the church was intended to be centered around the castle; otherwise, the nuns wouldn't be drawing divine energy here with such fervor.
But as for the specific location, Chu Yan had no knowledge whatsoever; he couldn't even sense the existence of the array, leaving the investigation entirely in the hands of the scholars.
However, allowing outsiders to roam freely within the castle required careful consideration of the feelings of the taboo inhabitants; they must not be disturbed during their rest.
"First, no excessive, noisy, or jarring sounds are permitted during the investigation."
"Second, please record all discussions in writing; you may organize your discussions later."
"Third, all rooms on the first and second floors of the castle are off-limits. I will coordinate a time for you to enter, but I must accompany you."
"Fourth, if you happen to encounter any unusually temperamental women within the castle, please act as if you did not see them and do not engage."
"Fifth, the investigation should be limited to the two hours during the midday rest; refrain from entering the castle at any other time."
Chu Yan intended to continue his lengthy instructions, entirely oblivious to the scholars' changing expressions.
Their faces were filled with dread as they whispered among themselves:
"These mysterious rules clearly indicate that something sinister exists within this castle!"
"We can only enter during the afternoon, at the peak of the sun's intensity; could there be vampires or ghosts lurking here?"
"Ghosts are not frightening; what's troubling is if the castle itself possesses some malevolent properties."
"When we arrived, we were assured there was no danger!"
The team was led by a beautiful white elf, her ageless beauty radiating the poise and sophistication of a mature, knowledgeable senior.
Noticing her companions' concerns, she took the initiative to address Chu Yan:
"Lord Chu Yan, hello. Is this investigation truly perilous?"
Investigating the so-called miraculous ancient magical array in a place of exile was a long-held aspiration for these scholarly minds, but if the danger level was too high, they would reconsider.
They had come, buoyed by the presence of Lady Aifalin in this unknown territory.
Chu Yan was entirely unaware that his earlier remarks had been misconstrued, puzzled as he replied:
"No, it is not dangerous; I simply do not wish for you to disturb the residents within the castle."
"..."
The scholars exchanged exasperated glances, genuinely taken aback.
"May I inquire who these residents are? The nobles of the Sea of Death?"
"No, they are the taboo inhabitants who have been exiled here."
"?"
The name of the taboo inhabitants was as thunderous as it was ominous, as their existence primarily served as a source of intimidation for the scholars.
Their perception of the taboo inhabitants was one of chaos and fury, and there had been instances at Noah Academy where students, in their misguided studies, had inadvertently provoked such forces, resulting in tragic massacres.
"Lord, do you supervise and control these taboo inhabitants?"
For reasons unknown, the scholars' demeanor shifted to one of admiration and a hint of reverence.
"Uh... you could say that. I reside with the taboo inhabitants at the top of the castle; you need not worry; your safety is assured."
Chu Yan confidently declared, subsequently leading them to their designated resting area to acclimate to the environment.
Numerous vacant residences within the inner city, left behind by the deceased Sea of Death nobles, were perfectly suited for their use.
"Then may I ask why that small town outside has been reduced to ruins?"
"Because an A-level magician caused a disturbance, and he was subsequently captured and executed. So, can you now believe in the security measures here?"
"..."
The scholars exchanged anxious glances, seeing fear reflected in one another's expressions.
Fearful, they longed to return home!
However, since Lady Aifalin was the benefactor of their mentor, leaving was out of the question.
Chu Yan confirmed that the scholars were comfortably settled in and reminded them that they could freely investigate the interior of the city before returning to the castle himself.
Upon re-entering Aunt Nancy's room, Chu Yan discovered that she had also fallen asleep.
Not wishing to disturb her, he quietly left the bedroom and proceeded to the kitchen, where he busied himself preparing a bowl of dessert, which he brought to Aifalin's room.
Inside the room,
The alluring woman with flowing golden waves sat by the window, her robe elegantly designed, embodying both the esteemed status of royal attire and the refined grace of luxurious gowns.
Aifalin narrowed her eyes, basking in the soothing warmth of the afternoon sun, her long eyelashes shimmering like jewels.
In the absence of overt hostility, she was indeed a captivating beauty.
As Chu Yan pushed the door open, she lifted her eyelids, her emerald gaze narrowing as she regarded him.
Such a gaze was unsettling; even after several days, Chu Yan struggled to acclimate, despite knowing that she could not breach the confines of the slave contract for another two weeks.
It felt akin to a ghostly apparition emerging unexpectedly from a closet—no matter how beguiling she appeared, fear still lingered.
If possible, Chu Yan preferred to avoid interaction with her altogether; indeed, forging a genuine bond was impossible, as her tragic past was inextricably linked to his own.
He intended merely to exploit her connections, supplementing her with magic when the time came.
Yet, the lurking threat from the church was an unavoidable reality; it was a formidable beast.
If he could uncover some desire of Aifalin's and negotiate a transaction, persuading her to lend her strength, it would be an ideal outcome.
A powerful dragon lineage mage, capable of wielding her magic at will, would prove to be an invaluable ally!
"Lady Aifalin, I heard from your family's servants that you enjoy desserts; I made this for you. Please do not fault me for not summoning your personal chef, as I feared the cook might bring a potion to break the contract, which would spell disaster for me."
The voluptuous and alluring woman smiled, her brilliant red lips curving upward, her eyes appraising him as if peering into the fears residing in his heart. She replied:
"Do you think this bowl of dessert can resolve all our conflicts?"
"Of course not; I would feel no remorse in slaying them. Your future vengeance upon me, Lady Aifalin, is entirely justified. I merely feel a twinge of guilt spending your money now, knowing I will later necessitate your assistance in battle—consider this a token of my apology."
As Chu Yan lifted a spoonful of sweet milk to the dangerously glinting lips of the alluring woman,
Due to the slave contract, Aifalin was obliged to comply with his commands; she opened her mouth and drank without concealing her sardonic praise.
"Excellent; which chef crafted this? They deserve commendation."
"I made it myself; there's no need to deceive you. When I sought to indulge in laziness, I devised ways to please Weylin, thus honing my culinary skills."
"Heh..."
Aifalin chuckled dismissively.
Her fingers dipped into the dessert, gathering sweet milk as she inscribed several numbers on the table—these were the countdown days of a year.
It marked the time until Aifalin regained her freedom, as well as the deadline for Chu Yan's life at her hands.
"Just a reminder, I may unexpectedly break free from the seal before then, so beware!"
With a flirtatious twist of her fingers before Chu Yan's chest, she provocatively circled them as if to suggest she intended to crush his heart.