Originally, the sap of the Wisdom Ancient Tree would certainly have been protected layer upon layer within the White Wizard headquarters, possibly even guarded personally by a Third-rank Wizard. For Arist to obtain it would have been utterly impossible.
But now, in order to lure him out, this portion of ancient tree essence was guaranteed to be the real thing! Moreover, that Third-rank Wizard would be temporarily absent.
After all, Wizards were not fools. Until he confirmed that there was no Third-rank Wizard present, Arist would never show himself.
"That Arist calls himself the Lone Wolf — he's certainly accustomed to acting alone, possesses extraordinary combat ability, has a proud and aloof personality, and harbors both powerful self-confidence and genuine strength!"
Anyone capable of ambushing and severely wounding two Second-rank Wizards in a single strike was no simple character. Leilin was very clear about that.
That Arist, even among Second-rank Wizards, was surely in the upper echelons — perhaps even at the very pinnacle, just one step away from reaching the Third rank!
Once he confirmed the absence of any Third-rank Wizard here, there was a very high likelihood he would simply seize it by force!
"At a time like this, it all comes down to us!"
Leilin surveyed the VIP room. Among those present, how many were Dark Wizards? How many were White Wizards? And how many, like himself, harbored ulterior motives?
Clearly, this Wisdom Ancient Tree essence had captured the interest of every Second-rank Wizard in attendance.
Wave after wave of overt Spiritual Power, carrying intense desire and transactional offers, surged into the room where the selling Wizard was located.
For ordinary Wizards, without a high-grade Meditation Method, the Second rank was often the absolute ceiling. By that point, a Wizard's innate spells had already solidified completely, and even switching to a high-grade Meditation Method offered no pathway forward.
Forcibly altering the already-formed core consciousness crystal — no one on the entire South Coast possessed that capability. Perhaps in some rumored extraplanar world or the Central Continent there might be such methods, but they were far beyond the reach of these Wizards.
Therefore, this Wisdom Ancient Tree essence, which could forcibly elevate a Second-rank Wizard's Spiritual Power and bestow spiritual enlightenment, represented nothing less than their sole hope of advancing to the Third rank!
For that, they were willing to pay any price!
Just as the Second-rank Wizards' Spiritual Power exchanges in the VIP rooms grew increasingly heated, a single voice suddenly shattered the equilibrium.
"One hundred million Magic Stones! Plus fifty standard portions of Soul Crystals!"
This voice had not been conveyed through Spiritual Power but was shouted aloud — and the source was what truly surprised Leilin. It came from the mouth of a First-rank Wizard on the lower floor.
"Interesting! A mere First-rank dares to wade into a contest between Second-rank Wizards!"
Leilin regarded the shouting Wizard with keen interest.
Private exchange gatherings like this had their own set of rules — Second-rank Wizards formed their own circle, and ordinary First-rank Wizards had no way to break into it.
For this First-rank Wizard to dare shout like that — he either possessed extraordinary strength or had powerful backers!
Or... could it be that the target had appeared?
Leilin stared at the First-rank Wizard. He was of medium build, his entire body wrapped in layers of black robes that obscured his features. Yet under the scrutiny of numerous Second-rank Wizards, he somehow maintained his composure and continued, "This Second-rank lord hasn't requested any particular materials — it's simply the highest bidder wins. I wonder whether my offering might be the most valuable item in this venue?"
The collective gaze of a group of Second-rank Wizards was, to a low-rank Wizard, like a helpless rabbit surrounded by a pride of lions. Any ordinary Wizard would have long since been scared witless, yet this First-rank Wizard was far too calm.
"Well? Can you confirm it's Arist?"
In the same private room where the woman had previously competed with Leilin for the Dawnlight, she addressed Old Tob.
"Can't say for certain!" Old Tob, with his red beard, stroked his facial hair. "But his attire is completely unfamiliar. I don't sense the aura of anyone I know, and among the invitees for this event, there's no specific information about him!"
"That means you're fairly confident!"
The woman extended a forked tongue and licked her lips.
"Very likely. Prepare to move!" Old Tob nodded, and a wave of concealed Spiritual Power ripples began to spread outward. "Suspected target has appeared. Prepare to move!"
"Understood!" "Acknowledged!" "Clear!"
Different voices responded from the surrounding VIP rooms.
"Deal!" After a moment of silence, the voice of the Second-rank Wizard selling the Wisdom Ancient Tree sap finally came from the VIP room.
As he spoke, a golden glow enveloped a mass of green liquid brimming with Life Energy, slowly drifting out from the VIP room.
"Thank you, my lord!" A flash of joy flickered across the First-rank Wizard's eyes. He gave a slight bow, and a large collection of materials and Magic Stone crystals flew out from his person.
The exchanged items from both sides met in midair.
Boom! Suddenly, a fierce burst of red light erupted from within the green sap. The crimson glow blazed like a violent alarm, blindingly intense!
"That's him! He's Arist!" "Move in!"
As if some trigger had been activated, as if gunpowder had ignited, the second-tier VIP rooms exploded into action. Numerous second-tier spells, each wielding immense power, unleashed their might in a frenzy. The colossal waves of energy surged outward ceaselessly, triggering earthquakes across a vast area.
"Binding of Adora!" A brilliant golden light suddenly assaulted the area where the first-tier Wizard had been.
"Roooar!" At that very moment, the Wizard with a trace of Arist's power tore open the front of his robes, revealing a tattoo of a black giant wolf baring its fangs, its mouth still dripping blood.