This sort of scene played out endlessly along the city walls. Even the burrow frost spiders beneath the Dark Elf Knights were not spared — their eight spider legs buckled and collapsed onto the ground, the multifaceted eyes losing all their luster, before they were engulfed by the surging tide of soldiers…
These terrifying results even caught Vandix off guard, though he had already anticipated something from his vantage in midair. "The potency of this toxin is truly extraordinary! If it could be deployed on a wider scale…"
His eyes blazed with excitement.
"You're oversimplifying it!" Lei Lin let out a wry smile. "This is a concentrated botanical essence I formulated specifically for the Dark Elves based on their physiology. It's nontoxic in itself, which is exactly why it bypasses the toxin-resistance runes! But once this essence enters a Dark Elf's circulatory system, it undergoes a violent chemical reaction with their natural secretions within three seconds, producing a neurotoxin…"
"It's just a roundabout trick — a bit of an element of surprise. Once this battle is over, the Dark Elves will certainly program a resistance formula for this essence into their toxin-defense runes, and then it'll be useless!"
In truth, the inspiration had come from Lei Lin's research into his own second-tier innate wizardry spell — the Gall of Extreme Poison.
On the other hand, the Nature Alliance's earlier research materials on the Dark Elves had also given him considerable inspiration. He had used those materials to gain the Council's approval in the first place, and now he had simply taken the research a step further.
"Even so, Lord Lei Lin has undeniably surpassed all of us in his research on the Dark Elves!"
Admiration showed on the female Wizard's face. Though Lei Lin explained it simply, the ability to formulate a nontoxic essence that would rapidly become toxic upon entering a Dark Elf's body — that was the kind of combination that many Potionology masters might never invent in their entire careers.
This alone was enough to demonstrate Lei Lin's exceptional mastery of Potionology and his profound understanding of the Dark Elves.
"After this is over, I'm afraid I'll have to pay a visit to the treatises you left with the Council…"
A smile appeared on the female Wizard's face.
"I'd be delighted to exchange ideas, and I'd be even more honored if you could offer new perspectives." Lei Lin was perfectly modest.
"More importantly, now is not the time for such discussion — those Matriarchs across the field look like they can't hold back any longer!"
He pointed toward the Dark Elf encampment across the way, then felt the concentration of Spiritual Power in the air reaching its peak, and spoke with a faint smile.
"They're truly getting desperate. They could strike at any moment — let's get ready too!"
Vandix produced a black gentleman's short staff, topped with a diamond the size of an egg that blazed with dazzling light.
Lei Lin merely smiled and said nothing.
Nearly three thousand elite Cold Spider Knights — that was half of the Dark Elf forces deployed across the entire eastern front. If their opponents weren't panicking now, that would be the real surprise.
In the next instant! Dense black energy particles converged, and powerful waves of wizardry erupted from the opposite side.
"Dark Spring Deluge!!!"
A beautiful woman's voice rang out, and massive quantities of moisture materialized above the city of Dolun. Torrential rain followed immediately, black droplets pouring down ceaselessly.
The moment the black raindrops touched the red mist, sharp hissing sounds erupted. Both substances dissolved into scorched, putrid sludge that splattered onto the ground, revealing the half-dead Cold Spider Knights beneath.
Lei Lin's toxin attack was devastatingly effective against ordinary Cold Spider Knights, who possessed only Great Knight-level strength, while formal Wizards at the first tier could resist it using the radiant energy within their bodies.
As for the second-tier Matrons? It had long since lost any effect on them.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The earth split open, and countless black strands of hair burst forth from below, coiling around the surviving Cold Spider Knights like tiny snakes, then yanking them backward with brutal force.
In a single instant, the dark tresses retracted over a dozen li, dragging the Knights to safety.
Even so, the Cold Spider Knights had already suffered more than half their number in losses.
"You dare—!" Several furious voices rang out from above the encampment. The black mist dispersed, revealing the faces of three Dark Elf Matrons.
Lei Lin sized them up.
These Dark Elf Matrons had faithfully inherited the traditions of their race — all of them were strikingly beautiful, clad in leather-like garments that bared generous expanses of pale, flawless skin and voluptuous figures. Each held a barbed whip in hand.
Hmm! Total dominant older-sister vibes from my previous life! Lei Lin rolled his eyes inwardly.
But right now, the three Matrons facing them were clearly on the verge of erupting. Dangerous magic swirled into shape within their hands.
"You actually dare to break our agreement and attack!"
Vantix ran a hand along the short staff in her grip, her expression betraying neither joy nor sorrow.
"Humans! You dare employ such despicable tactics against our brave warriors! I will lop off your heads and offer them as a sacrifice to Her Majesty!"
The Matron in the center spoke without so much as acknowledging Vantix's accusation, using the Dark Depths language. She was the most scandalously dressed of the three — two golden rings pierced the crimson tips atop her heaving chest, exuding an eerie, bewitching allure.
"Heh! When did the Dark Elves — renowned for cunning and treachery — learn to accuse others of underhanded tactics?"
Lei Lin had not yet spoken when the female Wizard beside him sneered coldly.
"Enough talk! Let's move!" Lei Lin barked a sharp command.