"That's the coat of arms of the Nuonuolifa Family!"
Gu Bule gave it a glance and spoke with absolute certainty.
He also knew that his master wasn't originally from the Central Continent and had no understanding of such matters, so he went on to explain: "The Nuonuolifa Family is a rather well-known Wizard family in the Black River Basin. Rumor has it that there's a Tier Three Wizard holding the fort inside!"
"A Tier Three Wizard? What rank exactly?" Leilin continued to ask.
The Tier Three realm served as preparation before the Tier Four Morning Star stage, and it was both lengthy and difficult to cross. Moreover, it was subdivided into several minor stages, and the strength of Wizards at each stage varied considerably.
For instance, a Tier Three Crystallization Wizard could absolutely crush several Wizards who hadn't even reached the Gasification stage.
"The family's top-tier strength information is classified! This subordinate truly has no idea." A look of shame surfaced on Gu Bule's face.
"But that Nuonuolifa Wizard once defeated a Tier Three Gasification challenger — their strength is not to be underestimated!"
"Is that so? Understood!"
Leilin appeared rather nonchalant. As long as the other party wasn't at Tier Three Liquefaction or above, he was quite confident in his own abilities.
"Now, it's up to you all. I hope they don't keep provoking me, because if they do..."
Leilin lowered his eyelids, and a flicker of gloomy light passed through his gaze.
The first-class cabin not only had private rooms, but passengers could also visit the dining hall to enjoy sumptuous food and fine wines — all included in the ticket price.
After all, when measured against the immense purchasing power of Magic Stones, food and drink that ordinary people could produce were dirt cheap.
Only those delicacies made from high-energy creatures or rare materials that could actually produce effects on Wizards would command exorbitant prices.
"Gu Bule, sit!"
Leilin sat down directly at a round table draped with a white tablecloth, then gestured for Gu Bule to join him.
Gu Bule bowed respectfully first, then took his seat with only half his weight on the chair, not daring to sit fully.
His current status was that of Leilin's household retainer — essentially a senior attendant — and he naturally had to display proper deference, or he would face punishment from the master.
Leilin observed this and silently sighed.
Just from the way Gu Bule conducted himself, one could tell how rigid the hierarchy within the Ouroboros Ring truly was!
But fortunately, not only was he a bloodline-pure Komoin Giant Snake Warlock, he had also reached Tier Three himself. Once he arrived, he would be treated as near-upper echelon, so he wouldn't need to suffer this kind of indignity.
"The fourth layer of the Komoin Eye Meditation Method, and information about bloodline shackles! I have to acquire them within the Ouroboros Ring!"
Leilin calculated silently.
Although he had successfully deduced the fourth layer — the Morning Star portion — of the Komoin Eye through his Chip and the numerous meditation method records from the Dark Pole Domain, he still lacked confidence in it, which was why he harbored such intense desire for the original version.
Advanced meditation methods often involved not only physical cultivation but also aspects of soul reconstruction, and even the Chip couldn't fully analyze them.
Just like with the Sacred Light Candle Meditation Method last time — although the Chip had made improvements, problems still arose during the final physical experimentation stage. Leilin had no intention of repeating that mistake. After all, this time it wouldn't be some test subject cultivating, but himself!
"Sir! May I take your order?"
At that moment, a server wearing a black low-cut maid's outfit with white stockings on her legs approached Leilin's table and asked respectfully.
"Bring me a veal steak and apple cider. As for Gu Bule, ask him yourself!"
Leilin opened the menu and browsed — there was a wide variety of dishes, quite an impressive spread.
The atmosphere in the dining hall was also pleasant. Crystal chandeliers cast a clear, gentle glow, and the fresh flowers arranged on the tables wafted delicate fragrances.
In one corner of the hall, there was even a dedicated bard performing for the guests.
Even Leilin felt that these Magic Stones had been well spent!
"Mr. Leilin!"
After the fresh veal steak was served, Leilin tucked his napkin in, picked up a knife in one hand and a fork in the other, and cut into a steaming piece of steak. The veal was clearly of exceptional quality, and the chef had put considerable effort into its preparation. The moment the knife and fork touched the meat, rich, hot sauce oozed out from within.
Just as Leilin picked up his wine glass, ready to enjoy his meal, a voice like a lark's song rang out beside him.
He turned to look. Jesira, whom he had met once before, was waving vigorously at him, while the Nuonuolifa girl beside her wore a face so dark it could drip ink.
"Oh." Leilin gave a casual greeting, then turned his attention back to his food.
But the other party clearly wasn't going to let him off that easily. Jesira gathered her skirt hem and trotted over, seating herself directly beside Leilin.
"Mr. Leilin! Do you like apple cider? Jesira's family has a rather excellent bottle cellared away..."
"If you're looking for a shield, am I really the only option?"