"Jessira, what are you doing? Get back here right now!"
Newin watched as Jessira clung to Leilin's arm without any restraint, pressing herself so close that he thought flames were about to burst from his eyes.
The Second-rank
"Respected Wizard! Please forgive our earlier offense!"
Cold sweat — drop after drop of cold sweat slid from the Second-rank Wizard's forehead.
Today's affair was clearly a misunderstanding on their part, and the crux of the matter was that they weren't even as strong as the other party — which made things very dangerous.
Moreover, any misstep could bring a Third-rank Wizard as an enemy to their family, and even worsen their relationship with the Ouroboros Ring. For a moment, this Second-rank Wizard felt like he wanted to die.
"Anyway, it was just a small misunderstanding. Forget it!" Leilin said lightly.
Before the Second-rank Wizard's face could show relief, Leilin's icy voice continued: "But as the price for offending me!"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The Second-rank Wizard, Newin, and Jessira were sent flying backward, a trickle of blood at the corners of their mouths.
"Leave! I don't want to see you again!"
"Thank you for your mercy, my lord!" The Second-rank Wizard immediately bowed and hurried away with Newin and the unwilling-looking Jessira.
"Today's trouble probably won't end here..."
Looking at the gazes Newin and Jessira cast as they left, Leilin knew this matter wasn't over.
Both of them had taken a grudge against him, and they might even form some sort of alliance in the future.
"What a mess." A matter between an engaged couple that ended up dragging him into it — it left Leilin feeling rather gloomy.
"My lord. Shall I handle it?" Gubule immediately stepped forward, a fierce gleam in his eyes.
"No need." Leilin shook his head.
In his hand, he was gently stroking a dark gold coin, silent.
Phosphorescent Marsh.
This was the headquarters of the warlock organization, the Ouroboros Ring, and few other Wizards came here.
Dark marshland stretched out in all directions, with flashes of green phosphorescent light flickering across its surface. A sensation of chill laced with the heat of flame drifted through the air.
"The concentration of energy particles in the air is remarkably high! It's impressive that you managed to find this place!"
Leilin nodded as he studied the energy particle spectrum collected by the Chip, and spoke to Gubule behind him.
Although the average energy concentration across the entire Central Continent already exceeded that of the South Coast and the Dark Polar Region by several times, it was even more pronounced here.
Within the Phosphorescent Marsh, Dark System energy particles had the highest concentration, followed by Fire System. The concentration of these two types of particles was more than ten times the average level of the Dark Polar Region!
"This is just the outer perimeter. If they've set up elemental particle pools or secret realms, the gap must be even more terrifying..."
"Yes, this kind of geographical environment combining Dark and Fire systems is quite rare. Historically, when our Ouroboros Ring first seized this stronghold, five Morning Star-level warlocks joined forces. They destroyed several rival factions and even took down a mortal kingdom along the way..."
Gubule explained to Leilin, his voice brimming with pride.
"My lord, given my identity, there might be some trouble here!" Gubule added.
He was originally a warlock wanted by the Ouroboros Ring. Although it was all a frame-up, until the warrant was lifted, he would likely still be treated as a criminal.
"It's not 'might be.' They're already here!"
Fang Ming said pointedly, and then several dark shadows suddenly burst forth from the nearby marshland.
"ROARRR!!!!"
Two serpentine high-energy creatures charged out, spraying water everywhere, and standing atop their heads were two Wizards.
"We haven't even reached the headquarters yet, have we? They're using Second-rank high-energy creatures and Second-rank warlocks just for perimeter patrols! It seems the Ouroboros Ring's foundations are quite formidable!"
Indeed! From these two Wizards commanding the serpentine creatures, Leilin sensed the same warlock bloodline aura — and they were Comoin blood descendants several ranks below his own!
"It's Gubule! You actually dare to come back? Wouldn't it have been better to stay away?"
A somewhat surprised voice came from where the two warlocks stood, though it didn't sound angry or flustered.
Seeing this, Leilin silently nodded. It seemed Gubule really had been wronged, and the lower ranks of the organization were well aware of it — otherwise they would have attacked on sight.
"This isn't my fault! Joey framed me!" Gubule's face flushed red as he protested loudly.
"That's not our concern. You've dared to set foot in the Phosphorescent Marsh while bringing an outsider — we have to arrest you!"
The other warlock immediately cut in.
"Sorry, but I'm no outsider!"
Leilin smiled faintly, stepped forward, and the dormant Comoin bloodline and Third-rank warlock aura within his body erupted forth.
Like a hurricane sweeping through, an untamed energy storm billowed outward, and the familiar majesty it carried forced both Second-rank creatures to press their heads flat against the ground in reverence.
"A Third-rank warlock blood noble? Who might you be? Greetings, my lord!"
The other two warlocks also carried branch bloodlines of the Comoin Giant Serpent, and were immediately suppressed by Leilin's aura. They knelt down, their expressions utterly deferential.
"I'm a wandering outsider who happened to receive a warlock's inheritance. I encountered Gubule and wanted to visit the Ouroboros Ring. What — you're not welcoming me?"
Leilin said coolly.
"Not at all! Not at all! We are truly honored by your visit!" The bloodline resonance between warlocks could not be faked, so these two warlocks were absolutely certain that Leilin was a pure-blooded Comoin Giant Serpent warlock! And such a warlock was undeniably among the highest echelons of the Ouroboros Ring! How could they dare to offend him?
"Very good. Lead the way." Leilin nodded and gave the order casually.
"Yes! Yes! This way, my lord!" The two Second-rank warlocks exchanged a glance and immediately invited Leilin onto the back of a giant serpent. Gubule was invited up as well, his expression faintly trembling with excitement.
Meanwhile, the other warlock was discreetly sending some kind of magical communication — likely a notification — but Leilin couldn't be bothered to care.
The Second-rank serpent beneath them moved swiftly through the marsh, and the terrifying aura it emanated drove away all manner of creatures, saving them quite a bit of trouble.
"These serpents?" Leilin stroked the hard emerald-green scales beneath his feet.
"This is a type of bloodline creature our organization developed through specialized bloodline synthesis experiments, perfectly suited to the environment of the Phosphorescent Marsh..."
Seeing the interest on Leilin's face, a Second-rank warlock immediately sidled up to explain, his expression eager to please.
"No wonder I haven't seen these in any records!" Leilin nodded. "What's your name?"
"Malun! My name is Malun, my lord!" The warlock named Malun immediately reported, a flash of joy crossing his eyes.
"I'll remember that." Leilin nodded, knowing full well how to earn the man's gratitude.
The two giant serpents glided swiftly onward, and after a dozen minutes, Leilin arrived deep within the Phosphorescent Marsh.
Here, a series of massive buildings were connected together, forming a small Wizard city. Flanking the main gate were two enormous stone carvings of Comoin Giant Serpents.
Their finely detailed black scales and fierce vertical pupils seemed almost lifelike, as if they might come alive at any moment.
Near the gate, a small squad of warlocks was already waiting.
"Haha... Welcome home, my blood brother!"
At the head of the squad was a young warlock with an exotic, almost bewitching appearance. A pair of eyes radiating purple light lit up the moment he saw Leilin, and he opened his arms for an embrace.
"Thank you!" Leilin embraced him rather stiffly, then asked: "Excuse me..."
"Oh! Ha ha! Look at me! Your arrival has me so excited I forgot to even introduce myself!"
The exotic young warlock with purple eyes had fair, delicate skin that radiated a peculiar charm — a quality common to warlocks.
"My name is
Leilin naturally sensed the aura about the other — the same Comoin Giant Serpent bloodline that flowed within his own body. Moreover, judging by the spiritual fluctuations Robin unconsciously emanated, he could confirm that the other had long since advanced to the Third-rank warlock realm and had progressed far beyond it — at least to the level of liquefied Spiritual Power or above.
"Oh! So that's how it is! My name is Leilin!"
"Mm! Leilin, right? Come with me! Someone important wants to see you!" Robin grabbed Leilin's arm, a trace of excitement in his expression, and didn't spare a glance at Gubule behind him.
"Someone important? Could it be..." Leilin's pupils contracted.
"Haha! My mentor! A Fourth-rank warlock! Morning Star Wizard! Duke
The surrounding warlocks bowed their heads the instant they heard the name, showing their respect.
A Fourth-rank warlock! The theoretical pinnacle of the Comoin Giant Serpent warlocks! And a true leader of the entire Central Continent! Even within the whole of the Ouroboros Ring, there were no more than three warlocks of this level!
Leilin drew a deep breath. "What an honor!"
"Come! Follow me!"
Robin immediately led the way, and the other warlocks followed respectfully behind.
Leilin also noticed that most of the warlocks they passed greeted Robin with deep respect, suggesting that within the Ouroboros Ring he held not only a high status but considerable power.