"Jessira, what are you doing? Get back here right now!"
Nuen watched as Jessira shamelessly clung to Leilin's arm, pressing her chest almost entirely against him, and flames seemed to spark in his eyes.
Meanwhile, the Second-rank Wizard immediately slapped the back of Nuen's head hard, sending him doubling over.
"Respected Wizard! Please forgive our earlier offense!"
Cold sweat! Drop after drop of cold sweat slid down the Second-rank Wizard's forehead.
Today's events were clearly a misunderstanding on their part, and the critical issue was that they weren't even stronger than the other party—which made things extremely dangerous.
Moreover, the slightest mishandling could bring a Third-rank Wizard as an enemy down upon their family, and even worse, damage their relationship with the Ouroboros Ring. In that moment, the Second-rank Wizard felt like dying right then and there.
"It was just a small misunderstanding. Forget it," Leilin said calmly.
Before the Second-rank Wizard's face could show relief, he heard Leilin's cold voice continue: "But as the price for offending me—"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The Second-rank Wizard, Nuen, and Jessira were sent flying, 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, then hurried away with Nuen and the unwilling-looking Jessira.
"This trouble probably won't end today…"
Watching the gazes of Nuen and Jessira as they departed, Leilin knew this matter wasn't over yet.
Both of them now harbored grudges against him, and they might even form some kind of alliance in the future.
What a mess. A matter between an engaged couple had somehow ended up dragging him into it, and it left Leilin somewhat exasperated.
"Master, shall I—?" Gubule immediately stepped forward, a fierce gleam in his eyes.
"No need." Leilin shook his head.
In his hand, he gently stroked a dark-gold coin, silent in thought.
…
Phosphorescent Fire Swamp.
This was the headquarters of the Warlock organization known as the Ouroboros Ring, and few other Wizards ever ventured here.
Black swamp land stretched in every direction, with green phosphorescent flames flickering across its surface from time to time. A sensation that combined coldness with fire continuously wafted through the air.
"The concentration of energy particles in the air is remarkably high! It must have been quite the feat to find this place!"
Leilin nodded as he examined the energy particle spectrum collected by the Chip, then turned to speak to Gubule behind him.
Although the average energy concentration across the Central Continent was already several times that of the South Coast and the Dark Polar Region, it was even more pronounced here.
In the Phosphorescent Fire Swamp, dark energy particles had the highest concentration, followed by fire energy particles. The density of both was already more than ten times the average level of the Dark Polar Region!
"This is only the outer perimeter. If they'd set up an Elemental Particle Pool or created a Secret Territory, the gap would surely be even more terrifying…"
Fang Ming thought to himself.
"Yes, this kind of geographic environment combining dark and fire attributes is quite rare in history. When our Ouroboros Ring originally fought to claim this stronghold, five Morning Star-level Warlocks joined forces to destroy several rival factions and even brought down a mortal kingdom along the way…"
Gubule explained to Leilin, his tone carrying an indescribable sense of pride.
"Master, given my identity, this could be somewhat troublesome here!" Gubule then added.
He had originally been a Warlock wanted by the Ouroboros Ring. Although the charges were fabricated by others, until the warrant was lifted, he would likely still be treated as a criminal.
"It's not 'could be'—they're already here."
Fang Ming said meaningfully, and then several deep black shadows suddenly erupted from the nearby swamp.
"ROAR ROAR!!!"
Two serpent-shaped high-energy creatures burst forth, sending water splashing everywhere. Standing atop the serpents' heads were two Wizard figures.
"We haven't even reached the headquarters yet, have we? They're already deploying Second-rank high-energy creatures and Second-rank Warlocks for outer patrol! It seems the Ouroboros Ring's foundations run deep!"
Indeed! From these two Wizards who commanded the serpentine creatures, Leilin sensed the same Warlock bloodline aura—Komori blood descendants, several ranks below his own!
"It's Gubule! You actually dare to come back? Why didn't you just stay gone?"
From where the two Warlocks stood, a somewhat surprised voice carried over, though it didn't sound panicked or furious.
Seeing this reaction, Leilin nodded inwardly. It seemed Gubule really had been wronged, and the lower ranks within the organization were fairly aware of the truth—which was why they hadn't attacked on sight.