Lei Lin promptly issued another command to the Chip.
"Task initiated! Entering simulated experiment, main body data backup in progress…" The Chip whirred to life at full speed, projecting a three-dimensional phantom in front of Lei Lin that vaguely resembled his own figure.
The Chip could not only collect and analyze massive amounts of data, but also construct simulated experimental subjects to attempt breakthroughs, thereby yielding precise probabilities and data. This meant Lei Lin was nothing like other Wizards who could only rely on rough probability estimates and experience — or even just plain luck!
This was one of the reasons his breakthroughs always went so smoothly.
"Ding! Simulated experiment concluded! For the main body to break through the third-rank vaporization bottleneck, Spiritual Power must reach 240 or above, along with 400 grams of Corrosion Lizard bloodline essence, three Purple Leaf Snake Scale Fruits, and a standard vaporization wizardry formation for the assault! Success rate: 86.9%!"
The Chip projected a set of data in front of Lei Lin.
"Nearly a ninety percent chance — that's more than enough!" Lei Lin clenched his fist tightly.
Other Wizards, lacking the Chip's precise calculations, could only roughly gather materials that might aid their breakthroughs. Being fortunate enough to have better than a fifty percent chance was something to be grateful for, let alone a prediction precise down to decimal points!
Lei Lin had a feeling that the Chip, which had fused with his soul through the space-time traversal, seemed to have undergone a terrifying amplification alongside his own continuous progress, its computational capacity far surpassing every cutting-edge processor from his previous life.
He could safely say that even if he placed his current Chip back in his previous world, it would be the absolute pinnacle — impossible to replicate.
"Corrosion Lizard bloodline essence and Purple Leaf Snake Scale Fruits — both are fairly common auxiliary materials that Warlocks use for breakthroughs. They're available on the exchange screen. The price is steep, but I can afford it!"
After three years of working as an Apothecary and accumulating savings, plus the sizable loan of contribution points he had borrowed from Senior Brother Robin, Lei Lin's coffers were exceedingly well-stocked.
"After this, I'll need to return to my territory to attempt the breakthrough and take charge of constructing the Wizard Tower!"
Lei Lin thought to himself silently.
The Wizard Tower being erected next to the Dark Castle was nothing less than his true foundation on the Central Continent. Although he had spent the bulk of the past three years concocting potions, he had never relaxed his oversight of the Tower's construction.
Moreover, now that the main structure was complete, the remaining tasks — installing the Elemental Pool and calibrating the wizardry formations — would require Lei Lin's hands-on involvement. The other Warlocks could only assist in minor roles, and Lei Lin had no intention of letting them anywhere near the core secrets.
"A third-rank vaporization body would also be sufficient to wield fourth-rank wizardry scrolls. I could go to Teacher and purchase a Construct Activation scroll! To build the intelligence core for the entire Wizard Tower… I just hope Teacher doesn't charge too dearly…"
Lei Lin mused carelessly as he browsed the information on the screen to conduct his transactions.
Though he appeared somewhat absent-minded, under the Chip's formidable assistance, every material he selected was top-tier, and the vaporization wizardry formation was secured without a hitch.
It was only during the handover that he received a piece of news that made him frown.
"Milanta and Frei have already returned from their mission? But they were seriously wounded? Do you know why?"
Lei Lin asked with some curiosity. Both of them were third-rank liquefaction Warlocks, and with their bloodline enhancements, their effective combat rating probably ranked several tiers higher. For them to end up seriously injured was genuinely puzzling.
"I'm sorry, but that's classified! I can't get any information either!"
The merchant Lei Lin was dealing with was a thin-faced Wizard wearing a shrewd smile. He wouldn't dare offend Lei Lin — after all, Lei Lin was his biggest customer, and the Advanced Calming Potions he had previously obtained from Lei Lin had already earned him a handsome profit.
"However, word is that while exploring some ancient ruin, they were ambushed by an unidentified force! Because of this, the Second Elder has already flown into a terrible rage, vowing to track down the culprits..."
The Wizard moved a little closer and lowered his voice.
"Is that so!" Lei Lin nodded and quickly wrapped up the transaction.
As far as he was concerned, he'd soon be returning to his territory for intensive cultivation. Asking was merely out of curiosity — no matter how much turmoil arose here, it wouldn't reach him.
……
The Black Castle.
The massive fortress had now been completed in full. Its main structure was built from blocks of sturdy granite, which had afterward been reinforced through a lavish application of Earth-type Wizardry that filled in the seams between every stone, fusing the entire castle into a single unified body. From the outside, the Black Castle projected solemn grandeur and vast magnificence, carrying an air of intimidation — this was the seat of power in Lei Lin's territory.
Having undergone such reinforcement, the Black Castle could endure for at least a thousand years. Chief Defender Aleksandros, upon inspecting the fortress, had even declared that with just a thousand men under his command, he could withstand an assault from over fifty thousand elite soldiers — though of course, this was limited strictly to the mortal world.
Inside the castle, cashmere carpets covered every floor, silver goblets and golden candelabras were found at every turn — luxurious, opulent, and resplendent with flowing light and color. Even many a royal palace couldn't compare.