"It seems you're quite familiar with this material, Lei Lin — at least you've read descriptions of it before!"
Kasha nodded first, then let out a bitter smile. "Hair of the Serpentess can accelerate the maturation of the Komoin Giant Serpent bloodline within us. The benefits go without saying — members of the organization would tear each other apart for it, and nobody would ever sell their share! Besides, once discovered, it gets used up immediately. The only reason I know about any of this is that Master Gilbert obtained a sample when he was young..."
A look of understanding crossed Lei Lin's face.
The Komoin Giant Serpent bloodline inherited down to the present day already carried impurities and was no longer entirely pure. When it came to the bottleneck of breaking through from Tier Three to the Tier Four Morning Star rank, the power that the bloodline could provide was negligible.
But advancing the bloodline's maturation early and obtaining a massive boost from bloodline power could not only propel a Warlock's rank forward by leaps and bounds, but also lay a solid foundation for the future.
Perhaps Gilbert's ability to advance to the rank of Morning Star Wizard was partly due to this very factor.
Lei Lin could only sigh in helplessness.
Top-grade materials of this caliber were not so easily obtained — both luck and strength were indispensable.
Just then, he noticed a peculiar expression flicker across Robin's face.
Lei Lin committed that fleeting look to memory, then broke into a smile once more and changed the subject...
After the banquet, in Lei Lin's study within the Black Castle.
A servant led Robin to the study, opened the door, and after a respectful bow, withdrew.
Lei Lin was seated on a sofa, a glass cup in hand filled with deep crimson wine that shimmered with a captivating luster under the lamplight.
"This vintage wine is one of my personal treasures! Won't you have a glass, Senior Robin?"
Lei Lin picked up the glass bottle on the table and gave it a gentle swirl.
"Of course!"
Robin sat down without the slightest ceremony on the other sofa and picked up a glass.
After pouring a small amount, he held the cup before his face and swirled it, an expression of enjoyment spreading across his features. "Wine from a bountiful harvest year! These are incredibly rare by now!"
"Pike and the others managed to get it — apparently it was a tribute from some nearby royal family!"
Lei Lin chuckled. Things that were purely for enjoyment never particularly interested him. After a couple of offhand remarks, he got straight to the point.
"When we were discussing the Hair of the Serpentess earlier, Senior Robin, you seemed to have something else on your mind?"
"Indeed." Robin narrowed his eyes and drew in a deep breath of the wine's fragrance.
"Since you were willing to come, this information must be something you're willing to sell. Name your terms!" Lei Lin took a deep breath.
"Good! As expected of Lei Lin!" Robin praised, took a slow sip of wine, and then continued, "There's no need for payment or anything of the sort, but you absolutely must keep this between us — everything we discuss today must not leave this room!"
"No problem, I swear on the honor of the blood nobles!" Lei Lin's expression was solemn as he took an oath.
At their level of power, even a casually spoken agreement would carry the force of a contract, let alone such a formal vow.
Upon seeing Lei Lin swear, a smile bloomed on Robin's face.
"Actually... I do have a clue regarding the Serpent-Haired Woman's hair!" Before Lei Lin could even ask, he continued, "I received news that a secret realm was discovered in the eastern part of the Forgotten Land!"
"The Forgotten Land!" Lei Lin stroked his chin.
The Chip swiftly searched and retrieved relevant data about the Forgotten Land.
Due to the overwhelming destructive power of Morning Star Wizards—their ultimate attacks being comparable to the nation-destroying atomic bombs of later ages—the Central Continent had signed a Peace Accord similar to a nuclear non-proliferation treaty, restricting Morning Star Wizards from arbitrarily wielding power beyond set limits.
Although bound by the accord, disputes of interest between Morning Star Wizards inevitably escalated into major battles in the end. Battles at the Morning Star level had occurred several times on the Central Continent, each causing tremendous losses.
In the Dark Ultimate Domain, the accidental interference of two Morning Star Wizards had completely severed the passageways connecting the Dark Ultimate Domain to the outside world, isolating it for thousands of years.
And on the Central Continent, despite its vastness far exceeding the Dark Ultimate Domain and being guarded by numerous Morning Star, Moon Shine, and even Dawn Sun Wizards, battles at the Morning Star level still brought terrifying casualties here.
Moreover, some regions were utterly devastated. Not only were all intelligent creatures extinguished, but an Elemental Funnel Effect was also created, causing the power of any magic cast there to drop significantly.
Gradually, these areas became Death Lands, where only outcast races or criminals who couldn't survive elsewhere would endure the harsh environment and eke out a living.
The Forgotten Land was one such place.
It was rumored that there, the hostile environment forced all creatures to strive to enhance their strength, evolving in terrifying directions. Over time, this had given rise to some very peculiar races, and the land was fraught with danger.
"What secret realm?"
Lei Lin asked, a premonition already stirring within him.