Inside the Blood Snake Ancient Castle, there were even numerous unexplainable phenomena that even the current clan head, Frey, couldn't account for.
As a result, the moment Leilin laid eyes on this blood-red ancient castle, he took a liking to it.
"A castle like this — this is where a Wizard truly ought to live... My Black Castle simply lacks the heritage!"
Leilin sighed.
Legend had it that Frey's family had even produced Morning Star-level Sorcerers at some point in their history. Naturally, that was not something he could compare to in his current state.
But Leilin had confidence in himself. As long as he could advance to the Morning Star rank, it would not take many years before the Black Castle, just like the Blood Snake Ancient Castle, could become a true Wizard's fortress.
At this moment, the square in front of the Blood Snake Ancient Castle was already packed with numerous carriages and a wide array of magical beast mounts and the like.
Before the castle gates, streams of guests poured in continuously, creating a lively atmosphere, punctuated now and then by all manner of greetings being called out.
Someone arriving alone like Leilin was exceedingly rare, and he immediately drew attention.
Fortunately, he was already well-known. Most of the organization's members had seen him before, and even those who hadn't certainly had his likeness on file, so there was no risk of any embarrassing incidents.
"Leilin, you're here!"
After a brief commotion at the entrance, Frey, dressed in an elegant gown, came out personally to welcome him.
It had been quite some time since they last met, yet her face still hadn't lost that trace of youthful innocence. Even though she carried the pressure of a Crystallization Wizard, she still looked like a little girl — a striking contrast with her mature and voluptuous figure.
"Calling me by my first name? Are we really that close?"
Leilin silently rolled his eyes, but still let Frey affectionately link arms with him as they walked into the Blood Snake Ancient Castle together.
This signal, laden with implicit meaning, spread immediately through the crowd.
Leilin was well aware that Frey probably hadn't entirely given up on her previous intentions — she simply loved putting on a show, whether deliberately or unconsciously, of her closeness with him in public settings.
But he didn't mind. At least, fewer of the other female Sorcerers would come looking for trouble.
The only one who had ever dared compete with Frey for a man was Milanta, and after he'd dealt with her, she had become much more well-behaved.
"I'm so glad you could make it. After the banquet, I'd like to meet with you privately — it's about our teacher!"
Frey whispered in Leilin's ear, then hugged him with a playful laugh before going off to attend to the other guests.
She was the main hostess today, and many high-ranking Sorcerers of distinguished standing had come, so naturally she couldn't spend all her time with Leilin alone.
"Teacher?" Leilin stroked his chin.
It seemed Frey had considerable interest in the rumor about the discovery of traces of the Infernal World, but she also appeared to carry a trace of worry. That kind of foresight alone put her above the other Sorcerers.
Leilin shrugged, found himself a quiet corner, and began enjoying the fine food and wine in peace.
As a great noble family with thousands of years of heritage, the banquet's spread of food far exceeded even Leilin's expectations.
"Ha ha! Leilin, do you like staying here all by yourself? Not going to dance?"
After sitting on the sofa for a while, Leilin spotted an acquaintance approaching.
Robin's aura was even more sinister than before — the black markings on his forehead had spread to cover nearly his entire face, giving Leilin a deeply unsettling feeling.
He was holding a crystal goblet brimming with wine, smiling as he gestured toward Leilin.
Meanwhile, on the other side, a group of female Sorcerers in revealing attire were casting flirtatious glances their way.
"Senior Robin!" Leilin nodded with a smile. "I'm not really interested in that sort of thing..."
"That's not what you said when you dealt with Milanta..." Robin shook his head with a grin and sat down next to Leilin.
It was obvious he had only brought up those female Sorcerers as a conversation starter.
"Your aura... has reached a level even I can't quite see through..." Robin looked Leilin up and down several times, then a sharp gleam flashed in his eyes as he spoke with a smile.
Being scrutinized like that sent a sudden chill through Leilin. Especially the carefully concealed greed in Robin's gaze — it made his heart skip a beat.
"Senior Robin, you're too kind. I've simply mastered a few high-powered Wizard spells recently, that's all..."
Leilin deflected with a laugh. The Mimicry Spell couldn't even be seen through by an ordinary Crystallized Wizard, yet Robin had detected a flaw in it — this immediately put him on high alert.
"How come I haven't seen Roya?" He swiftly changed the subject.
"Oh, him..." A hint of nostalgia flickered in Robin's eyes. "Roya has reached a critical stage in the vaporization of his Spiritual Power, so he remains with the clan most of the time..."
"Then I must congratulate you in advance, Senior..." Leilin replied with a smile, though he couldn't shake the feeling that things weren't as simple as Robin made them sound.
"Our last expedition was quite fruitful for us all. Now, I have some new intelligence here. How about it? Interested in venturing out together? I can give you a forty-percent cut of the profits this time!"
Robin fell silent for a moment before extending the invitation.