To carry out Leylin's plan, this clone was undoubtedly the top priority.
Moreover, since the soul seed form could not be used, a portion of his true spirit would have to be split off and granted sufficient autonomous authority.
Leylin had already obtained the technique for splitting true spirits from Melinda, and he had just secured the remaining control technique from Inositt.
"Next, I need to combine these two techniques and develop a rebirth sorcery that works across different worlds… then use the power of the Disk of Mandehok to smuggle it into the World of the Gods…"
"Since it will be a fully autonomous individual, my clone's true spirit will be treated as a native by the World of the Gods. It won't attract too much surveillance, and can grow quietly…"
"Even if this investment fails, I'd only lose a single clone at most. And if I somehow succeed, I won't even need to directly occupy the World of the Gods—I just need to merge with that clone again and absorb the primal power of the World of the Gods that it gathered during its growth. That alone should be enough to bring me tremendous benefits… Not to mention, if it ultimately succeeds, the entire World of the Gods will be mine!!!"
Flames seemed to burn in Leylin's eyes.
Now that the plan was set, the other preparations could begin as well.
While for those higher existences, a single slumber could consume hundreds or even thousands of years, Leylin was different—he still had a host of matters that required his attention.
There were also matters concerning his family and descendants.
For Leylin, dealing with such mundane affairs cost him very little time and energy, yet brought him a certain sense of satisfaction. It was well worth the effort.
The long-dormant laboratory door was pulled open, revealing a dark passage beyond. Brass lamp stands cast a hazy glow, while the undying flames atop them continuously radiated incandescent light and heat.
"Even with a lifespan exceeding a hundred thousand years, this feeling of centuries passing in the blink of an eye…"
Leylin's mood grew somewhat heavy as he walked straight out of the hidden passage and into the world outside.
It was a winter afternoon at the castle, with warm sunlight streaming down continuously, carrying a cozy warmth. The peaks of the mountains surrounding the castle still bore traces of snow, yet there was a hint of vitality about them.
The place where Leylin emerged was none other than the most heavily guarded core of the castle.
Throughout the castle, high-ranking Warlocks were stationed and patrolling everywhere. The entire fortress was grand and magnificent, imbued with an air of nobility.
Moreover, the gaze of every low-ranking patrolling Warlock as they looked upon the castle was filled with profound reverence.
For what they guarded was the mightiest throne on the entire Central Continent! The pride of the bloodline Warlocks! The castle of the sixth-grade Warlock, supreme ruler of the entire Ouroboros Circle—Leilin Farell!
Yes, this castle was the new power core that Leilin had established on the South Coast, and it also served as the headquarters of the entire Farell family.
"Tagarian Castle is just the same as before!"
Leilin let out a faint smile, his entire figure vanishing from midair and instantly arriving in the great hall of the castle.
There, numerous ceremonial instruments began to tremble, producing a wondrous melody. The throne at the very center, in particular, began to radiate an aura of dark luminescence, as if welcoming the arrival of its sovereign.
With a flash of light, Leilin seated himself directly upon the throne. The top of the seat automatically formed several curved indentations, making for an exceptionally comfortable fit.
"Mm! Very nice!" Leilin nodded. In the next moment, he perceived a wave of joyful intent emanating from the entire hall — this was the emotional resonance belonging to the castle itself.
With Leilin's power, the tremendous radiation waves he unconsciously emitted alone could thoroughly transform all of Tagarian Castle within a very short time.
And back during its construction, Leilin had deliberately subjected the castle's materials to radiation activation and modification.
The current Tagarian Castle had long since become a true Warlock's fortress, on par with many of the famous ancient Wizard castles across the Central Continent. It had even developed a will of its own, submitting to Leilin's dominion.
Furthermore, the castle itself had developed all manner of uncanny abilities, granting it formidable defensive power.
"Without my permission, I'm afraid that even fifth- or sixth-grade Wizards would find themselves unable to take a single step inside this castle!"
Leilin had every confidence in this.
"Notify everyone — I've arrived!" Leilin tapped the armrest of his seat.
"Dong!! Dong!!!" At the center of Tagarian Castle, atop a massive black bell tower, a heavy bronze bell swayed without wind and began to produce a deep yet penetrating sound.
The resonant tolling of the great bell reverberated throughout the castle, leaving many of the Warlocks stunned.
"N-Nine consecutive rings! This signal…"
A newly inducted Warlock stood with a dazed expression on his face, as if he had witnessed something utterly inconceivable.
"You're in luck, kid! You actually happened to be here the moment the Bloodline Throne Lord emerged from seclusion!" Beside him, his captain delivered a solid thump to his chest, a hint of indescribable wistfulness in his voice. "The pity is, the central Council Hall isn't a place we're allowed to enter… Only the various stewards, butlers, and relatives of the Bloodline Throne have the right to step inside…"