The flat, pitch-black silhouette had no depth at all.
It was like a crude oil painting by a beginner. Though the figure's features were blurry, one could just barely make out its eyes and nose, along with its mouth opening and closing as it spoke—even the subtle, proud curve at the corner of its mouth.
What a bizarre sight.
For a moment, everyone present searched their memories for a renowned scholar who matched the figure, but none could recall anyone like it.
Yet there was no mistaking the overwhelming pressure radiating from him.
This was a supremely powerful scholar whose identity was shrouded in mystery!
"What is this?!"
The first to react was Anxi of the Furnace's Might.
The stern, square-faced man had been patiently waiting there for quite some time. The moment the mysterious crystal skull staff appeared, the alchemy master's eyes flew wide. He stared so hard they nearly bulged, and the usually composed man even drooled, an uncanny gleam shining in his eyes.
His keen instincts told him that this crystal skull staff was no ordinary object.
At his words, the Black Shadow gave a sinister laugh.
"The Particle Realm Eye."
"The Particle Realm Eye?"
Anxi murmured.
Though he had no idea what marvels the staff possessed, the mysterious eye set in the crystal skull and the powerful energy resonance contained within its shaft were unmistakable signs of materials of the highest caliber—law-treasure-grade magic materials. Even if the alchemist who forged it had lacked skill, a magical artifact made from such rare materials would likely far surpass ordinary artifacts in quality and attributes.
"I wonder if I might..."
"Cackle, cackle, cackle! Master, please be patient. Let me deal with the matter at hand first."
Anxi of the Furnace's Might forcibly reined in his impatience and swallowed. "Very