The Whereabouts of the Battle Blade Slaughter

Holy Union, Fenlai Kingdom.

Fenlai City.

Lucas Clan.

At this moment, the patriarch of the Lucas Clan, Jeb Lucas, was hosting a middle-aged man dressed in blue robes.

"Marquis Jeb, actually, besides the matter of the black iron ore, there is one more thing I would like to inquire about today."

The middle-aged man in blue robes spoke with a smile, his expression calm and unruffled.

"Oh? Please go ahead, Mr. Bomer."

Marquis Jeb smiled, his tone casual.

Although this Bomer did not hold a noble title, he was one of the individuals in charge of the Dawson Chamber of Commerce in Fenlai City. Even the nobles of the Fenlai Kingdom generally would not offend him. After all, who would turn their back on gold coins?

The middle-aged man in blue robes laughed and said, "I heard that Marquis Jeb enjoys collecting and possesses many precious items. Among them is a war blade called 'Slaughter'. I wonder if that is true."

Although it was a question, the middle-aged man in blue robes was clearly certain, his tone very affirmative.

"The war blade 'Slaughter'."

Marquis Jeb was stunned for a moment; he never expected the middle-aged man in blue robes to ask about this.

The fact that the war blade "Slaughter" had been "sold" was known only to a few core members of the clan. After all, this matter was related to a Saint-level expert, and such highly useful information could not possibly be shared with everyone.

This was a secret to be revealed only if the clan faced a crisis.

"There is indeed such a war blade."

Marquis Jeb did not hide it.

After all, collecting the war blade "Slaughter" had been something he frequently boasted about in the past. Anyone interested could easily find out.

"Hehe."

The middle-aged man in blue robes smiled and said, "It is like this: I wonder if Marquis Jeb has any intention of selling the war blade 'Slaughter'? Our Dawson Chamber of Commerce can offer a high price."

"Purchase the war blade 'Slaughter'?"

Marquis Jeb did not expect the middle-aged man in blue robes to say this, but his expression remained unchanged as he replied quite directly, "I am afraid I must disappoint Mr. Bomer. This war blade 'Slaughter' is my favorite collectible, and it is impossible to sell it."

"Marquis Jeb."

The middle-aged man in blue robes wanted to say something more, but he was interrupted by Marquis Jeb. "Let us not speak of this again. It is impossible for me to sell the war blade 'Slaughter'."

He did not want to offend the Dawson Chamber of Commerce simply because he did not want to turn his back on gold coins, but that did not mean he feared a mere manager of the Dawson Chamber of Commerce. After all, he himself was a Marquis of the Fenlai Kingdom with a very high status. The younger generation of his clan also held important positions in the kingdom, making them different from ordinary families.

Even the Debs Clan, known as one of the three great clans of the Fenlai Kingdom, actually meant nothing to them.

This was the foundation of a noble clan.

Seeing Marquis Jeb's attitude, the middle-aged man in blue robes found it difficult to say anything more. Although he failed to buy the war blade "Slaughter," he had at least confirmed its whereabouts, which could be considered an answer for Young Master Yale.

Fenlai City, branch of the Dawson Chamber of Commerce.

"The Lucas Clan?"

Hearing the report from the middle-aged man in blue robes, Yale frowned. "A Marquis of Fenlai City?"

"Yes, Young Master Yale. This Jeb Lucas is a Marquis, though he is old now and no longer holds an official post. However, his influence is not small, and many in his clan hold high positions in the Fenlai Kingdom."

Bomer said respectfully, "I have spoken with this Jeb Lucas, and it is very difficult to buy the war blade 'Slaughter'. After all, the Lucas Clan is not lacking in wealth."

"I understand. You may go now."

Yale said.

"Yes, Young Master Yale."

After Bomer acknowledged the order, he left directly.

Once Bomer had left, Yale could not help but rub his forehead. "A Marquis, and a Marquis with real power at that. This is a bit troublesome."

The Lucas Clan was different from ordinary families; even the Dawson Chamber of Commerce could not influence them. After all, the reason the Lucas Clan was powerful was not due to commerce, but because its members held high positions within the Fenlai Kingdom.

Even though Yale was the successor to the Dawson Chamber of Commerce, he was not yet qualified to rashly provoke such a powerful noble clan. Unless he used the connections of the Dawson Chamber of Commerce to pressure the Lucas Clan.

Not to mention whether it would succeed, doing so would certainly affect the reputation of the Dawson Chamber of Commerce in Fenlai City.

"I will speak with the third brother first. With the third brother's current status, this Lucas Clan might not dare to refuse."

Yale muttered to himself. Linley was now a Seventh-Rank Magus, the number one genius of the Ernst Institute and the second in its history. In the future, he would at the very least be a Ninth-Rank Grand Magus. Even if the Lucas Clan was powerful, they would have no choice but to bow before such an expert.

This was the reality of this world.

In a mansion on Green Leaf Road in the eastern part of Fenlai City, Linley was currently in the living room with Yale, discussing the matter of the war blade "Slaughter."

After hearing Yale's words, Linley frowned slightly. "Then I will pay a visit to this patriarch of the Lucas Clan tonight."

As for the war blade "Slaughter," Linley was determined to obtain it.

Whether it was for the glory of his clan or the entrustment of his father, Linley dared not forget it.

"Boss, why don't we just go and snatch it back?"

Beibei transmitted his voice directly into Linley's mind.

"Stop making trouble, you."

Linley couldn't help but smile helplessly at Beibei's words.

They certainly had the strength to seize the warblade Slaughter now, but Linley wouldn't rob others without a good reason. Besides, the current owner hadn't stolen the warblade Slaughter from the Baruch clan.

If the other party had stolen it, Linley wouldn't mind taking it back by force.

Beibei felt Linley pat his head, then closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside, and Bomer, a middle-aged man in blue robes, walked in with a smile on his face. "Young Master Yale, Minister Kelvin of the Fenlai Kingdom is outside. He wishes to see Young Master Linley."

"Kelvin? Who is he?"

Yale frowned.

Ever since Linley became a magus of the seventh rank, he had caused quite a stir throughout Fenlai City. Countless people wanted to pay him a visit, but given Linley's current status and standing, ordinary people couldn't even get an audience with him.

Bomer smiled. "Young Master Yale, this Kelvin is a member of the Lucas Clan. The head of the Lucas Clan, Marquis Jeb, is Kelvin's uncle."

Previously, he had followed Yale's orders to investigate the whereabouts of the warblade Slaughter, and it was indeed in the possession of the Lucas Clan. However, the head of the Lucas Clan had no intention of selling it to them.

Now that Kelvin had appeared, it might actually be a good thing for acquiring the warblade Slaughter.

A moment later, a man with golden curly hair walked into the hall with a smile.

Seeing Linley and Yale, the golden-haired man immediately bowed humbly. "Kelvin pays his respects to Young Master Yale and Young Master Linley."

"Kelvin, what do you want with my brother?"

Yale asked bluntly.

Kelvin didn't mind Yale's attitude at all. He looked at Linley and smiled. "I have come today to convey an invitation from His Majesty. He wishes to invite Young Master Linley to serve as a court magus for the Fenlai Kingdom. Of course, if Young Master Linley has other requests, you may state them. His Majesty simply hopes that Young Master Linley will stay in our Fenlai Kingdom."

Clearly, King Clayde of the Fenlai Kingdom was aware of the Radiant Church's interest in Linley. Compared to letting Linley go to the Radiant Church, he naturally preferred to keep him in the Fenlai Kingdom.

The Fenlai Kingdom belonged to the Holy Union, and its kings were constrained by the Radiant Church; the Church could easily depose a king if they wished. Therefore, having a powerful figure as a backer was vital for the royal family.

"Kelvin."

Linley didn't respond to the offer, cutting straight to the point. "You are from the Lucas Clan, aren't you?"

Compared to being a court magus, nothing else could capture Linley's attention right now.

"Yes."

Though he didn't know why Linley suddenly asked this, Kelvin answered humbly, "The head of the clan is indeed my uncle."

"I am from the Baruch clan."

Linley looked at Kelvin and said directly, "My Baruch clan has an ancestral heirloom called the warblade Slaughter. However, this blade left our family hundreds of years ago. I now wish to recover it. According to my information, our ancestral heirloom is currently in the possession of your Lucas Clan."

Linley stopped there, saying no more.

Upon hearing this, Kelvin frowned and fell silent.

As a core member of the clan, he was well aware of the matter regarding the warblade Slaughter. After all, it was one of the most important issues for the Lucas Clan at the moment.

If the warblade Slaughter were still in the clan's possession, given Linley's status, there might have been a chance to retrieve it.

But the truth was, the warblade Slaughter was no longer in the clan's hands. Even if it were, facing a legendary Saint-level expert and Linley, the clan would never choose to return it.

After all, the Baruch clan only had a Saint-level ancestor in the distant past. In the end, they were just a fallen noble family. Even if Linley had high talent, he was nothing compared to a Saint-level expert.

"Young Master Linley, I am very sorry about the warblade Slaughter. Let alone you, Young Master, even His Majesty the King could not get the warblade Slaughter from my uncle's hands."

Kelvin's expression darkened as he spoke.

King Clayde of the Fenlai Kingdom was a ninth-rank expert, the strongest in the kingdom. By bringing up Clayde, Kelvin was clearly telling Linley that getting the warblade Slaughter was an impossible task.

Hearing this, Yale frowned, not understanding why Kelvin would say such a thing.

In the Fenlai Kingdom, no clan dared to truly defy Clayde's will. Had this Kelvin gone mad?

Linley's expression also darkened. "Kelvin, this warblade Slaughter is an heirloom that has been passed down in our family for over five thousand years; its importance to us is self-evident. To an outsider, it might just be a collectible, but to our family, the loss of our heirloom is a disgrace."

Kelvin bowed slightly. "Young Master Linley, I am very sorry. This matter is more complicated than you imagine. I can only say that it is impossible for you to obtain the warblade Slaughter."

Seeing the dark expressions on Linley and Yale's faces, and considering Yale's status and Linley's current influence, Kelvin finally gritted his teeth and spoke. "Young Master Linley, it is not that the Lucas Clan wishes to oppose you, it is just that..."

Taking a few breaths, Kelvin finally whispered, "The warblade Slaughter is no longer in the Lucas Clan."

"What?"

Yale stood up first and said directly, "Impossible. I have already had people investigate; the warblade Slaughter has always been with your Lucas Clan."

Yale had full confidence in the capabilities of the Dawson Chamber of Commerce.

Linley also looked at Kelvin with suspicion. He knew Yale wouldn't lie to him, but Kelvin's demeanor didn't look like he was lying either. Especially since it was highly unlikely the Lucas Clan would want to make an enemy of him over the warblade Slaughter.

After all, anyone could see that he was highly valued by the Radiant Church; if he really asked the Church for a favor, they would likely be very willing to help.

Kelvin bowed slightly and said, "Young Master Linley, I am not deceiving you. If you truly wish to know the specific reason, you must ask my uncle."

Yale and Linley exchanged a glance, and finally, Linley spoke. "How about this: go back and talk to your uncle. Tell him that I will personally visit the Lucas Clan tonight."

Kelvin let out a breath and offered a helpless smile. "The Lucas Clan welcomes Young Master Linley's arrival. However, I still hope Young Master Linley prepares himself."

With that, Kelvin took his leave.

Linley and Yale both had grave expressions on their faces.

"Old Third, do you think what Kelvin said is true or false?"

Yale asked directly.

In his view, since his brother had become a seventh-rank mage and the second greatest genius in the history of the Yulan Continent, even the four great empires and the two major alliances held him in extremely high regard.

How could the Lucas Clan dare to refuse him?

"Perhaps it is true."

Linley's heart sank a little.

If it were truly just the Lucas Clan being unwilling to hand over the war blade Slaughter, he wouldn't be particularly worried. After all, if push came to shove, he could retrieve the blade through the Radiant Church. Although he didn't want to owe the Radiant Church any favors, he wouldn't mind doing so for the sake of his family's honor.

He could even retrieve the war blade Slaughter through Clayde, the king of the Fenlai Kingdom.

However, since Kelvin had actually claimed that even Clayde could not obtain the blade, the matter was likely much more troublesome.

"How is that possible?"

Yale frowned deeply. "We've been investigating for so long, and we are certain that the war blade Slaughter is definitely in the possession of the Lucas Clan."

"Forget it, Boss Yale. We'll know once tonight arrives."

Linley spoke, though his eyes looked outward, hoping that no unexpected complications would arise.

Nighttime.

The living room of the ancient Lucas Clan mansion was decorated with great taste, and the dozen or so people present were all individuals of high status within the Fenlai Kingdom. The lowest-ranking person among them was a count, and they were all there to wait for Linley.

Kelvin stood beside Jeb Lucas.

"Uncle, I don't think Linley will give up on getting the war blade Slaughter."

Kelvin thought of Linley's attitude during the day and spoke in a low voice.

Marquis Jeb hadn't changed much from ten years ago. Hearing Kelvin's words, he waved his hand dismissively. "Although this Linley is a genius, he still cannot influence much."

The other core members of the clan only knew that the clan had presented the war blade Slaughter to a Saint-level expert, but very few knew exactly who it was.

The only one who truly understood the situation remained Marquis Jeb himself.

That was the most formidable Saint-level powerhouse of recent times, Lord Fang Yun! No matter how talented Linley was, what could he possibly do? Let alone Linley, even if the Radiant Church came, they likely wouldn't dare to act rashly.

Of course, Marquis Jeb did not want to create any conflict with Linley. After all, Linley's potential was too great, so he had still held the banquet with great solemnity.

"Young Master Yale has arrived!"

"Young Master Linley has arrived!"

Soon, the servant at the entrance shouted loudly.

Everyone looked toward the doorway.

Marquis Jeb also wore a smile as he stood up. "Let's go and meet this second-greatest genius of the Yulan Continent."

Inside the Lucas Clan's living room, candlelight shone brightly as beautiful maids served plate after plate of delicious dishes. The group exchanged toasts and engaged in enthusiastic, polite conversation.

Linley had received an aristocratic education since he was young, so he was familiar with these social graces. On the surface, he chatted with others, but deep down, he felt a sense of annoyance.

"Boss Yale, I'm going to find Marquis Jeb first."

After shaking off an interlocutor, Linley spoke to Yale.

Yale nodded.

Linley then walked directly toward Marquis Jeb and Kelvin.

Seeing Linley approach, Marquis Jeb dismissed Kelvin. "Linley, I truly didn't expect you to come to the Lucas Clan in person. This is the honor of the Lucas Clan."

Linley didn't say anything else and went straight to the point. "Marquis Jeb, Kelvin must have already told you the purpose of my visit tonight."

Marquis Jeb didn't answer Linley directly, instead smiling. "Let's go to the side hall to talk."

Jeb would not speak of matters regarding Lord Fang Yun casually. However, if he truly couldn't shake Linley off, he wouldn't mind bringing it up to scare him away. He believed Linley understood the weight of the name "Fang Yun of the South Sea."

Linley was silent for a moment before following him.

With his current strength, combined with Beibei, he was confident he could escape even if Jeb had set a trap.

The side hall was decorated quite elegantly. Compared to the lively living room, it was much quieter, making it easy for one to relax their mind.

"Sit down," Marquis Jeb said with a smile.

After sitting down, Linley looked at Marquis Jeb. "Can Marquis Jeb give me an explanation now?"

Marquis Jeb took a sip of water, smiled, set down his cup, and looked at Linley. "Linley, since you were able to come today, I assume Kelvin told you that the war blade Slaughter is not in the possession of the Lucas Clan."

Linley nodded without speaking.

"Heh."

Marquis Jeb chuckled. "I know you don't believe it. However, it is the truth. The war blade Slaughter is indeed not in the Lucas Clan."

Without waiting for Linley to ask further, Marquis Jeb stared at him, his tone casual. "It hasn't been here for ten years. To be precise, it has been nine years."

Linley frowned, "Nine years ago?"

"Linley, this Jeb doesn't seem to be lying."

Doehring Cowart's voice echoed in Linley's mind. As a Saint-level soul, he had a certain degree of accuracy in discerning whether a person was speaking the truth.

After all, if a person were lying, their expression and the subtle reactions of their body would inevitably be different.

Linley responded inwardly, but his heart sank. After searching for so long, could it be that he had been looking in the wrong place?

"Marquis Jeb, I wonder if it would be convenient for you to tell me the whereabouts of the war blade Slaughter."

Linley looked at Jeb and asked directly.

Since even Yale could only discover that the war blade Slaughter was in the hands of the Lucas Clan, it stood to reason that the only person who knew its current location was Marquis Jeb himself.

Jeb smiled, "Linley, I actually suggest you give up on the war blade Slaughter."

"Don't overthink it."

Before Linley's expression could change, Marquis Jeb explained the reason, "Because not to mention you, even the powerhouses of the Radiant Church—I even suspect that even the Pope of the Radiant Church himself—would find it impossible to obtain the war blade Slaughter."

He knew the importance of heirloom treasures to a clan, especially for someone like Linley, whose clan had once been glorious and valued such things deeply. Moreover, Linley was highly regarded by the four great empires and the two great unions, and his potential for future rise was immense. He wanted to befriend Linley, which was why he was willing to say so much.

Otherwise, he would have had no reason to speak to anyone else.

Hearing this, Linley was stunned.

Even the Pope of the Radiant Church couldn't get it?

How could that be possible?

Although he was reluctant to admit it, he had indeed considered using the reputation of the Radiant Church to get the war blade Slaughter back.

The Radiant Church managed the entire Holy Union and was one of the six most powerful forces on the Yulan Continent; how could there be anything the Radiant Church couldn't accomplish?

"Marquis Jeb."

Linley frowned slightly.

"Sigh."

Marquis Jeb couldn't help but sigh, looking at Linley, "Actually, this matter is also my fault."

Although he said that, there was not a hint of regret in Marquis Jeb's tone.

"Hmm?"

Linley was a bit confused.

"I believe you must have heard the name of Lord Fang Yun of the South Sea, right?"

Marquis Jeb looked at Linley with a smile.

Linley frowned. Mr. Fang Yun? What did this have to do with Mr. Fang Yun?

Marquis Jeb gestured for Linley to drink his tea, then explained, "Actually, nine years ago, the war blade Slaughter was indeed in my possession. However, nine years ago, I hosted an important guest, and this guest took a fancy to the war blade Slaughter."

Soon, Marquis Jeb recounted the experience of that time.

There was a great deal of pride on Marquis Jeb's face; this event would be the most significant achievement of his life.

After hearing Marquis Jeb's description, Linley was completely dazed.

His mind echoed only with Marquis Jeb's words: Mr. Fang Yun.

It was actually Mr. Fang Yun who had bought the war blade Slaughter.

"Boss!"

Beibei's voice rang in Linley's mind.

Linley snapped out of it and took a deep breath, finally understanding what Marquis Jeb had meant earlier.

Indeed, if the war blade Slaughter was in the hands of Mr. Fang Yun, the Radiant Church would certainly not dare to demand it. After all, Mr. Fang Yun could force the Pope of the Dark Church to apologize and search the entire Yulan Continent for the Tiger-striped Secret Manual; he could just as easily force the Radiant Church to back down.

Although he had never officially met Mr. Fang Yun, Linley had never doubted the strength of Mr. Fang Yun.

"Boss, it's the Saint-level powerhouse those two, Doham and his brother, mentioned!"

Beibei continued to transmit his voice, his tone filled with surprise.

"Yeah."

Linley replied. Although he was extremely surprised, he secretly felt a sense of relief in his heart. Mr. Fang Yun was very powerful, but with the connection to the Doham brothers, he figured he might still have a chance.

Conversely, if it were some other unknown Saint-level powerhouse, that would be the real trouble.

Seeing Linley's expression, Marquis Jeb assumed Linley had backed down, so he advised, "Linley, this matter is my fault after all. How about this? I am willing to return the gold coins used to purchase the war blade Slaughter, how about that?"

He still wanted to befriend Linley.

After a pause, Marquis Jeb continued, "But as for the war blade Slaughter, I truly have no way to help."

He did not believe Linley would dare to go to Fang Yun to ask for the war blade Slaughter. Perhaps there were very few people on the Yulan Continent who dared to ask Fang Yun for anything.

Linley regained his composure, took a deep breath, and stood up, "No need. Since I know the whereabouts of the war blade Slaughter, I won't trouble Marquis Jeb any further."

Having said that, Linley left directly.

The only thought in his mind right now was to head to the Stone Sculpture Valley in the Magical Beast Mountain Range as soon as possible to wait for the return of Fang Yun.

Magical Beast Mountain Range, Stone Sculpture Valley.

After leaving the Lucas Clan, Linley headed straight for the Magical Beast Mountain Range the very next day and arrived at the Stone Sculpture Valley.

"The warblade Slaughter?"

Doham raised an eyebrow. Thinking of Linley's identity, he revealed a faint smile and nodded, "It is indeed in the hands of the master."

Although they had only learned two years ago that Linley was a descendant of the Baruch Clan, Linley had not mentioned looking for the warblade Slaughter at that time, so naturally, they had said nothing about it.

Seeing Doham admit it, Linley felt his heart settle slightly; he had been worried that the warblade Slaughter might not be here.

"Actually, all these stone sculptures were carved by the master using the Slaughter warblade."

Doham laughed.

"Carved with the warblade Slaughter?!"

Linley was incredibly shocked.

There were many tools for carving, but they were all specialized instruments. The warblade Slaughter was an offensive weapon; not to mention the difficulty of using such a blade to carve, even if one could control it, many fine details would be impossible to render.

Yet these stone sculptures were nearly "perfect"!

"How is this possible!"

Doehring Cowart's voice also rang out in Linley's mind, his tone filled with shock as well.

Using a warblade to carve like this? This was almost an impossible feat.

Doham did not mind Linley's shock; after all, when he had watched the master carve with his own eyes back then, he had been even more shocked than Linley.

"Linley, the master hasn't carved for a long time. If you want to find the warblade Slaughter, you can wait here in the Stone Sculpture Valley for the master to return."

Doham said directly, "However, I am not sure if the master will return the warblade Slaughter to you."

Although the master seemed to appreciate Linley, he had no certainty as to whether the master truly cared about Linley's intentions. In his view, other than Linley's talent and his unique bloodline, there was nothing about him worth the master's extra attention.

In fact, in Doham's opinion, even the reappearance of the Four Ultimate Warriors might not necessarily catch the master's eye.

"Many thanks, Brother Doham."

Linley nodded.

Naturally, he was worried in his heart, but he would not give up just like that. He had to try, even if it meant paying a price.

"Alright, don't worry."

Doham saw Linley's anxiety, patted him on the shoulder, and laughed, "Let's wait until the master returns. During this time, just focus on your cultivation."