Holy Union, Fenlai Kingdom.
Fenlai City.
The Lucas Clan.
At that moment, Jeb Lucas, the head of the Lucas Clan, was entertaining a middle-aged man in a blue robe.
"Marquis Jeb, actually, besides the matter of the black iron ore, there's something else I'd like to ask you about."
The middle-aged man in blue smiled as he spoke, his expression calm.
"Oh? Please, Mr. Bomer."
Marquis Jeb smiled amiably, his tone casual.
Although Bomer had no noble title, he was one of the Dawson Chamber of Commerce's directors in Fenlai City. Even the nobles of the Fenlai Kingdom generally wouldn't offend him. After all, who would turn down gold coins?
The middle-aged man in blue smiled. "I heard that Marquis Jeb enjoys collecting and has many precious items. Among them is a battle-ax called 'Slaughter.' I wonder if that's true."
Though he phrased it as a question, the middle-aged man clearly already knew the answer. His tone was certain.
"The battle-ax 'Slaughter.'"
Marquis Jeb was taken aback. He hadn't expected the man in blue to ask about it.
Only a handful of the clan's core members knew that the battle-ax "Slaughter" had been "sold." After all, the matter involved a Saint-level powerhouse. That was extremely valuable information—how could they tell everyone?
It was a secret they would reveal only if the clan ever faced a crisis.
"There is indeed such a battle-ax."
Marquis Jeb didn't hide the fact.
After all, he had often boasted about owning the battle-ax "Slaughter." Anyone who cared to investigate could easily find out.
"Heh."
The middle-aged man in blue chuckled. "Here's the thing: would you consider selling the battle-ax 'Slaughter,' Marquis Jeb? The Dawson Chamber of Commerce can offer a high price."
"Buy the battle-ax 'Slaughter'?"
Marquis Jeb hadn't expected him to say that, but his expression didn't change. He replied directly, "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you, Mr. Bomer. The battle-ax 'Slaughter' is my favorite piece in my collection. I would never sell it."
"Marquis Jeb—"
The middle-aged man in blue tried to say more, but Marquis Jeb cut him off. "Let's not discuss this any further. I will not sell the battle-ax 'Slaughter.'"
He didn't want to offend the Dawson Chamber of Commerce, but that was only because he didn't want to turn down money. It didn't mean he feared one of the commerce's directors. He himself was a marquis of the Fenlai Kingdom, with a lofty status. His clan's younger generation also held important posts in the kingdom, making them very different from an ordinary clan.
Even the Debs Clan, known as one of the three great clans of the Fenlai Kingdom, was nothing much to them.
That was the foundation of a noble clan.
Seeing Marquis Jeb's attitude, the middle-aged man in blue knew better than to press him. Although he hadn't managed to buy the battle-ax "Slaughter," he had at least confirmed its whereabouts. That was enough to give Young Master Yale an answer.
Fenlai City, Dawson Chamber of Commerce branch.
"The Lucas Clan?"
After hearing the middle-aged man's report, Yale furrowed his brow. "A marquis in Fenlai City?"
"Yes, Young Master Yale. Jeb Lucas is a marquis, though he's old now and no longer holds office. Still, his influence is considerable, and many members of his clan hold high positions in the Fenlai Kingdom."
Bomer spoke respectfully. "I talked to Jeb Lucas. It'll be difficult to buy the battle-ax 'Slaughter.' The Lucas Clan certainly isn't short of money."
"I understand. You can go now."
Yale spoke.
"Yes, Young Master Yale."
Bomer answered, then left.
Only after Bomer was gone did Yale rub his forehead, unable to help muttering, "A marquis—and one with real power at that. This is troublesome."
The Lucas Clan was different from ordinary clans. Even the Dawson Chamber of Commerce couldn't exert influence over them. The Lucas Clan's strength didn't come from business; it came from its members holding high positions in the Fenlai Kingdom.
Even though Yale was the heir to the Dawson Chamber of Commerce, he wasn't yet in a position to rashly provoke such a powerful noble clan. He would have to call in the commerce's connections and put pressure on the Lucas Clan.
Whether that would work or not, the Dawson Chamber of Commerce's reputation in Fenlai City would certainly suffer.
"I should tell Third Brother first. With his status now, the Lucas Clan might not dare refuse him."
Yale murmured to himself. Linley was a Level Seven Mage, the Ernst Institute's top student and the second greatest genius in its history. At the very least, he would become a Ninth-Rank Grand Magus someday. No matter how powerful the Lucas Clan was, it would have to bow before someone like that.
That was simply how the world worked.
In a residence on Green Leaf Road in eastern Fenlai City, Linley was in the living room with Yale, discussing the battle-ax "Slaughter."
After listening to Yale, Linley furrowed his brow. "Then I'll pay a visit to the head of the Lucas Clan tonight."
Linley was determined to obtain the battle-ax "Slaughter."
He couldn't forget, whether for the honor of his clan or because of his father's instructions.
"Boss, why don't we just go take it back?"
Beibei sent the words directly into Linley's mind.
"You, stop causing trouble."
Linley smiled helplessly at Beibei's suggestion.
They had the strength to seize the battle-ax "Slaughter," but Linley wouldn't rob someone for no reason. Besides, the other party hadn't stolen the battle-ax "Slaughter" from the Baruch Clan.
If they had stolen it, Linley wouldn't have minded taking it back.
Linley patted Beibei on the head, and Beibei closed his eyes and went back to sleep.
Just then, footsteps sounded outside. The middle-aged man in blue, Bomer, came in with a smile. "Young Master Yale, Minister Kelvin of the Fenlai Kingdom is waiting outside. He wishes to meet Young Master Linley."
"Kelvin? Who's that?"
Yale frowned.
Ever since Linley had become a Level Seven Mage, he had caused a sensation throughout Fenlai City. Countless people wanted to visit him, but given Linley's current status, ordinary people couldn't even get an audience.
Bomer smiled. "Young Master Yale, Kelvin is a member of the Lucas Clan. The head of the Lucas Clan, Marquis Jeb, is his uncle."
Earlier, he had followed Yale's orders and investigated the whereabouts of the battle-ax "Slaughter." It was in the Lucas Clan, but the clan's head had no intention of selling it to them.
Now that Kelvin had appeared, perhaps it would help them buy the battle-ax "Slaughter."
A short while later, a man with golden curls entered the hall with a smile.
Seeing Linley and Yale, he immediately bowed with a humble air. "Kelvin greets 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 in the slightest. He looked at Linley and smiled. "I came to convey His Majesty's invitation to Young Master Linley. His Majesty wishes to appoint you as a court mage of the Fenlai Kingdom. Of course, if you have other requests, you can make them. His Majesty's only wish is for you to stay in our kingdom."
Clearly, King Clayde of the Fenlai Kingdom knew that the Radiant Church had invited Linley. Rather than let Linley go to the Radiant Church, he naturally preferred that Linley stay in Fenlai Kingdom.
The Fenlai Kingdom belonged to the Holy Union, and the kingdom's king was subject to the Radiant Church's authority. The Radiant Church could even easily depose the king of a kingdom. So having a powerful backer was very important to the royal family.
"Kelvin."
Linley didn't answer Kelvin. Instead, he got straight to the point. "You're a member of the Lucas Clan, aren't you?"
At the moment, a court mage position couldn't catch Linley's interest.
"Yes."
Although Kelvin didn't know why Linley had suddenly asked, he answered humbly. "The head of our clan is my uncle."
"I'm from the Baruch Clan."
Linley looked at Kelvin and spoke directly. "My clan has a treasured heirloom, the battle-ax 'Slaughter.' But the weapon left my clan several hundred years ago. I want to reclaim it now. And from what I've learned, our clan's heirloom is currently with the Lucas Clan."
Linley stopped there.
Kelvin furrowed his brow and fell silent.
As one of the clan's core members, he knew about the battle-ax "Slaughter." After all, it was one of the most important matters facing the Lucas Clan.
If the battle-ax "Slaughter" were still in the clan, Linley might have been able to reclaim it.
But it wasn't in the clan anymore. Even if it were, faced with the legendary Saint-level powerhouse and Linley, the clan still wouldn't choose to return the battle-ax "Slaughter" to Linley.
After all, the Baruch Clan had only had Saint-level powerhouses among its ancestors. In the end, it was now just a fallen noble clan. Even Linley's talent wouldn't amount to much before a Saint-level powerhouse.
"Master Linley, I'm very sorry about the battle-ax 'Slaughter.' It would be impossible for even His Majesty the King to take it from my uncle."
Kelvin's expression darkened as he spoke.
King Clayde of the Fenlai Kingdom was a Ninth-Rank powerhouse and the strongest person in the kingdom. By bringing up Clayde, Kelvin was clearly telling Linley that there was no way to obtain the battle-ax "Slaughter."
Hearing this, Yale frowned, unable to understand why Kelvin would say such a thing.
After all, no clan in the Fenlai Kingdom would truly dare defy Clayde. Was Kelvin crazy?
Linley's expression darkened as well. "Kelvin, this battle-ax 'Slaughter' has been passed down in our clan for more than five thousand years. You can imagine how important it is to us. To outsiders, it's just a collectible. But for our clan, losing our ancestral treasure is a disgrace."
Kelvin bowed slightly. "Master Linley, I'm sorry. This matter is more complicated than you imagine. I can only say that there's no way you can get the battle-ax 'Slaughter.'"
Seeing the dark looks on Linley and Yale's faces—and considering Yale's status and Linley's influence—Kelvin finally gritted his teeth and spoke. "Master Linley, it's not that the Lucas Clan wants to oppose you. It's just that..."
He took a few breaths, then spoke in a low voice. "The battle-ax 'Slaughter' is no longer with the Lucas Clan."
"What?"
Yale was the first to stand up and speak. "Impossible. I've already had people look into it. The battle-ax 'Slaughter' has always been with your Lucas Clan."
Yale had complete faith in the Dawson Chamber of Commerce's abilities.
Linley looked at Kelvin in confusion as well. He knew Yale wouldn't lie to him, but Kelvin didn't look like he was lying either. And the Lucas Clan certainly wouldn't want to make an enemy of him over the battle-ax "Slaughter."
After all, anyone with sense could see that the Radiant Church valued him. If he asked the church for help, they would surely be willing to do him a favor.
Kelvin bowed slightly, then said, "Master Linley, I haven't deceived you. If you truly want to know the details, you'll have to ask my uncle."
Yale and Linley exchanged glances. In the end, Linley spoke. "All right. Go back and speak to your uncle first. Tell him I'll pay a personal visit to the Lucas Clan tonight."
Kelvin let out a breath and gave a helpless smile. "The Lucas Clan welcomes your arrival, Master Linley. Still, I hope you'll prepare yourself."
With that, Kelvin took his leave.
Linley and Yale both looked troubled.
"Third Brother, do you think Kelvin was telling the truth?"
Yale asked directly.
In his view, Third Brother had become a Level Seven Mage and the second greatest genius in the history of the Yulan Continent. The Four Great Empires and the Two Great Alliances all took him very seriously.
How could the Lucas Clan dare refuse him?
"Perhaps he was telling the truth..."
Linley felt a sinking feeling.
If the Lucas Clan simply didn't want to hand over the battle-ax "Slaughter," Linley wouldn't be particularly worried. If necessary, he could get it back through the Radiant Church. He didn't want to owe the church a favor, but for the honor of his clan, he wouldn't mind doing so.
He could even get the battle-ax "Slaughter" back through King Clayde of the Fenlai Kingdom.
But Kelvin had said that even Clayde couldn't obtain the battle-ax "Slaughter." This could be quite troublesome.
"How is that possible?"
Yale frowned deeply. "We've investigated for so long. We were certain the battle-ax 'Slaughter' was in the Lucas Clan."
"Forget it, Big Brother Yale. We'll know tonight."
Linley spoke, but his eyes turned toward the outside, hoping nothing unexpected would happen.
That evening.
The sitting room in the Lucas Clan's ancient residence was tastefully arranged. The dozen or so people gathered there were all prominent figures in the Fenlai Kingdom. The lowest-ranking among them was an earl, and they were all there to await Linley.
Kelvin stood beside Jeb Lucas.
"Uncle, I'm afraid Linley won't let this go if he can't get the battle-ax 'Slaughter.'"
Thinking of Linley's attitude earlier that day, Kelvin spoke in a low voice.
Marquis Jeb looked much as he had ten years ago. Hearing Kelvin's words, he waved a hand indifferently. "Linley is a genius, but he can't affect anything."
The other core members of the clan only knew that the clan had offered the battle-ax "Slaughter" to a Saint-level lord. Few knew who he was.
Only Marquis Jeb himself knew the full story.
That lord was the most powerful Saint-level powerhouse of recent years, Lord Fang Yun! No matter how powerful Linley was, what could he do? Even if the Radiant Church came, it probably wouldn't dare do anything.
Of course, Marquis Jeb didn't want to get into a conflict with Linley either. Linley had enormous potential, so he had still taken care to host a banquet.
"Young Master Yale has arrived!"
"Young Master Linley has arrived!"
Soon, the servants at the entrance called out loudly.
Everyone looked toward the door.
Marquis Jeb smiled and stood up. "Come, let's meet the second-greatest genius of the Yulan Continent."
Inside the Lucas Clan's sitting room, candlelight filled the space. Beautiful maids served platter after platter of delicious food, while a crowd of people raised their cups and chatted with one another, all warmth and courtesy.
Linley had received a noble's education from childhood and knew how to handle such gatherings. He chatted with the others on the surface, but inside he felt somewhat annoyed.
"Big Brother Yale, I'll go speak with Marquis Jeb first."
After extricating himself from one conversation, Linley spoke to Yale.
Yale nodded.
Linley then went straight over to Marquis Jeb and Kelvin.
When Marquis Jeb saw Linley approaching, he excused Kelvin. "Linley, I never expected you to visit the Lucas Clan in person. It's an honor for us."
Linley didn't bother with pleasantries and got straight to the point. "Marquis Jeb, Kelvin has told you why I came tonight, hasn't he?"
Marquis Jeb didn't answer directly. He smiled and said, "Come, let's talk in the side room."
Marquis Jeb wouldn't casually reveal anything about Lord Fang Yun. But if he really couldn't get rid of Linley, he didn't mind using it to scare him off. Linley surely understood what the words "Fang Yun of the South Sea" meant.
Linley fell silent briefly, then followed him.
With his current strength and Beibei at his side, he was confident he could get away even if Jeb had set a trap.
The side room was elegantly decorated. Compared with the lively sitting room, it was much quieter, making it easy to relax.
"Have a seat."
Marquis Jeb smiled.
After Linley sat down, he looked at Marquis Jeb. "Can you give me an explanation now?"
Marquis Jeb took a sip of water, smiled, set down his teacup, and looked at Linley. "Linley, since you came here tonight, I assume Kelvin told you that the battle-ax 'Slaughter' isn't with the Lucas Clan."
Linley nodded but didn't speak.
"Heh."
Marquis Jeb smiled. "I know you don't believe me. But it's true. The battle-ax 'Slaughter' really isn't with the Lucas Clan."
Before Linley could ask anything else, Marquis Jeb fixed his eyes on him and spoke casually. "It left ten years ago. To be exact, nine years ago."
Linley furrowed his brow. "Nine years ago?"
"Linley, Jeb doesn't seem to be lying."
Doehring Cowart's voice echoed in Linley's mind. As a Saint-level soul, he was fairly good at discerning whether someone was telling the truth.
After all, when a person lied, there were subtle differences in their expression and physical reactions.
Linley acknowledged him silently, but his heart sank. After searching for so long, had he really been looking in the wrong place?
"Marquis Jeb, would you be willing to tell me where the battle-axe Slaughter is?"
Linley looked at Jeb and asked directly.
Since even Yale had only been able to find out that the battle-axe Slaughter was in the hands of the Lucas Clan, then Marquis Jeb was probably the only one who knew where it was.
Jeb smiled. "Linley, actually, I'd advise you to give up on the battle-axe Slaughter."
"Don't get the wrong idea."
Before Linley's expression could change, Marquis Jeb explained why. "It's because even the Radiant Church's powerful figures couldn't get it. I suspect that not even the Pope of Light could obtain the battle-axe Slaughter."
He knew how important a family heirloom was to a clan, especially to someone like Linley, whose family had once been glorious. Linley was also valued by the Four Great Empires and the two alliances, and had great potential to rise in the future. Jeb wanted to cultivate a friendship with him, so he told him a little more than he otherwise would have.
With anyone else, he wouldn't have bothered to say so much.
Linley was stunned.
Even the Pope of Light couldn't get it?
How was that possible?
Though he was reluctant to admit it, he had indeed thought of using the Radiant Church's name to get the battle-axe Slaughter back.
The Radiant Church governed the entire Holy Union. It was one of the six most powerful forces on the Yulan Continent. How could there be anything it couldn't handle?
"Marquis Jeb..."
Linley furrowed his brow.
"Ah..."
Marquis Jeb couldn't help sighing. He looked at Linley. "Actually, this was my fault, too."
Though he said that, there was not the slightest hint of regret in his voice.
"Hmm?"
Linley was confused.
"I'm sure you've heard of Lord Fang Yun of the South Sea, haven't you?"
Marquis Jeb smiled at Linley.
Linley furrowed his brow. Lord Fang Yun? What did he have to do with Lord Fang Yun?
Marquis Jeb invited Linley to drink some tea, then explained. "Actually, nine years ago, the battle-axe Slaughter was in my possession. But that year, I received an important guest, and he took a liking to the battle-axe Slaughter."
Marquis Jeb soon recounted what had happened back then.
His face was full of pride. That experience would be one of the most important moments of his life.
After hearing Marquis Jeb's account, Linley was dumbstruck.
Only Marquis Jeb's words echoed in his mind: Lord Fang Yun...
Lord Fang Yun had actually bought the battle-axe Slaughter.
"Boss!"
Beibei's voice sounded in Linley's mind.
Linley came to his senses and let out a long breath. At last, he understood what Marquis Jeb had meant.
Indeed, if the battle-axe Slaughter was in Lord Fang Yun's hands, the Radiant Church wouldn't dare ask for it. After all, Lord Fang Yun had forced the Dark Church's pope to apologize and had the entire Yulan Continent searched for the Tiger-striped Secret Manual; he could just as easily force the Radiant Church to back down.
Though he had never formally met Lord Fang Yun, Linley had never doubted his strength.
"Boss, he's the Saint-level expert those two brothers, Doham and the other one, were talking about!"
Beibei sent the thought to Linley, sounding just as surprised.
"Mm."
Linley replied. Though he was extremely surprised, he was also secretly relieved. Lord Fang Yun was powerful, but with the two Doham brothers there, Linley figured he still had some chance.
By contrast, it would have been a real problem if the weapon had belonged to some Saint-level expert he didn't know.
Seeing Linley's expression, Marquis Jeb thought he was backing down and tried to persuade him. "Linley, this was my fault, after all. How about this? I'm willing to return the gold coins I paid for the battle-axe Slaughter."
He still wanted to cultivate a friendship with Linley.
After a pause, Marquis Jeb continued, "But as for the battle-axe Slaughter, there's nothing I can do."
He didn't think Linley would go to Lord Fang Yun to ask for the battle-axe Slaughter. There probably weren't many people on the Yulan Continent who would dare to do that.
Linley came to his senses, let out a long breath, then stood up. "No need. Now that I know where the battle-axe Slaughter is, I won't trouble you any further, Marquis Jeb."
With that, Linley left.
The only thought in his mind now was to return to the Stone Sculpture Valley in the Magical Beast Mountain Range as soon as possible and wait for Lord Fang Yun to come back.
Magical Beast Mountain Range,
Stone Sculpture Valley.
The day after leaving the Lucas Clan, Linley headed straight for the Magical Beast Mountain Range and arrived at the Stone Sculpture Valley.
"The battle-axe Slaughter?"
Doham raised an eyebrow. Thinking of Linley's identity, he smiled and nodded. "It is indeed in the lord's hands."
Though Linley was a descendant of the Baruch Clan, Doham and the others had only learned that two years ago. Linley hadn't mentioned that he was looking for the battle-axe Slaughter back then, so naturally they hadn't said anything about it.
Hearing Doham confirm it, Linley felt a little relieved. He had been worried the battle-axe Slaughter might not be here.
"Actually, the lord carved all these sculptures with the battle-axe Slaughter," Doham said with a smile.
"Carved them with the battle-axe Slaughter?!"
Linley was astounded.
There were many kinds of carving tools, but each was made for a specific purpose. The battle-axe Slaughter, on the other hand, was a weapon meant for combat. Leaving aside the difficulty of carving with such a weapon, even if someone could control it, many details would be impossible to carve.
Yet these sculptures were nearly perfect!
"Impossible!"
Doehring Cowart's voice echoed in Linley's mind, full of shock.
To carve something like this with a battle-axe? It was almost impossible.
Doham paid no mind to Linley's shock. When he had watched the lord carve them with his own eyes, he had been even more astonished than Linley.
"Linley, the lord hasn't carved for a long time. If you want to look for the battle-axe Slaughter, you can wait here in the Stone Sculpture Valley for him to return."
Doham spoke directly. "But I'm not sure whether the lord will give the battle-axe Slaughter back to you."
The lord admired Linley, but Doham couldn't be sure the lord really cared about what Linley thought. In his view, aside from Linley's talent and unusual bloodline, there was nothing about him that would make the lord give him a second glance.
Indeed, Doham thought that even if the Four Ultimate Warriors reappeared, that might not be enough to draw the lord's attention.
"Thank you, Brother Doham."
Linley nodded.
He was naturally worried, but he wouldn't give up. He would give it a try, even if he had to pay a price.
"All right, don't worry."
Doham saw Linley's concern and patted him on the shoulder with a smile. "Wait until the lord comes back. In the meantime, focus on your cultivation."
Before you continue