A Newborn Calf?

"You really are as smart as the rumors say."

The ferocity on Dai Li's face finally faded, replaced by faint indifference.

"Tell me, what makes you so certain that mortal possesses the Talent Abilities I want?"

"Because I saw it with my own eyes—he controlled the corpses of five demon princes." Di Ge Niu You's eyes widened slightly, endless greed glinting in his pupils.

"Demon prince corpses that had already reached level 100!"

"That mortal was only level 42... It was enough to show just how powerful his Talent Abilities were!"

"And they are exceptionally compatible with Your Highness's Talent Abilities."

"With the help of the [Blasphemy Stone Cocoon], it will certainly allow Your Highness to advance even further!"

"Perhaps he is merely relying on an item." Prince Dai Li's gaze returned to the black mist within the flesh ball. The two challengers still had not emerged.

"If he were merely relying on an item, Vladimir would not have allowed that mortal to become a challenger on the Path of Pain." Di Ge Niu You spoke with absolute certainty.

"Given his nature, he would not hesitate to strike from the shadows, kill him, and seize his treasure!"

"Mm, that makes sense." Prince Dai Li nodded to herself.

"But then again."

"Even if everything you said is true, Vladimir was the one who brought that person into the Ancient Basin."

"According to the rules set by the Council of Elders, if a challenger dies on the Path of Pain, the guide has priority in the allocation of the Talent Crystal."

"Even as a prince, I cannot defy that rule."

"Naturally." Rather than refuting her, Di Ge Niu You readily agreed.

"If the guide is still alive, then even if the Demon King himself came, he could not defy that rule."

"Then