In a secluded valley somewhere along the border of the Land of Demons.
Lin Ze looked at the bandits lying motionless before him. Faint wisps of black energy coiled around them, and their eyes were vacant, as though they had no consciousness of their own.
These men, corrupted by Dark Chakra, were only about Chunin level, but they fought without fear of death, making them quite troublesome.
He crouched down and removed a dark purple crystal from one bandit's chest. It was cold to the touch and gave off an ominous aura.
"Dark Crystals... looks like the mission is complete."
After a brief inspection, Lin Ze stored the crystals in a sealing scroll. Without further delay, he immediately headed back to the capital of the Land of Demons.
Infiltrating the priestess's palace again was even easier than the first time.
When Lin Ze placed the scroll containing the sealed Dark Crystals on the desk before the priestess, a flicker of surprise crossed the eyes of the woman who had remained composed throughout.
"You're very efficient, Suzaku."
"Keep your promise." Lin Ze got straight to the point.
The priestess glanced at him and said nothing more, merely clapping her hands softly.
An attendant, also dressed in priestess robes, entered carrying an antique wooden box.
The priestess instructed the attendant:
"Take him to the secret chamber in the side hall. He may study there for three days. During that time, if he has questions about the basic theories in the scrolls, you may answer them on my behalf, but you must not discuss any specific jutsu formulas or core secrets."
"Yes, my lady."
The attendant answered respectfully, then gestured for Lin Ze to follow.
Lin Ze felt a stir of interest. This was an unexpected bonus.
He had originally thought he