Lost Property

"Have you found the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys?"

After hearing Nia's report, Li Lin's somewhat depressed mood from the meeting vanished.

Are you sure? In the Underdark?

"Although it's not 100% certain yet, based on the information left by the Dark Elf, we can be about 75% sure."

Although Nia appeared calm in the illusion, Li Lin could still detect a hint of excitement in her voice.

"According to the Dark Elf's historical records, during their expulsion from their tribe and journey to the underworld, a mysterious woman aided the fleeing elves. She protected them as they entered the underground and helped them survive the initial hardships in the perilous depths. However, after the elves established their first city, she vanished. Thereafter, the unguided elves were forced to become followers of an evil god, transforming into Dark Elf."

"So, that mysterious woman..."

"Judging from her style of doing things, it's very much like her."

"Indeed."

Faced with Nia's assessment, Li Lin nodded, then frowned.

"It's just that I didn't expect her to be in this Underdark... It's really strange."

"As always, he's someone who always surprises us."

Nia nodded slightly, indicating that she agreed with Li Lin's opinion.

"So, Li Lin, what do you plan to do?"

"Can you find the exact location?"

"Although it took some time, all I was able to investigate was the location where she was last seen. I also inquired with other Dark Elf about that place, and it seems to be a rather dangerous location. Even Dark Elf and Duergar rarely venture there. Based on its current location, it should be inside a dark cave not far from the Duergar city."

"In any case, it's always a good thing to have a result."

Although Nia's wording was still somewhat ambiguous, Li Lin didn't waste any more time hesitating or pondering. He understood that since Nia had provided him with this information, it must have been verified. Therefore, he didn't need to ask further questions; taking action was enough. Fortunately, although the negotiations with the Duergar hadn't gone smoothly, they had at least achieved their goal. Therefore, upon learning that he possessed weapons, Li Lin was already prepared to leave the city immediately and head to his destination.

"The address is where you mentioned, right? We're quite close by. I plan to head there immediately to scout the area. You guys..."

"Miss Angela and I will act immediately. The Dark Elf in the city have been very well-behaved lately, so there shouldn't be any special problems."

"Very good."

It seems that everything is ready.

Back in the room the priestess had specially prepared for him, Li Lin finally relaxed. He had to admit, the Duergar's persistent, manipulative negotiating style was truly a headache. Whether it was a cunning Dark Elf or a human, Li Lin was confident he could easily resolve issues with words. However, with the Duergar, who were completely unyielding, he was truly helpless. Even using charm magic was highly likely to fail due to the dwarves' unique resistance to magic. While increasing its power could succeed, that might be going too far.

With this in mind, Li Lin finally understood why the Dark Elf allowed the Duergar to retain their cities instead of capturing them all like the Goblins and Orcs. Perhaps even these Dark Elf, known for their cunning, treachery, and cruelty, couldn't completely subdue these ill-tempered Duergar.

"That said, those Duergar are indeed troublesome..."

Li Lin closed his eyes and muttered to himself. At this moment, he felt a sense of sympathy for these Dark Elf. They wouldn't listen to coercion, they wouldn't listen to bribery, force wouldn't work, and gentle persuasion was even more ineffective... No wonder there was a saying in the Underdark: the Duergar live in stone, use stone, but who knows if they eat stone, or if they themselves are stone?

However, this way, he would have two weapons.

Thinking of this, Li Lin's heart began to race with excitement. He had remained calm in the Capital of the Magic Empire, but he hadn't expected to find a second weapon so quickly. If that were the case, once he found the Infinite Corridor, his plan could begin. While not entirely complete, it was the best solution for Li Lin, who desperately needed combat power.

"That way, it can be activated. Once it's activated, the Five-Nation Alliance —no, the entire continent—will know of our return. However, until then, they'll probably adopt a wait-and-see approach. Angela's little tricks should have almost worked their magic. Once we drag these guys into the mire, the preparations can be taken care of..."

For Li Lin, the entire plan had been in the works since his return, but only now did he see a glimmer of hope for a solution. The Seven Ring Spirit Envoys, the seven most powerful Weapon Spirit created by Li Lin, had already been acquired in such a short time, which would naturally have immeasurable benefits for his plan.

However, obstacles still exist.

When Fina snapped out of her meditation, it was already night.

Of course, there is no distinction between day and night in the Underdark, but people always need to rest when they are tired, and this period of rest can be regarded as the night of the Underdark. At this time, even the brightly lit City of Ten Thousand Stones will extinguish most of its candles and fall into slumber. Only the fiery red light of flowing lava shines in the entire Underdark space, rendering the entire city a crimson red.

I'm so thirsty...

Instead of the satisfaction of replenishing her Magic Power, Fina felt an unusual thirst. She knew perfectly well what was wrong with her body and that it was time to drink blood again.

Fina hesitated before standing up. She had never hunted for food alone under such circumstances before. In the past, Angela would lead the two sisters to find victims, watching them with knowing smiles as they tasted and drank their blood. Or Li Lin would find a decent-looking woman in the tavern and provide her with food. But now, Mina was on guard outside Li Lin's room, so there was no one else in the room except Fina.

"What should I do? What should I do...?"

Under Angela's powerful brainwashing, Fina had long since lost her initial resistance and disgust towards blood-drinking. Now, she only thought about how to obtain food. The girl's personality hadn't changed; she remained kind and gentle. What had been erased was merely her guilt about drinking blood. Fina was now only worried about how to get food, not whether she should get food at all.

However, she didn't have many options.

As if directed by someone, Fina easily left the room. Because her room was far from where Li Lin was, Fina didn't disturb anyone at all. Even the Dark Elf guards were quietly avoided by Fina. She seemed to have become invisible, and no one in the world could detect her existence.

An inexplicable urge compelled Fina to leave the cabin. Gazing at the somewhat dimly lit city below, she felt a shiver run through her. It wasn't out of fear, but rather excitement—the excitement of capturing prey.

Like a ghost, she moved through the streets, evading the gazes of the patrolling soldiers. Under Angela's training, this was effortless for Fina. However, these actions only intensified the urge within her. Fina could barely suppress the urge to draw blood from others. She lurked in the darkness, waiting for her target.

A book that reached out from behind pressed down on Fina's shoulder.