by Zhuang Bifan
Finally, Lin Li saw Osric turn away from him. He was delighted. He was now extremely confident of his theory. He discovered that Osric was restrained to 100 meters in radius from the crystal coffin. He would turn away if he were about to get any further than that.
This crystal coffin that was made of the Resting Crystal was the real Eternal Furnace. The secret that was limiting Osric's movements had to be inside the Eternal Furnace. However, knowing Osric's weakness was one thing, but making use of it was another. Not to mention that he had no idea what would happen if he were to lure Osric out of the boundary. There was no one with the ability to invite this level-26 or 27 figure out in the first place.
Actually, things might have worked out if they had escaped from Osric earlier on. Unfortunately, they had all been shocked by Osric, and they thought that wrestling with the man was the only way out. Now, it was not impossible to leave Osric here and call for a retreat, but after discovering the issue, Lin Li did not intend to give up like that. After all, his four pieces of the debris of the stars were all within the crack of the space. If he were to leave, wouldn't he be suffering a huge loss?
After estimating the scope of Osric's movements, Lin Li's gaze started to flicker back and forth between the crystal coffin and Osric. He started to calculate possible ways to deal with him. Suddenly, he thought about the incident before when Norfeller tried to save him. Although his forceful employment of the abyssal force did not manage to suppress Osric, it was one spell that a little effect on him.
With this knowledge, Lin Li suddenly had an inspiration. A plan formed in his mind gradually. "Angelano, have you died? Respond to me if you don't wish to die."
"What, have you thought of an idea?" Angelano asked timidly from afar. He had been hiding far from the battlefield in his damaged Alchemy Colossus. He had lost courage to participate in the battle against Osric.
Chapter 753 - Win Over
"I have a task for you. Later, you…" Lin Li told Angelano his plan as he continued to coordinate with Andoine and the other Legendary powerhouses to attack Osric.
"If… If your plan fails, I'm definitely going to die. Osric will never let me off! Why don't we take the chance to leave now?" The Alchemy Colossus Angelano was controlling moved two steps back. Angelano was incredibly fearful of Osric.
"Leave? You may be able to escape this time, but when Osric revives entirely, where are you going to escape? I'm sure you know how Osric treated traitors, don't you? At that time, you wouldn't be able to die even if you wanted to," Lin Li chided.
Lin Li's threat was extremely effective on the Goblin. Although Osric's era had been long over, Angelano was extremely clear of how Lin Li treated the Fire Demon King the other time. That was an agonizing experience that would make people suffer as they stayed alive. If he were to become like the Fire Demon King, he would rather die immediately.
Finally, the Alchemy Colossus re-entered the battlefield. However, it didn't go into frenzy and attack Osric like before. Instead, it was like an enormous assassin that strolled around the battlefield.
Seeing that the Alchemy Colossus was getting closer and closer to the spot he'd chosen, Lin Li tried to lure Osric once more. He was doing what he did the previous time. He lured Osric to the edge of the boundary slowly. This level-23 Legendary-mage had to be mindful of his actions as he tried to lure the level-26 or 27 Sanctuary powerhouse. Not only did he have to be mindful that he should not be escaping too quickly from Osric, he had to be extra careful not to get caught and killed by him. This job sounded easy, but it was indeed a challenge.
There were new wounds on Lin Li's body. Although he had managed to avoided fatal attacks, he had been losing blood as well. His decreasing levels of energy had made his movements increasingly stiff and slow. Lin Li clenched his teeth as he forced himself to press on. Although he had no idea what might happen as a result of his plan, the importance of the four pieces of the debris of the stars motivated him to bet his life on it.
Finally, Osric got lured to the spot as planned by Lin Li. Just when he was about to give up on targeting Lin Li, Lin Li started to recite the demonic runes quickly. Massive force of abyss landed onto Osric instantaneously, and that immense pressure delayed Osric's movement for a split of a second. At this same time, Angelano who had been strolling about activated all of the Alchemy Colossus' powers.
However, Angelano did not intend to use that force on Osric. He dashed over to the front of the crystal coffin and pushed it in the direction opposite Osric with its immense strength. It moved for a distance of 10 meters in the blink of an eye.
The abyssal force had vanished, and Osric was still standing in front of Lin Li. He pointed his spear at Lin Li, and did not do anything else.
Lin Li secretly sighed in relief. It seemed that his plan had succeeded. The soul imprint that was controlling this perfect body seemed to have awakened prematurely, and was not fully integrated with the body. That limited the body to moving within the control of the Eternal Furnace. But now, that perfect body had left the control of the soul imprint, and became an item without an owner.
Of course, the crisis had not yet passed. Osric's wits would certainly keep him thinking of ideas to regain control of his body. Lin Li did not dare to delay any longer. He grabbed the chance to scream at Connoris, "Didn't you want me to create a body for you? What are you waiting for?"
The hammer made a crisp shattering sound as if something was broken. What followed was a soul with a faint glow that flew out from the hammer. After he sent a spell to Lin Li through his mental strength, he pounced towards the perfect body that Osric had created without hesitation.
Lin Li raised his Helios' Scepter and started to recite that line that was constructed with 100 demonic runes. The obscure and lengthy spell was ear-piercing in the silence. As he recited the spell, massive abyssal force appeared and went into Osric's body. It helped Connoris to get rid of Osric's consciousness and snatch control of the body.
Time trickled by. That perfect body continued to radiate all sorts of light. It was as though his skin and flesh had turned transparent. At some time, they could see his organs, and at other times, they could see his skeleton. His expression continued to change. At some time, he was frowning in agony, but at other times, he showed a delightful smile…
After downing a bottle of potion, Lin Li bent his back and laid his hands on his knees. He panted heavily. He was already weak due to the loss of blood, and the spell that was made up of 100 demonic runes took a greater toll on his body. He was not concerned about Connoris' condition at all. He had done what he could, and would leave the rest to Connoris.
The crowd could not help but feel petrified when they saw how Osric's body transformed. They saw a soul rushing into Osric's body, and could guess what was happening to that body now. If that soul were to fail, Osric would appear again. If that time were to come, the situation would stay the same—everybody could only be slain by Osric.
However, if that soul were to succeed in occupying Osric's body, would that entail safety for everyone? The men could sense how powerful that soul was when it dashed out. Knowing how powerful Osric's body was, they really could not imagine what would happen if a powerful soul were to be integrated with an even more powerful body. They only knew that the integration would create an individual at the peak of the Legendary-level at least. As they became even more integrated with each other, there would certainly not be a problem for the soul to enter the Sanctuary-realm. The question was whether the soul would turn out to be a friend or foe. No one knew what to expect in that situation.
Andoine, Aldwin, and Macklin had great relationship with Lin Li. They had heard Lin Li talk about him having an ancient soul. Knowing that the Fire Demon King had been integrated into Balak's magical crystal, they knew that the soul that rushed into the body had to belong to that ancient entity. However, they were all aware that it was only common for old spirits that had been sealed for ages to have a distorted personality, and they would be hard to re
ason with. Although it might have showed obedience to Lin Li when it was sealed up, it would not be easy to control him outside the seal.
As a result, Andoine, Aldwin, and Macklin with the team of mages did not think of taking any rest. They readied themselves with spells to protect Lin Li from a possible betrayal.
Rosen who had treated his wounds was supporting himself with his staff. He glanced at Lin Li from the distance smilingly, and anticipated his doom. Although they had worked together in the battle earlier on, that did not seem to affect his disdain of Lin Li. He was really delighted to see Lin Li digging his own grave.
"Greed is the biggest sin!" To Rosen, the best way to deal with Osric's body when it first had that glitch was to use a Thunderbolt to destroy it. To him, Lin Li was a young and presumptuous fool who actually wanted to use a sealed soul to snatch Osric's body. He thought that Lin Li did it out of greed to possess a powerful follower.
However, subduing a powerful follower would depend on the ability of the master. While Rosen was absolutely positive that the integration of the soul and body would create an impregnable being, he felt that it would definitely not be advantageous for that young mage. How would a powerhouse in the Sanctuary-realm submit to the orders of another? Even if he had the same ability as his supposed master, Rosen was certain that any loyalty was out of the question. Hence, to Rosen, Lin Li was indeed digging his own grave.
At the same time, Osric's body and expressions started to calm down. The glow of magic that emitted from that body became more subtle as well. Osric's body—or Connoris—opened his tightly shut eyes to look at his surroundings. His gaze then landed on Lin Li, and he gave him a mysterious smile.
Connoris' actions did not make Andoine and the rest relax at all. They became very tense, and the staffs in their hands were all glowing immensely. They were prepared to strike at Connoris any time.
Lin Li, however, mustered his bit of recovered strength to hoist himself up. He gestured at Andoine and the rest to stop them from what they were intending to do. He had the same smile as he fixed his eyes on Connoris who had gained a new body.
Connoris breathed in deeply, and suddenly started to recite demonic runes. The spell that seemed so obscure and lengthy to others flowed out of his mouth smooth and light-heartedly as though he was humming an ancient folk song.
Andoine and the others grew anxious when they heard Connoris' recitation, but they remembered Lin Li's gesture when he tried to stop them. They forced themselves to feel less wary of Connoris, but their hands were all tightly gripping their weapons. Rosen, on the other hand, was prepared to watch a good show from the distance.
However, the results of Connoris' demonic runes had an extremely familiar effect that stupefied everyone. That spell created a servant contract!
Servant contract was something not foreign to these mages. In fact, followers of normal mages that willingly joined them would usually request to establish a servant contract with them. Unlike the blood-oath, soul contract, and slave contract, the servant contract would ensure that the servants did not lose their right over themselves. It protected servants from the need to offer their body and powers to their master. Also, it was rid of the terrifying clause that the servants had to die alongside their masters. The servant contract was like an employment relationship. It helped to ensure that the masters would not exploit and mistreat their servants unreasonably, and that the servants would not do things that would harm their masters.
No one would have thought that the soul that claimed the body of Osric had no intention of harming Lin Li with his immense powers. Instead of parting ways with Lin Li, this soul actually established a servant contract out of free will. From the effects of the contract, it was obvious that Lin Li was the master, and the soul that claimed Osric's body was the servant. This meant that this powerhouse with an ability close to the Sanctuary-realm would have to take Lin Li's orders for as long as Lin Li wanted.
Rosen was flabbergasted. Did that soul turn into a fool because he was sealed up for a long time? How could he let go of such a good opportunity to regain his freedom? How could he volunteer to be the servant of that arrogant Felic?
Andoine and the rest of the men felt immense relief. Their gazes fixed on Lin Li were filled with joy and surprise. It was not simply joy that the crisis had been averted, but more of a pride that seniors felt after witnessing the growth of their junior.
After establishing the servant contract, Lin Li sized Connoris' new body up. He took out a magic robe from his ring and casually threw it onto Connoris. "What were you doing? We had met each other for such a long time. Do you think I wouldn't trust you?" Lin Li said indifferently.
Connoris received the magic robe and wrapped his perfect and beautiful n.a.k.e.d body up. He glanced at Lin Li from the side of his eye, and indignantly said, "Do not think that the almighty Soul Trader is a moron!? How would I not know your personality? If I had not signed that servant contract willingly, I bet you wouldn't have been able to fall asleep. Or perhaps you had already left traps on this body…"
What an impressive body this is! Is this why Osric decided that this shall be the body of the Immortal? Connoris thought as he inspected his new body. Although he did not find anything unusual with his new body, he managed to ascertain one thing. Having known Lin Li for such a long time, he naturally knew that Lin Li's abilities were not the strongest. However, this fella's methods against his enemies were out of the world. To quote the Fire Demon King, this human had to be the true demon in the eyes of demons.
After all, Connoris was an ancient deity who was in charge of conspiracy and deception. Although his abilities were not as formidable as before, he was definitely not one who would settle his problems with a fist.
Chapter 754 - The Self-conscious Soul Trader
Those who often plotted against others would naturally be afraid of being plotted against. Connoris would never be so presumptuous as to think that someone would selflessly spare a thought for others. Those who seemed to be considerate would have to be guarded against carefully. Interests were the only thing that could be trusted, and a relationship built on interests was the most fair and reliable.
Although Connoris did not understand Lin Li thoroughly after interacting with him during this period of time, he found Lin Li's personality to be similar to his. Lin Li was also similar to him before he got put in a situation where he felt threatened.
For the sake of obtaining a truly immortal body, Osric made himself gain incredible power, but that was just one aspect. The greater advantage lay in the infinite potential possessed by his godly body. Given Lin Li's character, how could he let such a powerful force be out of his control? Connoris knew very well that even if Lin Li wasn't worried about it being disadvantageous to him, he wouldn't give up gaining enough benefits from this body.
Hence, Connoris dared not take the risk at all. As soon as he fused into this body, he immediately took the initiative to sign the contract. Although he would lose some of his freedom, it was the safest option for him. Otherwise, if Lin Li were to be forced into a corner, there would be damage done to both parties, and he would definitely be in a terrible plight.
"Haha, you're reading too much into things." Upon hearing Connoris' words, Lin Li blushed a little, which was rare of him. He turned his head to look around and immediately changed the subject. "Let's not talk about those things for now. Hurry and help me release my things. If we drag on any longer, we won't be able to find it."
Lin Li didn't admit or deny it. Instead, he simply made Connoris release his four pieces of the debris of the stars and managed to switch the topic vaguely. Of course, he was indeed eager to get his debris of the stars back. Although he could still feel their aura, he had no idea when a Nether Storm would occur, and the loss of any piece of the debris of the stars would be a huge heartache for him.
Andoine and the rest were listening to the conversation between Lin Li and Connoris, and none of them felt that Lin Li was doing something wrong. Ther
e was nothing wrong with a better safe than sorry attitude, and that only showed that Lin Li was being careful. However, Rosen secretly found Lin Li to be scheming, and began to feel even more fearful of him.
Connoris waved the Void Spear that he had been holding tightly in his hand, and created a space crack before Lin Li's body based on his memory. Although the power was not as great as when Osric used it previously, it was enough for the debris of the stars to pass through.
Under Lin Li's summoning, the four pieces of the debris of the stars that had been caught in the chaos of time and space flew out of the crack in space. Lin Li finally felt relieved after recovering the four pieces of the debris of the stars. He then reached out to Connoris.
Connoris stared at the Void Spear in his hand. Although he was quite reluctant to give it away after seeing how powerful it was when Osric used it, he knew that Lin Li had to get his hands on that item; hence, he had no choice but to obediently hand it over to Lin Li.
Watching Lin Li take the weapon from Osric's body, Rosen felt extremely indignant, but he dared not say anything to target Lin Li at this moment. Not to mention, he was now seriously injured, and he probably wouldn't be able to get the soul in Osric's body even during his heyday, and would just end up humiliating himself.
However, the crystal coffin was the Supreme Council's goal this time, and he definitely couldn't let Lin Li take it! Rosen tried his best to move his body upwards, after which he quickly walked to the front of the crystal coffin. He turned behind, and proudly said to Lin Li, "The Supreme Council has ordered me to bring this crystal coffin back. No one is allowed to look at, inspect, or steal the items inside it."
However, Lin Li simply shrugged his shoulders, turned his head, and said to Andoine and the rest, "This concludes this expedition. Let's find our way back." He then turned around and brought Andoine and the rest away, seemingly completely uninterested in the crystal coffin and its contents. He then left Rosen and the crystal coffin alone.
