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The dark red light flowing in his deep black eyes suddenly intensified, and his magnificent black and silver-edged robe danced without wind. In the brief exchange, "King of the Five Seas" Nast had already felt the power from the same source.
This was a Sequence 3 "Frenzied Mage" he had never seen before. That ancient aura, permeating the soul, he had only felt it on Zaratul, an Angel of the Fourth Epoch, when Emperor Roselle had not yet fallen.
As the successor of Earl White Maple, personally conferred by Emperor Roselle, Nast had once accompanied his father, Savigny Solomon, to an audience with His Majesty the Emperor, and vaguely knew that the Great Emperor had joined a secret organization.
The reason Roselle was able to smoothly advance to Angel and drive the Sauron Family, who had ruled Intis for over a thousand years, off the throne, was certainly due to the tacit approval of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and the strong support of the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery, but behind it, the shadow of that secret organization always loomed.
High-level Beyonder characteristics of the entire Black Emperor Pathway rarely appeared in the outside world, including corresponding Sealed Artifacts of Grade 0 and strong individuals at the Angel level.
As one of the few surviving descendants of the Solomon Family, even though it had declined, Nast had some conjectures based on the family's incomplete records and certain clues left after acquiring the Black Emperor.
Before the Solomon Empire collapsed, the Black Emperor had basically collected all the high-level Beyonder characteristics of the Black Emperor Pathway, either bestowing them upon the descendants of the Solomon Family or upon the great nobles within the empire.
When the Fourth Epoch Solomon Empire was overthrown, the royal families of the empire, carrying treasures that even gods envied, boarded ships and sailed into the depths of the Fog Sea, awaiting the opportunity to rebuild their dynasty, but they never reappeared.
Once upon a time, Nast believed that the treasure contained high-level Beyonder characteristics of the Black Emperor Pathway, and possibly even a Sequence 2 or even a Sequence 1 Angel Beyonder characteristic.
The outside world rumored that he had inherited part of the Solomon Empire's legacy, but when he obtained the "Black Emperor," there were no high-level Beyonder characteristics he most desired on board.
Over the past hundred years, he had repeatedly lingered in the Fog Sea, repeatedly trying to find the lost treasure of the Solomon Empire.
Based on the clues left on the "Black Emperor" and his own conjectures, Nast believed that those imperial royals, in order to escape the pursuit of the gods, very likely entered the "Lost Newins."
Legend has it that it was a mysterious and powerful intelligent civilization that existed at the bottom of the Fog Sea and had disappeared in ancient times.
As for the remaining high-level Beyonder characteristics of the Black Emperor Pathway, they were basically divided up by the later Tudor Family and the Trunsoest Family. As for the whereabouts of those Beyonder characteristics after these two great families vanished into the long river of history, he was not very clear.
The only Angel-level high-level Beyonder characteristic he could currently confirm was the one left after Emperor Roselle's demise, held by the two major Orthodox Churches and preserved in the form of a Grade 0 Sealed Artifact.
And today, as he roamed the Spirit World, a never-before-felt Thrilling suddenly came from his heart. After he advanced to "Frenzied Mage," he hadn't experienced this feeling for an unknown amount of time.
And the source of this feeling was not the seemingly strongest "Frenzied Mage," but the young man at the very front who wasn't even a Demigod. This was also the reason why the distorted order at the very beginning only targeted Aaron.
As the most powerful pirate king, the "King of the Five Seas" with countless intelligence scouts, Nast quickly saw through Aaron's disguise, which was essentially only a Sequence 6 "Faceless," by using the distorted order in the Spirit World, a special space containing countless pieces of information.
After acquiring "Traveler," the Demigod-level "Mask of Death" was handed over to Bayer Baile by Aaron, as a high-profile pirate king would be the focus of various secret forces for a long time.
The Mystical Item Aaron was currently using was merely re-forged with a "Faceless" Beyonder characteristic. In a special area like the Spirit World, it was not impossible for his disguise to be seen through by certain powerful individuals with special authorities.
The body on the mottled stone chair expanded again. Delay breeds trouble. Nast, who didn't want to attract an Angel but also didn't want to give up, decided to try again.
And even if an Angel came, what then? As long as it wasn't their true body, a Sequence 3 in charge of the "Black Emperor" could completely shake off an Angel's power projection in the Spirit World.
Dark red light flickered, black light surged around Nast, the crown on his head radiated light, and the entire "Black Emperor" responded. A majestic voice echoed:
"Chaos, distortion..."
Aaron's body, which had originally retreated, instantly stiffened. His original intention was distorted, advancing became retreating, and he flew rapidly towards the "Black Emperor."
The seemingly distant distance shortened to just a few steps. The anticipated attack did not arrive. Nast frowned, then suddenly raised his hands to grab Aaron, who was flying towards him.
Half of "Aaron's" body shattered into wisps of historical mist. This was merely a historical projection that had been replaced.
Aaron's figure quietly appeared beside Faus Ellen. At the same time, Cavendish Lancer Pinto, who had swapped positions with the projection he summoned, instantly appeared in front of Nast, and the "Sun Chaser Scepter" in his hand had already condensed light.
Black divine patterns erupted, and a strong distorted order spread towards Cavendish Lancer Pinto, instantly dimming the Sun Chasing Arrow, which had been gradually taking shape, by several degrees.
A strong burning sensation came from the Sun Chaser Scepter in his hand. The negative effect of this Grade 0 Sealed Artifact seemed to be distorted and magnified, triggered prematurely.
Fortunately, it was only a historical projection. Cavendish Lancer Pinto instantly released his maintenance of the historical projection, but he also missed the best offensive opportunity.
The distance, which was originally within reach, became incredibly far. At this moment, Nast's expression finally changed slightly. Even as a projection, the distorted magnification of the "Sun Chaser Scepter's" negative effect still put a considerable burden on him.
Nast, who had lost his last chance, did not hesitate. The divine patterns around him intertwined on the "Black Emperor," and the entire ghost ship instantly became illusory, seemingly wanting to escape the Spirit World.
The already semi-illusory "Black Emperor" seemed to be affected by some power, instantly stopping its virtualization and stiffening amidst the colorful blocks.
Nast's eyes suddenly deepened as he looked at the strange Spirit World creature that appeared not far away, which also gave him a sense of danger. He slowly stood up from the mottled stone chair.
That high-level Spirit World creature sealed off this area of the Spirit World, preventing the "Black Emperor" from leaving. Such authority was not something an ordinary Demigod-level Spirit World creature could achieve.
Nast, who had realized the danger but did not feel any killing intent, looked at Aaron's group, who had stopped attacking, with deep black eyes, and his majestic voice sounded again:
"A 'Frenzied Mage,' a 'Scholar of Yore,' a high-level Spirit World creature. Lord Aaron, or rather, the East Tucker Family, you hide yourselves truly deeply."
This voice only echoed in the ears of Aaron's group. Even the Black Emperor's First Mate, "Viscount of Fear" Bird-Mustang, who was beside Nast, only looked ahead with a solemn expression, as if his hearing was shielded by some power.
On the entire Black Emperor, only Nast had seen through Aaron's disguise. The situation was now extremely unfavorable for him, and he did not want to conflict with Aaron over these minor matters, choosing to keep his secret.
Instantly understanding the meaning of this King of the Five Seas, Aaron, with three Demigods standing beside him, smiled. Strength was the capital for negotiation. As expected of the strongest pirate king, his ability to adapt to circumstances was truly superb.
Seeing him so clearly understand the situation, Aaron gave up the idea of beating him up first to avenge the previous sneak attack. It's better to make peace than to make enemies, after all, he still preferred to convince people with reason.
"It's true that hearing about you is not as good as meeting you. It's said that Earl White Maple is a descendant of the Solomon Empire and once received part of its legacy."
Nast glanced at Aaron, who was protected in the center by several Demigods on the opposite side, and the dark red light flickered a few times. He responded very frankly:
"That's right, but those legacies contain nothing worth the East Tucker Family's attention. The most valuable thing I obtained from that legacy is this 'Black Emperor' itself."
As he spoke, he looked at Cavendish Lancer Pinto and said in a majestic voice:
"I basically know all the Saints still active in the Mysticism Society, but that doesn't include you."
Cavendish Lancer Pinto's face was cold, with no intention of speaking. Instead, Aaron chuckled:
"Zaratul obtained key information for advancing to 'Attendant of Mysteries' from Roselle. Tsk, he succeeded and failed."
"Without Zaratul overseeing it, the Mysticism Society is no longer what you perceive it to be."
Aaron bluffed without any psychological burden. If Nast was capable, he could go to the hidden town and confront Zaratul.
The dark red light in Nast's black eyes flickered, then he said:
"I will give you a satisfactory explanation for today's matter. How about a definite clue to a 'Imperative Mage' Beyonder characteristic? Even if you don't need it, the East Tucker Family will not refuse such a favor."
A hint of surprise flashed in Aaron's eyes, but he still said slowly:
"As expected of the strongest pirate king, truly generous. However, I am still very interested in the legacy of the Solomon Empire. I wonder what progress Mr. Nast has made in his explorations in the Fog Sea over the years?"
Nast raised his hand and stroked his short black beard. His already tall figure seemed to swell even more, making the atmosphere in this space heavy and the colorful blocks dim.
After several seconds, his tone turned cold as he stared at Aaron and said:
"Give me a reason to answer your question."
Aaron didn't care at all about Nast's chilling tone. He pointed at Cavendish and the others standing around him and said leisurely:
"The reason is, you are now surrounded by them."
Feeling the suddenly murderous atmosphere, Aaron, who quietly excluded himself, took out the black emperor card, held it in his hand, and looked at Nast with a smile:
"And when you need to trade with me in the future, you won't have to hear similar demands."
The spire crown on Nast's head swayed slightly, then he said in a low voice after a moment:
"That treasure may be hidden at the bottom of the Fog Sea, in Newins, an intelligent civilization that disappeared in ancient times."
"When I first found the Black Emperor, I obtained a token that could only be activated by the bloodline of a Solomon descendant. All the clues came from it."
If it weren't for the current power imbalance, Nast would not have revealed this secret. In recent years, Demons have frequently appeared in the Fog Sea, constantly disrupting Nast's exploration.
Moreover, the token's sensing was interfered with by some power after pointing to the Fog Sea, making it unable to sense the exact location.
Coupled with Nast's unwillingness to become a target, under the influence of various reasons, he had never found the "Lost Newins."
Aaron secretly noted down the name, intending to ask Will Auceptin later. That old Monster, who had lived for so long, must know something, or he would find an opportunity to ask the magic mirror "Arrodes" and observe the situation in the Abyss at the same time.
He lightly coughed. The black emperor card in his hand emitted a faint glow, and he calmly spoke to Nast:
"Within half a year, we will explore that place together. I will make some preparations. As compensation, after the matter is done, I will tell you the potion formula and ritual for Sequence 2 'Duke of Entropy'."
"We will also not embezzle the items you obtain from exploring the ruins. If there truly is a 'Duke of Entropy' Beyonder characteristic, My Lord can also bestow it upon you."
"I hope you don't play any unnecessary tricks. I wonder if Roselle has told you that the Apocalypse is approaching."
"You don't have much time left, and before that, a major event will happen. This might be your last chance. Hmm, I think this can be considered an invitation."
If it were 1339, Aaron would have unhesitatingly killed Nast, extracting his Beyonder characteristic layer by layer, squeezing out all his value.
But it was now 1349, less than 20 years until the Apocalypse, and especially less than two years until George's advancement. It was basically impossible to cultivate another Sequence 3 in such a short time.
Three years to True God, five years to Outer Deity, that was a miracle unique to Klein, and an inevitability under various calculations. Otherwise, just the ritual of a Scholar of Yore could hold up a Bizzaro Sorcerer for three hundred years, let alone subsequent rituals.
Aaron now hoped to preserve combat power to the maximum extent. The identity of the Trunsoest remnant would eventually be exposed. Those rebels who personally destroyed the Trunsoest Empire would not sit idly by. At that time, it would not be an exaggeration to say that he would be an enemy of the world.
If there truly was a "Duke of Entropy" Beyonder characteristic in the Solomon ruins, it was not impossible to bestow it upon Nast. However, as a price, he would then need to sign a contract and offer his faith.
This was also the reason why Aaron requested to explore within half a year. His ritual for advancing to "Imperative Mage" was almost ready. After successfully advancing to Demigod, he would be able to mobilize the power of that Sequence 1 "Hand of Order" characteristic.
At that time, based on the Nation of Disorder, he would be able to create an order contract that even Angels would be limited by. Even if Nast had other ideas, he could instantly counter him.
From Faus Ellen, he learned that after Night Emperor became a god, he stripped off his "Duke of Entropy" Beyonder characteristic, which was now in the Specter Empire, slumbering with that Angel deep within the mausoleum hall.
Once Aaron advanced to Demigod and further controlled the Nation of Disorder, he would attempt to awaken that one and retrieve all the treasures of the Trunsoest Empire.
And this "Duke of Entropy" Beyonder characteristic would also be bestowed upon Faus Ellen, which was Aaron's previous promise to him.
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