Feather of Chaos
The Allsnake Curse caused all of Leylinâs stats to fall and sentenced him to die in 2 years. These problems felt like a rope constantly tightening around Leylinâs neck, stifling him. But now, with the Nefarious Filthbirdâs help, Leylin finally felt less pressed for time, allowing him to relax a little.
âMy Laws of Confusion Seal can delay the Allsnake Curse from flaring-up for up to 18 years. After 20 years, even if you contact a rank 8 being again you wonât be able to strengthen the seal and postpone it any further. Unless, you are able to find a Rank 9 Everlasting Oneâ¦â
The Nefarious Filthbirdâs voice was heard again. However, the small grey bird in front of Leylin seemed to have become slightly illusory, as if it had consumed too much energy.
âThank you, almighty dignitary.â Even if the curse wasnât completely resolved, Leylin still thanked the Filthbird sincerely. After all, if it wasnât for it, he wouldnât have 20 years to solve his problems.
âThere is still half of the power of sacrifice left. Tell me your other requests.â The bird spoke within Leylinâs consciousness again.
Leylin pondered for a while and spoke of his plans, âAlmighty Flapwing, I hope to obtain something to conceal myself. After all, I am bound to go deeper into the Hail Continent if I want to completely remove the Allsnake Curse.â
He had already discovered long ago that, in the Purgatory World where the path of offering was prevalent, there was still a fatal weakness in any disguise he could come up with.
The weakness was the existence of a dignitaryâs clone when one sacrificed. As long as the Sacrificers reached rank 4, they would be able to summon the clone of a dignitary. And, if those clones were intelligent, they would definitely be able to expose Leylinâs disguise.
During the previous skirmish, both the Elias Governor and Bayclark were only able to summon a phantom of their dignitary and not a complete clone. Hence, Leylin was able to conceal himself. However, he knew it was impossible to avoid them forever, especially in the Hail Continent. Therefore, suitable methods for concealment were necessary, and they had to be able to deceive the dignitaryâs clones.
Furthermore, these existences may have some special detection methods. In particular, the Snake Dowager, who was the source of Kemoyin bloodline descendants, would have such methods. There might be some kind of special reaction towards her own descendants.
Although Leylin had already prepared all sorts of countermeasures, it still did not stop him from adding another insurance.
âYou are very intelligent,â the Nefarious Filthbird nodded in approval, âOnce you appear within a range of 5 kilometers from one of our clones, you will definitely be unable to escape our detection.â
âI bestow upon you the Feather of Chaos. The one who holds this item receives the protection of chaotic power. As long as you donât come into contact with the dignitaryâs real body, you wonât be discovered. â
The small birdâs silhouette became even more faint. In the end, it transformed into a grey illusory feather that floated in front of Leylin.
âSnake Dowagerâs descendant, Kemoyin Serpent Emperor. Travel the Hail Continent as you wish, and tear the Dowagerâs godly status apart.â
The grey Nefarious Filthbirdâs clone vanished. Only a residue of its conscient reverberated in the secret chamber. In a flash, the Sacrificial Array exploded with a bang and turned into flying dust.
âI gained more than what I expected.â Leylin let out a long breath, feeling rather glad.
Doing business with the Nefarious Filthbird was like dancing on a tightrope. Leylin had no choice but to consider all worst case scenarios.
Luckily, due to the arch-enemy relationship between the Nefarious Filthbird and the Trialâs Eye, it was very willing to see the Trialâs Eyeâs ally, the Snake Dowager, be defeated. This was the foundation of the deal between both sides
Leylinâs own power and his meticulous arrangements were the most crucial part of his plan. Even had the Filthbirdâs clone suddenly turned hostile, he had the confidence to break the Sacrificial Array and escape from it instantly.
With a common enemy, and since Leylin himself could escape, the Nefarious Filthbird was willing to see him as a pseudo-ally.
Furthermore, Leylin still wasnât able to completely trust the Nefarious Filthbird, since there was only a mutual relationship of wanting to use each other between them. Of course, the Nefarious Filthbird still had the greater advantage and their interests did not clash. Therefore, it was possible to maintain their agreement.
For instance, for Leylin who was an insincere sacrificer, being promoted directly to rank 4 level by the Nefarious Filthbird was a very good testimony that they could work together.
There would never be a lucky person who became an Everlasting One in the world. Only through careful, meticulous considerations and anticipating worst case scenarios would one be able to guarantee success.
âRank 4 Sacrificers can already begin to amplify their bodyâs attributes through attracting the dignitaryâs energy into their own body, and solidifying it permanently.â
Leylin muttered to himself, âThis kind of promotion often comes with a price. The whole body might be branded by the Nefarious Filthbirdâs energy which creates a tissue and cellular transformation that cannot be opposed. Ultimately, one might even be controlled by them. A.I. Chip, conduct an all-round inspection of my bodyâs energy structure.â
[Beep! Mission established, beginning to scan!] The mechanical sound of the A.I. Chip echoed. Soon after, fine blue light continuously swept across every part of Leylinâs body.
[Discovered unknown energy structure! Determined to be the Nefarious Filthbirdâs energy branding! Eliminate?] Without spending much time, the A.I. Chip responded.
Leylin had long prepared for this outcome. Hence, he did not look surprised at all, and he commanded very calmly instead, âShow me the image.â
Soon after, Leylin was looking at the image of a cell that was magnified several times on the A.I. Chipâs screen. At the center of the cell was something that looked like a sea urchin, with peculiar energy waves of confusion.
[Beep! This energy is the crucial element to suppress the Allsnake Curse. If eliminated, it would trigger irreversible changes. Probability of Allsnake Curse showing advance in effect: 99.99%. Eliminate?]
The A.I. Chipâs sound caused Leylinâs expression to become slightly gloomy, âIt seems this would be the kill switch that the Nefarious Filthbird imposed on me. Although currently itâs only used to threaten others and maintain its own position, I still need its strength. I need chaotic power to suppress the Allsnake Curse.
Numerous rays of light continuously flashed across Leylinâs pupils. However, he commanded, âFocus on monitoring. For the time being, maintain the original shape.â
[Beep! Mission established, activating real time monitoring procedure within the body!] The A.I. Chip loyally carried out Leylinâs orders.
âNo matter what, I still profited this time. Not only was the Allsnake Curseâs effect delayed, I even obtained something to rely on when I infiltrate the Hail Continent.â Leylin murmured, stroking the walls with his palm.
A layer of black liquid flame emerged from his palm, spreading rapidly as if it had life of its own, consuming the entire place almost instantly.
Soon, the binding runes and Sacrificial Array vanished without a trace under the black demonic flames, and even its aura was burnt away. After the place was thoroughly cleaned up, a yellowish radiance emerged from Leylinâs body and blent into the surrounding walls.
A circular light floated above the coral island with a whoosh and, shortly after Leylinâs figure quickly flew out, âThanks a lot, big fellow.â
Leylin looked at the large turtle and waved his hand while smiling. Afterwards, a slight green ray of light flew out of his fingers in a flash and merged into the turtleâs forehead.
Although that fine green beam was like dust when compared to the turtleâs huge head, Leylin still heard a hint of pleasant surprise from the creatureâs whistles, especially after the ray merged. Its turbid eyes seemed to become somewhat quicker, and there was a hint of kindness in its expression while looking at Leylin.
âThis is a gift from a wise man of ancient times. Although it only has a faint external aura, it still has exceptional effect in raising creaturesâ wisdom. I know you want more but, unfortunately, I still have a need for these. I cannot give you anymore.â Leylin smiled. His body transformed into a long black streak that vanished into the distant horizon, leaving the turtle with a regretful expression.
The turtle howled in Leylinâs direction as if it was seeing Leylin off. The loud howl sounded continuously, even causing huge waves to form on the surface of the sea, which continued for half an hour.
Ultimately, the turtleâs body gradually sank to the bottom of the ocean, leaving behind a huge white whirlpool.
â¦..
The strong wind whistled into Leylinâs ears hauntingly.
Leylinâs expression turned solemn. Although he had already thought about how to sneak into the Hail Continent, even when the plan had yet to be implemented, he had some slight concerns.
âPartial AI #1, report your position!â Leylin pressed his temples and a faint blue radiance was revealed from his pupils.
[Beep! Current coordinates: Taking the main body as the origin, southeast; 786.67 nautical miles!]
An unusual message was directly sent by the A.I. Chip.
[The people around the area are all agitated. Possibility of a conflict between military forces. It is advised that the main body arrive immediately, otherwise the puppetâs identity will be exposed.]
At this moment, a warning sign was transmitted from the A. I. Chip again, making Leylinâs speed rapidly increase.
Although using the A.I. Chip to control the shadow puppet allowed it to imitate all of Leylinâs actions and even his aura to the point of being impossible to check its authenticity, it would still be exposed once it made a move.
By that time, even if Leylin managed to rush there and kill them all, he would probably still be unable to stop the news from being transmitted. Consequently, he would have to abandon the identity he had created, Nick.
The most important point, however, was that the plans he had previously set up would have to undergo modifications. The risks would be greater and this was something Leylin could not accept.
âWhat exactly happened that caused things to escalate to this degree?â Leylin carefully observed the report sent by Partial AI #1, and everything that happened after Port Eliasâ military campaign appeared immediately before his eyes.