Chapter 89: Soul-Eating Crystal

The energy from the black crystal continuously surged into his body, his Magic Wave grew stronger, and the surrounding air seemed twisted by this power.

Black patterns appeared on his skin, like ancient runes, flashing as the Magic Power flowed.

Suddenly, Ka Jia Ni's body jolted, his eyes snapped open, and a flash of pitch‑black light flickered in his pupils.

His Magic Wave peaked at that moment, the surrounding air seemed to solidify, then erupted in a powerful energy surge.

"Finally… I've broken through!" Ka Jia Ni's voice trembled with unmistakable excitement.

He rose slowly, feeling the surging Magic Power within him.

The black crystal's energy let him successfully advance to the level of a First Ring Wizard, a realm he had long dreamed of.

Now he was no longer the minor figure who could only hide in shadows; he had begun to possess the power to contend with the Wizard Council and the Black Wizard.

"Luobin Gabriel…" Ka Jia Ni whispered the name, a cold glint in his eyes, "Did you think you could escape? You're nothing but my scapegoat."

Ka Jia Ni walked to a corner of the secret chamber, opened an ancient wooden chest, which was piled with all sorts of strange items—scrolls, potions, magical devices, and even some bones exuding an eerie aura.

He took a tattered map from the chest, marked with several important locations.

"Si Tan Fu Xueyuan…" Ka Jia Ni's finger traced the map, finally stopping at Tutamen City, "Robin, hiding there won't help. The Wizard Council can't protect you, and the Black Wizard won't spare you. And I will become the ultimate winner of this game."

Ka Jia Ni's mouth curled into a cold smile, then he folded the map, turned, and left the secret chamber.

His plan had entered its most critical moment.

The Soul‑Eating Crystal's energy gave him enough power; next, he only needed to find Robin and kill him, then he could conceal the Soul‑Eating Crystal's secret.

Meanwhile, far at Si Tan Fu Xueyuan, Robin was unaware that a conspiracy against him was quietly unfolding.

Robin sat on the edge of his dormitory bed at Si Tan Fu Xueyuan, a Gold Coin engraved with strange symbols clenched in his hand, his brows furrowed. The coin was taken from a northern noble lord's secret chamber and was his only clue at present. Though the Wizard Council had placed him under house arrest here, ostensibly to protect him, he knew he was merely a pawn, ready to be discarded at any moment.

"I must quickly uncover the secret of these Gold Coins…" Robin muttered softly, a flash of determination in his eyes.

At that moment, a faint knock came from outside the door.

"Luo Yi, are you there?" a deep, familiar voice called.

Robin's heart tightened; he quickly rose and opened the door. Standing outside was Lao Mao. His figure was hidden beneath a cloak, a rare seriousness on his face.

"Lao Mao? How did you get here?" Robin asked in surprise, cautiously glancing down the corridor to ensure no one else was present.

Lao Mao gave no reply, but stepped straight into the room, closed the door, and whispered, "Time is short; I must speak with you."

Robin nodded, a vague unease rising within him. He knew that Lao Mao coming personally meant the matter was far from trivial.

Lao Mao fished a Gold Coin from his coat, the same type Robin had given him before. He whispered, "I have uncovered the true purpose of these Gold Coins."

Robin's heart tightened, and he hurriedly asked, "What exactly are they?"

Lao Mao inhaled deeply, his tone grave: "These Gold Coins are carriers of the Soul‑Eating Crystal. Each coin seals a soul bound by the Soul‑Eating Crystal. The Soul‑Eating Crystal is an extremely dangerous magical artifact that can devour life force and souls, granting the user immense power. Both the Black Wizard and the Wizard Council are hunting them, because their power can reshape the entire Wizard World's balance."

Robin was shocked to the core after hearing.

He hadn't imagined that these seemingly ordinary Gold Coins concealed such a terrifying secret.

"Then… why were these Gold Coins so easy for me to obtain?" Robin asked softly.

Lao Mao shook his head: "I'm not clear on the exact reason, but clearly you've been drawn into this massive conspiracy. The Black Wizard and the Wizard Council are both after these Gold Coins, and you are their target."

Robin clenched his fists, his heart filled with anger and helplessness. He knew he could no longer stay out of it.

"Lao Mao, did you come to find me because of these Gold Coins?" Robin stared directly into Lao Mao's eyes, asking.

Lao Mao nodded, his tone tinged with earnestness: "Robin, these Gold Coins are too dangerous. If you keep them, not only will you endanger yourself, but you may also trigger a greater disaster. Hand them to me, and I will deal with them properly."

Robin fell silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

Although Lao Mao acts covertly, he has never harmed him; on the contrary, he has helped him many times at crucial moments.

These Gold Coins are his only clue at present; if he hands them over, he may never uncover the truth behind them.

"Lao Mao, if I hand over these Gold Coins, can you guarantee they won't be used for evil?" Robin asked softly.

Lao Mao solemnly nodded: "I assure you, these Gold Coins will be completely destroyed and will never fall into the hands of the Black Wizard or the Wizard Council."

Robin inhaled deeply, finally nodding: "Alright, I trust you."

He pulled the remaining few Gold Coins from his coat and handed them to Lao Mao. Lao Mao took the coins, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

"Robin, you made a wise decision," Lao Mao whispered, "From now on, you must be careful. The Black Wizard and the Wizard Council will not let you go easily."

Robin gave a wry smile: "I know. But I have no other choice."

Lao Mao patted his shoulder, his tone comforting: "You are not alone. I will continue to help you from the shadows. Remember, no matter what happens, never trust the people of the Wizard Council lightly."

Robin nodded, his trust in Lao Mao growing firmer.

Lao Mao tucked away the Gold Coins, turned to leave. Yet, as he opened the door, a cold voice sounded from outside.

"Odis, so it's you indeed."

Robin and Lao Mao looked up together, seeing Lina standing at the doorway, a staff in hand, her gaze cold and steely toward them.

"Lina…" Robin's heart sank, knowing the situation was beyond repair.

Lao Mao let out a cold laugh, stepped back a few paces, and whispered to Robin, "Remember my words, be wary of the Wizard Council."

After speaking, his figure suddenly turned into a wisp of black mist, vanishing into the air.

Lina did not pursue, but coldly looked at Robin: "Luo Yi, you really are colluding with Lao Mao."

(End of Chapter)