Chapter 223: Supreme Element: Key of Doors

Key of Doors!

Lei En nearly jumped up; he had long heard of this supreme element, and the *Book of a Thousand Souls* devotes nine full pages to introducing the Key of Doors, more detailed than most legendary elements.

From its name, the Key of Doors is the key to a certain door.

In fact, that is true, but this door is not an ordinary door—it is a portal of space and time!

This element is the key to opening the space‑time portal!

Arcane energy's essence is the power of space‑time, so possessing the Key of Doors is equivalent to gaining a way to glimpse space‑time's mysteries; any spell that employs arcane energy—i. e., Arcane—will receive a massive boost under the Key of Doors' empowerment.

In other words, the Key of Doors is a form of 'Arcane Affinity' at a super‑high degree, its effect identical to the advanced element 'Void Resonance' of Arcane Affinity.

And that is only one of the Key of Doors' effects.

The supreme element 'Void Resonance' is a psychic element, whereas the Key of Doors is an Arcane Element—a very rare constant‑type Arcane.

Once fused with the Key of Doors, Arcane becomes constant and active at all times.

Like other Arcane, the Key of Doors can be enhanced with soul power; starting from one ring, each additional ring grants an extra Arcane.

If the Key of Doors is raised to seven rings, it ascends to a legendary element!

Moreover, the Key of Doors possesses some unknown abilities.

The *Book of a Thousand Souls* gives the Key of Doors a single overall appraisal—'Mysterious!'

Rumor has it that raising the Key of Doors to ten rings might allow one to fathom the secrets of time and space, gaining unimaginable infinite knowledge, but the overload could drive one mad.

In any case, the Key of Doors is the most coveted element among all Arcane practitioners.

It surpasses the supreme element Void Resonance; the *Book of a Thousand Souls* author Tai Mandora holds the Key of Doors in the highest regard, even ranking it first among all supreme elements!

The *Book of a Thousand Souls* also records the Key of Doors' origin.

It is the Luminous Jellyfish.

The Luminous Jellyfish is not actually an aquatic creature; it is classified as a 'Essence Spirit'.

Essence Spirits are species nurtured in natural environments, somewhat like elemental beings but purer and rarer, the scarcest among all magic‑soul classifications, even fewer than aberrations.

These jellyfish‑shaped Essence Spirits can freely traverse planes and space.

No one knows their origin or birthplace; Master Tai Mandora speculates that the Luminous Jellyfish is an energy creature formed from condensed arcane energy, a manifestation of space‑time power, possessing only minimal intelligence, unable to communicate or be captured.

When threatened, the Luminous Jellyfish instantly slips through space to flee.

If it cannot escape the enemy, it will reveal its combat form.

In an instant, the seemingly harmless jellyfish transforms into a radiant orb that looks like countless overlapping bubbles, blinding to the eye and indescribable in words.

Thus the Luminous Jellyfish is also called 'Radiant Bubble'.

Lei En was skeptical—how did Death Knight Serik obtain the Luminous Jellyfish's magic soul?

Even though the Luminous Jellyfish in his hand was only a high‑grade one, with the Key of Doors' power, Serik could hardly stop it from fleeing.

The most plausible explanation is that Serik acquired this Luminous Jellyfish elsewhere, where it cannot see light.

Therefore, he was eager to act.

Death Knights can only fuse the magic souls of undead creatures; otherwise Serik could not have offered it in exchange for the Thunder Hammer, having already fused it himself.

Lei En's thoughts snapped, and he exclaimed, 'It's the Key of Doors! If this news spreads, who knows how many casters will go mad.'

'Indeed…'

Xia Lanwei was also deeply moved, 'Unfortunately I'm an Elementalist; I lack confidence to merge two affinities and practice Arcane simultaneously—otherwise I'd trade with him.'

Just pretend!

Lei En snickered inwardly; Xia Lanwei publicly claims to be a senior Elementalist, but her casting ability is mediocre, a part‑time mage who spends little time studying spells—the true strength comes from the Great Dragon's innate power.

The Gold Shield attracts this Steel Dragon far more than the Key of Doors!

Moreover, she does not have a half‑human soul like Aoxiliya, so she cannot fuse magic souls at all; even if the Luminous Jellyfish is placed before her, she can only stare blankly.

Lei En asked, 'The Key of Doors isn't an ordinary supreme element; it's extremely valuable. Besides the Thunder Hammer, what else does Serik demand?'

'He wants me to add an extra 200,000 Gold Shields,' Xia Lanwei said.

Lei En nodded; swapping the Thunder Hammer plus 200,000 Gold Shields for a Key of Doors element isn't a loss at all—indeed, it's quite cheap.

If Xia Lanwei auctions off the Luminous Jellyfish's magic soul, she could resell it for an even higher price.

Fortunately, this Steel Dragon is solely focused on real‑estate, as it can bring her more wealth and fulfill her desire for territory.

Otherwise, not only would she lose the hammer, but also remain unaware of the Key of Doors' news.

'Do you know Serik's background?' Lei En asked.

'Not very clear.'

Xia Lanwei recalled, 'I've never met this person before; last month he bought several pricey magical items in my shop and dealt a batch of magic souls, which earned me a good sum, so we've had a few interactions.'

'He said he returned from the New Continent, is now tired, and plans to settle down in Mo Du for rest.'

While pondering, Xia Lanwei also sensed something odd, 'Serik gives me a strange vibe, but he's my client, so I didn't use detection magic.'

'Lord, did you notice anything?'

'Not yet,' Lei En replied with a hint of amusement, then added, 'We'll go out; you may announce the trade result.'

He and Xia Lanwei returned to the trading hall, and everyone's gaze turned toward them, especially several transcendants who had bid on the Thunder Hammer, waiting anxiously with tense faces.

'Madam Xia Lanwei, has the trade been completed?' someone couldn't help asking.

'Yes.'

Xia Lanwei nodded, walked to the Thunder Hammer in the hall's center, where Rune Lord Master Grunus still guarded the war hammer, keeping others at bay.

Upon hearing her, murmurs rose in the crowd, eyes repeatedly turning to Lei En.

Obviously, everyone thought the Earl of Glamorgan had the best chance of winning the bid.

Lei En smiled at the crowd, his gaze sweeping over Death Knight Serik, whose complexion remained calm, his soul a pallid white, showing no emotional fluctuation.

Death Knights are all dead, lacking the feelings of the living, and thus have no emotions.

Lei En had already witnessed it before.

He followed Madam Xia Lanwei through the rail surrounding the Thunder Hammer, and Master Ge Lunu, having received orders, did not intervene.

Seeing this, everyone understood.

Lei En obtained the Thunder Hammer.

Sure enough, Madam Xia Lanwei shouted, "Everyone, I have reached a deal with the Lord; this Thunder Hammer now belongs to the Earl of Glamorgan. I thank the distinguished bidders; unfortunately, I cannot refuse the price the Lord offered."

Even with speculation, when she announced the confirmation, the crowd let out a gasp.

The few extraordinary bidders all shook their heads in lament.

"Congratulations, Your Excellency the Earl."

A legendary Iron Guard, very courteous, congratulated Lei En, and the other two competitors also offered their regards.

"I accept, Commander Si Tu Wa," Lei En replied modestly.

This legendary Iron Guard hails from the Storm Legion stationed near Mo Du; he is the legion's deputy commander, a high‑ranking Imperial military officer, powerful and influential, not a noble of Mo Du but his sway over Mo Du is not to be underestimated.

Lei En had just met the man and exchanged a few words.

"I hope one day to witness the power of the Thunder Hammer," Si Tu Wa said with some regret.

"It will happen."

Ai Milisi and A Ka Lan De also came over to congratulate Lei En on obtaining the Thunder Hammer; in an instant, Lei En became the focus of the entire auction, unrivaled in prominence.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "Madam Xia Lanwei, could you announce the Earl's bid?"

The voice was calm yet carried a hint of coldness; the crowd turned toward it and saw that it was Se Li Ke speaking.

Lei En's brows twitched imperceptibly.

Madam Xia Lanwei's face also showed a hint of displeasure as she said, "Mr. Se Li Ke, this is my transaction with the Earl; it is a commercial secret, and I have no obligation to tell you."

Se Li Ke, however, would not relent.

"Sorry, I'm not targeting the Earl," he raised his hand in goodwill, forced a stiff smile toward Lei En, and said, "I simply hope to obtain this Thunder Hammer; the price can still be negotiated. Please reconsider, Madam, and give me a fair chance to compete."

Both Lei En and Xia Lanwei caught the implication in his words.

Se Li Ke planned to reduce the extra 200,000 Gold Shield surcharge, and, with insinuations, claimed the deal was unfair and that the two had covertly manipulated it.

Xia Lanwei narrowed her eyes, feeling irritated.

Indeed, this transaction was a covert operation; her true intent was to lure Lei En in and cooperate with him.

Logically, it was a mutually willing purchase, harming no one's interests.

But it could not be said publicly.

Otherwise, what would the other bidders think? Even if they outwardly dared not protest, they would inevitably harbor resentment, for they had been used from start to finish and never had a chance to obtain the Thunder Hammer.

The other guests present would also deem it unfair.

If it spread later, both Xia Lanwei's and Lei En's reputations would be tarnished, even ruining the auction's reputation.

Xia Lanwei glanced at Lei En, about to fabricate an astronomical price to prove his bid was highest and allay doubts.

Lei En merely smiled calmly.

"Mr. Se Li Ke," he said while walking toward the Thunder Hammer, "are you suspecting a hidden agenda in my deal with Madam Xia Lanwei?"

"I wouldn't dare."

"I consider my offered price sufficiently high, yet it failed to sway Madam Xia Lanwei, so I am very curious about the Earl's bid, which has completely killed my enthusiasm."

As he spoke, Lei En had already reached the Thunder Hammer.

The war hammer, tilted on the stone, was even more awe‑inspiring up close; beside it lay a dark‑gold "Electric Suction Ring," which Lei En strapped onto his right wrist.

Then he grasped the handle and lifted the Thunder Hammer.

The full thousand‑pound war hammer in Lei En's hand seemed barely weighted; he lifted it effortlessly with one hand, tapping the hammerhead against his left palm to feel its structure and center of gravity.

A strange sensation emanated from his grip.

Lei En's thoughts flickered, activating the runes on the hammer; streams of electricity burst forth, racing up the handle to the head, producing crackling sounds.

Sss…

Lightning tore through the air, emitting a burnt smell.

Seeing the Thunder Hammer fall into Lei En's hands, Se Li Ke suddenly grew anxious, assuming Lei En would not negotiate and would simply take the hammer away.

"Your Excellency the Earl…"

The moment he finished speaking, Lei En acted abruptly.

The hammer swung in a wide arc, cutting through the air with a fierce whoosh, and in an instant slammed before Se Li Ke, the hammerhead rapidly magnifying in his sight.

The strike caught everyone completely off guard.

Se Li Ke hadn't even reacted; he was standing just outside the railing, too close to brace in time, yet his eyes showed no hint of fear or shock, as if the one about to be killed wasn't himself.

Whoosh!

The Thunder Hammer swept by, not fully striking Se Li Ke nor triggering a "Thunder Heavy Hit," merely grazing his chest armor.

Lei En retracted the hammer, halting his attack.

At that moment, people exclaimed, "Your Excellency the Earl!"

"Lord, do not act rashly."

At the same time, everyone thought that the Earl of Glamorgan's temper was overly volatile; he resorted to violence at the slightest disagreement, clearly out of insecurity.

Such conduct was indeed unbecoming, downright reckless.

Moreover, the strike itself was poor; at such close range the hammer missed, leaving Se Li Ke unscathed.

Immediately, many present felt a degree of contempt toward Lei En.

Conversely, the attacked Se Li Ke displayed strong mental composure, not frightened at all.

Se Li Ke stared coldly at Lei En, shouting angrily, "Your Excellency the Earl, what do you mean?"

Lei En did not answer, just raised a finger and pointed at his chest.

Se Li Ke lowered their head and looked, only then discovering that a hole had been smashed in the armor on their chest, exposing the shirt underneath.

Se Li Ke reached in and felt that the necklace pendant hidden beneath the armor was gone, having been smashed by the war hammer as well.

"You…"

Se Li Ke finally sensed something was wrong, their complexion twisted.

At the same time, Se Li Ke's skin grew paler, as if soaked in water for days, oozing disgusting pus that emitted a foul stench. Their face withered, eye sockets sank, and their pupils became two blue flames, exhaling cold mist.

An evil aura spread out, as obvious as a lantern in the night.

"Death Knight!"

Someone let out a scream and fled in panic, while some transcendent acted immediately, but all were a step slower than Lei En.

(End of chapter)