Chapter 726: Creation Technique

In just half an hour, the party entered the detection range of the guiding stone.

Kuilu opened the portal and returned to the lava cavern.

After twelve teleports, they were far from the lower levels of the Dark Realm and back at the spot where they had first met Kuilu. In the clearing at the forest's center, the campfire was lit again, its light reflecting on the still‑shaken faces of those seated on the surrounding stones, yet no one spoke.

The last time they set out from here to Yilaientu, less than a day has passed since their return.

Yet that brief day was filled with terrifying danger that could never be forgotten, giving a sense of being in another lifetime.

By contrast, the earlier peril of hunting the Baro Flame Demon seemed like a walk in the woods.

"Reslin."

Kuilu broke the silence. As a God of Magic Chosen One, th Level Grand Mage Kuilu had roamed the Dark Realm all their life and never knew such horror lurked in the lower levels. She asked, "Who is in Yilaientu city?"

Even now Kuilu still felt lingering fear, yet never saw the enemy's form; it seemed to be a ball of light.

And the four Saint Rank casters.

Each was as powerful as Kuilu herself; even if they abandoned everyone and fled alone, using every concealment technique, they lacked confidence they could escape.

But the opponent actually retreated, apparently because of Reslin, and Kuilu was eager to know the truth.

"I'm sorry, madam."

Reslin shook his head lightly. "I can't say; knowing his identity brings no benefit and may cause terrible consequences." His gaze swept over the teammates, warning, "The incident in Yilaientu today, keep it to yourselves, treat it as if it never happened and bury it forever in your hearts, otherwise…"

Belaak, startled by his solemn warning, instinctively asked, "What would happen otherwise?"

"You'll die," Reslin replied briefly.

Augulevi Master is great, but that does not change that he is a ruthless person.

To achieve his goal he used any means, even turning himself into a main‑brain lich; although he retained free will and the Soul Eye confirmed his mind was sound, Reslin still suspected that the lich ritual had, to some extent, altered Augulevi Master's temperament, making him colder and harder to read than in life.

A lich is a corpse; it cannot be equated with the living.

Before he left, Augulevi Master only warned me to keep it secret and did not mention anyone else, so it certainly wasn't forgotten.

Reslin guessed that Augulevi Master wanted to kill to silence, yet still bargained with Kuilu, not acting directly but trying to fish for enforcement. If the teammates leaked the secret, it would give Augulevi Master a reason to strike.

Perhaps a duplicate of Augulevi is nearby, watching from the shadows.

Fear flashed in everyone's eyes, with no hint of doubt.

Another silence fell.

【5】 Since escaping Yilaientu, Yizite had been like this, and now finally couldn't hold back: "In the palace battle, that terrifying feeling—what exactly was it?"

【6】 He is a Saint Rank strongman, with some resistance to Time Stop, so he sensed it.

【7】 The three teammates below Saint Rank were completely unaware.

【8】 Their faces were blank, bewildered by Yizite's question. In their view, they were suddenly teleported in and out of the palace twice, then surrounded by four Saint Rank casters, knowing nothing of what occurred inside the palace, let alone that Reslin used a Mirror Image to shield them from a lethal spell.

【9】 "Time Stop."

【10】 Kuilu answered Yizite, saying in a low voice, "That was Time Stop."

【11】 The ignorant are fearless, but aside from Reslin, she was the most aware of the situation, thus she understood the enemy's terrifying power best and was the most shocked.

【12】 "Time Stop!"

【13】 The three teammates widened their eyes, and even the usually stoic Daon Soth could not help a startled exclamation.

【14】 The reputation of Time Stop is known to all, reputed as one of the world's hardest spells to master.

【15】 This spell is too powerful!

【16】 If one masters Time Stop and successfully casts it in battle, the vast majority of foes become helpless prey; even Saint Rank strongmen can hardly resist, at most sensing that they are in extreme danger. Those below Saint Rank may not even know how they died.

【17】 Belaak's face turned pale. "How did we escape?"

【18】 The three instinctively looked at Kuilu, assuming she had broken Time Stop and saved them.

【19】 Kuilu shook her head slightly. "I could only barely save myself; it was Reslin who saved you." She then recounted the battle that occurred during Time Stop in detail.

【20】 The teammates grew more astonished as they listened.

【21】 Reslin, a Legendary Peak, not only resisted Time Stop but also rescued everyone, which was truly unbelievable.

【22】 "Thank goodness for you, Reslin; otherwise we'd have been dead…" Yizite said gratefully.

【23】 "You all went with me to Yilaientu, which led us into such terrible danger; the responsibility is all mine," Reslin stood and apologized to the group. "Fortunately everyone is unharmed; otherwise I could never find peace in my life."

【24】 "We went voluntarily," Daon Soth shook his head. "Reslin, you need not blame yourself."

"Yeah, who could have imagined Yilaientu… " Belaak dared not continue.

Asina said nothing, but offered comfort through a soul contract.

"Thank you, everyone."

They looked bewildered, completely puzzled by Yizite's question. In their view, they had suddenly been teleported in and out of the palace twice, then were surrounded by four Saint Rank spellcasters, completely unaware of what had happened inside the palace, and even less clear that Reslin had used a Mirror Image to block a deadly spell for them.

Yizite expressed regret, "It's a pity this mission failed, we couldn't obtain the Spirit-absorbing Monster's main‑brain demon soul you wanted, Reslin."

"Aren't there other gathering places of Spirit-absorbing Monsters in the Dark Realm?" Belaak's eyes shifted. "We could stay farther from Yilaientu; we can't keep running into that terrifying creature."

Asina and Daon Soth were intrigued by the suggestion.

"No need," Reslin smiled. "I've already obtained the Spirit-absorbing Monster's main‑brain demon soul."

He produced a soul stone and gave everyone a glance.

Everyone knows the fame of Time Stop; it is said to be one of the most difficult spells to master in the world.

The teammates were all shocked, and Kuilu found it unbelievable, unable to fathom how Reslin could still acquire the demon soul under these circumstances.

Mastering Time Stop, as long as it is successfully cast in battle, the vast majority of enemies become mere targets to be slaughtered; even Saint Rank powerhouses struggle to resist, at most only sensing that they are in an extremely dangerous state, while those below Saint Rank don't even know how they died.

"I made a deal with that person and exchanged for the main‑brain demon soul," Reslin said briefly.

Asina's beautiful eyes fixed on Reslin, and she asked softly, "Because of that deal, they withdrew, allowing us to leave safely?"

Kuilu shook her head slightly, "I can barely save myself too; it was Reslin who saved you." She then recounted in detail the battle that took place during Time Stop.

"No wonder…"

Reslin is merely a Legendary Peak; not only did he resist Time Stop, he also saved everyone—truly unbelievable.

"Good thing you're here, Reslin; otherwise we'd be dead…" Yizite was overwhelmed with gratitude.

"You came with me to Thus Place: Yilaientu, which is why we fell into such terrible danger; the responsibility is entirely mine." Reslin stood up and apologized to everyone, "Fortunately everyone is safe; otherwise I could never rest easy for the rest of my life."

"We volunteered." Dao En Suo Si shook his head, "Reslin, you don't need to blame yourself."

"Yeah, who could have imagined what's inside Thus Place: Yilaientu…" Bei La Ke didn't dare continue.

A Xi Na didn't speak; instead she comforted them via the soul contract.

"Thank you, everyone."

Reslin silently kept this favor in mind.

Yizite felt regretful, "It's a pity this mission failed; we couldn't obtain the magic soul of the Spirit-absorbing Monster's core that you wanted, Reslin."

"Aren't there other gathering places of many Spirit-absorbing Monsters in the dark regions?" Bei La Ke's eyes shifted, "We can stay farther from Thus Place: Yilaientu; surely we won't run into that terrifying guy again."

A Xi Na and Dao En Suo Si were tempted by the proposal.

"No need." Reslin smiled, "I've already obtained the magic soul of the Spirit-absorbing Monster's core."

He took out a soul stone and showed it to everyone.

"What!"

The teammates were all shocked; Kuilu also found it inconceivable, unable to fathom how, under these circumstances, Reslin could still obtain the magic soul.

"What's going on?" she asked involuntarily.

"I made a deal with that person and obtained the magic soul of the core." Reslin briefly explained.

A Xi Na's beautiful eyes fixed on Reslin as she softly asked, "Because of this deal, they retreated, letting us leave safely?"

Reslin nodded.

"No wonder…"

Everyone suddenly understood, feeling very curious about what Reslin had used for the transaction and eager to know the other party's identity, but seeing that Reslin was unwilling to talk further, they courteously did not press the issue.

Kuilu gave Reslin a deep glance.

Earlier, Reslin had dueled the unknown terror with spells in the palace, a thrilling and spectacular exchange lasting less than ten seconds, which left her with a deep impression. Knowing it was only Lei En's avatar made it feel even more mysterious.

The two elder sisters' assessments of him were mostly unflattering, yet they could not deny his talent and strength, and felt somewhat helpless.

"What a man shrouded in mystery…"

Kuilu's mind conjured Lei En's face, feeling a strong flutter for the first time in her life, like a magical puzzle before her that she wanted to explore.

"Since Reslin has already obtained the primary demon soul, we should return to the surface," Beilake stood up, "I've had enough of the Dark Realm; I don't want to stay another day and just want to see the sun as soon as possible. After we return, I'll bask in the sun for three consecutive days!"

Asina and Dao En Suosi nodded in agreement.

The two drow elves let out a slight sigh; they could barely endure a little over a month in the Dark Realm, while they and their kin had lived there all their lives.

Fortunately, the dawn's first light was already near.

"I won't return to the surface," Yizite shook his head, "I'm going back to Mosuobulai to help Tai Bo Lun prepare to lead the clan away."

Kuilu looked at the Demonic Hunter and said, "Yizite, you can't only care about Mosuobulai's drow; many of our kin in other drow cities await rescue, you must come help me."

"Yes, ma'am," Yizite replied gladly.

Reslin said, "I won't be returning for the time being; for the next few years I'll likely stay in the Obsidian Tower. However, I'll soon construct a teleportation array in the tower leading to the surface, with its location on Shield Island, so Ilyas's followers can reach the surface directly."

This was the evacuation plan previously discussed with Kuilu.

The drow from each city in the Dark Realm would depart in batches to Mosuobulai, passing through the teleportation array outside the city, entering the Obsidian Tower, and then teleporting to the surface.

Kuilu and Yizite would carry out the specific evacuation process.

"We'll return to Albert Bay first," Dao En Suosi and Beilake had already decided, "once your city is built, we'll move there permanently."

"Asina, what about you?" Reslin asked.

The female giant hesitated, "I'll go back to Albert Bay with them,"

"Alright."

Reslin nodded; if Asina stayed with him in the Obsidian Tower, it would be terribly boring. The environment there isn't suitable for a female giant, and he needed to set up the Hesi magical array, focusing on confronting the Grand Mage, leaving no room for her feelings.

Asina, though his soul mate, had never thought of binding her to his side; doing so would be too selfish.

She left the Storm Sanctuary to experience the world and enjoy thrilling adventures.

And this is only a temporary separation.

Reslin looked at Dao En Suosi and Beilake, "You're familiar with Albert Bay's situation; with Asina as your teammate, I'm at ease."

He didn't ask for any special care; a female giant's strength and wisdom don't require others to look after her.

The two were both very pleased.

Asina is sturdy and fierce, with rich combat experience and astonishing beauty; no one in Albert Bay could be a stronger teammate. With her, their success rate and safety on outings improve greatly.

Having each arranged their destinations, Kuilu opened the teleportation gate again.

Shortly after, the party arrived at a secluded corner of a remote cave in the eastern outskirts of Mosuobulai City; the teleportation array lay within the stone wall behind them.

"Friends, this is our parting."

Yizite waved farewell to everyone, performed an elegant bow, then walked alone toward Mosuobulai.

Reslin opened an anydoor into the cave within the stone wall, activated the teleportation array, and the five appeared on the top floor of the Obsidian Tower.

Kuilu, visiting the Obsidian Tower for the first time, was full of admiration for the mage tower.

"It's time to go."

Reslin watched Kuilu open the teleportation gate and leave the Obsidian Tower. She would continue teleporting with the three, sending them to the outskirts of Albert Bay, then return to the Dark Realm; otherwise, if they walked on their own, it would take at least one or two months to get back to Albert Bay.

On the Obsidian Tower's top floor, Reslin triggered castling, swapping positions with Lei En.

A Soul Stone and a magic notebook hovered before them.

Lei En put the two items away and began extracting a large quantity of alchemical materials from the Nebula Ring. One by one, huge crates quickly piled up on the hall floor, all intended for constructing the Hesi magical array; so far only about a third has been purchased, the rest will arrive within the next two months.

After setting down the alchemical materials, he triggered castling again.

Reslin returned to the Obsidian Tower and immediately began bustling about.

In the study of Glamorgan Castle, Lei En opened Augulevi Master's magic notebook; the first page read "Augulevi Creation Technique"!

He had only skimmed it before; now he was truly reading.

Time passed.

When Lei En closed the magic notebook, he noticed the sky outside was almost bright; he had been immersed in the notebook for over a dozen hours. He felt deeply moved, and after finishing, his understanding of Augulevi Master's wisdom became more profound and intuitive.

The greatest wizard in history truly lived up to the name; the word "greatest" cannot fully encompass Augulevi Master's greatness and talent.

The Augulevi Creation Technique can only be glimpsed in part.

The foundation of the Creation Technique is the Imaginary Technique; this nine-ring Arcane can create an imaginary duplicate whose level is only half of the original, yet everything else—thoughts, memories, casting skills—is identical, like another independent wizard.

Multiple imaginary duplicates can exist, but they cannot be upgraded; their power remains fixed.

Augulevi dissected the Imaginary Technique, removing independent thought and half the power level, allowing it to be cultivated and upgraded, though its ring count decreased; then, supplemented with Flesh Proliferation and Advanced Regeneration, he forged a truly flesh-and-blood body rather than an energy‑condensed magical form.

Finally, this body was combined with the Projection Technique.

The Projection Technique is a seven-ring Shadow Magic that creates a projection using shadow energy, anchored to a powerful magical item, acting as a surrogate.

Using the Projection Technique requires an anchor and has a distance limit.

Augulevi Master cleverly used the flesh body as the anchor for the Projection Technique; the two merged perfectly, allowing his memory duplication to be accepted without body‑mind conflict, while removing the distance restriction, enabling free movement.

Thus, a perfect duplicate was born.

This is the invention process of the Creation Technique, involving Arcane, Shadow Magic, Life and Undead spells, perfectly fused to form an eight-ring Arcane!

The magic notebook fully displays Augulevi Master's reasoning and research, as well as his insights from creating numerous duplicates after completing the Creation Technique, with abundant details and data. It also includes modifications to the Creation Technique that let duplicates grow slowly, like normal humans.

Lei En was left breathless by what he read.

This was only the first pass; he grasped the general application of the Creation Technique but hadn't fully digested the notebook's contents, and would certainly need to reread it countless times.

At the same time, Lei En also felt relieved; not long ago, when he was promoted to Legendary High-rank, he prudently chose not to immediately expend the Key of Doors to select the Eight-ring Arcane.

Now is the time to put it to use.

Lei En opened a random door, entered the magic laboratory, and the two Extreme Warriors received orders from the original form to guard the laboratory's main door.

He meditated for a moment, and his mind calmed.

Lei En activated the Key of Doors.

Immediately, a deep, ancient gate materialized before his eyes, as if leapt from the endless void, originating from the source of time; the towering doorframe was formed by countless transparent worms clustering together, constantly writhing and exuding an ancient, distant aura.

On the World Tree, the rune leaf of the Key of Doors shimmered with light.

The ancient gate opened silently; in an instant, Lei En saw countless bubble-like light spheres overlapping behind the door, billions of glows filling his vision, his eyes stinging. Beneath the radiant veil, a massive flesh mass with countless tentacles and eyes loomed faintly, and a single glance made his soul shudder.

Lei En gently closed his eyes; he had grown accustomed to this nameless terrifying entity.

He silently recited the Aogulevi Creation Technique in his mind.

A beam of mysterious light shot out from the gate, entering Lei En's forehead and reaching his soul space; the branch on the World Tree formed by a dim bubble spirit swiftly sprouted an eighth leaf, its Element rune exceedingly intricate and glittering!

The ancient gate immediately closed, the light dissipated, and it returned to the void.

Lei En let out a sigh of relief.

A brand‑new abstract icon appeared on the phone interface, resembling a simple sketch of a human body, and information about it flashed through his mind.

It was the Aogulevi Creation Technique!

I was out on business yesterday and got home very late, so I didn't finish… this chapter is from yesterday; there will be an update today.

(End of chapter)