Chapter 82

"No wonder she was able to win." Andre looked at him with some worry: "But I'm afraid you've also been marked by Cynthia now; she's not someone to be trifled with."

"That kind of thing is not worth mentioning; as long as you stand out, you will definitely be targeted." Luo En waved his hand dismissively.

"Instead of worrying about her little tricks, it's better to focus on preparing for the exam. As long as I pass the potion master certification, many of the problems we face now will be easily solved."

The two chatted for a while longer about their respective progress and various intelligence within the academy, and Andre stood up to say goodbye:

"Then I won't disturb your exam preparation. If you need any help, you can send someone to find me at any time."

Luo En saw Andre to the door: "You should also work hard and focus on preparing for the ritual; a month from now will be the real test."

After watching Andre leave, he closed the door and was just about to continue his potion practice for the night when he suddenly fell into deep thought.

Although Cynthia's hostility was not to be feared, the existence of Ao Li Fu always made him feel a trace of unease.

What secrets were hidden behind that gray-robed youth who always wore a perfect smile?

………………

Ao Li Fu's laboratory was located on the top floor of the most remote tower in the school, and almost no other apprentices would come to disturb him.

This tower was in disrepair, its outer walls covered in dark purple vines, which were said to be the failed experimental products of a certain wizard, capable of devouring small creatures that approached them.

The tower's exterior was unremarkable, but the interior was a different world.

Following Ao Li Fu into the wooden door carved with strange patterns, Cynthia's expression was already like a different person compared to the one in the plaza.

The face that had been twisted with anger just moments ago now became surprisingly calm, the violent emotions in those blue eyes receding like a tide, leaving only deep calculation and indifference.

"Alright, there shouldn't be those annoying surveillance eyeballs here."

Cynthia elegantly took off her outer robe and hung it on the rack by the door.

Her movements were fluid and natural, without a trace of the rage she had shown in the plaza, as if the woman who had been screaming out of control was just a disguise she had temporarily put on.

"So, you'd better give me a reasonable explanation as to why you stopped me when I was about to lash out?"

She asked coldly, deliberately walking closer to Ao Li Fu and looking him straight in the eyes, the distance so close that they could almost feel each other's breath.

Ao Li Fu stepped back half a pace, seemingly turning to pick up something, but in reality, he was unobtrusively increasing the distance.

A meticulously crafted smile hung on that flawless face, but a trace of vigilance flashed in his eyes.

"If you had lashed out on the spot, you would have drawn more attention to Trish's side,"

His tone was as calm as water, "Besides, have you ever wondered why that hunter's daughter with such an insignificant background could train an ordinary leopard woman to this extent in such a short time?"

Cynthia snorted without answering, instead circling behind Ao Li Fu and deliberately pressing her body against him:

"Ao Li Fu, you are always so rational. I'm curious, what could possibly make cracks appear in your icy mask?"

Her fingers brushed over the back of Ao Li Fu's hand, her eyes flashing with the light of a predator.

Ao Li Fu's back stiffened slightly, a flash of disgust crossing his eyes, but it was immediately suppressed.

He skillfully avoided the contact by adjusting his sleeves while maintaining a polite smile.

"My mask? You've misunderstood; this is just basic calm thinking."

He walked toward the cabinet on the other side of the room, increasing the distance between them: "Emotions are a luxury in the Black Fog Jungle, especially for people in our position."

Cynthia narrowed her eyes, playfully watching Ao Li Fu's subtle movements to avoid her: "You're afraid of me, Ao Li Fu."

"Afraid?" Ao Li Fu chuckled, a trace of coldness flashing in his eyes:

"It should be called caution. I know your special talent very well. If I were really drawn into that kind of carnal relationship by you, I'm afraid I would only end up as one of your many puppets in the future."

Cynthia was not angry, but instead revealed a satisfied smile: "You know very well; even among high-level apprentices, there are few who can see through the essence of my ability."

"Then, shall we talk about some serious business?" Ao Li Fu calmly changed the subject and bent down to open a cabinet, "You don't need to worry; I never break my promises."

He held up a crystal bottle containing a pale purple liquid that shimmered with an alluring light under the light.

"Liquid of Joy, the latest formula." Ao Li Fu's voice was steady and without ripples: "The effect is 30% stronger than last time, and the side effects are reduced by 50%."

Cynthia's pupils dilated slightly, her body leaning forward involuntarily, but she soon returned to that arrogant and indifferent posture: "It seems our cooperation will continue to be very pleasant."

Ao Li Fu handed her the crystal bottle and then clapped his hands.

The secret door of the laboratory opened slowly, and a burly figure walked in.

It was a stitched man over two meters tall, its skin a sickly dark green, with countless scars stitched onto its body.

Most striking was that its body was deformed to the point of being eerie, with several organs that were clearly grafted on later, each exuding unnatural energy fluctuations.

"An experimental subject I specially modified for you. The body has undergone countless surgical modifications, and each organ has been specially treated to provide a sense of pleasure unimaginable to ordinary people."

Ao Li Fu introduced calmly, as if describing an ordinary craft: "Of course, remember to take the Liquid of Joy before use; the effect will be better."

Cynthia slowly stood up and walked around the stitched man with interest, carefully examining those extra organs, a smile that was hard to describe beginning to appear at the corners of her mouth.

"Not bad, but don't think this can dismiss me." She suddenly turned around, a dangerous light flashing in her eyes: "Our deal is not just about these."

Ao Li Fu nodded, walked to the side of the room, and pulled open a secret door, revealing a row of meticulously arranged potion racks, on which were placed various bottles and jars, each exuding subtle energy fluctuations.

"Everything is here: contraband potions, sensory stimulants, and that item you've always wanted..."

He said softly, pointing to a black box on the bottom shelf.

Cynthia's eyes lit up, and she walked over quickly, carefully opening the box.

Inside lay a black crystal, on the surface of which countless tiny insects seemed to be wriggling.

"Black Crystal of the Sinful Realm." She whispered to herself, her eyes full of greed, "You actually managed to get it?"

"I never break the promises I make to you." Ao Li Fu's voice remained gentle: "Of course, provided that you can continue to provide those 'raw materials'."

Cynthia revealed a satisfied smile:

"Don't worry, this year's goods will definitely be more than before, and the quality will be better. Those ignorant and young slaves can always provide the purest crystals of resentment in this world."

After looking at it, she carefully put the item back; it was not yet time for this thing to be officially unsealed.

The two smiled at each other, and a chilling tacit understanding filled the air.

Ao Li Fu walked to the window and looked at the apprentice dormitory area in the distance:

"By the way, you'd better behave yourself recently, especially don't provoke Luo En, and that 13th Prince the Fa Lu Ke royal family promised to send you."

(End of chapter)