Another World’s Versatile Crafting Master c1-1074

by Zhuang Bifan

  The Malfa Family and Dark Blade were the largest forces in the Breezy Plains, and had been at odds with each other for hundreds of years. They had engaged in countless conflicts, but neither had been defeated, because they were equally powerful.

  Actually, the ancestors of the Malfa Family and Dark Blade were both students of Geresco, the God of Mages. Hence, they ought to have been closer to each other. No one knew the reason for their strained relationship.

  Apart from the outsiders, even the descendants of both families had no idea how the feud had formed. Perhaps it was a minor conflict, or difference in opinions. However, after hundreds and over 1000 of years, the feud worsened.

  When Cheyenne from the Malfa Family entered the Legendary-realm, the first thing he did was to attempt to remove the Dark Blade from the Breezy Plains completely. Unfortunately, just when Cheyenne thought that he had already secured victory, the Dark Blade coincidentally had a Legendary figure; the three leaders then became Legendary powerhouses too1.

  As a result, the Malfa Family's plan failed, and Cheyenne was forced to retreat to Aminya City, which he dared not leave for a long time. If Cheyenne were to leave Aminya City, the Malfa Family would inevitably be destroyed by the Dark Blade. Clearly, the journey to the Haiga Mountain Range put the Malfa Family at great risk. Of course, if that happened, the Malfa Family would not be having it worst. After all, most of the Malfa Family's elite power was concentrated in the team of Adventurers.

  Under such circ.u.mstances, the Malfa Family had to be extremely careful. No one knew what the Dark Blade might get up to if they were to receive the news. Perhaps they might attack Aminya City, or think of a way to get in the way of their mission. No matter what it might be, the Malfa Family would definitely not want it to happen.

  "I'm sorry, Master Felic. We have to slow down in order not to jeopardize the mission." After entering the Haiga Mountain Range, Hutton knew that he couldn't hide the change in their traveling speed from Lin Li. Hence, he decided to explain to him.

  In the past, he would have never done so. However, things were different now. Although the Malfa Family made up the majority of the team, the strength and power of Legendary figures were not to be belittled or easily compared.

  Hutton was somewhat embarrassed because the hostile relationship between the Malfa Family and Dark Blade was well known in the Breezy Plains. Even though they were careful and slowed down, it was still easy for them to be discovered by the Dark Blade.

  Actually, if it weren't because Lin Li eagerly wanted to lay his hands on Thunderbolt, he would have enjoyed the discussions with Cheyenne. Every Legendary-mage had his own unique understanding of things, and even though Geresco was deemed as the God of Mages, it didn't mean that he had mastered magic.

  "I understand. You guys may arrange it yourselves." Although Lin Li wanted to get Thunderbolt as soon as possible, he did not wish for anything to happen during the journey. In the world that he lived in before he teleported, it was said that it was better to be late than never.

  The sky began to turn a little gloomy, and they stopped earlier than expected. They then found a patch of land, and began to set up their tents. Although the camp comprised nearly 200 people, amongst whom there were experienced Adventurers, it still took them some time to set up the tents.

  Campfires were lit, and the tents were neatly arranged around them. The Adventurers had long gotten used to living such a life; hence, they were not too worried about going into the Haiga Mountain Range. They assembled together with the people they knew and munched on some dry rations, enjoying the full experience of adventuring.

  After dinner, Norfeller stood outside the tent, while Lin Li whipped out the Book of Eternity from the Ring of Endless Storm. He then began making a summary of the issues that he had discussed with Cheyenne. After reading the book carefully, he discovered the mysteries of magic. Lin Li would gain more respect for Geresco after every time he read the Book of Eternity.

  Lin Li had no idea what the thing that sealed Thunderbolt in the labyrinth of the Haiga Mountain Range really was. However, he was well aware that the power contained in the seal was probably not inferior to Thunderbolt's power. He needed a stronger power to face it; hence, he dared not waste any time at all, even if his power was only going to increase at a very slow rate. That would mean that he had more confidence and chances of winning. So it sounds like Dark Blade has four Legendary powerhouses, or maybe they lost that first one, and that's why they have three.

  Chapter 575 - Uninvited Guest

  Lin Li had never thought that everyone on Earth was selfless and kind. Instead of relying on others for everything, it was more important that one had considerable strength. Allies would forever be the most unreliable. When the profits were tempting enough, even brothers would turn against each other, let alone allies. Lin Li had always believed in the truth that the power in his own hands was the most reliable one.

  It was not that Lin Li had a twisted mind and a jaded heart, but rather that the old saying about one having to be wary of others all the time had stuck with him ever since he came to Anril. Thunderbolt was the most powerful of the debris of the stars, and its value was absolutely tempting to most people. Not to mention, the value of an artifact that could seal Thunderbolt was definitely not inferior to that of Thunderbolt itself.

  Lin Li could ignore the Adventures. Even though they were all above level-15, they did not pose a huge threat to Legendary-mages. However, he could not disregard Master Cheyenne, the pillar of the Malfa Family who had entered the Legendary-realm plenty of years ago.

  Yes, Lin Li had defeated the level-22 Legendary-mage from the Elven Kingdom in the Harvest Square of Roland City. However, Lin Li knew clearly the reason for his victory. Although he had won fair and square, he had still targeted the natural weakness of elves. However, he clearly couldn't use Spiritual Magic to deal with Cheyenne and gain the upper hand. The main factor in success was still Lin Li's actual power.

  When one was focused on doing something, time tended to fly like an arrow. Soon, Lin Li who was engrossed in the Book of Eternity suddenly snapped back to reality as if a cup had broken in a silent room.

  It was already very late at night, and the campfires had begun to get dimmer. The Adventurers had returned to their tents to rest, except for the ones who were in charge of safety, patrolling slowly outside the tents. Cheyenne's tent was in the middle of the campground. At this moment, the curtain of the tent was raised, and he stepped out of it.

  At the same time, Lin Li lifted the curtain, and walked out of his tent which was different in structure and situated further away from Cheyenne's. Of course, he did not snap out of his trance because of any noise, but rather because he had clearly sensed a strong magical wave that was slowly approaching the campsite.

  The two of them glanced at each other, after which they looked in the same direction in unison.

  In the pitch-black darkness, a figure slowly entered the campground, and his appearance gradually surfaced. That person seemed to be middle-aged, and his features were very well-defined and accentuated by his beard. He was tall and burly, and was wearing a black mage's gown. However, the fact that Lin Li could feel his magical wave meant that he was also a Legendary-mage.

  Yes, the man was indeed a Legendary-mage. It was a sensing ability that Lin Li had developed only after he reached Level-21. At the same time, it also meant that Master Cheyenne had already broken through his bottleneck and become a level-21 Legendary-mage.

  The Adventurers who were patrolling the campground also acted like they had encountered a huge enemy. Although they could not sense how strong he was, they could guess based on their experience that he had to be an extremely powerful figure they could not compare to.

  "Borg, how rare of you to come. However, you've unfortunately come at the wrong time. I don't have anything to entertain you with," Cheyenne said with a smile while gesturing for the Adventurers to leave.

  Upon sight of Master Cheyenne's signal, the Adve
nturers heaved a sigh of relief, and put their weapons away. They then retreated together with their peers who were surrounding them after being jolted awake. Although being an Adventurer was their profession, they were just doing it for a living. No one would be happy to do something that would put their lives at risk.

  "Haha, Cheyenne, I should be the one saying that. The last time you visited this place was more than a decade ago. We haven't met in a long time, but I've been missing you," Borg said in a loud and clear voice before guffawing. His voice was particularly distinct in the silent night.

  As soon as Cheyenne called his name, someone popped up in Lin's mind, and he began to connect the dots. Borg was one of the three leaders of the Dark Blade, and was a Legendary-mage too. Back then in the small wooden hut of Tutankhamun in the Blackstone Mountains, Lin Li, Hutton, and Stephen were present. Later on, the three of them were sent to the Abyss of Tharlen by Tutankhamun, and Stephen's soul was then used by Mephistos. Of course, Summoning Lamp let Lin Li make certain that he was using Mephistos instead. No matter what, both Stephen and Mephistos were plotting against Lin Li, but they ended up being pushed into a path of despair in the end. Mephistos was destroyed by the Lord of Darkness, and s.u.c.k.e.d into the Summoning Lamp. Lin Li did not care about what had happened to Stephen. However, Borg was Stephen's father.

  Since they were in the Dark Blade's territory, they were not surprised to see Borg, though the way that he appeared was rather unpredictable. The two families had always been at odds with each other. They had been enemies for centuries, hoping that they could one day kill one another and eradicate the other party completely. If the Dark Blade knew that the Malfa Family had brought along all of their elites, they would probably only do two things. One would be to eradicate the Malfa Family's power in Aminya, and the other to make them leave their elites behind.

  "What's wrong? Are you the only one here, Borg? Where are the other two? Since you guys know that an old friend has visited, why aren't they out to greet us? I really miss them," Cheyenne said sarcastically with a smile.

  "No hurry, old friend. You'll definitely get to see them. It's just not the right time yet," Borg answered smilingly.

  At this moment, Hutton and the other members of the Malfa Family had already exited their tents. However, after they heard Borg's words, their faces immediately grew sullen. Only Borg, one out of the three leaders of the Dark Blade, was standing in front of them. Every member of the Malfa Family could already guess the reason for the absence of the other two.

  Actually, even the Adventurers knew of the feud between the Malfa Family and Dark Blade. Hence, they could think of a possibility. An uproar had perhaps already broken out in Aminya City; the Malfa Family had slim chances of escaping this time.

  Lin Li sighed silently. The Malfa Family had pinned their hopes on being lucky, but luck really wasn't on their side. The strength of the Dark Blade was not inferior to that of the Malfa Family, and they would obviously detect the movements of the Malfa Family. The problem that the Malfa Family was facing now was the fact that they might not be able to keep and protect their elites. Their only hope was to let Cheyenne, a level-21 Legendary-mage just like Borg, buy some time while the rest left immediately before the other two Legendary powerhouses arrived.

  No matter what approach they adopted, it seemed that their efforts and the trip to the Haiga Mountain Range would be in vain. Of course, Lin Li wouldn't miss a Legendary battle, which would probably be interesting since both Cheyenne and Borg were extremely powerful.

  Borg was not at all phased by the murderous gazes of the Malfa Family members. Instead, he remained smiling, and said to Cheyenne, "What's wrong? Old friend, it's not too appropriate to be catching up here. Aren't you going to invite me in for a seat?"

  Upon hearing Borg's words, Cheyenne squinted subtly before pointing at the tent behind. "I was acting inappropriately. Let's go in and chat, then."

  Most of the people there had no idea what was going on, but Lin Li knew that they could not afford to engage in a Legendary-realm-level battle. If Borg meant to destroy the Malfa Family, there would be no need for them to go inside the tent. Borg could have just said some words to taunt Cheyenne outside the tent. Since they agreed to sit down for a talk, it simply meant that things were not as grave as they had expected yet, and there was a chance for them to belay the battle.

  "This…" Borg shifted his gaze onto Lin Li, and continued, "This must be Master Felic from the Tower of Dusk. I've long heard about Master Felic entering the Legendary-realm at the age of 20. You're a rare talent. No one has achieved such a commendable feat in thousands of years. Unfortunately, I have been too busy to visit the Tower of Dusk."

  Borg did not stare at Lin Li in awe, because he was a senior. Instead, he glanced at him with respect, for he admired Lin Li for being so outstanding despite being much younger.

  Truth be told, Lin Li was rather embarrassed to receive the compliment—not because he felt flattered, but because he had once called Stephen a bastard in Tutankhamun's wooden hut back then. In order words, he'd been implying Borg's wife had cuckolded him. Back then, he didn't take it too seriously, because he didn't think that he would one day meet Borg. However, now that he had actually met Borg, who did not seem to be hostile, he could not help but feel awkward and embarrassed.

  "You're being too formal, Master Borg," Lin Li said modestly.

  The three of them returned to their seats in the tent. Cheyenne was waiting to hear Borg reveal his purpose behind the visit, while Lin Li remained silent because he was too embarrassed to speak. Meanwhile, Borg waited for Cheyenne to ask a question. In the end, the three Legendary masters actually glanced at each other silently for a while.

  "Borg, ever since we knew each other, we'd definitely end up in a battle whenever we met. Your behavior this time is truly shocking. You're not really here for a simple visit, are you?" said Cheyenne, who could no longer stand the silence. After all, he ought to figure out Borg's real intentions for visiting since it concerned the safety of the Malfa Family.

  Chapter 576 - Cooperate With Whom?

  Smiling, Borg scratched his beard, and said, "Cheyenne, you're wrong. You must understand that you're the visitor here, not me. Since you're a guest of the Dark Blade, how can you not enter? Have you forgotten where our door is?" The three leaders of the Dark Blade got really riled up when Cheyenne became a Legendary powerhouse before they did. Although they managed to salvage plenty of their pride over the years, Borg still felt rather displeased about it.

  The two enemies seemed to be sitting together harmoniously, but neither of them was willing to give in or swallow their pride. Lin Li remained seated, and watched the two of them bicker. He then got reminded of the old saying about old folks acting more like children the older they got. He thought about Gerian, Andoine, and the extremely old Apophis, who'd fought alongside Geresco. None of them was mature enough.

  "Masters, it's going to be daybreak soon." Lin Li had been remaining silent ever since the two elders met each other. He finally decided to give them a reminder because he was bored out of his wits.

  "Borg, you didn't come here specially to bicker with me this time, did you? You'd better cut straight to the chase as soon as possible," said Cheyenne, who did not want to drag the nonsense on any longer. They still had to resolve the crisis faced by the Malfa Family.

  Upon hearing Cheyenne's words, Borg glanced at him derisively with a smug smirk. "I know the agenda for your visit this time. I'm here for the same purpose."

  Cheyenne did not quite believe it. Although there had been some commotion during the organization of the Adventurers' team, the Adventurers who did not get selected definitely wouldn't have revealed the whereabouts. Besides, the elites who had been selected by the Malfa Family were all clueless about the treasure of the Immortal King.

  "The Immortal King, right? The Malfa Family doesn't seem that united after all. Haha…" Borg finally revealed the reason for his smugness, which made Cheyenne feel extremely e
mbarrassed. Having been enemies for so many years, Borg felt extremely thrilled to see his enemy being put in an awkward position even though he could not fight.

  Borg's laughter was extremely piercing for Cheyenne. However, it was not hard for a Legendary master to remain composed and keep a straight face.

  Borg's laughter was actually very jovial, but it sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Cheyenne. However, Cheyenne kept his cool and remained seated.

  It was definitely a humiliating matter to have one of his family's members subordinates be a Dark Blade's snitch. Not to mention, the snitch enjoyed high status, and even got to know such confidential information. No, it was not just humiliating. It was actually extremely terrifying. If even the information about the Immortal Kings' treasure could be leaked, what else could be kept secret and confidential in the Malfa Family? One example would be the mageweath that was hidden in Aminya City. It was the foundation that gave him the strength to stand against the three Legendary powerhouses of the Dark Blade!

  Cheyenne kept a straight face, but deep down, massive waves had already formed in his heart. He was beyond infuriated, and was deeply disappointed as well, for someone from his family which he painstakingly defended actually sold them out for the sake of personal, selfish gains. Since the snitch had access to such confidential information, he definitely enjoyed high status in the Malfa Family, and could very likely be a direct relative.

  "Oh, the Immortal King? What a joke. Whom did you hear it from?" Cheyenne asked with a squint, acting as nonchalant as she could.

  Borg smiled smugly and stroked his beard while saying, "I'm not young anymore. Your little tricks don't work on me. You should know whether or not this is true. Besides, you definitely don't know that we have a treasure map of the Immortal King thing."