Wizard: Starting With the Knights Breathing Method Chapter 2909: 590: Sauron’s Golden Finger
Previously on Wizard: Starting With the Knights Breathing Method...
Levi had grown used to the suspenseful endings from that sly wizard Sauron, so he quietly tucked the bookmark away.
He appeared to have anticipated this already, whispering under his breath, "As expected, Sauron possesses a golden finger too... Lacking such advantages, rising in this hopeless Land of Darkness—where the Four Great Giants grip mortals so firmly—is simply out of the question."
A person's entire existence, from cradle to grave, stands fully predetermined.
Regardless of one's genius or incredible fortune, no ripples can be made.
In the end, everything comes down to a single truth.
Nothing but the [Primordial] can stand against another [Primordial].
From the birth of Heaven and Earth emerged countless primordial beings; per Sauron's ideas, their role was meant to refine the cosmos's laws, crafting an improved realm.
However, with the rise of awareness and the innate drive to gain benefits, certain primordial entities inevitably started dominating and manipulating others.
As a result, the universe's development veered off course.
This ultimately shaped the existing order.
The initial dominant powers, of course, sought to hoard all resources, blocking progress for those who came later.
Ultimately, it all ties back to the Land of Darkness—or more precisely, the universe's "resources"—which remain limited at any given point in history.
The universe keeps growing, yet at a glacial pace.
Nowhere near matching how quickly it's being depleted.
Initially, Levi believed Sauron aimed to elevate Nora, establishing equilibrium against the Four Great Giants, maybe even including the insects.
That would forge a lineup of Six Great Giants.
Yet now, he senses Sauron's goals stretch much further.
Sauron could be plotting to completely eradicate the Abyss, Astral World, Nightmare, and insects... The Underworld, being an ally, would likely be left untouched.
Should these colossal forces all fall, the Land of Darkness would free up vast resources, plenty to fuel the Nora Wan Clan's expansion.
At its core, it's all a fierce contest!
Steadying his feelings, Levi soared from the grand hall.
Should things proceed smoothly, two additional temples await in the Ninth Layer.
The clash between the King of Ten Thousand Dragons and the Lord of the Stars during their final days was deliberately staged. The Star Dragon King's alliance with the astral world for ascension to divinity wasn't purely about gaining more years, or maybe... not solely for that.
When you can't defeat your foes, align with them.
Though my body serves Cao's forces, my loyalty belongs to Han!
I pretend obedience in the astral world, biding my time for the perfect counterstrike!
Such is the "Avengers" coalition Sauron assembled!
Impressive, what a masterfully woven epoch.
A thrill of exhilaration briefly flooded Levi's chest.
Sauron humbly claimed that absent the Wisdom Tablet, he's worthless.
Still, his capacity to orchestrate such grand schemes, mapping every detail meticulously.
Within Levi's mind, Sauron's status as the wizards' founding father hasn't fully crumbled.
What has shattered is Sauron's dubious sense of style.
This temple's rewards proved bountiful indeed.
One Divine Crystal fragment, a divine armament, plus a Nine-level Treasure.
Above all, he uncovered the route to the Giant Kingdom.
Without that, venturing into the Land of Oblivion might yield only stray bands of common giant clans, never linking to the Giants' profound core.
...
Jin discovered the temple.
The creature brimmed with pride, having caught up to the hound once more.
With half a year left, overtaking it before the ancient tower seals shut would be effortless.
One month passed.
Deep in a secluded valley hid a dark Cold Pond.
A golden-furred mouse floated overhead, eyes darting wildly.
Levi advanced boldly, flicking his hand to unleash a powerful gust that drained the vast cold pond's waters, exposing the depths where a massive white serpent, stretching thousands of feet, lay coiled. It radiated a Level 8 Late Stage presence, sporting a striking horn on its forehead... or more accurately, a fang-like protrusion from some beast, inscribed with shimmering Truth Runes.
"A Sun Refining Artifact paired with a transcendent beast—fascinating."
Tension gripped the white giant serpent as it reared up cobra-style, baring its fangs, unleashing twin jets of venomous breath that ate away at the emptiness, hurtling at Levi.
"The defiance of the feeble always strikes me as utterly charming."
Levi stayed calm; shielded by the Vajra Sacred Realm, immune to flames and floods, he boldly approached the serpent and delivered a resounding smack amid its stunned stare. The forceful strike buried the creature into the earth, leaving it stunned and battered.
Confusion clouded its eyes as it gazed at Levi in terror, frozen in place.
Levi spoke gently,
"From now on, show more wisdom. I could effortlessly wreck your lair, so avoid pointless fights—survival matters above all. Anyone else might've ended you right there as a lifeless serpent."
He removed the peculiar item from the serpent's forehead.
"I'll name you the [Poison Dragon’s Tooth]."
This peculiarity hailed from the Ocean Faction's variants, brimming with toxic power. It suited Triss perfectly for refinement, surpassing her current Five Poison Strange Objects and propelling her further ahead.
Though this white giant serpent looked as unyielding as forged steel, it truly stood out as remarkable.
It was a [Sky Frost White Snake], akin to the Chaos Ancient Serpent—both serpentine members of the Dragon Clan, reaching Legendary status, albeit still young.
Levi thought of his departed companion, White Snake Jorman; perhaps its Dragon Clan heritage traced back to this very Sky Frost White Snake.
"Join me—you'll never mature stuck in this spot."
Levi murmured kindly, channeling the Power of the Green Emperor Dragon to mend its injuries.
Warmth spread through the Sky Frost White Snake's form, bringing unparalleled ease.
It lowered its serpentine head, signaling surrender.
Given Levi's Dragon King aura of dominance, taming a Dragon Clan member was routine.
...
Days slipped by steadily.
Over the ensuing months, Levi amassed a solid collection of treasures.
Among them, though not exhaustive:
The Sun Refining Artifact [Fire Crow’s Nest] from the Land of Extreme Fire, the Nine-level Treasure [Sword of the Copper King] from forgotten ruins, the Level 9 Gail Ore and Level 8 Purple Crystal unearthed by the hound... and more, too many to enumerate.
As the ancient tower neared its shutdown.
Jin led Levi to the last hoard of riches.
A colossal withered tree spanned the chasm, radiating potent Dark Energy that devoured nearby light—it was [Black Star Wood].
"Incorporating it into the wizard tower will round out the primary Elements and Energy Sects... Ideal." Levi released Eternal Star Abyss, drawing it inside.
Beneath the Black Star Wood in the gorge, clusters of creepy eyeball-like flora swayed, whispering faint noises.
In an instant, every eyeball swiveled to Levi, lids parting wide. Far from alarmed, Levi grinned, sweeping his arm to uproot the soil.
"Incredibly, it's [Ghost Pupil Grass]—fate truly favors me."
Ghost Pupil Grass, a rare Eight-Circle Herb, had vanished from the outer realms.
From it, one could brew [Shattered Dream Potion]. This elixir bestows enduring [Shattering Dream Eyes], piercing through typical illusions under Level 8. Amid the ongoing Nightmare invasion threat, demand for this brew would skyrocket.
The next dawn.
Levi reentered the Land of Darkness.
An indescribable gray fog cloaked the world around him.
He clicked his fingers, sending endless flames surging outward while howling gales raged on; once the blaze and gusts faded, the fog lingered unchanged.
A sneering tone echoed.
"You've stepped into my [Gray Mist Domain]—escape is off the table."
Levi peered into the emptiness, golden radiance flickering in his eyes.
"Really? We'll see about that."