Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 3258: Chapter 3259: Er Si and Rong Shi

"Have you encountered humans recently?" Glaipnir asked curiously in the Mind Ribbon upon hearing Gutalace’s words.

Encountering humans in itself isn’t unusual, but Gutalace had just mentioned that the humans she’s met recently all have hidden agendas.

Therefore, Glaipnir was very curious about what Gutalace has been encountering lately.

Gutalace nodded and said to Glaipnir, "I saw a group of Human Wizards accompanying several Ersi Clan when I went to Constant Country to purchase the Secret Mirror Star Stone."

"Tsk, tsk, those Wizards, although they’re all humans, they are deceitful and have hidden intentions."

Gutalace shook her head with a cold smile as she spoke, "I’ve never seen such a disunited group. Even when facing danger, they’re still thinking of mutual betrayal."

After Gutalace finished speaking, Glaipnir hadn’t reacted yet, but Luigi was the first to ask, "Constant Country? Is it the Constant Country of the Rongshi Clan that I understand? If so, why are there Ersi Clan?"

Gutalace glanced at Luigi and shook her head, "You don’t know? I’m too lazy to explain, let Glaipnir synchronize with you through the Mind Ribbon."

Luigi: "..."

Luigi looked at Glaipnir, who intended to synchronize the information with Luigi as Gutalace suggested. However, noticing Angel’s curious expression, she pondered for a moment and explained directly in the Mind Ribbon: "It’s rumored that the Rongshi Clan and Ersi Clan have enmity, but in reality, this is just hearsay. These two clans aren’t as hostile as imagined..."

With Glaipnir’s explanation, Angel roughly understood the situation.

Constant Country is the territory of the Rongshi Clan; the Rongshi Clan belongs to the rock-type beings. Their ability can cause massive destruction to Mirror Space, and the destroyed Mirror Space is refined into special gems by the Rongshi Clan, which is why they are also known as "The Destroyer Clan" in the Mirror Domain.

On the other hand, the Ersi Clan comes from a Mirror Space known as Sunset Forest. The Ersi Clan’s ability is to consolidate Mirror Space, which naturally opposes the Rongshi Clan.

Due to the absolute opposition of abilities, external rumors suggest these two clans are quite hostile, considered archenemies.

Yet, contrary to that, Gutalace claimed she saw the Ersi Clan in the Rongshi Clan’s territory, which surprised Luigi. Why would archenemy clans be in an opponent’s territory?

The reason is simple. The Ersi Clan and Rongshi Clan have opposing abilities but aren’t absolute enemies, and they aren’t as hostile as the rumors suggest.

Luigi: "But from what I know, the Rongshi Clan and Ersi Clan often clash whenever they encounter. What’s up with that?"

Glaipnir: "These two clans aren’t archenemies, but it doesn’t mean they can get along harmoniously. Their abilities oppose each other; if they encounter the same Mirror Space, one wants to consolidate and the other wants to destroy. From a position standpoint, harmonious coexistence is impossible, and conflicts are normal."

In fact, the likelihood of conflicts between the Rongshi Clan and Ersi Clan is much higher than between other clans, which is why it’s often witnessed that these two clans are either fighting or on the way to a fight.

"But between the high levels of the Rongshi Clan and Ersi Clan, there’s actually good diplomatic relations. After all, despite their opposing abilities, they can collaborate closely on many matters."

For instance, although Daylight Mirror Domain has many Mirror Spaces, many are actually broken. These broken spaces will soon become Mirror Light and disappear.

Though the Rongshi Clan can use these broken Mirror Spaces to refine gems, the resultant gems aren’t as good as those from intact Mirror Spaces.

This is where the Ersi Clan can collaborate with the Rongshi Clan.

The Ersi Clan repairs and consolidates these broken Mirror Spaces, while the Rongshi Clan then destroys them, ultimately resulting in highly distinctive quality gems.

Therefore, just because the abilities oppose each other doesn’t mean they can’t collaborate.

Furthermore, the gems refined by the Rongshi Clan are numerous, amongst which some are useful to the Ersi Clan, thus further establishing a foundational ground for cooperation.

They can even reach a level of deep collaboration.

Once deep collaboration is established, seeing members of the Ersi Clan in the Rongshi Clan’s territory would be quite reasonable.

Much like Pirush and the Crystal Eye Clan having deep collaboration in recent years, seeing Pirush in the Crystal Kingdom is also normal. Likewise, vice versa.

To bring it back, Glaipnir knows about these situations because the Rongshi Clan can refine a type of gem called the "Secret Mirror Star Stone," which is effective in enhancing Gutalace’s Star power cultivation. Gutalace often visits Constant Country to purchase this gem, and with frequent visits comes knowledge.

After hearing Glaipnir’s explanation, Luigi showed a look of realization: "I see, but aren’t they concerned about the rumors? If rumors persist, fermented public opinion might sway the thoughts of most clan members."

To which Gutalace replied, "So what if it sways them? The class concept among the Rongshi Clan and Ersi Clan isn’t inferior to the Yingji Clan. As long as the core members understand what’s right or wrong, there won’t be any major issues."

Gutalace paused and continued, "Speaking of which, why are you all so focused on the Rongshi Clan and Ersi Clan matters? Weren’t we discussing Human Wizards?"

Luigi snapped back to the topic, "Indeed, you mentioned Human Wizards accompanying Ersi Clan? What’s going on with that? Have the Ersi Clan collaborated with Human Wizards too?"

As Luigi said this, he seemed to recall something, turning his gaze to Angel: "By the way, do you remember that we previously saw a human accompanied by an Ersi Clan member... What was that human’s name again?"

Angel: "... Dao Shen."

Luigi clenched his fist and struck his palm with the other hand: "That’s right, Dao Shen, that Blood Hunter."

Luigi looked at Gutalace, "Among the Human Wizards you mentioned, is there someone called Dao Shen?"

Gutalace: "Dao Shen? What’s he like?"

If it were the appearance of other humans, Luigi’s description might be misleading; but this Dao Shen was different because he has a very distinct feature!

"A man with a high ponytail?" Gutalace pondered for a moment, "I remember now, there indeed was such a person. He was quite different from the other Human Wizards."

Gutalace briefly described the situation at that time.

Every once in a while, the Rongshi Clan would organize a gem trading fair.

This fair is not big, only a small portion of "VIP" clients receive invitations. Coincidentally, Gutalace is one of the big clients.

When she attended this gem trading fair to purchase Secret Mirror Star Stones, she happened to see members of the Ersi Clan coming over to buy gems, accompanied by a group of Human Wizards.

Technically, this gem trading fair wasn’t open to this group of Human Wizards, but for the sake of the Ersi Clan, the Rongshi Clan didn’t refuse.

Thus, Gutalace had brief contact with this group of Human Wizards at that small gathering.

These Human Wizards seemed interested in gems too, but they weren’t exchanging Crystalline; instead, they traded items. And the items they used for trading were... Extraordinary Bloodlines.

Extraordinary bloodlines are of little use to most Mirror Domain races, but the Rongshi tribe is different. They can fuse extraordinary bloodlines with the Mirror Space, and after destruction, they obtain special gemstones.

Therefore, the Rongshi tribe is willing to buy extraordinary bloodlines, provided that...they are rare bloodlines.

Thus, Gutalace witnessed a large display of deceit.

A previous human wizard took out a certain bloodline, winning the approval of the Rongshi tribe and exchanging it for gemstones; yet before trading, another human wizard mocked the previous one’s bloodline as mundane in the human world and offered to present a better bloodline.

Once this malicious rivalry began, it spiraled out of control.

Despite arriving together, they attacked each other, exposing secrets, afraid of losing out on any gemstones, completely lacking any sense of solidarity.

For the Rongshi tribe, such a situation was beneficial, as it maximized the acquisition of rare bloodlines.

But this extravaganza seemed laughable to Gutalace.

Glaipnir’s past as a human gives Gutalace a favorable view of humans, but the greed and desires of these humans seemed to make even Pirush appear pure.

However, not all human wizards were so disgraceful; among them, Glaipnir noticed a man with a high ponytail.

He diligently mediated, upholding human dignity, although his differing values made him the subject of ridicule among other wizards.

Gutalace recalled an incident where a wizard opposing the ponytail man mocked him: "Insisting on outdated dogmas in the Floating City is one thing, but bringing conservative beliefs here? The church caring for you would be better off nurturing a wild dog."

Gutalace then disclosed a crucial detail: Floating City, the church.

Angel had briefly interacted with a human named Dao Shen, who clearly stated his origins in Floating City of the Wild Realm.

Dao Shen didn’t disclose his affiliation, but identified himself as a Blood Hunter. According to Laplace, Blood Hunters belong to an organization called the Darkblood Church, which bears stark resemblance to an extremist faction in the Southern Domain.

They harbor hostility towards "traitors," often referring to half-bloods and alien clans.

Yet, the Darkblood Church has both conservative and extremist factions, with Dao Shen being among the conservatives. Although conservatives hunt "sinners," they adhere to principles, often turning a blind eye to innocent half-bloods; extremists, on the other hand, will spare no means, disregard any explanation, and attack so-called "traitors" with full force.

If the wizards Gutalace encountered are from the Darkblood Church, could the other wizards be from the extremist faction?

Angel voiced his contemplation.

Gutalace shrugged: "Perhaps? The ponytail man certainly has different beliefs from the other wizards. He left the gem trading conference alone, without buying anything."

"Didn’t expect you’d meet him at the gathering? Seems these human wizards have been lingering in the Daylight Mirror Domain."

Glaipnir: "Not necessarily, maybe they’ve mastered a stable passage into the Daylight Mirror Domain."

Gutalace replied indifferently: "Who cares, these humans won’t be stirring up any storms in the Daylight Mirror Domain."

The energy systems of the Mirror Domain and humans are vastly different, and even extraordinary materials may not be compatible. Thus, humans and Mirror Domain races generally have little conflict; even if human wizards know of the Mirror Domain’s existence, they wouldn’t expend much effort targeting it.

And even if they did, they’d gain little benefit.

Luigi: "Whether humans can stir up waves is one thing, I’m more curious about how they’ve mingled with the Ersi Clan."

Gutalace shook her head: "Not sure, perhaps for profit. You know, the Ersi tribe are muscle-bound mountains with high bloodline concentration, maybe the humans’ bloodlines are useful to them."

"And Glaipnir speculated they might have access to a stable passage into the Daylight Mirror Domain, perhaps enabled by the Ersi tribe."

"Didn’t you say that human named Dao Shen left a contact badge? If you truly want to figure out the relationship between the Ersi clan and them, why not directly ask? I doubt Dao Shen would conceal the truth."

Gutalace’s suggestion actually hit the mark.

The Blood Hunter badge Dao Shen left indeed remains in Angel’s possession, serving as a link to communicate with Dao Shen. But upon further thought, Angel decided against it.

Dao Shen left the badge in goodwill for fellow humans to reach him during times of trouble.

Currently there’s no danger, so breaking the badge over a mere inquiry seemed unwarranted.

Nonetheless, Gutalace’s insights today clarified to Angel that the Mirror Domain isn’t devoid of human influence; they are merely hidden behind Mirror Domain races.

...

They continued through Pirush merchants’ passage, exiting Pirush’s merchant point.

After leaving the passage, they found themselves again at the "Soft Bristle" Tooth Dyeing Shop.

Angel greeted the Pirush attendant, and under the latter’s startled gaze, they left the shop.

Outside, the lines persisted, albeit with noticeably fewer people than before; most likely moved to the exhibition floors. Queuing could be postponed, but the first day’s exhibition, filled with "limited edition" content, was not to be missed.

With no crowd pressing, they made their way to the transition point effortlessly.

"Didn’t you mention wanting to exhibit? What did Pika Sage say, did he help establish contact?" Gutalace turned to Glaipnir.

Glaipnir took out a display booklet and checked for a message from Pika Sage: "He hasn’t reached out to me."

"Looks like it’s unlikely." Gutalace remarked: "Should we still proceed to the 5000th level? If not exhibiting, I’d suggest going to levels 5005 to 5010."

Though the central exhibition floor is on level 5000, the zone from level 4800 to 5200 serves as an exhibition area.

Moreover, the central exhibition is located at the core of Ring Fort, suspended mid-air as the large central stage. If not participating, solely for viewing, the 5000th level doesn’t offer the best vantage point.

Instead, levels 5005 to 5010 provide relatively better views for spectating.

Much like the auditorium’s stage plays, the elevated viewing experience offers better perspectives compared to floor-level views.

Luigi looked to Glaipnir, awaiting her decision.