“Master, you are too kind. May I ask why you have come this time…?” Baron Leiluo probed.
When the topic turned to business, Master Barnaby immediately became excited, leaning forward and raising his voice a few octaves.
“Baron Leiluo! The dragon scales you sent last time were simply incredible!”
He waved his arms excitedly.
“I’ve studied monster materials my entire life, and I’ve never seen such peculiar scales! They actually contain both pure physical defense and powerful magical energy simultaneously, and these two completely different forces have achieved an unbelievably perfect balance within the scales! It’s simply a masterpiece of the Creator!”
Lei Luo’s heart stirred.
Master Barnaby continued excitedly, “Baron, to be frank, I am currently researching a potion that can help peak fourth-tier monsters break through to the fifth tier! This research has troubled me for decades, and the key lies in how to balance the violent physical strength and magical energy within the monster during its breakthrough. And those few dragon scales of yours have given me enormous inspiration! They are the best catalyst I have been searching for!”
His breathing was a little hurried, and he looked at Lei Luo with burning eyes.
“According to my analysis of the residual aura and trace elements on the scales, that Silver Dragon is very unusual! Its lair, or rather, the place where the scales were found, must contain more valuable clues! There might even be more scales, or other secretions and shed materials!”
“So…”
Master Barnaby rubbed his hands.
“Baron Leiluo, I hope to conduct an on-site investigation at the place where you found that dragon scale. This is crucial for my breakthrough research! Of course, I would never let the Baron help for nothing.”
He again pulled out a box from his spatial magic bag and carefully pushed it in front of Lei Luo.
“As a token of my gratitude, here are five Great Knight Breakthrough Potions. As long as the Baron agrees to let me examine that place, they are all yours!”
Great Knight Breakthrough Potion!
Lei Luo was a little surprised.
For Blackstone Territory, which urgently needed high-end combat power, the significance of these five Great Knight Breakthrough Potions was extraordinary.
And Master Barnaby’s request was merely to visit that abandoned mine?
“If I take any items from inside, I am willing to provide another batch of equivalent potions.”
Lei Luo’s face remained expressionless, but he was already overjoyed in his heart.
Moonlight had long since been brought back by him. Besides some residual dragon might and a few battle traces, it was impossible to find a second dragon scale in that mine, let alone any other valuable items.
Letting Master Barnaby investigate posed no risk, and he would still gain five Great Knight Breakthrough Potions for free. This was simply a godsend.
“Master, your dedication to research is truly admirable.”
Lei Luo’s face showed admiration.
“It’s just an abandoned mine. Since it’s useful for your research, please feel free to go. There’s no need to talk about compensation; that would be too formal.”
He said he didn’t want it, but his hand made no move to push the box back.
Master Barnaby was overjoyed to see Lei Luo agree so readily.
“Baron, you are truly noble! Rest assured, I am only conducting an academic investigation. I will not cause any damage, nor will I reveal the location of that place.”
“I trust the Master’s character.”
Lei Luo smiled slightly, then raised his voice and called out, “Bolin!”
“Sir, I’m here!”
Bolin quickly ran in from outside.
“Bolin, this is Master Barnaby, a renowned master alchemist,” Lei Luo introduced.
“The Master wishes to conduct some research at the abandoned mine where we were previously stationed. You will lead the way, ensure the Master’s safety, and fulfill his reasonable requests.”
“Yes, Sir!”
Bolin curiously glanced at Barnaby and respectfully assented.
“Thank you.”
Master Barnaby nodded to Bolin, then turned to Lei Luo again, expressing his solemn gratitude once more.
“Thank you, Baron, for making this possible!”
“You are too kind, Master. I wish you success in your research.”
Lei Luo stood up to see him off.
Watching Master Barnaby, with a face full of anticipation and excitement, leave Black Stone Castle with Bolin amidst the low growls of that fierce Wyvern, heading for the abandoned mine that was already “dragon-gone and cave-empty,” Lei Luo’s lips curved into an arc.
He hoped this master alchemist could find the “inspiration” he sought in that empty cave.
However, he still needed to “milk” Moonlight for another batch. After this Master returned, he might be able to exchange for another set of precious potions.
The afternoon sun was just right, warm but not scorching.
On the terrace, a ball of white fur was curled up on the soft cushion specially prepared for it, letting out faint snores.
Lei Luo walked over, lightening his steps.
Moonlight seemed to sense something, its ears twitched lazily, and its eyelids opened a slit, revealing pale golden vertical pupils inside. It glanced at Lei Luo, then closed them again, uninterested, emitting a low purring sound similar to a satisfied cat.
“Wake up, Moonlight.”
Lei Luo’s voice was not loud.
Moonlight’s tail tip stopped wagging, seemingly displeased at its nap being disturbed.
It rolled over, burying its head in its front paws, pretending not to hear.
Lei Luo wasn’t annoyed. He walked to its side, squatted down, his gaze level with its head.
“I need your help with something.”
Moonlight remained motionless, only emitting a louder purr from its throat.
Lei Luo patted its furry paw.
“I need some of your scales.”
Moonlight finally reacted, suddenly lifting its head, its pale golden eyes wide as it stared at Lei Luo, its gaze full of the alert “What do you want now?”
It even slightly opened its mouth, revealing a hint of its snowy white fangs, as if silently protesting.
“Don’t worry, it’s not for free.”
Lei Luo knew that dealing with Moonlight required the right approach.
“That master alchemist I told you about last time, he’s very interested in your scales and is willing to exchange good things for them.”
Moonlight tilted its head, seemingly contemplating the value of “good things.”
A moment later, it lazily flopped back down, sweeping Lei Luo’s pant leg with the tip of its tail, looking completely uninterested.
Moonlight wasn't interested in the good things provided by the master alchemist; it was only interested in the good things provided by the cook.
This unyielding attitude was well within Lei Luo’s expectations.
He stood up and unhurriedly clapped his hands.
The crisp sound of applause echoed on the terrace.
Soon, the side door was pushed open, and Marlene, the cook, walked out carrying a silver platter the size of a washbasin.
Piled high on the silver platter were golden roasted geese, freshly out of the oven, sizzling with oil and exuding a rich aroma!
The rich scent of meat mixed with spices instantly filled the entire terrace.
Moonlight, who had been lying there playing dead, suddenly twitched its nose a few times, its eyes instantly widening into perfect circles.
It sprang up from the soft cushion with a “whoosh,” completely losing its previous lazy demeanor.
Moonlight landed gracefully on the marble tabletop in the center of the terrace, its pale golden eyes fixed on the mountain of roasted geese, emitting several consecutive purrs from its throat.
“Want to eat?”
Lei Luo slowly walked to the table, placing one hand on Moonlight’s large head, which was already impatient to pounce on the roasted goose.
Moonlight whimpered, rubbing its head hard against Lei Luo’s palm, trying to move him away, yet its gaze never left the tempting delicacy for a moment.
“Old rules, exchange.”
Moonlight paused, then lifted its head, its eyes full of accusation and reluctance.
It looked at the roasted goose, then at Lei Luo, seemingly engaged in some fierce internal struggle.
“Fair trade,” Lei Luo emphasized.
“A few of your shed small scales for this whole platter of delicious roasted goose, it’s a good deal.”
Moonlight’s front paws scratched impatiently at the smooth tabletop a couple of times.
