Academic gathering with Lich colleagues

"The number of gems limits the Manu population. Although their lifespan is as close to eternity as the gems, the magic in the gems will eventually be exhausted, and that moment will be the death of the Manu."

"Some Manu people will search for new gems to prolong their lives, while others will accept death with equanimity. The Manu people are like gems, and their life experiences are a refinement of life. After they die, their bodies will become gems, becoming the life source for the new generation of Manu people. In theory, the Manu people can also thrive, but it takes a very long time, just like carving a gem requires the effort and time of a jeweler."

A new race—Lyle stared at the open portal, feeling his heart pounding in his chest. This was the allure of the magical world: novel and unknown races, vastly different civilizations, bringing unforgettable experiences.

Nia's tentacles stretched out from her clothes, and the little girl put her hands on Lyle's shoulders, whispering to him in a deliberately lowered childish voice.

"Nia loves sparkly things, can we bring some of those treasures back with us?"

Lyle found it amusing. Hadn't Nia heard him clearly? Gems were the lifeblood of the Manu people; they were their wealth, and their very existence. For some reason, Lyle imagined Nia's tentacles coiling around a terrified Manu, saying, "Money or your life? Your money is your life too! Nia wants it all!"

Lyle stepped into the portal after the scholar and the dragon, stroking the tentacles on his wrist before experiencing the spatial tear.

“We can talk to the scholars and teachers. Those Manu jewelers must have some gems that aren’t very good. We can pick out some that Nia likes.”

"This shouldn't be difficult; they should have many gems."

Chapter 551 Manu's Desperate Situation

"This looks like a disaster zone ravaged by a tornado," Lyle exclaimed, looking around in amazement.

This place should have originally been a redwood forest. These tall plants can grow to tens of meters in height, and their dense needles and moisture content are enough to block out the sunlight, like giants rooted in the earth. Lyle examined the diameter of the redwood stumps around him; it would take a dozen or even twenty people to encircle them. These 'giants' must have been quite magnificent before they collapsed.

Although their remains are still quite spectacular.

These massive trees were all broken, leaving only stumps a few meters high. The shattered gray bark mingled with the soil, indistinguishable from the rest. The broken trunks, lying across the road, complicated the otherwise simple landscape, turning it into a maze. Moss and fungi made their home on the corpses of the giant trees, but in some areas without green cover, Lyle could still recognize traces left by wild animals or something else.

“Those are paw prints of a Broiler black bear, a kind of aggressive bear that will find things to satisfy its destructive urges even without prey. It’s truly a mercy of nature that this creature hasn’t gone extinct.” Mr. Zhiyan was quite interested in these obvious undulations, as if he were solving a puzzle. “These are traces of either a monsoon hornbill or a hard-beaked woodpecker. The former likes to dig holes in tree trunks to build nests, while the latter was just playing. Oh, and there are spores of a rotten corydalis in the crevices, which means that either one is dead.”

Mr. Dragon and Mr. Rock were in similar situations. The grandeur of the collapsed Red Shirt Maze didn't impress them much. Arriving in a new environment, their past as explorers made them habitually observe their surroundings and search for traces. But unlike the boastful Rock, Mr. Dragon stopped in his tracks when faced with a massive, horizontally broken log.

It was a huge fracture, with wood chips at the edges that looked like they had exploded from being squeezed. The jagged marks basically ruled out the possibility of it being knocked down by a strong wind. The growth rings on the reddish-brown cross-section were indistinct, and the black spots that extended from both sides into the center looked like rotting mold.

Lyle couldn't think of any huge animal that could have made such marks, and considering the purpose of his trip, he proposed a bold hypothesis.

"Could it be a dragon's bite mark?" This conjecture is not unreasonable, after all, Ashplink once had a dragon.

“It’s new, Lyle. This mark couldn’t have appeared more than five days ago…”

"I'm starting to think my guess was terrible."

“There’s something even worse. Did you notice those black spots? That’s Corruption, the precursor to Curse… It was removed from the Consecration textbook because it was too slow to take effect.”

Lyle stared at Mr. Dragon's face, but unfortunately, he didn't see any hint of a joke.

The scholar's reminder drew everyone over.

“I think I’ve found the one who can play the Dragon Summoning Flute.” The scholar stretched out a hand, and the space in front of him began to ripple and blur. Soon, the scholar placed this tremor on the redwood blocking his path. As if it had resonated, a part of the giant tree also began to tremble, and regular lines appeared on the whole piece.

The scholar stopped casting the spell, and the redwood blocking the way was dismembered into countless three-centimeter-long wooden blocks that rolled down, revealing the road behind and a twisted shape lying on the ground.

A long, curved musical instrument was not far from him, its lower half still covered in dust.

“He is crystallizing.” The scholar immediately began to try to save the Manu man, while Lyle observed the person who had asked for help.

He was about 1.5 meters tall, completely dark-skinned, with a rock-like complexion. Although the scholar had emphasized the Manu's slender and graceful figure, Lyle still described him as thin as a stick. Either the scholar's memory was wrong, or this Manu was malnourished. His huddled position on the ground, barely better than a starving refugee, stirred a bad feeling in Lyle's heart.

"His gemstone is broken." The scholar held a variegated stone, barely more attractive than a pebble, already dull and lifeless. To call it a gemstone was an insult to gemstones. The Manu's crystallization continued; his legs had begun to atrophy, and a rough, shale-like mineral texture was forming on his surface. He was dying.

“We need this guide.” The scholar took an expensive and beautiful sapphire from his pocket and pressed it against the deformed groove. He tried several times but couldn’t get it in; the twisted, curved groove could no longer accommodate any regular-shaped gem. “Dragon, I need your assistance.” The scholar handed the sapphire and the Manu to the dragon.

"How? Force it in?"

“This is the only way. This terrible gem has already caused deformities in his body. Don’t worry, the magic of the sapphire is enough to heal his wounds.”

A tooth-grinding creaking sound came to Lyle's ears as the dragon's arm turned, followed by a snap. It was finally installed before the Manu people completely crystallized, although Lyle clearly saw a broken edge fly out.

What happened next dispelled Lyle's worries.

The Manu who obtained the sapphire began to grow. The sapphire's radiance bathed his entire body, and his growth quickly surpassed his original size, eventually reaching a tall and slender 1.9 meters. His body turned deep blue, and his two arms had tiny, diamond-like crystalline facets that reflected sunlight.

The Manu opened his eyes, stood up, and bowed humbly to the scholar.

"Thank you for your help, Lord Morokui. I am Marcelo Darkstone, a Manu of Ashplink."

Have we met before?

“No, but I obtained your sapphire. What I gained was not only power and vitality, but also the memory of the gem itself.” Marcelo’s words were clear and elegant, a stark contrast to his previous refugee demeanor. Lyle now deeply understood the saying that the quality of the gem determined the Manu’s attitude.

"Lord Morokui, on behalf of the Manu clan, a dragon's kin, I beg the dragon priest for help to save my people."

"It seems Manu has also undergone a drastic change. I remember your original gem reserves shouldn't have caused this predicament. Where are your gems?"

“It’s been taken away. Not only that, but even the crystal gems that my companions transformed from upon death will be taken away. Our race is on the verge of extinction. We have fought back, but to no avail. Now, even blowing the Dragon Summoning Flute can take my life.”

“You knew all along that if you blew the Dragon Summoning Flute, you would die, and if I had been a little slower, you would have died too.”

“At least I have brought hope to my people, and I am still alive.”

"What about your army? You were once as powerful as those who practiced arcane arts. Who was your enemy? Someone who left you utterly helpless."

Marcelo closed his eyes, his voice filled with sorrow.

"It is our long-standing mad leader, the dragon priest Chloxis, and his dragons."

Chapter 552 The Sands of Time

The dragon of Kolosis is still alive, which contradicts what the scholar said. Lyle and the dragon exchange a glance; the surprise of a prophecy fulfilled is not sweet. The scholar wears a dragon priest mask belonging to Moroki; what kind of expression lies beneath that ancient mask?

"You saw Kolanak? You witnessed it with your own eyes?"

Manu's face was more rock-like, so their emotional expression wasn't very rich, but from their tightly closed lips and overly expressive eyes, Marcelo's sorrow and terror could still be discerned. "The lack of gems weakened our people's constitution, and some memories were lost along with the cracks. But that unforgettable pain remains in my memory like a hideous scratch. That dragon named Kolanak, who once brought us glory, does indeed still exist; it was he who carried the madness of Kolosis and poured out pain upon my people."

“If you still have any questions, please come with me to our refuge. Elders of our people still live there; perhaps they can answer your questions.” Marcelo’s jeweled hands clasped together, his beautifully crossed fingers forming a pretty sphere. This gesture was a plea, a deliberate attempt to appeal to others and express weakness. “My people experience death every moment. Please forgive my shameless request, but we desperately need the jewels you carry. Your generosity will save our lives. And having nothing, we can hardly repay you.”

“Colossus is my friend, and he is also one of our Dragon Priests…” The scholar reached out and placed his hand on Marcelo’s hand. “A Dragon Priest should fulfill his responsibilities, and if he fails to do so, I, as his companion, should correct him.”

Marcelo's eyes shone brightly. He stood tall, like a straight red shirt, repeatedly thanking the scholar for stopping him. With a smile, Marcelo guided the crowd toward his tribe.

“Marcelo, these are my companions: Mr. Plague Doctor, Mr. Rock Holder, and Mr. Dragon.”

"I will remember your names."

The scholar nodded slightly and pointed with his cane at the man who was even taller than the Manu, Mr. Dragon.

"Just remember the dragon."

Marcelo pressed his fingertips against his sharp chin, and although he was puzzled, he nodded silently and glanced at the tall figure with cold eyes.

“It’s alright, Nia. Next time, we can search the jewelry stores in the City of Wanderers with Beatrice, and I’ll pick out the biggest gem for you.” Ariana wasn’t interested in gems. Beatrice was quite knowledgeable about these external objects that could enhance one’s appearance. Helena… Helena didn’t need gems.

The Manu tribe's current situation must be quite dire. Forget about getting some flawed gems; this time, I might have to personally fund their aid. The dragon priest Kroxis must be insane. Only a madman would allow his beautiful and noble kin to revert to their previous frail state. What would he need so many gems for?

Lyle, who was originally walking in the middle of the group, suddenly found himself floating in the air. Mr. Zhiyan, with a strange expression, passed him. Lyle was pulled to the back of the group, walking alongside Mr. Dragon. The dragon looked at his student, and the two began to whisper among themselves like two sneaky thugs.

"What are your thoughts after hearing what that gem man said, my student?"

"I suspect I might have awakened a jinx like someone else, where good things come true but bad things don't. If Marcelo is telling the truth, then we're facing a mad dragon priest and his dragon. Although it's a bit unexpected, I have faith in your and the scholar's abilities..."

"No, Lyle, you shouldn't trust our strength. If the dragon is still alive, then you'll be the one to deal with it."

What? Lyle's first reaction was that he had misheard. What kind of person would utter such chilling words? That was a dragon, the mentor of the dragon priests, a mythical creature. Although Lyle believed that the status of an evil god was no less than that of a dragon, he never thought he could defeat those giant lizards, at least not now.

“I cannot bring myself to harm such a perfect creature as a dragon. I think even the scholars who once killed Moroki would be hesitant about this option. So, my student, you are our only choice. Lyle, carry the hopes of your teachers and slay the dragon.”

"..." Lyle seemed to have become a walking corpse, stiffly heading to the execution ground.

“I was just kidding.” Mr. Dragon’s expression was indifferent, his small eyes fixed on Lyle’s face, but he was disappointed. Lyle did not get angry or complain, because he had not yet come to his senses.

Her stiff lips were like a short-circuited machine, and only a single "Huh?" escaped from between her white teeth.

The dragon realized that his unusual humor had frightened his student and quickly tried to calm him down.

"Your skill level isn't high enough. Leave dangerous creatures like dragons to your teacher. Don't be afraid, I'll protect you."

"But... teacher, don't you love dragons? How can you bear to be their enemy?"

"I prefer dragons with vibrant life to corpses manipulated by someone. I am a professor of consecration, and a cautious approach to studying skeletons is an essential quality for us."

That dragon wasn't alive. Lyle, his mind flowing smoothly, suddenly realized something.

"Corruption magic? Spirit possession? That means..."

"The dragon is dead, and what rises again is a corpse resurrected by necromancy, a puppet devoid of spirit. Moreover, it's an outdated corruption technique. That old-fashioned dragon priest must have never been exposed to liches, or at least not to modern necromancy; he was just working in isolation. That happens to be what I'm good at, and if anyone blasphemes my dragon, I'll teach them a lesson."

Lyle shivered under the eerie aura emanating from the dragon. "Give me back my dragon," he thought, "that's still far from certain." But at least one less hellish quest was eliminated—congratulations!

The deeper you follow Marcelo, the sparser the surrounding vegetation becomes. Stone platforms with some human traces gradually appear, but most of them are damaged, bringing a sense of desolation and ruin.

The Manu tribe didn't seem to have any grand, tall buildings. They still maintained their ancient, inherited habits; as burrowing creatures, they preferred to dig burrows and build underground palaces, so no structures exceeding five meters in height were visible from the outside. When Marcelo informed everyone that they had crossed the border of Ashplink, Lyle didn't feel anything substantial. The barren mounds were only covered with a few centimeters of weeds. From the tangled roots of a withered, twisted tree, Marcelo dug out a deep entrance. "This is the entrance to the refuge."

The scholar stood beside the old tree, gazing at the hills not far away. A mountain wall rose abruptly from the forest, and the scholar looked at the huge cave in the center of the mountain wall. The entrance to the Stone Monster District of the Wandering City was only half the height of this cave.

"That is Ashpurink, the underground holy city built by the Manu. I remember they inlaid jewels on the stone walls, and countless jewelers refined their gems amidst the glittering jewels. The beauty of that place can only be compared to the radiance of the Mystic Tower."

"The glory days are over. Now, Ashplink is filled only with dragons that take our lives and mad leaders. Time has changed many things, Lord Morokui."

The scholar took one last look before stepping into the entrance to the cave.

"That's why we must conquer time. Dragon Priests must not become outdated."

Chapter 553 Blessing of Gems

Dry plant roots lay exposed in the darkness of the cave, amplifying the faint sounds of snakes and insects crawling. This fear, though not reaching the lich's skull, made everyone more aware of the Manu people's current plight. Without candlesticks, torches, or other lighting devices, the Manu crawled through the dwellings of their venomous insect neighbors.

The sapphire's brilliance illuminated Lyle and the others' vision. Marcelo's body did not obstruct the light; on the contrary, his unique form amplified the gem's radiance, transforming him into a magnificent, eerily glowing luminous statue. Marcelo, hunched over, crawled at the forefront. His body, now taller after absorbing the gem's power, was no longer suited to the cramped cave, as were the others.

"I'm very sorry, everyone. We still need to hold on for a while until we enter the main vein of the underground cave."

Led by Marcelo, Lyle and his companions traversed many side paths, which the Manu had deliberately dug to confuse their pursuers. The different side paths intersected and connected, forming an infinitely looping maze.

"Won't you get lost in your own maze?"

Marcelo turned his head and patiently explained, “The Manu people have the ability to sense gems; our people can sense each other. Even through the thick layer of soil, I can clearly sense my weakened companions. There are no more gem veins beneath this land.”

Mr. Zhiyan reached out and touched the surrounding earthen wall. A detection rune appeared, transforming into a small snake that burrowed into the soil, descending straight down in his perception. Marcelo's gaze shifted to this spot, and Mr. Zhiyan quickly explained, allaying his concerns.