Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 2733: Chapter 2734: The Real Battle

Whether the Gray Merchant’s little trick will succeed, it’s not mentioned yet, because even if it does succeed, it will be after the second clash between the Shadow Giant and the Gray Merchant.

The black mist fist projected by the Shadow Giant has already fiercely smashed towards the gemstone shield created by the Gray Merchant.

The Gray Merchant had great confidence in his gemstone shield, which is why he dared to secretly play tricks. However, what he completely didn’t expect was that the massive black mist fist, upon touching the gemstone shield, instantly... assimilated!

Yes, assimilated!

The Gray Merchant watched with wide eyes as the black mist fist transformed into a cluster of amber crystals. These crystals were smooth like gemstones, identical to those produced after the Gray Merchant activated his bloodline, shining with a unique and noble luster.

Under normal circumstances, even if the black mist fist assimilated into a gemstone fist, it should be blocked by the gemstone shield, because there would definitely be a physical collision first.

But what the Gray Merchant didn’t expect at all was that the gemstone fist, at the moment of touching the gemstone shield, bypassed the physical collision and passed through the gemstone shield in an elemental form!

This sounds and looks as if it’s not very difficult. To put it bluntly, isn’t it just elementalization?

But the real situation is many times more complex and difficult than it appears from the outside.

It’s true that it’s elementalization, only elementalization can penetrate the gemstone shield, but there’s a very crucial point here.

Even for elementalization, a basic principle of elements must be followed:

Different elements interacting will yield different results due to their nature. For example, coexistence, fusion, dissolution, explosion, isolation.

Even elements of the same kind interacting would yield different results due to the inherent inertia of the element itself and the variations in form caused by external influences. Although explosions are rare, they do exist, with coexistence and isolation being more common.

Just like this time, from a pure elemental perspective, abandoning the Bloodline Theory viewpoint, the Gray Merchant’s gemstone shield undoubtedly belongs to the Earth system, the gemstone secret technique in the transmutation branch.

And in the transmutation branch, the most representative stream is not the gemstone secret technique, but the Secret Gold Magician.

Though both Secret Gold Magicians and the gemstone secret technique belong to the transmutation branch, even after elementalization, they do not easily fuse. Instead, they remain in a state of coexistence and isolation.

Even elements of the same structure, lineage, and sub-branch have a great chance of not fusing, indicating just how astonishing the Shadow Giant’s attack was this time, even to the point of being exaggerated!

The exaggerated aspect is that the fist like black mist instantly analyzed the elemental structure, elemental condition, and elemental nature of the gemstone shield upon touching it, directly transformed itself into an identical elemental structure, and then performed elementalization, thus passing through the gemstone shield!

Not to mention whether this could be done by any ordinary Wizard, just the difficulty involved here is already beyond imagination!

And another most crucial point, how did the opponent transmute elements? Isn’t he a ghostly presence, how did he become a gemstone secret technique?

These questions surfaced in the Gray Merchant’s mind as he was struck in the chest by the gemstone fist, flying backward, and falling in an arc through the air.

Although the intense pain in his body and the loud crushing sound of bones at the sunken spot in his chest were so prominent, these were minor issues to the Gray Merchant. His main concern was... why, and how did this happen?

Of course, aside from this, the Gray Merchant did not forget the little tricks he played in secret—could those unstable elemental gemstones cause harm to this strange opponent?

The answer was soon revealed.

After the Gray Merchant fell heavily, he struggled to roll over and pushed himself up from the ground. And once he stood up, he saw an unbelievable scene.

Opposite the Shadow Giant... no, now there was no Shadow Giant; instead, there was a Jewel Giant.

Previously only a fist was transformed into a gemstone; now, the entire body was turned into gemstone.

The Jewel Giant, its body fully encrusted with amber crystals, seemed more like... a Gem Dragon. Whereas the Gray Merchant, who truly possessed the Gem Dragon bloodline, appeared gray and dusty like dirt.

The Jewel Giant, originally surrounded by various ghostly shadow fragments, is now replaced by radiant rainbow mist.

And those gemstones shot out from the Gray Merchant’s tail, upon contact with the Jewel Giant, passed right through just like they did with the gemstone shield.

This opponent who claims to be Earl Mi, once again performed elementalization, and directly assimilated.

All the gemstones passed through the body without causing an explosion. Ultimately, they directly followed the trajectory, pierced into the void, and disappeared.

Watching this scene, the Gray Merchant only felt his brain buzzing.

Exactly what kind of monster is he facing?

Why? What’s going on? What happened? These questions kept echoing in the Gray Merchant’s mind but no answer was ever found.

The Gray Merchant, stumbling to his feet, unresolved doubts remaining, simply directly voiced his bewilderment to Earl Mi.

Yet, the distant Jewel Giant merely looked down at the Gray Merchant without a word.

The Gray Merchant chuckled self-deprecatingly: "Well, now we’re in a duel, who would be foolish enough to probe the opponent’s abilities? But still, I must thank you... no, your lordship, for not taking advantage of the opportunity to strike me."

The Jewel Giant continued to remain silent, not moving, merely watching the Gray Merchant indifferently.

The Gray Merchant seemed to have realized something: "I understand, your lordship desires a true fight."

The Gray Merchant lifted his head, his expression immediately turning solemn, his eyes revealing a strong battle intent.

"I will fulfill your lordship’s request!"

As the Gray Merchant spoke, the blood energy in his body poured out incessantly, muscles became massive, limbs started to swell, and his legs expanded like elephant legs—strong and thick. Crystals rapidly formed all over his body, covering him entirely!

This also meant that the Gray Merchant was prepared for a true battle, with his bloodline fully unleashed!

The Gem Dragon’s dragon aura kept climbing

Facing this terrifying dragon aura, Dox outside the arena couldn’t help but shiver. The bloodline of sandworm on his sword’s back was itching to challenge the dragon aura, but more so was the fear and apprehension from the bloodline suppression.

Dox suppressed the agitation in his bloodline, furrowing his brow as he looked towards the center of the battlefield: "What is he doing? With Gray Merchant’s bloodline fully unleashed, not even Earl Mi can necessarily suppress it."

Previously, Dox had advised Angel, suggesting it best to deal with Gray Merchant before he unleashes his full bloodline. Otherwise, the outcome would be unpredictable.

Unlike modified Wizards, blood origin Wizards use bloodlines from the same source lineage, even their full bloodline release afterward wouldn’t have significant side effects. Yet, blood origin Wizards with full bloodline release are terrifying beyond imagination!

Vay was the only one to respond to Dox’s query.

"What do you know? If the master allowed Gray Merchant’s full bloodline release, there must be a purpose. The pinnacle of battles is direct confrontation!"

Dox couldn’t be bothered to communicate with Angel’s brainless admirer, merely continued watching the distance, awaiting the changes to come.

Not only Dox, but also The Sage, the Black Earl, and the Wicked Woman were curious about what Angel was doing.

Really, just for a fierce and exhilarating battle?

The answer - of course not.

When Earl Mi transformed into a Gemstone Giant, letting those gem explosions pass through him, Angel took the initiative to stop him.

Because Angel finally sensed an anomalous emotion.

But this anomalous emotion was very subtle, sometimes there, sometimes not. To avoid Earl Mi making large moves and causing insensitivity in perception, Angel temporarily stopped him.

However, Angel also understood the importance and urgency, defeating the Grey Merchant was currently the most important thing, detecting "her" presence was just an additional option.

The reason Angel dared to stop Earl Mi this time was that he was confident of victory. Therefore, he placed the additional option as a priority.

After Earl Mi stopped, Angel began to carefully investigate the source of the anomalous emotion.

Without the interference of the surrounding turbulent elements, Angel quickly discovered the source of the anomalous emotion.

But this answer surprised Angel.

Because this extremely subtle emotion came from... the Grey Merchant!

Yes, it was the Grey Merchant with whom he was still dueling.

Now, Angel sensed two completely different emotions from the Grey Merchant. The first emotion was from the Grey Merchant himself, the most obvious and unconcealed, with a slight hint of goodwill. — Although Angel didn’t know why the Grey Merchant’s emotions were inexplicably excited at this time?

The second emotion was also from the Grey Merchant, fundamentally different from the emotions conveyed by other creatures, very faint, sometimes there, sometimes not, like separated by a layer of gauze, blurred.

But even in this blurriness, Angel still discovered this anomaly. Because it was "parasitic" on the Grey Merchant!

Surrounded by hostile emotions, Angel was very attentive to the few emotions of goodwill, especially since the Grey Merchant, as his opponent and the only one in the Merchant Organization showing goodwill towards him, drew even more of Angel’s attention.

Therefore, when inconsistent emotions appeared on the Grey Merchant, Angel noticed it immediately.

The reason it’s called "inconsistent emotions" is that while the Grey Merchant had goodwill towards Angel, the subtle emotion was completely opposite, harboring clear malice towards Angel.

This malice, if placed in the void surrounded by chaotic and extremely evil emotions, Angel wouldn’t have been able to perceive. But on the Grey Merchant, the contrast was too obvious.

In Angel’s view, there were only three situations for this sudden malicious emotion: First, the Grey Merchant had multiple personalities, and his other personality bore malice towards Angel; second, the Grey Merchant had some life form or energy entity similar to Earl Mi or elemental partners, and it was these sentient beings that bore malice towards Angel.

The third situation, however, was that of the one secretly observing.

Angel naturally leaned towards the third situation, as the first two were merely possibilities, but it could be certain that the one was definitely observing in secret.

Therefore, in Angel’s opinion, there’s a higher probability for the third situation.

However, if it really was the one’s observation, Angel was truly surprised, as he always thought "she" would investigate this duel through the Magical Energy Array using God’s View. Or perhaps just hiding nearby the arena.

Unexpectedly, she was directly on the arena, observing closely as an opponent.

Angel didn’t even know what he had done to provoke the other party so much, to be so targeted?

Could it be because of that painting he destroyed? That painting was so important that even the Noah Family could be put aside, only focusing on him?

Angel didn’t know the reason, but that malice was undeniable.

Since he had temporarily pinpointed "her" location, Angel withdrew his perception to avoid detection by the other party.

It was at that moment Angel withdrew his perception that he heard the Grey Merchant’s voice, "I understand, sir, what you want is a true battle."

Angel: "??? What are you talking about?"

Then, before Angel could react to this statement, the Grey Merchant began to activate his bloodline, saying to Angel with a face full of battle intent, "I will fulfill your request!"

Angel: "..."

In just a few short seconds, how did the Grey Merchant’s demeanor suddenly become so passionate? From his gaze, it seemed like not joining him in this fiery spirit would be a mistake.

And from where exactly had the Grey Merchant understood that he wanted a "true battle"?

If he had wanted a true battle, would he have sent out Earl Mi?

Angel was completely bewildered now, but seeing the Grey Merchant’s increasingly swelling muscles and the surging blood energy, he knew that staying frozen would be impossible.

It was time to determine the victor.

...

Activating the bloodline doesn’t actually take much time. Especially for a pure bloodline like the Blood Origin Wizard, even with a full bloodline activation, it can be done while fighting, and the time wouldn’t exceed two seconds.

But now, the Grey Merchant took nearly twenty seconds just to activate his bloodline.

The bloodline form slowly took shape: first, the skin slowly exuded various crystals and gemstones, next, scales and armor constructed of crystals gradually covered the whole body, then the muscles gradually swelled, bones slowly transformed, and the dragon-like aura gradually climbed to the peak.

Another signature feature was the Grey Merchant’s mask, initially covering the whole face, gradually becoming a "forehead ornament," then a "hair clip," finally becoming a decoration on a crystalline scale.

From this, it could be seen that the Grey Merchant’s body was gradually getting larger.

Would this make him stronger? No, it would make him more handsome.

Of course, the Grey Merchant wasn’t aiming for handsomeness. He was just waiting for his opponent, waiting for Earl Mi’s move.

As long as Earl Mi showed the intention to start fighting, he would immediately enter battle mode.

In his mind, this was a "true battle," a necessary respect for his opponent.

The Grey Merchant held his pose for about half a minute, when Angel finally came to his senses and slowly extended his hand, aiming at the Grey Merchant.

The Grey Merchant saw this, knowing the battle had begun!

Without hesitation, the massive "Gemstone Earth Dragon" leaped up, controlling the entire muscle center in the air, transforming into a sharp crystalline roller, rolling towards Angel to crush him!