Chapter 421 - 325: Rebuilding the Altar

「The next morning.」

At the entrance to the Justice Clan’s Secret Vault, Ian stood before the door, dressed in a dark gray robe.

Gaga was perched on his shoulder, staring at the ten-meter-tall runic gate before them.

The layers of Rune Arrays crisscrossing the gate were enough to make it dizzy.

The two guards at the entrance were both Level Two Wizards. They wore silver armor and had calm, steady auras.

Seeing Ian approach, one of them took a step forward, his right hand resting on the hilt of the sword at his waist.

"Proof of authorization."

Ian took out the dark silver Level Three Honored Guest Badge and handed it to him.

The guard accepted the badge and placed it on a palm-sized Crystal Plate he was holding.

The moment the badge touched the Crystal Plate, the pattern lit up with a faint glow.

"Authorization confirmed. You may enter the first three floors."

The guard stepped aside, and the other pushed open the massive metal gate.

Behind the gate was a stone staircase leading down. The walls on either side were embedded with glowing moss that cast a ghastly green light.

The air smelled of old parchment, mixed with the faintly bitter aroma of some preservative herb.

Ian walked slowly down the stone steps, his footsteps echoing in the narrow stairwell.

He bypassed the first and second floors, heading straight for the third.

The third floor was much smaller than the previous two, with only a dozen or so bookshelves.

Display shelves were arranged in neat rows, laden with ancient texts, Scrolls, recipes, and materials.

The concentration of Energy in the air was several times higher, and a faint, Rule-infused sheen flowed across the surface of every book.

Most of the collection consisted of the Cultivation Insights of Level Three Wizards, Advanced Witchcraft Models, and Secret Recipes.

His Spiritual Power swept across the room as he walked straight toward the materials section.

Dozens of crystal cabinets were there, their contents sorted by category.

He stopped in front of a cabinet labeled "Tier Three Universal Materials," his gaze sweeping over the labels inside.

Shadow Crystal, Void Crystal, Holy Light Beast Remains, Starlight Stone...

He took out a parchment list and began to make his selections.

’I can only choose three items...’

’First, I’ll choose a Tier Three Shadow Crystal for Gaga. Next, a Void Crystal. That material is extremely rare in the outside world; it might be useful later.’

’And for the last one, a Starlight Stone. It can slightly enhance one’s Rule Perception.’

Once he made his selections, the materials inside the cabinet floated up, passed through the transparent crystal barrier, and settled into his Dimensional Ring.

Ian turned and walked towards the Witchcraft section on the other side.

That area housed a large number of Witchcraft Models, notes on Rule analysis, and records of bloodline Awakenings.

He stopped in front of a bookshelf labeled "Shadow Element."

He pulled out a book titled *Shadow Walker Bloodline Evolution Path* and began to read.

It detailed several advancement methods for Shadow Element Magic Pets, including specific material ratios and procedures.

This was the kind of knowledge considered extremely precious in the outside world. He selected a cultivation method that most closely matched Gaga’s bloodline.

Ian put the book away and selected a few more related notes on Rule analysis.

Then he walked slowly between the rows of bookshelves.

His Spiritual Power spread out silently, like a fine net, sweeping over every book.

He was looking for something suitable for improving his Purification Potion.

Finally, his gaze fell upon an ancient tome titled *Rule Purification and Abyssal Resistance*.

Just as he reached for it, the panel in his Sea of Spirit suddenly vibrated!

Ian instantly held his breath, his gaze shifting toward the source of the vibration.

’It’s not coming from these bookshelves... It’s from the very bottom of the Secret Vault... the 4th Floor.’

An extremely subtle fluctuation emanated from there, like an undercurrent deep beneath the sea, completely undetectable to an ordinary Wizard.

Even a Level Three Great Wizard would have difficulty discovering it without deliberately probing for it.

But Ian was different.

His sensitivity to the Abyssal Aura, and that of his panel, was carved deep into his very soul.

That wisp of a fluctuation... carried the unique chaos and distortion of the Abyss, as well as a certain... decaying quality.

Like a corpse forgotten in a corner, slowly rotting away.

Ian stood motionless. Deep within his pupils, three rings of Star Orbits spun silently.

He focused his mind, carefully sensing the fluctuation’s direction.

Then, he looked away, reached out, and took down the book *Rule Purification and Abyssal Resistance*, flipping it open.

He appeared outwardly calm, but his mind was in turmoil.

’The 4th Floor... Only the Clan Leader has the authority to enter.’

’What’s hidden there? Why is there an Abyssal Aura?’

He recalled the information Aidele had given him aboard the Skybound.

’The Justice Clan’s Morning Star Wizard, Alister Justice, has been missing for nearly a hundred years...’

Ian knew that Level Four Morning Star Wizards rarely remained in the Wizard World. They typically roamed the various Plane Worlds, seeking opportunities for their next breakthrough.

’The Morning Star is gone... Is that why no one has discovered this Abyssal Aura? Or has someone...’

Ian closed the book and stored it in his Dimension Ring. His face remained calm, as if nothing had happened.

But deep within his eyes, a silver glint flared for an instant.

「That afternoon, at No. 7 Wisteria Lane.」

In the living room, sunlight streamed through the latticed window, falling on an old coffee table and creating a pale gold band of light.

Ian took out the items and spread them across the table.

Including the four Tier Two Shadow Crystals he already had, there were now five in total. A shadow-like luster flowed across their surfaces.

Beside them lay more than a dozen dark red, crystal-clear Blood Essences, and finally, a bottle of freshly prepared Shadow Potion Materials.

Gaga hopped down from his shoulder, landing on the edge of the coffee table.

Its silver eyes were fixed on the items, its little claws scratching at the tabletop.

"Ian... is this...?" its young, childlike voice trembled slightly.

It knew in its heart that consuming these items would bring great benefits.

Ian rubbed its head, his expression softening with affection.

"These are all for you. Today... I’m going to help you break through to the Tier Two Middle Stage."

A glint appeared in Gaga’s silver eyes as it looked up at Ian.