75: Abyss Worm Crystal Core

When Li Ke returned to the manor from the Mist Tavern, Barton's figure was already waiting by the door, and a subtle, unusual tension filled the air.

"Master, shortly after you left, an intruder snuck into the castle," Barton's voice was low.

The connection between his aura and the castle grew deeper, as if every brick and stone had become an extension of his perception.

Countless subtle, hidden connections extended from the oil paintings, converging on Barton, forming a bizarre and vast cycle within the surrounding environment.

The entire castle, under the influence of this invisible power, was gradually evolving towards the Prototype of a demonic lair.

"It seems the Sealing Demon Spirit Feeding Secret Method is indeed very suitable for you," Li Ke nodded slightly, quite satisfied with Barton's progress.

The potential this Demonic Technique displayed on Barton was no less than Hatties's Nine Lives Spiral Power.

His gaze then fell upon a newly added oil painting on the wall.

The frame was old, and the painting depicted a constantly twisting, spiraling corridor.

The corridor walls were covered with dense, blurry fish-scale-Li Ke patterns, which made one feel uneasy at a glance.

Vaguely, it seemed as if countless fragmented whispers seeped out from the painting, attempting to drill into the observer's mind.

"Master, this painting is called Trout Whisper," Barton respectfully introduced to Li Ke.

"Anyone with ill intent, once they step into its area of influence, will hear whispers."

"These voices will continuously erode the mind, amplifying the inner darkness."

"Those with weak willpower will quickly get lost in the corridor, eventually being devoured by it and becoming a part of the corridor."

"This was evolved from the intruder's ability..."

Li Ke's eyes flickered slightly.

This ability, which influenced the mind through sound and possessed certain curse and parasitic characteristics, immediately reminded him of a Bloodline noble from Ironwood Old Family Head's memories.

"Claus Family, Trout Whisper Bloodline…" Li Ke's eyes narrowed slightly.

The Claus Family, within the entire Oak Tree Territory, was considered a powerful force in the first tier.

They had deep Foundations and a Legacy spanning a thousand years.

Their Family's inherited Trout Whisper Bloodline was known for its eerie curses, mental manipulation, and parasitic abilities.

They had countless strong individuals under their command, and their modus operandi had always been secretive and ruthless.

According to Ironwood Old Family Head's memories, the Claus Family was most adept at using the characteristics of the Trout Whisper Bloodline to plant their own informants and pawns among the major noble forces.

These spies, who had the Bloodline imprint planted on them, were extremely difficult to discern unless they actively activated the Bloodline imprint.

It could be said that almost none of the major forces in the entire Oak Tree Territory could completely escape the Claus Family's infiltration.

It was precisely because of this that the Claus Family could always foresee opportunities and take the initiative in many matters.

"This servant, being able to precisely choose the time when I left the castle and Barton happened to be in seclusion to enter the castle for reconnaissance, clearly indicates that he has been lurking in secret for quite some time."

Li Ke's knuckles lightly tapped the armrest, "I'm afraid there are already quite a few Claus Family spies lurking in the manor."

"Master," Barton suddenly spoke, "The ability of the Trout Whisper can reflect everyone's inner darkness."

"Anyone who harbors ill will towards the manor cannot escape its detection."

"Do you allow me to use it to screen the manor's servants?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of approval flashed in Li Ke's eyes: "Oh? Very good."

"Leave this matter to you. Make sure to dig out all the rats in the manor for me."

"Yes, Master," Barton bowed in response.

Soon, a secret screening targeting all the servants of Charles Manor quietly began under Barton's supervision.

The servants were brought in batches before the Trout Whisper painting and asked to stay in front of the painting for a moment.

Most servants passed the test unharmed.

However, when it was the turn of several servants who usually appeared honest and dull, a sudden change occurred.

As soon as they walked in front of the Trout Whisper painting, the faint whispers from the painting suddenly amplified in their ears.

Almost simultaneously, clear fish-shaped outlines suddenly appeared beneath their skin!

The outlines writhed violently, as if about to break out of their bodies!

"Not good!" The exposed spies' faces changed drastically, and the Trout Whisper Bloodline Power within them instantly erupted, attempting to forcibly break free from the suppression of the Trout Whisper, turning to flee!

However, in the Trout Whisper painting, the twisting, spiraling corridor suddenly accelerated its rotation, and a powerful suction force suddenly emanated from the painting!

The three individuals' bodies twisted and deformed uncontrollably, and they were all sucked into the painting, their shrill screams abruptly ceasing.

On the corridor wall of the oil painting, three blurry imprints appeared, then faded away in an instant.

"Indeed, it's the Claus Family…" Li Ke muttered to himself, his fingers gently tapping the stair railing.

Currently, Charles Manor had just annexed the entire Xilin Town, and its Foundation was not yet stable.

If they were to clash head-on with a thousand-year-old Family Li Ke Claus, it would be somewhat conspicuous and easily attract unnecessary trouble.

Li Ke pondered for a moment, then chuckled softly.

Once the Silver Armor Corpse's promotion was complete, there would be plenty of opportunities to slowly settle scores with them…

Before returning to his room, Li Ke gave Barton an instruction.

"From now on, any new servants recruited to the manor must undergo the Trout Whisper test."

"Yes, Master."

......

After dealing with this matter, Li Ke returned to his study.

He took out the auction preview catalog provided by the Mist organization from his Storage Pouch and carefully read through it.

The first few pages of the catalog highlighted several major auction items with special ink.

The Arcane Treasure of the Silent Ring: From the overseas Arcanist organization "Silent Ring," it is rumored to have come from the hand of a Grand Arcanist and can temporarily create an area of supernatural power silence.

The bloodline fruit of the Ancient Life Tree: An extremely rare wonder that can directly increase the Bloodline concentration of the user, of immeasurable value to Bloodline nobles.

The Blade of Judgment of the Court of Suffering: An extraordinary weapon from the Northern Kingdom, the Court of Suffering, containing a trace of the power of bitter judgment. Although it only has one strike, its destructive power is extremely terrifying.

The crystalline core of the abyss worm: A special resource from the abyss, remarkably effective for Cultivating Divine Soul.

Further on were some relatively ordinary auction items, including rare slaves, antique artworks, and some special alchemy Materials.

Li Ke looked through them one by one, and there were indeed a few things on the list that greatly interested him.

Especially the crystalline core of the abyss worm, his Divine Soul Power was already far beyond his peers.

If he could obtain this item, it might further enhance the power of his various Secret Methods.

Moreover, he was about to attempt to refine the Prototype of his Lifebound Treasure, and some Materials should be prepared in advance…