Chapter 992: Chapter 99: Visit of the Retrospection Sect (5600)
High-level crystal creatures related to Elan...
The first thing Ian thought of was that version of Elan from the Dao Path of the Swarm, who had been transformed into a "Worm Nest Crystal Dragon" by the Swarm Overlord.
One had to say, Ian still had quite a bit of confidence in his design skills and aesthetic sense.
After being modified by the Swarm Overlord, Elan possessed a beauty of sheer power as well as excellent design. Not only did he have immense potential, but he also perfectly complemented Elanâs innate Spirit Energy talent, allowing him to awaken directly to the Third Energy Levelâtruly strong and formidable.
But thinking carefully, it couldnât be rightâafter all, even he couldnât directly harness the power of the Dao Path of the Swarm himself. He had to scrape by, borrowing techniques from the other side via the Guiding Starâs abilities.
So soon enough, Ian thought of another possibility.
The Crystal Dragon Egg!
"Elan."
Ian leaned in slightly and softly whispered by his younger brotherâs ear, a gesture resembling an ordinary affectionate inquiry between brothers: "Have you been playing by the seaside a lot recently?"
"The Water Element Origin quality on you is quite strong."
"Yeah!"
Elan didnât find the question odd at all. He cheerfully nodded and replied, "Every time Iâm done with training, Iâll head to the shore to play with Shasha..."
"Before, when Uncle Qingchao and Brother Scott were around, Iâd often go fishing and catching fish near the coast with them!"
âHonestly, I canât even keep track of these generational titles.
This was the first thought that surfaced in Ianâs mind. Qingchao and Scott addressed each other as brothers, and both called him "Boss," but to Elan, one was an uncle while the other was a brother... Everyone just had their own rules, apparently.
Speaking of this, though Ian had grumbled about it countless times, as a disciple of Hiliard, his theoretical generational ranking within The Empire was indeed extremely high.
Most of the high-ranking officials and nobles in the Imperial Capital turned out to be his contemporaries or juniors.
And his second thought was: as expected.
Elan typically enjoyed going to the beach with him to explore the tidal flats; it was no surprise that this habit hadnât disappeared after he left.
With Qingchao and Scott accompanying him, it wasnât unusual for Elan to dive into the sea to play with Shasha, let alone the fact that the Huaâan Frost Butterflies had recently returned and likely met Elan as well.
So, with Shasha and the two Fairy Misses helping him out, it was indeed possible that Elan had ventured into the South Sea Great Labyrinth and come into contact with the Crystal Dragon Egg... But this couldnât be questioned hereâit would have to wait until they were home.
"Oh?"
The Viscount, who was following Ian out of the study, perked up with interest. "Your observational Spirit Energy ability has grown so strong? You can even tell that Elan went to the seaside recently?"
"Hmm."
Ian released Elan from his arms and ruffled the boyâs hair, the Spirit Energy Radiance in his eyes dimming. "Actually, I can only discern the type and distribution of Origin Quality in Elanâs body... But since I know what he likes to do and where he usually goes, I guessed right."
"Ian, youâre quite sly. Back in the day, I thought you could only appraise ordinary ancient artifacts and metals."
The Viscount let out a theatrical sigh of regret as he spoke to Ian, but his gaze shot toward Elder Pude with an intensity that seemed to demand the elder self-punish with three barrels of wine.
Yet Elder Pude feigned ignorance, stepping forward instead to pat Ian on the back and remarking with satisfaction, "Youâve grown a lot taller and look much more spirited now."
"Visiting the Imperial Capital and taking up a lordshipâventuring into the wider world really was the right choice for you."
By Terraâs standards of aesthetics, if Ianâs earlier image at Harrison Port had been that of a country lad tying his hair into pigtailsâa stunning look, no doubt, but one that wouldnât cause pedestrians to lingerâ
The current Ian was the kind of person whose sheer brilliance on the street would make passersby instinctively avert their gaze, unwilling to meet his eyes directly, only to steal furtive glances over and over again.
This transformation wasnât just about clothing or appearance, but a metamorphosis of vitality and radiance.
"All thanks to your mentorship, Elder."
Ian bowed his head and earnestly clasped Elder Pudeâs hands, sincerely expressing his gratitude: "Without your guidance, I wouldnât have achieved what I have today."
If not for Elder Pude helping Ian to conceal his tracks while teaching him how to leverage the Chehalorvo Family as a shield for his myriad activities, the sharp-minded major nobles of the Imperial Capital would have long since unmasked himâand his cover stories along with it!
"Youâre looking well lately, even your stomach issues seem much improved."
Ianâs eyes once again glimmered with a bluish-green hue as he gazed at Elder Pudeâs stomach. He confirmed, "There are no longer any signs of disease... Good thing I caught it early; otherwise, if it had progressed to a later stage, it wouldâve been hard to treat."
"Indeed."
Viscount Grant walked over to join Ian and Elder Pude, commenting, "Recently, Pude has been drinking with me more frequently, and it seems to have made him even more energeticâironically, he seemed worse off when he was more disciplined."
"Thatâs the difference between Bloodline and True Formâmany life habits inherently align more with those of Magical Beasts, and need to be adapted to."
At this juncture, he glanced meaningfully at the aquamarine glow in Ianâs eyes and then spoke with a serious tone: "Ian, I have a rather personal request."
"Please, go ahead,"
Ian raised his head slightly, a subtle smile playing on his lips before he continued solemnly, "If thereâs anything I can do to help, please donât hesitate to ask."
"I would like to ask you to check on the condition of my unborn child."