Chapter 680: Countermove!
The "Mikhail's Touch" before Arthur's eyes was different from what he remembered.
Not in appearance.
But an intuition.
Shortly after, Arthur's intuition was confirmed—
[Name: Mikhail's Strong Touch (Fragmentary)]
[Type: Other Items]
[Quality: Epic]
[Attributes: 1. Enhancement; 2. Parasitism; 3. Resurrection]
[Remarks: When the twin sisters Miha and Yiluo became one, they chose the fluff of the parasitic trees as the thread to sew themselves together. They loved each other yet despised each other, so they chose to stand back to back—this parasitic fluff eventually turned into 'Mikhail's Touch.' However, this particular 'Mikhail's Touch' is different; it is made from the fluff near both hearts.
Therefore, it not only possesses greater power than 'Mikhail's Touch,' but also contains unknown dangers.
It is precisely because of the existence of 'Mikhail's Strong Touch' that the two were highly active during the Empire's 'Shadow War' period, to the point that some people regarded them as symbols of 'Pain' and 'Suffering,' because they could keep resurrecting through 'Mikhail's Strong Touch.' However, resurrection required vast amounts of flesh and energy, which is why they were also considered 'Calamity'!
And these were once the forbidden magic of the 'Northern Witchcraft School of the Empire'!]
…
[Enhancement: When a fragmentary 'Mikhail's Strong Touch' is wrapped around an item, it will bring an everlasting enhancement effect to it.]
[Parasitism: The enhanced item will be parasitized.]
[Resurrection: If it feeds on enough flesh and energy, Mikhail will resurrect upon that item, and it will possess traits from that item.]
(Note 1: For enhancement, the item does not need to possess 'Spirituality,' and the fragmentary 'Mikhail's Strong Touch' will significantly increase the item's level, whether or not it fully wraps the item.)
(Note 2: The fragmentary 'Mikhail's Strong Touch' can slightly advance 'Legendary' level items, and there's a great chance of raising the item to the 'Legendary' level.)
(Note 3: The fragmentary 'Mikhail's Spear Touch' can enhance living beings.)
(Note 4: During the parasitism phase, there will be no abnormalities.)
(Note 5: Resurrection is divided into three stages, the first stage where the appetite greatly increases and unowned powers are wielded, the second stage where consciousness fades and flesh begins to reform, the third stage where the body will be completely transformed into a suitable vessel by Mikhail.)
(Note 6: Once the second stage is reached, the entire process becomes irreversible.)
…
Arthur nearly threw away the "Mikhail's Strong Touch (Fragmentary)."
But "Bluff" made Arthur's expression transform into surprise and delight.
Even the tremble in his fingers could be taken as excitement.
And Yula saw all this.
Upon seeing Arthur's reaction, the lady let out a sigh of relief.
The reason she came so calmly.
Was naturally because she'd once again received 'Divine Favor.'
After the last conversation with Arthur, Yula's ambition tormented her.
Yula knew it wasn't the right time yet, but that didn't stop her from dreaming about the future again and again.
Even in the dead of night, the lady couldn't sleep soundly.
Therefore, Yula prayed to the 'Lady of Sorrow.'
Initially, Yula just did this for solace.
Yula didn't think she would get any response.
Divine grace, just receiving it once would be considered the favor of destiny.
Repeatedly?
That could only be contemplated by madmen.
But a miracle, really happened!
After Yula finished praying, she not only received the affirmation of the 'Lady of Sorrow,' but also a brand-new 'Mikhail's Touch.'
According to the oracle of the 'Lady of Sorrow,' this would be the bargaining chip to persuade South Los' 'Spirit Medium.'
Yula had no doubts about this.
So, upon seeing Arthur's excitement, the lady immediately said—
"The 'Pain Church' is not as it appears now; it's the High Priest and Saintess who have misconstrued the doctrine, dragging the faithful into suffering.
I want to spread the true 'Doctrine of Pain' to every believer's heart.
Therefore, I want to make a trade with you."
While speaking, Yula turned to look at Arthur.
Under the lady's gaze, Arthur's expression had regained its calm, though his eyes occasionally drifted towards the "Mikhail's Touch."
Instantly, Yula's confidence in her persuasion swelled, and she continued without delay.
"Lord Kledos, you need not get directly involved, just temporarily disconnect the High Priest and Her Holiness the Saintess from their followers.
This should not be a difficult task for you.
At the same time, I assure you, I will not harm either of them or any more innocents," Yula said earnestly and sincerely.
Arthur nodded slightly, seeming to believe her words, but internally he scoffed at the notion.
Even without witnessing Yula's treatment of Lucius as if toying with a dog, just seeing the moment of "Mikhail's Strong Touch (Fragmentary)" was enough for Arthur never to trust her.
Clearly, the 'Lady of Sorrow' was also preparing for the future.
Facing the long-premeditated schemes of the Marquess of Seberlin, the 'Lady of Sorrow' would certainly not put all her chips on the table but would need to spread the risk.
In simple terms, she had more than one hiding place.
And she had set her sights on him.
In the 'Lady of Sorrow's' eyes, he was naturally a rather suitable vessel.
For this, Arthur felt quite honored.
He had been pondering how to have the Marquess of Seberlin take the lead, and after battling the 'Lady of Sorrow,' to then reap the greatest benefits.
In the original plan, he had wanted to bring in Marinda.
When the Marquess of Seberlin and the 'Lady of Sorrow' were both weakened, Marinda would strike a decisive blow.
Otherwise, Marinda would surely not be comfortable with the profits from Port Doldot.
But that was before.
Now?
Naturally, there was no need!
Currently, Arthur was considering how many "Mikhail's Strong Touch (Fragmentary)" there were.
And whether the 'Lady of Sorrow' had any other means.
While his thoughts were thus engaged, Arthur's lips did not cease moving—
"The High Priest and Her Holiness the Saintess are not easy to deal with.
Moreover, we have already signed a contract.
This obliges me to seek others' power.
And this will certainly come at a steep price."
Arthur began to look for excuses.
To sum it up, it wasn't enough; he demanded more money!
Yula did not become annoyed at Arthur's greed.
For one, it was indeed the truth.
Secondly, she now had the support of the 'Lady of Sorrow.'
Thus, the lady smiled.
"Mm, I understand your concerns and thoughts.
Please give me some time to consider. By dawn, I will give you a satisfactory answer," Yula said as she began to approach Arthur.
Immediately, a scent wafted straight into Arthur's nose.
The musk orchid fragrance was heady.
However, the hint of mint within the smoke was invigorating.
Yula immediately turned her head in annoyance.
She saw—
Thick rings of smoke appearing inside the cabin.
A figure emerged from the smoke, and a cool voice slowly rose.
"Have I come at a bad time?"