They all call me Great Master

Thirst!

Extreme thirst!

It was like a traveler lost in the desert who had spotted a cup of ice water!

Even though he was only seeing through the eyes of the "Exquisite Human Puppet", Arthur couldn't help but start swallowing saliva.

Thump! Thump, thump!

Arthur's heart pounded even more violently.

At this moment, every cell in his body began to roar.

This scale in front of him...

Was his!

He was determined to have it!

Nobody could prevent that!

Arthur sat up straight, put the small tea snack he had been holding aside, and devoted himself entirely to playing Grindelwald—

"'Holy Serpent Shield'?

Forgive my ignorance, but what is the origin of this shield?"

Curiosity emerged on Grindelwald's face.

Mr. Gwen next to him did as well.

In fact, Mr. Gwen was even more curious.

His study of history had allowed the gentleman to uncover the 'Mystic Side Person' hiding in the shadows, but his knowledge of the 'Mystic Side's' power was different.

Having the chance to see it in person was exceedingly rare.

Therefore, the gentleman would not miss any opportunity.

"Grindelwald, have you heard of the Serpent Sect?

The long-standing power that prevailed on the West Coast.

When it split, some young people took this 'Holy Serpent Shield' with them, becoming one of their sacred relics."

Toran recounted as the High Priest had instructed him.

Toran trusted his High Priest implicitly, so he couldn't imagine the High Priest would bluff him.

Similarly, Achisto also trusted Gleisa Hamlet, believing that the Grand Duke's eldest son would not deceive him.

Gleisa cleverly chose a segment of history that was just right.

The division of the Serpent Sect wasn't just that one time after leaving the West Coast.

The first split occurred after they left the West Coast.

And after they arrived on the East Coast, the Serpent Sect splintered numerous times in the following days, their ambition and fighting spirit as strong as ever.

Nowadays, not even the legitimate Serpent Sect heir could clearly claim they once possessed a sacred relic called the 'Holy Serpent Shield.'

As for the old Serpent Sect of the West Coast?

They had long vanished into the annals of history.

So, Gleisa wasn't afraid of any investigation.

The historic traces on the 'Holy Serpent Shield' made the Grand Duke's eldest son unworried, confident that even the most superficial, unknown scholar could tell the Shield's history spanned over a thousand years.

This was proof enough that the 'Holy Serpent Shield' was indeed a Serpent Sect sacred relic.

In fact, it was so—

"Hiss!

Such a long history!

At least over a thousand years...

These traces of time are truly stunning!"

Mr. Gwen caressed the 'Holy Serpent Shield', murmuring incessantly.

Grindelwald also nodded, but a strange look appeared in his eyes.

"It is indeed historic, but it doesn't seem to have anything magical about it?"

"The 'Holy Serpent Shield' conceals the entire Serpent Sect's secrets, requiring not just special techniques, but also the favor of destiny—if it wasn't for this, it would definitely not have appeared in this transaction.

Please believe me, its value far exceeds your imagination."

Toran spoke like a salesman, displaying the value of the 'Holy Serpent Shield.'

Even though he had no idea what the 'Holy Serpent Shield' could do, it didn't matter.

Grindelwald appeared contemplative, showing the hesitation expected of him.

"Can you state your demands?"

Eventually, Grindelwald asked.

"Of course!

We need a list of spies who have infiltrated our ranks."

"At the same time, we'd like to work with you and the esteemed person behind you to sweep those bastards' stronghold at Port Doldot."

Toran nodded.

"The spy list is fine, I came here precisely for this.

But as for the rest...

Please wait a moment!"

With that, Grindelwald temporarily left the room.

Having Kuliqi as his informant, Arthur was of course well aware of the content of the conversation between Toran and the High Priest, and this was indeed what he desired.

Still, the act had to be played out.

So, Grindelwald raised his right hand, pressing his middle and index fingers to his forehead.

It looked as if he was contacting Arthur.

About three minutes later, Grindelwald returned to the room—

"My lord is willing to cooperate with the 'Inland River Cult'.

However, the precondition is that we direct the operation!"

"Impossible!

That's out of the question!"

Toran immediately refused.

Command over the operation was extremely important—it was no exaggeration to say it was a matter of life and death. After all, it was their first time cooperating with no foundation of trust. How could either side ensure they wouldn't end up being cannon fodder for the other?

Therefore, the Priest of the 'Inland River Cult' rejected the offer outright.

In the time that followed, both sides engaged in a tug-of-war and periodically consulted their backers.

In the end—

The joint operation was agreed upon, with 'Cat Faction. Black', represented by Arthur, taking the lead. However, if a command was clearly unsuitable, the 'Inland River Cult' could refuse it.

"Pleasure doing business!"

From nightfall to dawn, negotiating exhaustively, Toran's face couldn't hide his fatigue, yet his weary look was filled with excitement.

He would finally get to take down that evil church.

And Grindelwald too breathed a sigh of relief.

"Indeed, I'm not really cut out for negotiations."

The leader of the 'Black Cat Faction' remarked and, after picking up the 'Holy Serpent Shield,' he didn't forget to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Gwen as he spoke a parting word to Toran.

At the street corner, a carriage was already waiting.

The coachman was Sapir.

The carriage had been secured by Didian.

"Morning, boss," said the sturdy Sapir, greeting Grindelwald.

"Hmm, take me to No. 6 White Bird Street!"

Grindelwald instructed.

"Right away, hold tight now,"

Sapir urged on the horses, and the carriage smoothly set off.

No. 6 White Bird Street, Marinda's residence.

Arthur sent one of his 'vests' to see this lady, naturally for a visit to inform her of the specific situation in the Docklands the day before, certainly not planning to use the lady's secret technique for an instant delivery.

Meanwhile, taking advantage of breakfast time, Lucius once again slipped to the upper deck cabin.

"Morning, Lord Kledos!"

"Morning, Lucius!"

Arthur replied to the young Avenger, gesturing for him to sit down and join him for breakfast.

Though it was on a ship, thanks to Arthur's status, this breakfast was even more abundant than when at No. 2 Cork Street—fried sausages, potted beef, fresh toast, mashed potato eggs Shara, vegetable emperor Shara, fruit medley salad, honey dip, milkshake, black pepper dip, and Arthur's specially requested clear tea.

Orange tea was good, but after a while, Arthur always thought clear tea was better.

"Thank you, Lord Kledos.

But right now, my heart is aflame.

Until you provide me with a clear answer, I can hardly swallow."

With that, the young Avenger pulled out the 'Sacred Silk' and set it on the dining table, then pushed it directly in front of Arthur.

Arthur did not touch it directly, nor would he probe it with 'Spirituality'.

The young 'Spirit Medium' had better ways to confirm whether it was dangerous.

For instance...

Dogs!