"Are you satisfied with our Storm Clan’s domain?"
Cassius gestured invitingly, guiding Ron towards the main building:
"The rune array designs here are somewhat ancient. They may not be as advanced as the facilities you’ve seen at the main observation station, but they do have some advantages in terms of stability."
"Indeed, they are quite distinctive."
Ron objectively remarked, "Especially this wind element condensation technique, which I seldom encounter elsewhere."
"Haha, you’re too kind."
Cassius’ smile carried a hint of pride:
"This is the result of countless years of improvement by our family. Each generation of clan leaders has made subtle adjustments and optimizations to the array, forming a rather unique style by now."
The two walked along a path paved with floating stone slabs towards the banquet hall of the main building.
On either side of the path, some rare ’Evening Wind Flowers’ were planted.
This plant only blooms at night, with flowers emitting a faint silver glow and fragrance.
Whenever someone passes by, the flowers gently sway, as if greeting the guests.
"Eliot mentioned that you have a considerable study in various extraordinary plants?"
Cassius inquired tentatively, genuine curiosity in his voice:
"These Evening Wind Flowers are a precious variety we introduced from the Jade Forest, and they are quite difficult to cultivate.
If you are interested, I can give you some seeds."
"This noble bloom has always been popular among Wizard Clans, something I’ve heard a bit about."
Ron showed a slight interest:
"However, my current research focus is still on Abyssal Creatures, and my knowledge in botany is only superficial."
In fact, the ornamental value of the Evening Wind Flower far exceeds its medicinal value, which is of little use for his Magic Potion research.
"Abyss research..."
Cassius’ expression turned complex:
"That indeed is a field full of opportunities but also extremely dangerous.
Researchers like you, who can return safely from the deep Abyss, are extremely rare in the Central Lands."
At this point, his tone became more serious:
"However, I’d like to remind you of one thing.
The influence of the Abyss is often subtle, and even the slightest contamination can lead to unpredictable consequences many years later."
This well-meaning reminder slightly raised Ron’s evaluation of this Storm Clan leader.
In Wizard Society, most people only care about how to use others, very few proactively care about others’ safety.
Cassius’ behavior, although somewhat utilitarian, was undoubtedly a gesture of goodwill towards him.
"Thank you for the reminder, I’ll be cautious." Ron responded briefly: "Regular testing and purification are necessary procedures, of course."
The design of the banquet hall was impressive.
The entire hall had a circular structure, with walls made from a semi-transparent wind crystal, shimmering with a silver-blue glow.
The most striking feature was the enormous chandelier hanging in the center of the hall.
This was a complex construction made up of hundreds of ’Storm Pearls.’
Within each Storm Pearl, a mini thunderstorm was projected.
Lightning flickered continuously inside the pearls, providing vibrant illumination.
"A truly magnificent design."
Ron sincerely admired, while mentally estimating the construction cost of the setup.
Merely those Storm Pearls, each valued as much as an ordinary Morning Star Mage’s annual income.
"This was the masterpiece of my great-grandfather."
Cassius’ voice brimmed with pride:
"He spent several decades successfully capturing and taming enough Storm Elves. It’s said that during the process, his hair and eyebrows were burnt off by lightning no less than fifty times."
The Storm Pearl chandelier in the banquet hall emitted a faint thunderous sound, with every flicker filling the air with a slight ozone scent.
Ron noticed that the miniature thunderstorms trapped inside the pearls occasionally formed shapes resembling human faces, which then dissipated silently in what seemed like a silent scream.
"Do these Storm Elves... still retain consciousness?"
He activated ’Extraordinary Recognition’ to observe the energy construction inside those pearls.
In his special vision, each Storm Pearl resembled a miniature prison, imprisoning twisted and angry soul fragments inside.
"It’s just instinctive reaction."
Cassius, sensing Ron’s gaze, explained calmly:
"The ’consciousness’ of elemental spirits is inherently elusive. After generations of taming, they are now more like... living magic energy storage devices."
His tone lacked any emotional fluctuation, as if discussing the weather.
This indifferent attitude towards sentient beings is also the undertone of Wizard Civilization.
In the banquet hall, Frederick Harvis stood by the window, conversing in low voices with two elderly Wizards.
His attire tonight was more formal than usual, clearly indicating the importance he attached to this gathering.
Upon seeing Ron, he immediately concluded his conversation and quickly approached.
"Lecturer Ralph!"
Frederick’s face was full of excitement, though he deliberately kept his voice low:
"I have been waiting for you, there are some things I must express my gratitude for, in person."
"Professor Frederick."
Ron nodded courteously, noting the various emotions in the other’s colorful gaze.
Gratitude was genuine, but it was also mixed with a certain awe for the power the younger man wielded.
"If it weren’t for your help in introducing me to the Tower Master..."
Frederick’s wording was careful, aiming to place all credit onto the young man before him: