Duke Yoroc hastened out of the spire, and into the most tranquil meditation room on Moon God Island, led by a beautiful elven servant.
As soon as he entered, the composure on his face turned gloomy.
He quickly approached the magic table in the meditation room and took out a radiant crystal ball from his chest, gently placing it on the crystal base of the magic table.
"Crystal Spirit, come out and see me."
Duke Yoroc muttered the spell, gently caressing the surface of the crystal ball.
Splendid radiance flickered within the crystal ball, and a fantastical purple shadow slowly materialized above it.
As soon as the purple shadow appeared, a sprightly and frivolous voice burst out from the crystal ball like a string of pearls:
"Yo! Good morning, Lord Yoroc! It’s ten o’clock at night by Moon God Island time, and it’s been 2,569 days, 12 hours, and 31 minutes since you last called Adast out for an observation. The last time you summoned me was when a crisis befell the ruling family of the Northern Territory Lowlands, and you haven’t taken Adast out since. Days without your summons have been an insufferably lonely wait, poor Adast could only sing idly in the void. You might not believe it, but Adast seems to have a bit of talent in singing. During this time, Adast has composed three tunes and seven poems, and now for you..."
Duke Yoroc rebuked with a voice of authority, grabbing the gleaming crystal ball as if silencing an incessantly babbling dog.
The crystal ball immediately quieted down.
"Prepare yourself, I’m about to conduct the highest-standard Star Observation!"
Duke Yoroc stated coldly.
The crystal ball did not respond.
Duke Yoroc furrowed his brow:
The crystal ball flickered slightly, and the frivolous voice once again arose, with a tentative tone:
"Lord Yoroc, did you... not tell me to be quiet?"
The veins on the back of his hand covering the crystal ball bulged as he took several deep breaths, barely resisting the urge to smash the chatty Crystal Spirit.
If it weren’t for the fact that the Artifact Spirit of the Holy Artifact was set from the moment the artifact was shaped, he truly wished he could smash the star of observation inherited from the Nais Clan and recast it, opting for a quieter Observation Holy Artifact.
"I just don’t want to hear your useless trash talk. Prepare the highest-standard Star Observation, and tell me if you can do it now or not?"
He asked with the last dregs of his patience.
Upon hearing Duke Yoroc’s words, the crystal ball’s voice quickly became cheery:
"Of course, Lord Yoroc, it’s splendid to serve you once again! The stars are clear tonight, perfect for an observation. Adast stands ready to serve you at all times! However, you don’t seem to look very well, are you uncomfortable, or did you face some difficulty? If you’re feeling ill, Adast knows of a fine Calming Herb Medicine on Moon God Island that could be very beneficial to Descendants of Blood like yourself, you..."
Duke Yoroc pressed the crystal ball firmly, nearly grinding his teeth, his authoritative presence erupting in an instant.
Once again, the crystal ball became obedient.
Duke Yoroc took a deep breath, slowly easing his authority, and said coldly:
"Just answer my question, and keep your mouth shut. If you spout more nonsense, I’ll throw you into the latrines of the Half-beast!"
The crystal ball quivered slightly as if shuddering, its frivolous voice now laced with nervousness:
"Alright... alright, what do you wish to observe?"
"I want to observe the success rate of the Returning Star Plan once more,"
Duke Yoroc said after some thought, his voice grave.
"The success rate of the Returning Star Plan? Lord Yoroc, haven’t you already observed that 4,021 days, 13 hours, and 45 minutes ago? And you also conducted a second observation 2,569 days, 12 hours, and 34 minutes ago..."
"If you’ve forgotten the previous observation results, Adast would be delighted to recite them for you. The observation from 4,021 days, 13 hours, and 45 minutes ago showed that though the Nais Clan’s Returning Star Plan comes with risks, smooth sailing awaits if the right path is chosen. The stars indicated the Land of Hope is to the north of the New Moon - your success in the Returning Star Plan is assured so long as you have the support from the north of the New Moon..."
"The observation from 2,569 days, 12 hours, and 34 minutes ago showed that the Nais Clan’s Returning Star Plan is on the right track; so long as the predetermined trajectory of the stars is followed, there’s almost no chance of failure. This time’s observation wasn’t disrupted by the blessings of the Holy Royal Court, and Adast can ensure the accuracy of the observation results."
"Do you... really wish to make a third observation? Adast believes that observing an inevitable outcome is meaningless. Star Observation is the highest form of observation beneath the deities, endowed with exceptional reliability and accuracy. Repeated observations are merely a waste of resources."
The virtual shadow on the crystal ball began to chatter again, but this time, Duke Yoroc showed no impatience.
His demeanor was utterly solemn, his gaze shifting uncertainly.
Noticing Duke Yoroc’s expression, the ethereal shadow suddenly fell silent, cautiously saying:
"Lord Yoroc, could it be... that some mishap has occurred?"
Duke Yoroc looked at the crystal ball and said solemnly:
"That is precisely why I’m summoning you for a third observation. A strange and powerful Bloodline has emerged in the Northern Territory Lowlands, disrupting our plans."