Absolute Beast Dominion

Ashton forwarded a few jade slips to Leo.

"Hold one of them against your forehead and infuse mana into it. The incantation to open the box will appear in your mind."

Leo did just that, and just as Ashton said, an incantation appeared in his mind.

"You can open and close the box whenever you want with that, and even use the other jade slips to transfer the information to your trusted people." Saying that, Ashton closed his eyes and repeated some incomprehensible words in front of the box.

It was incomprehensible to others, but to Leo, it was crystal clear.

It was simply, "Metal Box, Open."

The next moment, the magic seals on top of the box began to unlock and deactivate, shifting sideways to make space for the hinges and handles to rotate.

With a soft click, the box unlocked on its own, and the treasure came into Leo's view.

A wave of draconic pressure swept through the surroundings, making Thalvyr shudder at the side. Even Leo suspected that if his draconic traits were activated now, even he would be affected by them.

The treasure appeared to be a chunk of solid stone covered in crystal-like vines. Deep crimson vines branched across its entire surface like intricate roots, while a molten red, sap-like substance flowed through them. Countless tiny crystal-like leaves clung to the vines, giving them a mystical appearance.

[Dragonblood Crystal Vine] - Low Orange(6) Tier Treasure

- Growing only upon the skeletons of ancient dragons, this crimson crystalline vine absorbs lingering draconic blood essence for thousands of years. Every branch pulses like veins carrying molten blood, radiating overwhelming majesty that suppresses weaker draconic creatures.

Its refined essence purifies dragon bloodlines, increases draconic physique compatibility, strengthens scales, claws, and bones, while significantly improving the success rate of dragon-related evolutions. Even ordinary reptiles may undergo extraordinary mutations after careful refinement.

Extra effects may be seen in flame-related draconic and reptilian beasts.

"This is all yours!" Ashton said enthusiastically.

At that time—

Ding!

Talent: Hoard Sovereignty - 7★ - 0.05% Attribute Boost

Leo's eyes sharpened at that, but he suppressed his curiosity and turned towards Ashton.

"I am very grateful that Count Ember thinks so highly of me. I will gladly accept this," Leo said with a smirk.

Seeing that smirk, Ashton thought he had done something wrong. But the next moment, Leo repeated the incantation that shut the box before storing it away in his spiritual space.

"Count should now address the banquet; you have already given me quite a bit of your time." Saying that, Leo turned around to rejoin Naelith and Thalvyr as Ashton began addressing the banquet.

As Leo watched Ashton address the crowd, his mind began thinking of various ways to utilise the Dragonblood Crystal Vine.

Because—

Ding!

Talent: Hoard Sovereignty - 7★ - 0.05% -> 0% Attribute Boost

This happened right after he stored the vine in his spiritual space.

I need to keep it in the physical plane, huh... Leo recalled the system's words.

But Leo had no plans to keep it in the physical plane either; he planned to feed it to Agnivar and Ashira. Or, if possible, even consume it himself.

What if processing it were impossible? Leo could have the system do the work. He had already consumed many raw treasures; this would be consumed the same way.

But Leo suspected that this might actually be classified as a highly unrefined treasure, and some special process might still be required.

By now, Ashton was concluding his speech.

"So, the person who has performed the best in the Secret Realm will receive an Earth-element beast with a Super Bloodline!"

"Whooaaaaa!!!"

"This time it's mine!!"

"Super Bloodline?! I need it for myself!"

People cheered.

The criteria to decide the best performer were quite simple: whoever had gathered the most valuable treasures for themselves would win.

As for those who had already sold their possessions, they didn't need to worry since all the records were in place. Those who hadn't sold, or didn't want to sell their treasures, could have them examined purely for the records and still compete for first place.

The rewards were as follows:

1st - Super Bloodline Earth Beast

2nd - High Purple Tier Natural Treasure

3rd - Pseudo Purple Tier Natural Treasure

4th - Peak Blue Tier Natural Treasure

...

..

.

Seeing that, Leo raised a brow.

I can easily secure first place... but... Leo hesitated. As for an Earth-element beast, he already had Howl; for him, the more lucrative reward was the second-place prize.

To be honest, Dale or Aaron would probably beg me to give the beast to them... hmm, wait. Leo suddenly realised.

Isn't this the perfect opportunity to get more natural treasures for my talent? Leo's lips subconsciously curled.

I also need to get proper revenge on the Count for giving me a Museum Treasure.

"Sir Leo!"

Leo turned around after hearing Dale's voice.

So quick! Leo thought Dale had already come to ask.

But Dale wasn't here for that. He had someone by the collar, whom he threw in front of Leo.

"I saw this guy attempting to attack you, and when you went away with the City Lord, he tried to escape."

Leo tilted his head and smiled when he saw the face.

"Ahh... this guy." He looked toward Dale.

"He told me to remember his name, you know? Altab, that was it. I remember it as clearly as day, so? What was I supposed to do by remembering your name? Don't tell me I wasted my precious memory for nothing."

"H-heek!" Altab immediately pressed his head against the ground in front of Leo.

"I am sorry! I was blind and failed to see your greatness!"

Watching him, nearly everyone snickered. But Dale had a strange feeling.

I might have been in his place... he thought. Thankfully, he seemed to have almost mended his relationship with Leo.

But Leo was already too distracted to traumatise Altab, so he simply walked off.

"Might as well use this time productively," Leo muttered, then glanced back at Altab's kowtowing figure.

"Stay in that position for the entire duration of the banquet, get out of my sight after that, and I will forgive you."

"Y-yes!!"

Dale looked back at Leo.

Such a light punishment! He grimaced. If only I had gotten something like that.

I guess messing with his girl has him in an entirely different mood...

With that, he accompanied Leo toward the treasure recording area.