Ancient Wizards: A Little Progress Every Day

"The 'bloodline modification' ritual has been perfected and improved by generations of wizard families in Ice Castle. It can now complete the desired 'bloodline modification' without contaminating mental or soul power, and the number of transplants can reach more than three times."

"Oh?"

Dago's eyes flickered, and he asked directly, "Conditions?"

"It's so convenient to chat with a smart person like Mr. Dago."

Lady Darren chuckled, "The conditions aren't harsh. As long as you stay at the manor for a year and do a few things for me, I can perform three bloodline modifications for you free of charge. If you want to transplant the bloodline of the Great Ice Serpent, it should be available in two or three months."

Dago refused outright, saying, "These conditions are too harsh; I cannot accept them."

"Bloodline modification" isn't particularly necessary for him; the difference between one and three times isn't significant. Working for someone else for a year just for this? And missing the Mirror Forest trial in the process—it's not worth it."

"Then I think if I add what I'm about to say, you probably won't find it too harsh."

Mrs. Darren said calmly, "I have the technology for real 'bloodline modification,' and it's close to permanent."

"Permanent?!"

Dargo's eyes widened in shock as he stared intently into Mrs. Darren's eyes. He spoke in a low voice, "Madam, you're not joking, are you? Or rather, do you know what true bloodline modification really means?"

"I don't need you to teach me this, little guy."

Mrs. Darren chuckled, casually toying with the gemstone ring on her finger. "If you don't believe me," she said, "we can sign another soul contract. Oh, by the way, do you remember Benson? He just had the bloodline of a second-ring Icestorm Bear transplanted into him. The power of that bloodline will allow him to run rampant among mid-second-ring wizards, and challenging a late-second-ring wizard isn't impossible."

"Actually, the terms of the deal that allow you to stay in the castle for a year are for your own good. Different people may experience different changes in their bodies after transplanting the bloodline of different magical beasts. These changes can be good or bad. Having you under our watchful eyes makes it easier for us to make various adjustments for you in a timely manner, and it also makes it easier for us to record some data."

"So this 'bloodline modification' technology is not yet mature and perfect, right? People like Benson are just daring experimental subjects."

Dago narrowed his eyes, finally understanding where the rumors about the monsters near Icethorn Manor came from.

He guessed correctly. Icethorn Manor had probably been conducting bloodline modification experiments on people for a long time, and those who went missing near Icethorn Manor were experimental guinea pigs.

Of course, the process might not be as dark as he imagined. Ordinary people and apprentice wizards with average strength might be forced to be used as experimental guinea pigs, but those who are wizards above the first level are likely to be acting voluntarily after signing a soul contract, just like Benson did before.

After all, for many wizards, the physical body is just a useless shell, while the soul is what they value most. Provided that the soul is not severely corrupted, it is not unacceptable to give up being human in order to pursue greater power.

"A truly perfect transplant of Warcraft bloodline is not something that can be achieved so easily."

Mrs. Darren looked at her pink nails and said calmly, "To gain extraordinary rewards, one must naturally bear corresponding risks. Compared to the rewards of success, these risks are insignificant."

Dago's eyes flickered, his mind racing, and he admitted he was somewhat tempted.

Especially now that the Blood Tree of the Imprisoning God in his possession has just become effective, if he could transplant a suitable magical beast bloodline and continuously purify it through the Blood Tree of the Imprisoning God's power, how powerful would he become in time?!

Lady Darren saw his interest and smiled, as if she wanted to give him another push. Suddenly, she said to him in a rather ambiguous tone, "Or, if you are willing to cooperate with me to leave an heir for the Icethorn family, I can unconditionally fulfill all of the above and do my best to give you the best. The experimental content and progress will be completely transparent to you until the bloodline modification technology is perfected to the point that you feel at ease and reliable."

As Mrs. Darren spoke, her eyes gradually became ambiguous, her gaze falling on Dagger as if it were honey dripping.

She reached out her right hand to Dago, seemingly to touch his face, her eyes dreamy, and whispered, "To be honest, you really resemble my second husband. No, you're much more handsome and charming than him. I swear we can be great partners."

"never mind."

Dargo's two abrupt words were like a sharp knife, cleanly and decisively shattering the ambiguous signals and beautiful fantasies that Mrs. Darren had unilaterally released.

Mrs. Darren's hand, which was about to touch his cheek, froze in mid-air, looking extremely embarrassed.

"I'm not interested in any of what you're saying."

Dago said calmly, "I think we should go back to the original deal; that's enough."

He calmed down from his enormous ambitions, and put aside the question of whether the "bloodline modification" technology developed by a mere second-level wizard and a declining wizarding family was reliable.

Even if it were true, he didn't believe in such a windfall. Who knew what kind of huge pitfall awaited him after accepting it?

Moreover, women will only hinder his progress; since ancient times, a gentle embrace has been a graveyard for heroes.

Mrs. Darren slowly withdrew her outstretched hand, her expression quite unpleasant.

For a woman, being rejected is already quite embarrassing, let alone being rejected by someone who is courting her love.

Mrs. Darren let out a soft breath, tried to compose herself, and after calming down, her attitude towards Dargo changed completely, becoming extremely cold.

"One last thing."

"I really have no interest in hearing things that have nothing to do with 'bloodline modification'."

Dago also lost his patience and frowned, saying, "I just want to achieve my purpose in coming to Icethorn Manor as soon as possible."

Mrs. Darren looked at Dargo and sneered repeatedly.

After a moment, she leaned forward and spoke softly to Dargo, "Aren't you interested in the Huntington family? As far as I know, you've been looking for them ever since you entered Ice Castle, haven't you?"

"Well."

When Dargo heard Mrs. Darren's words, he was stunned for a moment, his eyes wide open, unsure of how to respond.