บท 147: The Eternal Goblet of Fine Wine
What are you pondering?"
A sudden voice broke the silence behind me. Without turning my head, I answered somewhat despondently, "I was contemplating what Demon Island might be like."
Mostima, with a smile, conjured two emerald-hued goblets of exquisite wine from the void, placing one before me. He no longer resembled the unattractive figure of Julian; instead, he exuded an elegance that was utterly impeccable.
I took a gentle sip, and the delightful fragrance of the wine enveloped my senses, invigorating my very soul, as if every pore in my body had opened wide.
I had no notion of when Mostima had appeared; the spectral butterflies of the underworld could not detect his presence.
It was no surprise, after all; Mostima was a being far beyond human comprehension, his power as profound as the ocean, immeasurable.
What a remarkable wine this is! From which world's master vintner does it originate?
As I faced this enigmatic man once more, I felt no particular trepidation. The earlier sense of unease vanished like smoke, replaced by the comfort of old friends engaged in casual conversation, devoid of any stiffness.
"This exquisite wine is called the Emerald Sea, crafted by the most beautiful goddess of the Yuan Yuan Continent. If you find yourself with leisure in the future, you may pay her a visit; she is exceedingly hospitable."
Mostima's words were courteous, yet he had no intention of revealing the goddess's name to me.
He thoughtfully swirled his goblet before gently setting it down, finally speaking, "The Demon Sealing Mercenary Corps has recently obtained a magical map, and soon there will be a significant expedition to explore the route to the *** Continent. I hope you will join this endeavor and assist me in locating the Pentagram Bracelet."
I drained my goblet in one swift motion and replied nonchalantly, "Mr. Mostima, your formidable prowess makes the journey to the *** Continent seem like a mere trifling matter. What could a person of my humble stature possibly contribute?"
In my hand, the goblet pulsed with a faint yet mysterious magical energy.
The deep red liquid, as radiant as the setting sun and as clear as the autumn leaves of the western mountains, rose slowly from the bottom of the cup, ceasing just a few inches from the rim.
An eternal goblet of fine wine? What a fascinating treasure!
Mostima smiled faintly.
He bypassed the previous question and patiently elaborated on the next, "These goblets were crafted by the renowned artisan Jin Yong of the Yuan Yuan Continent. As long as the same owner uses them, the wine within will never repeat. Only with a new owner might one encounter those unforgettable vintages once more."
Such a remarkable artifact, though I held no particular desire for the wine within the cup, I couldn't help but exclaim, "Indeed, this is a splendid item! I wonder how many would wish to cradle such goblets in their hands, never letting go throughout their lives."
Mostima shrugged and remarked, "Since you admire them, consider them a gift. These goblets are merely a part of a complete set of wine vessels, and I am not fond of the aesthetics of incompleteness."
A complete set of wine vessels? With such goblets, what else could one possibly need?
Mostima replied with enthusiasm, "This set was commissioned by a wealthy patron of the Yuan Yuan Continent, employing the skills of the six most renowned artisans. It is called Eighteen Pots. These goblets are paired with one of the famed pots known as Morning Dew and Flower Rain, but I have only acquired these goblets; the pot has long since vanished, its whereabouts unknown, perhaps in the hands of a collector."
I see.
Whoever commissioned the six master artisans to create the Eighteen Pots truly understands the art of indulgence.
"Not merely indulgence!"
Mostima shook his head, a touch of nostalgia in his voice. "These eighteen pots continuously produce clear, sweet wine, surpassing the quality and flavor of the goblet's wine; however, that is not their true purpose. Each pot possesses a spirit, sealing the essence of the continent's eighteen most exquisite beauties, allowing the holder to summon them at will to share in the wine."
You can imagine the allure: the fragrance of jasmine and jade, the warmth of a beautiful companion, the mingling of lips, and the essence of aged brews—each sip a myriad of flavors, indescribable in words…
How utterly delightful!
Even I, usually composed, couldn't suppress a curse. The thought of such an extravagant artifact as the Eighteen Pots revealed the depth of creativity possessed by that esteemed individual from the Yuan Yuan Continent.
And that's not all; it is said that each beauty possesses a unique treasure, the kind that every man dreams of!
Mostima, ever graceful and charming, revealed a hint of jealousy in his eyes when mentioning "unique treasures."
What could these treasures be? How curious that they could provoke such a reaction from him.
As the saying goes, "Adversity breeds strength, while comfort leads to demise!"
Though I found myself captivated by the luxurious allure of the Eighteen Pots, I did not feel disheartened by my lack of possession. Mostima's purpose in seeking me was not to discuss such matters, so I deftly redirected the conversation, ambiguously inquiring, "Why is the mercenary corps searching for a route to the *** Continent? That must be a perilous undertaking, no?"
Mostima answered succinctly, "Though Demon Island is substantial, adventurers from various worlds have nearly scoured every inch of this vast island. As the most powerful mercenary group on the island, they maintain their dominance at great cost.
"The challenges posed by the myriad forces seeking to challenge them are overwhelming. Faced with an unending stream of new adversaries, the leaders of the Demon Sealing Mercenary Corps unanimously believe that a new base must be established, and the *** Continent presents the most promising option."
I see!
Reflecting on the Undead Forces of the Snooker and Locke Group, I understood the precarious position of the Demon Sealing Mercenary Corps; they must contend with these newcomers from different worlds, and even the strongest masters would eventually succumb to the strain.
"The Golden Princess is my greatest asset for joining this expedition, is it not?"
"King Lin, you truly grasp the essence of the matter; I greatly admire that about you."
"Cut it out! I find your deception rather unappealing! Would it not be better for you to go yourself? Skull Island is quite close to the *** Continent."
Mostima shrugged, spreading his hands, "My ability to control Julian and manifest in this world through his flesh is already my greatest power.
"Did you not notice that I am merely a wave of spirit, devoid of any tangible strength?"
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