Chapter 98: The Cellar

Saiwen revealed to Zhai Guangyi that this winery was originally used to secretly store some of the City Lord’s assets. Not only was the main gate protected by powerful defensive magic, but the cellar was also filled with trap spells and numerous protective barriers.

In fact, the defenses here were even more extensive than those of the City Lord’s castle. Without his guidance, opening the winery’s main gate would have been far from easy. At least his life still served some purpose.

Zhai Guangyi glanced at Lvqi, who nodded in agreement. Upon entering, Lvqi had sensed that the interior was far from simple. After all, the Thief Goblins under his command weren’t particularly high-level. If there were many similar defensive spells inside, they would struggle.

Reluctantly, they agreed to let Saiwen lead the way. With two Demigods watching over him and Lvqi’s profound knowledge of magic, any small tricks he might try would be impossible to escape their notice.

Saiwen opened the door leading to the wine cellar, his hands continuously tracing circles of magic circuits as he dismantled the magical defenses.

In truth, Zhai Guangyi’s World System could also dismantle these magical defenses, though it would require some time for analysis. However, the ‘World’ was not merely about materializing what Zhai Guangyi desired—the System possessed a high capacity for learning. Any magic Zhai Guangyi witnessed, the System could master, effectively meaning Zhai Guangyi himself had learned it.

As Saiwen dismantled the magical defense system ahead, Zhai Guangyi instructed the System to secretly study it. Defensive systems constructed from magic power like this were excellent—they didn’t consume System Currency and could be deployed extensively around his True Body to enhance overall defense. They could also serve as traps to ensnare enemies.

This was much like underground labyrinths. Powerful magicians often preferred to dwell deep underground, isolated from the world’s disturbances. They would set up numerous defensive spells and traps in their abodes, which remained intact long after their deaths.

These labyrinths often became nests for Magical Beasts and later turned into targets for Adventurers. Inside, there was a high probability of finding relics left behind by the magicians or treasures hoarded by the Magical Beasts—this was the origin of labyrinth exploration.

“Ah, I already tried to persuade Seta. These Elves are troublesome, but he just wouldn’t listen.”

Saiwen, walking ahead, began to ramble. Perhaps it was a habit of the elderly to enjoy chatting, even if no one responded. He continued speaking regardless.

“After the decree banning Forest Elves from entering the city was issued, all we needed to do was expel the Forest Elves already inside. But Seta saw an opportunity for significant profit here. I’m old—I couldn’t stop him.”

Saiwen went on and on about Seta, gradually revealing his own identity: he was Seta’s father, the former City Lord of Banwang City. Saiwen had been forcibly imprisoned in this winery by Seta. There were restrictions at the entrance, preventing him from leaving or seeing what was happening outside.

Over the years, aside from Seta, no one else had entered. The Forest Elves had also been brought in by Seta, evading the notice of his subordinates.

“Seta is dead. Aren’t you angry?”

It was obvious that Xiong Batian had killed Seta—she was still holding his weapon. Zhai Guangyi wondered why Saiwen, as Seta’s father, would actively help them.

“Ah, this child is too greedy in his actions. The position of City Lord would have been his sooner or later, but to secure it, he killed his own brother and imprisoned me in this winery.”

“And honestly, I no longer think of revenge at my age. The Family line hasn’t ended, so I’ll just pretend I never had this son.”

Though Saiwen spoke these words, his gait became unsteady, and his voice choked with sobs—his sorrow was still clearly palpable.

“Elves were once guides for us Humans. They deserve to be treated well here.”

Having lived for so many years, Saiwen held a reverence for Elves and had no intention of deceiving Zhai Guangyi. After dispelling the last Defensive Magic, the scene inside the cellar unfolded before Zhai Guangyi’s eyes.

It was filled with glittering gold and even many fine weapons, all part of Seta’s private collection. There were numerous rare treasures Zhai Guangyi had never seen before.

Lvqi shook his head, unimpressed by these useless trinkets—just the private stash of a minor City Lord. They had seen plenty of such small treasuries when raiding Human City-States, and he had even glimpsed the Royal Family’s vault.

The cellar also held many barrels of fine wine. At the sight of them, Xiong Batian and the others could hardly move, including the Magical Beasts. Wine was a rarity in the Forest, sometimes found among Adventurers’ spoils, and its taste was unforgettable once sampled.

Zhai Guangyi paid no attention to the treasures; they were of little use to him anyway. Perhaps Xiong Da would have loved them, but he was still unconscious on Xiong Batian’s shoulder.

Seeing the barrels of fine wine, their aroma made Xiong Batian’s taste buds salivate incessantly. Glancing at Xiong Da on her shoulder, she thought for a moment before dropping him to the ground and hoisting two barrels of wine instead.

Zhai Guangyi also spotted Liya and the Forest Elves imprisoned in the cellar’s dungeon. Most were unharmed, though some showed signs of injury from resistance, but they had been treated, with only their clothing torn.

Aside from appearing somewhat listless, they seemed to be in decent condition.

Saiwen didn’t have the key to the cell door. Zhai Guangyi glanced at Xiong Batian, who was busy unloading, and the other Magical Beasts, rubbing his forehead in exasperation. These unsophisticated creatures truly couldn’t resist fine wine.

Left with no choice, Zhai Guangyi took matters into his own hands, using his Flying Staff to strike the cell door. Xiong Batian’s Special Skill remained active, and with an attack force of up to 7,000 points, the cage quickly deformed.

The cell’s material was excellent, even capable of blocking Magic Power. After a few strikes, Zhai Guangyi felt a significant drain on his Magic Power, largely due to the door itself.

“Get back!”

Liya shouted to Zhai Guangyi as the cell door opened, but before he could react, a hand shot out and grabbed his neck.

Of course, Zhai Guangyi’s current strength was no match for an ordinary Forest Elf. He easily seized the hand in return and, with little effort, flung the Forest Elf who had grabbed him aside.

Zhai Guangyi recalled what Xiong Da had said: many Forest Elves were in a state of madness, devoid of self-awareness. This was also why Human City-States prohibited Forest Elves from entering the city.

Seeing that Zhai Guangyi was unharmed, Liya hurried over to embrace the Forest Elf who had been thrown aside, continuously using Spirit Magic to soothe her, seemingly to calm her spirit.

The once somewhat ferocious Forest Elf gradually grew serene, her eyes vacant, following behind Liya like a walking corpse.