This Necromancer Just Wants to Plant Trees - Chapter 166

Chapter 166: Margaret's Practical Teaching

Matthew immediately countered, "Do you have money?"

Margaret fell silent instantly.

After a pause, she hesitated, "This little thing looks rather unique."

Blorken jumped up, resentfully cursing, "Hey, girl, who are you calling unique?"

Matthew reminded, "She's my teacher."

Blorken paused, "The master's master's teacher? I thought she was your concubine! Uh... is she powerful?"

Matthew earnestly replied, "More powerful than me."

Blorken promptly approached Margaret, "Oh, esteemed lady, it's my honor to be nicknamed by you! From now on, I, Blorken, shall be known as 'Unique.' No one else can take this name! Please mark me with a magical imprint so that when both the master and the master's master are gone, you can be my master!"

Margaret silently looked at Matthew, "Did you teach this behavior?"

Before Matthew could reply, Blorken defended, "Of course not. Please don't misunderstand the master's master; this is what my master taught."

Margaret questioned, "And who is your master?"

Blorken casually replied, "Naturally, it's the master's master's master!"

Matthew sighed in silence.

Unable to resist, he lightly tapped Blorken's head.

Then he solemnly stated, "Let's get back on track. We must hurry to the negative energy plane. My pet is currently under attack by an undead king and a quasi-king, namely the Dark Pharaoh and a skeletal dragon."

Margaret nodded, "An undead king is nothing unusual. The kings in the negative energy plane represent a specific template; they only symbolize potential. If you transform yourself into a lich and root yourself in the negative energy plane now, you'll most likely acquire a king's template. After all, the foot soldiers there easily ascend to kingship with a bit of excellence. However, accessing the negative energy plane isn't straightforward. We need an exceptional formation mage. Let me think; which alliance formation mage might be available? Besides, traveling to the inner planes isn't cheap."

The negative energy plane is a complex dimension, unlike common perception. It belongs to the inner planes rather than the outer planes, categorized in relation to the enclosed primary material world. The inner planes include elemental planes of earth, fire, wind, water, the World Tree Sea, the Ethereal Plane, and among them, the negative energy plane whose specific location isn't confirmed but is within the inner planes' direction.

Because of dimensional gravity, traveling from inside out encounters minimal resistance, but the opposite journey demands considerable effort. For instance, a necromancer could easily summon a skeleton from the negative energy plane, yet summoning a skeleton from the astral plane would require more magical, mental, and material costs.

Thus, traveling to the inner planes is generally considered a greater challenge. Even within the Seven Holy Alliance, mages seek skilled senior formation mages for assistance.

However, at this point, Blorken interjected, "No need for a formation mage. The master can summon the master's master in reverse!"

Margaret was surprised, "Is that even possible?"

Then she looked at Matthew, receiving his confirmation before skeptically asking, "So, who exactly is the master?"

Matthew shrugged without explaining much.

The contract issued by the system was a bit more advanced than regular necromantic contracts. He hadn't paid much attention before. However, after encountering Blorken for the first time, Matthew researched the differences between contracts and discovered the distinctions. His own contract stemmed from Eindor's contract magic system, passed down from the enlightenment era's magic goddess and later refined by the Seven Holy Alliance, making it very comprehensive. In comparison, the system's contract seemed somewhat ancient. Besides clearly stating Matthew's dominance, the relationship between both sides was more equal and mutually beneficial.

According to the contract, as long as Matthew agreed, Little Boil could indeed summon him to the negative energy plane. After confirming no need for a formation mage, Margaret took out a potion, gesturing for Matthew to drink it.

"The practical lesson comprises two parts. First, you watch me fight while I demonstrate. During this period, you must carefully observe and note every action of mine. It will help you develop your combat style. Remember, I'll demonstrate only once, and how much you comprehend depends on you."

"Secondly, I'll watch you fight. I won't offer any advice during your battle, but afterward, I'll review all your actions. This potion sharpens your senses, especially while observing me, aiding in gaining more combat experience. However, it has a drawback you must overcome: after drinking it, you'll easily become eager for a fight. No matter how strong that impulse, you must restrain yourself until I permit you to fight others. Trust me, controlling that urge is beneficial for you."

Matthew glanced at the data panel.

"Thirst Potion: Upon consumption, your insight +10; when learning from others' battles, you gain triple battle experience; you'll become extremely aggressive, almost ravenous."

Matthew, unaffected, gulped it down, saying, "I have restraint abilities; I won't turn into a combat maniac."

But the next moment, Margaret intervened, "I know you have restraint abilities, but if you want the potion's full effect, you can't use that ability. You need to control your control, or else my potion will go to waste."

Matthew frowned, reluctantly agreeing, "Alright."

Seconds later, he felt a heat coursing through him, involuntarily grabbing a hammer and glaring at Blorken, "Did you just glance at me?"

Blorken, frightened, immediately hid behind Margaret's skirt.

Fortunately, at that moment, a narrow negative energy portal appeared before them. Margaret confidently stepped into it, pulling the itching-for-a-fight Matthew along.

The negative energy plane, King's Mountain, Ear Valley.

A dark figure hovered over the hilltop, accompanied by a slow-moving skeletal dragon. Its frame exceeded the standard undead creature's perception of dragon size, with hundreds of ribs and numerous leg bones. Unlike its counterparts, this skeletal dragon's bones were pitch-black, with a large, faintly glowing white soul fire, revealing its advanced age.

Being a skeletal dragon, it had lived an exceedingly long life, so long it had forgotten its age. However, even the mightiest undead being would eventually perish. It had witnessed countless undead births and deaths in this realm.

When it saw the unique yet youthful skeletal dragon, it realized it might have reached the end of its existence as an undead being. It was well aware it wasn't a match for Philorius, but as a longstanding king of skeletal dragons, surrendering in this kingship battle was out of the question. Just one more step, one more step to become a king. If it took that step, its flickering soul fire would be sustained. However, that step was excruciatingly difficult.

Until the moment when one of the five undead kings, the Pharaoh, extended a helping hand, it suddenly realized it had a chance to prolong its existence!

Now, standing on the brink of defeating Philorius and assimilating his territory was just a step away. However, the old skeletal dragon wasn't in a rush. It silently observed the Pharaoh, waiting for his command.

The difference between a king and a quasi-king was vast,

evident from Philorius, who was intimidating but easily subdued by the Pharaoh.

The old skeletal dragon understood the Pharaoh's assistance came with ulterior motives. While he loathed being used as a tool, to gain that next step in extending its life, it had no choice.

Moments later, the Pharaoh slowly stated, "He's severely injured now. Even if he escapes back to his territory, the undead creatures there won't provide much aid."

"I've interfered on my own accord, breaching the agreement between kings. If I pursue him further, the other four kings might object."

The old skeletal dragon sensed trouble.

Hesitatingly, it looked at the Pharaoh, "I can sense that Philorius still has some strength left."

The Pharaoh calmly replied, "That's your problem. The kingship struggle is about life and death. If you lack the courage to kill him now, when he fully recovers, you'll only become his stepping stone."

The old skeletal dragon stayed silent.

"Don't worry, I swear to you. After your battle with him, the other kings won't turn against you."

The Pharaoh reassured.

The pallid soul fire within the old skeletal dragon's skull trembled. Half a minute passed. Finally, gathering courage, it charged towards the valley that resembled an ear, making its final move!

As if sensing the old skeletal dragon's action, a weak dragon's cry echoed from the valley. Soon after, countless undead creatures surged out of the valley, rushing towards the old skeletal dragon and the Pharaoh!

The Pharaoh smirked, "Ants always gather."

"You skeletal dragons love to amass skeletons, but what's the use?" he taunted. "Under a king, all are ants."

With these words, he quickly chanted a spell. A misty gray light showered down between the hillside and the valley's mouth.

"Five-Ring Spell: Death-bestowal Light Shower!"

The lower undead creatures bathing in the light fell one after another. Faint soul fires rose from their bones, gravitating toward a white bottle in the Pharaoh's hand.

In less than a minute, tens of thousands of skeletal soldiers vanished!

"Go ahead, in the final stage of life, give it your all. Don't make me underestimate you."

The Pharaoh's voice echoed like a demonic whisper in the old skeletal dragon's ears.

The old skeletal dragon rushed toward the inner part of the valley.

The Pharaoh followed suit, but as they flew a short distance, his expression suddenly changed!

They had discovered something too late.

Two humans emerged from the passage and stood before Philorius. They offered condolences to the dying Bone Dragon before turning towards him, their eyes filled with hostility.

The Pharaoh took the lead, angrily bellowing, "Philorius, as a potential king, how dare you conspire with humans?"

"This isn't your place, sorcerer. This is the realm of the undead, not the material world of humans," retorted one of the humans.

"If you don't leave immediately, all the undead kings will unite to expel you!" threatened the other.

Suppressing his rage, Matthew coldly replied, "Boil is my pet. Before bullying him, have you prepared for my retaliation?"

Boil whimpered at his words, tears welling up instantly.

The Pharaoh's expression shifted, "What summon?"

"I had no idea!" countered Matthew, the rage within him fueled by the potion's effect.

"You're attempting to shield my contract with your strange items and claim ignorance?" he exclaimed, turning red and then addressing Margaret, "I can't hold it anymore."

Margaret lightly tapped his forehead, saying, "If I don't say so, you'll keep it in forever."

"Watch and learn!" she continued, "The first lesson in Margaret's combat class: don't waste time with enemies!"

She abruptly levitated and swiftly flew towards the Pharaoh, magic glyphs sparkling in her eyes.

---

"Hints: You've observed Margaret using 'Flight' (spell ability transformation). Margaret used 'Enemy Insight' (spell ability transformation). Your battle experience +9 (enhanced by the potion)."

---

"Dark Pharaoh, level twenty, undead king template, maxed Bandage Devouring ability? He leveled up just by consuming bandages. Only twenty abilities all over. Limited spell usage. Matthew, remember, be ruthless against over-leveled fools like this. The ignorant will think you're formidable. Harvest some reputation."

Margaret lectured while in flight. The Pharaoh's composure wavered, "What nonsense are you spouting?"

"When did I steal bandages from your subordinates?" Margaret ignored him, her speech rapid, "The quickest way to deal with undead is to extinguish their Soul Fire. Key point: what Soul Fire fears most are wind and sound waves, especially the exact winds from the Negative Energy Plane's moon!"

---

"Tips: Margaret shared 'Moon, Soul Fire, Winds of Destruction, and Nurturing Winds.' Your battle experience (undead) +60!"

---

"Do you understand what you're doing?"

"You dare reveal the secrets of undead blatantly?"

"Sorceress, you're challenging all the undead!" the Pharaoh barked, visibly distressed.

"Of course, a mere gust of Wind of Destruction won't kill all undead. Their bodies protect their Soul Fire. But with this knowledge, our task becomes simpler."

"Remember, Margaret's formula for hunting undead is as follows—"

Margaret sang while teaching. In an instant, a black whirlwind swirled around the Pharaoh.

The next moment, he was swiftly thrown backward, clearly reluctant to engage Margaret.

But would Margaret let him off?

The dark whirlwind trailed him closely, and she conjured a portal.

"Step two, dismantle his body!" she declared as she entered the portal and reappeared beside the Pharaoh.

"I've informed other kings. If you don't leave soon, you won't leave the Negative Energy Plane today!" the Pharaoh warned, as bandages from his body extended like numerous hands towards Margaret, simultaneously initiating a spell chant.

Ignoring him, Margaret lunged forward. In an instant, a blue glow enveloped her.

The glow, like a shockwave, spread in all directions, causing the bandages touched by it to droop helplessly.

"Spell Nullification Barrier!" The Pharaoh's chant abruptly ceased. He attempted to retreat but was swiftly pursued by Margaret, who, Matthew noticed, had 'Haste' solidified above her legs, though he couldn't discern higher-level ability transformations.

"Spell ability transformations are crucial! The Nullification Barrier only stops spells, but solidified abilities can still work!" Matthew noted silently.

Moments later, Margaret reached the Pharaoh, her smooth hands targeting his face. He instinctively defended, but in an instant, his arms fell to the ground.

From Margaret's forearms extended razor-sharp mantis blades. She gripped the Pharaoh's neck, and the blades surged forward, severing his head.

In a swift motion, she dismantled the bandage-clad body, eventually releasing a Soul Fire from his chest. Facing the lethal Moon's Winds of Destruction, the Soul Fire dissipated instantly.

At that moment, Margaret leisurely produced a blue enamel bottle, uncorking it. The Pharaoh's Soul Fire hesitated before willingly entering the bottle. Margaret sealed it and concluded, "The last step: use these bottles to collect their Soul Fire. No undead fire can resist the Winds of Destruction. They fear annihilation more than falling into our hands. And we can profit from it—a valuable commodity within the Alliance."

Matthew was astonished. He knew Margaret was powerful, but he hadn't fathomed the extent. She could have easily obliterated the Pharaoh in an instant if not for her explanation. Both were maxed fifth-tier quasi-legends, but the Pharaoh, on his home turf in the Negative Energy Plane, couldn't even retaliate. Was this the charisma from a two-million-debt?

Matthew's heart raced. Watching Margaret brutalize the Pharaoh, he too desired to take vengeance for Boil. Yet, at that moment, an immense pressure enveloped them.

Looking towards the eastern mountains, Matthew saw dark clouds approaching. Soon, a colossal figure appeared at the base of King's Mountain, followed by three other figures—Tombstone Behemoth, Semi-Divine Lich, Queen of Wraiths, and Dark General—the four undead kings mentioned by Bone Pigeon were now present.

"Human..." The Tombstone Behemoth's slow yet intense voice emanated with anger, their collective presence signaling imminent combat.

However, Margaret interrupted the Behemoth and spoke, "I am Margaret. This is my student, Matthew. My teacher is Suerel. My teacher's teacher is Mr. Capital. What guidance can you offer?"

Her words dissolved the oppressive atmosphere that Matthew found unbearable moments ago.

The Tombstone Behemoth fell silent for a while before speaking rapidly, "We meant no harm, just a visit. Seems everyone's getting along fine. That's good. I have other matters to attend to, won't linger here. Respectful regards to Lady Suerel from the six-ring territories."

After these words, the four undead kings hastily retreated, leaving the old Bone Dragon alone in the winds.

Watching their departure, Margaret turned to Matthew, serious, "Remember, in times of defeat, reveal your background. Now, I leave this Bone Dragon to you. Show me what you've learned on the fly!"

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