Chapter 101: Great Fireball Technique!
After a fierce bidding war, the Weasley Twins, with their cleverness, successfully earned a substantial profit, truly raking in the money.
Ron also made a large sum in this transaction, and as he looked at the heavy gold coins in his hand, his heart was filled with satisfaction and joy.
He knew that this was just the beginning, and there were many more opportunities waiting for him to seize in the future.
It just required patience and time.
As time passed, 20 minutes flew by.
At this moment, Professor Snape walked into the Great Hall with a serious expression.
He looked around, his sharp gaze sweeping over every student present, as if searching for something.
When he confirmed that most people had arrived, his eyes finally landed on Ron.
Ron also noticed Snape's arrival, and he quickly returned to his original spot, ready.
However, as Professor Snape's and Ron's gazes met, they both simultaneously noticed one person's absence—Malfoy.
Ron couldn't help but feel a surge of doubt, guessing that Malfoy might have been so disheartened by the previous transaction that his spirit had collapsed.
So he chose to hide in the infirmary, not daring to face reality again.
Professor Snape lightly flicked his iconic black robe and walked steadily to the stage.
He looked around, his gaze revealing an undeniable authority.
He cleared his throat and said in a low, powerful voice:
"Now, the rules have changed. Regardless of the means used, you must go all out to win."
Ron's heart stirred, guessing that Professor Snape might have lost face by favoring Malfoy in the previous transaction, which was why he decided to change the rules now.
However, this was not important to Ron; he only needed to ensure that his roommate could win the match.
Professor Snape began to call out: "Number 26."
As his voice fell, Seamus staggered onto the stage.
He didn't look nervous; instead, he seemed quite at ease.
Seamus noticed that his roommates had all easily won their matches, so he had nothing to worry about.
On the other side, Hannah Abbott of Hufflepuff, holding her wand, walked onto the stage adorably.
Seeing that her opponent was Seamus, she said nervously, "Can you go easy on me...?"
Seamus laughed heartily at her words, waving his hand casually and saying, "Of course, no problem."
Professor Snape spoke again: "Wands ready!"
The two small wizards walked to the edge of the stage, adopting their combat stances.
Watching the tense standoff between the two on the stage, Ron, however, appeared calm and composed, with a confident air.
He knew that the skills his carefully tutored roommates now possessed were enough to overwhelm most of the lower-year small wizards.
Of course, for them to defeat him would be a pipe dream, almost impossible to achieve.
Soon, the match began. Seamus quietly chanted the spell: "Great Fireball Technique!"
As his words fell, a huge Great Fireball Technique instantly condensed on his wand.
As an explosion genius, Seamus had honed his Great Fireball Technique to perfection under Ron's tailored instruction.
The Great Fireball Technique emitted a scorching light, burning the surrounding air and making a roaring sound, as if it would devour everything.
However, Seamus did not rush to shoot the Great Fireball Technique but used it as a deterrent to pressure his opponent.
Hannah Abbott, across from him, looked at the massive Great Fireball Technique before her, her face covered in sweat.
She had originally intended to cast her magic to counterattack, but at this moment, she was so intimidated by Seamus's aura that she couldn't move at all.
Even Professor Snape was stunned; he hadn't expected a first-year small wizard to be able to master such powerful magic.
Hannah looked at Seamus with a mix of nervousness and anticipation, asking cautiously:
"Seamus, didn't you say you'd go easy on me?" Seamus, hearing this, curved his lips into a mischievous smile and replied:
"That's right, I haven't even shot this Great Fireball Technique yet, so I'm already going easy on you. Is there a problem?"
Seeing this, Hannah felt a surge of panic.
She knew she was absolutely no match for Seamus, so she helplessly raised her hands and said, "I surrender."
Seamus heard Hannah surrender but didn't let her off directly; instead, he smiled and asked:
"That won't do. Let me ask you another question: did you go buy talismans?"
Hannah was taken aback by the question; she hadn't expected Seamus to suddenly ask about this, so she stammered in response:
"I... I didn't buy any."
Seamus, hearing this, a glint of cunning flashed in his eyes. He said:
"As long as you go buy some later, I'll let you surrender." Hannah, hearing this, was on the verge of tears. She quickly nodded and agreed: "Okay, okay, I'll go buy some later."
Seamus then nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile:
"Good, good, then you can surrender." Professor Snape watched this scene, shook his head helplessly, and announced:
"Seamus, victory!"
Amidst the audience's applause, Seamus walked off the stage.
Ron looked at Seamus, shook his head helplessly, and said:
"Seamus, I told you to promote the talismans, not to scare her!"
Seamus chuckled, scratched his head, and said a little sheepishly, "I just wanted her to buy our talismans."
Ron sighed, pushed through the crowd, walked over to Hannah, and handed her a "Qi Shield Technique" talisman.
He smiled and said to Hannah, "This one is for you, as an apology for Seamus's rudeness just now. If you find it useful, I hope you can recommend our shop."
Hannah looked at Ron gratefully, took the talisman, and nodded, saying, "Thank you, I will definitely try it."
The surrounding small wizards also nodded, expressing their admiration for Ron's actions.
They felt that Ron was not only highly skilled but also very considerate in his dealings.
However, what they didn't know was that the scene just now was actually a pre-arranged scheme between Ron and Seamus.
One played the good cop, the other the bad cop, not only showcasing Seamus's strength but also cleverly promoting their talismans.
How could they possibly outsmart Ron with such a scheme?
Match after match unfolded.
In the continuous contests, the audience was surprised to find that quite a few contestants used talismans from Weasley's shop.
These talismans not only made the matches more exciting but also began to sway those small wizardswho were originally skeptical of talismans.
Especially those small wizards who used the "Qi Shield Technique" talismans, they displayed astonishing defensive capabilities in their matches.
As long as their opponents didn't use a highly offensive talisman like the "Great Fireball Technique," they almost always won easily.
This excellent performance made the small wizards in the audience eager to buy "Qi Shield Technique" talismans.
As the matches progressed, the audience grew more and more excited for the next showdown.
Soon, the final match was about to begin.
Chapter 102 Attack Me and You Win
Professor Snape's voice echoed through the Great Hall: "Number 50, the final match."
These words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.
Everyone's gaze turned to the arena, filled with curiosity about the final pair of contestants.
Under the expectant gazes of the crowd, Ron moved, lightly tapping his foot, and gracefully leaped onto the arena.
At the same time, Hermione also walked onto the stage with some reluctance.
Her heart was filled with confusion and bewilderment, unsure what magic she should use to compete with Ron.
This duel was simply too difficult for her.
The small wizards below the stage were already cheering, their excitement like boiling water.
This climactic match was undoubtedly the one they anticipated the most.
"Is that the Ron from the legends among the new students? He's so handsome!" a small Wizardexclaimed excitedly.
"Yes, yes, look at his iconic red hair, he's absolutely stunning!" Several little girls' eyes sparkled, looking at Ron with adoration.
"He's more than just handsome, his strength is also very powerful!" another small Wizard added.
"However, I think Hermione's strength is also very strong," someone offered a different opinion.
"No, no, no, although Hermione is good, she's still far behind Ron." A few small wizards began to argue, all very curious about who was truly the strongest.
On the other side, a small Wizard in Wizard robes confidently expressed his opinion:
"Hmph, so what if Ron wins? I don't think he can withstand Neville's sharp swordsmanship!"
"You can't say that, I think Harry's Lightning Jutsu is the most powerful; with one lightning strike, who would dare to contend with him?" another small Wizard immediately retorted.
"No, no, no, you're all wrong! Dean's Bull Rush is truly amazing, that impact force is simply breathtaking!"
An excited small Wizard described, gesticulating wildly.
"What you're saying isn't right, in my opinion, Seamus's Great Fireball Technique is the most powerful! Look at those flames, they're simply divine, making people awe-struck!"
Another small Wizard argued, unwilling to be outdone.
Meanwhile, Harry, Dean, Seamus, and Neville, who were being hotly discussed by these small wizards, all covered their eyes, feeling very embarrassed.
They knew in their hearts that all the powerful moves they used on stage were taught by Ron.
Without Ron's careful guidance, they would not have become so powerful.
However, Ron had repeatedly warned them not to casually tell others about the teaching, so even if they were dissatisfied, they could only choose to remain silent and not argue.
Amidst these intense discussions, the curtain on the match slowly opened.
Ron and Hermione stood at opposite ends of the arena, adjusting their breathing and assuming their battle stances.
At this moment, the entire Great Hall fell silent, and everyone's gaze was focused on these two small wizards about to duel.
Ron smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with confidence, and he said to Hermione:
"Hermione, if you can touch me with magic, then you win, okay?"
Although Hermione felt a little apprehensive, she nodded, agreeing to this seemingly simple but actually very challenging condition.
She knew that while her magic level was good, there was still a gap compared to Ron.
Professor Snape's voice echoed through the Great Hall: "1, 2, 3!"
As his countdown ended, Hermione immediately launched her attack!
Her heart was filled with determination; even if there was only a one in a billion chance, even if she faced an almost unbeatable opponent, she wanted to fight with all her might for victory!
"Wingardium Leviosa!"
Hermione loudly chanted the spell, a Levitation Charm that could make objects float in the air. Light shot from her wand, heading directly for Ron's position.
However, just as the light was about to touch Ron, he suddenly disappeared!
Hermione was surprised to find that she couldn't find Ron's figure.
Only a few petals appeared where Ron had been standing.
The light swept past her, extending to the other side of the arena, but it never touched Ron's body.
Hermione's mind raced, trying to find Ron's trace.
Just then, she suddenly heard a voice from behind her: "Hermione, I'm behind you!"
Hermione ignored Ron's words, she quickly turned and attacked again:
"Ice Binding Curse!"
Icicles shot from her wand, rushing towards Ron with a biting cold.
However, surprisingly, Ron disappeared again!
His figure vanished without a trace the moment the icicles shot out, leaving only a few petals gently floating in the air.
The audience below erupted in a thunderous cheer, the sound deafening.
"Ron is so handsome!" a small Wizard shouted excitedly, his face beaming with admiration.
"Yes, I want to learn magic like Ron too!" another small Witch said enviously, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Harry and the others standing below the arena were also dumbfounded, watching Ron display his astonishing strength on stage, their hearts filled with shock and respect.
Every time Ron revealed a new trump card, it was as if another, even more mysterious trump card appeared, as if his magic abilities were endless and unfathomable.
Even Professor Snape on stage showed a surprised expression, thinking to himself:
This Ron, his magic talent and strength are so powerful that even I cannot accurately predict his next move!
On the arena, every time Hermione just saw Ron's figure appear, she quickly cast a spell to try and attack him.
However, her spells always missed, unable to touch Ron at all.
Whenever Ron's figure disappeared, only a few petals gently fell.
Soon, Hermione's magic power was exhausted, and she shook her head helplessly, saying to Ron:
"All right, Ron, I give up, this match is yours!"
Ron's figure slowly appeared in front of Hermione, and he asked with a smile, "How about it, Hermione, convinced?"
Hermione nodded, indicating she was thoroughly convinced.
At this moment, Ron extended two fingers and lightly pressed them against Hermione's forehead.
A massive stream of information instantly surged into Hermione's brain, and a flash of understanding flickered in her eyes.
It turned out that the move Ron had just used was called "Petals Drifting."
It was an extremely profound sword art. He hadn't used any sword, but merely with his footwork, he had spun Hermione around.
This move was the essence of swordsmanship Ron had comprehended two days earlier while observing falling petals.
Hermione quickly understood the profound mystery of this sword art, and even though she lost the match, she had no complaints in her heart.
Losing to a genius like Ron, she didn't feel it was a loss.
Professor Snape announced, "Ron wins!"
Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Ron walked off the arena.
He knew that he still had more to teach his roommates, so they could also advance further on their magic path.
Chapter 103 Floo Fan
On Friday evening, as the last magical light faded, the first round of dueling competitions for first-year students came to a successful conclusion.
It was an exciting contest, with every freshman giving their all and showcasing their strength.
Although Hermione didn't win the competition, her face was beaming with a smile of satisfaction and joy.
She knew that participating in the competition itself was a form of growth, and what's more, Ron had patiently taught her a profound immortal technique afterward, which made her feel it was all worth it.
After the first round, the top 50 outstanding freshmen emerged, and they would continue to undergo even more rigorous tests.
The subsequent matches would be a series of eliminations until the champion and runner-up of the first year were finally decided.
Professor Snape and Headmaster Dumbledore had an in-depth discussion after the competition.
To speed up the competition, they decided to add multiple dueling platforms, giving the participating small wizards more opportunities to showcase their strength.
However, some freshmen appeared somewhat fatigued after continuous matches, and they hoped for more rest time.
Considering this, Dumbledore and Snape made adjustments.
They decided to hold matches only every other weekend, which would ensure the continuity of the competition while also giving the participating small wizards enough time to rest and recover.
In addition, they also specifically set up a loser's bracket, allowing those small wizards who were defeated in the competition to have another chance to challenge.
Thus, in a tense yet orderly atmosphere, the dueling competition continued.
Every small Wizard was working hard to improve his strength, hoping to achieve better results in the upcoming matches.
On Sunday evening, the first-year dueling competition finally ushered in the exciting moment of the champion's reveal.
As expected, the crown of glory ultimately rested firmly on Ron's head.
He successfully ascended to the champion's throne with his outstanding strength and wisdom, earning everyone's cheers and admiration.
Closely following him was Harry, who stood on the podium as the runner-up.
Harry was the first to learn immortal techniques from Ron, and his rapid progress was astonishing.
Although he failed to win the championship, Harry still demonstrated his extraordinary talent and potential.
And Hermione, as the third-place winner, brought her efforts to a perfect close.
She was exceptionally gifted, and her strength greatly increased after learning Ron's unique 'Falling Flowers' sword technique.
She emerged from the loser's bracket and ultimately won the third-place honor. If she could continue to learn from Ron, her achievements might be even more brilliant.
In addition, Dean, Neville, and Seamus also achieved excellent results, ranking fourth, fifth, and sixth respectively.
They all demonstrated outstanding strength and skill, easily making it into the top ten.
It is worth mentioning that most of the students who entered the top twenty had purchased talismans made by the Weasley family.
These talismans played an important role in the competition, providing strong support for their victories.
The Weasley Twins made a fortune from this dueling competition; even if they only took a ten percent profit, it was enough to make them satisfied.
After this week's dueling competition ended, five days passed quickly.
During these five days, Ron and his roommates were busy in their dormitory, drawing talismans, while also not forgetting to improve their own strength.
They created several new types of talismans, making full preparations for future competitions and adventures.
Every morning, Ron would arrange even stricter special training for them, aiming to stimulate their potential and enhance their strength.
He knew that only by constantly striving and progressing could they go further on their future path.
Time came to Friday, and there was no dueling competition scheduled this week, so Ron decided to use this time to do something else.
At noon, the brilliant sunlight, like golden fine sand, gently scattered on the lawns of Hogwarts, covering this lush green land with a layer of golden brilliance.
Ron walked leisurely on the lawn, feeling the warm sunlight through his fingertips. He slightly closed his eyes, enjoying this tranquility and harmony.
Ron stopped and looked down at his panel.
It showed that his cultivation had already climbed to the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment, a progress speed that was simply astonishing. The overbearing nature of the Great Dream Breathing Method was fully displayed at this moment; even in the Foundation Establishment stage, Ron's cultivation still increased by one layer a day at an astonishing speed.
Just then, two familiar figures appeared in Ron's sight—the Weasley Twins, George and Fred.
They were lying on the lawn, sunbathing, leisurely and carefree.
Ron smiled slightly and walked towards them.
He sat on the grass between them, patted George's shoulder, and laughed:
"Hey, you two busy bees, how's the talisman business going?"
Fred raised his eyebrows at the words, and laughed proudly: "It's selling too well, simply in short supply! It's just the commission..." He deliberately paused, a hint of slyness flashing in his eyes.
Ron knew what he meant, smiled, withdrew his hand, and said:
"We can discuss the commission again. How about this, I'll add another half a percent for you, but this half a percent should be used to promote our talismans and goods, you understand."
Fred and George exchanged a smile, a flash of excitement in their eyes.
They nodded in agreement, already beginning to ponder how to use this extra half a percent profit to create an even better promotional plan.
At this moment, Ron turned to George and Fred, asking with a hint of curiosity in his eyes: "Do you still have any Floo powder there?"
Floo powder, this shimmering silver-white powder, is a very special existence in the Wizarding world.
When it meets fire, it will bloom with a charming green light, guiding Wizards through fireplaces to their desired distant destinations.
As long as you clearly speak the name of the destination and sprinkle the Floo powder, you can instantly cross thousands of mountains and rivers to reach the desired place.
Fred widened his eyes in feigned surprise at the words, and said playfully:
"Ron, as a first-year student, you should know that the school has rules, you can't just leave school!"
George also chimed in: "Ron, are you trying to sneak out of school with Floo powder? That's not a good idea!"
Ron looked at the two of them, a half-smile playing on his lips, and said lightly:
"You two stop pretending, I remember you often sneaked out of school to explore when you were in first year, and now you have the nerve to lecture me?"
Fred was a little embarrassed by Ron's words, gave a sheepish smile, and then pulled out an exquisite glass bottle from his pocket, filled with shimmering fluorescent powder.
He handed it to Ron, admonishing: "Ron, use it sparingly, we don't have much left either."
Ron took the Floo powder, smiled and nodded, saying: "Don't worry, I'll be careful."
He had already made up his mind; Ron decided to use this bottle of Floo powder to go to Knockturn Alley.
Chapter 104: Heading to Knockturn Alley
That's right, this was exactly why Ron wanted to get Floo Powder; he yearned to go to Knockturn Alley, a place full of mystery and the unknown.
Knockturn Alley, a name renowned in the Wizarding World, was for Ron both a symbol of danger and a place full of temptation.
It was adjacent to the bustling Diagon Alley, yet it felt like two completely different worlds.
It was dark and chaotic, gathering many Dark Arts shops.
Among them, the most well-known was Borgin and Burkes.
This was the black market of the Wizarding World, a place where Wizards not accepted by mainstream society conducted their transactions.
However, it was this land full of danger and darkness that attracted Ron's gaze.
Because he knew this was where he could sell the magic items he made.
Moreover, it also hid many Dark Arts tools, which, for Ron, were treasures he longed to try and explore.
Ron already had a plan in mind.
He realized that, in a sense, weren't those so-called Dark Wizards like the demonic cultivators in cultivation novels?
They practiced unique cultivation methods and wielded extraordinary powers.
And Ron believed that there was no good or evil in magic itself; the key lay with the person using it.
He hoped to find some possibilities within these Dark Arts tools that could be transformed into demonic cultivation methods, thereby enhancing his own strength.
Therefore, Ron, filled with curiosity and anticipation, prepared to embark on his journey to Knockturn Alley.
Not long after, Ron obtained Floo Powder from Fred and took the substantial profit they had earned this week from their black Galleon shop—a total of 500 Galleons.
He knew that this money might not be enough to buy the tools he desired, but it didn't matter; he planned to sell the magic items he made in Knockturn Alley and use the money earned to cover the difference.
This time, Ron decided to bring Harry along.
After all, an extra companion always meant extra security.
So, he hurried back to Gryffindor Tower and slapped Harry awake from his nap. Harry, still groggy, was pulled up by Ron, and the two of them went to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
Although the Forbidden Forest was a forbidden area in the school, with Ron's current strength, he could easily avoid Hagrid's surveillance.
Therefore, even in broad daylight, he dared to take Harry deep into the Forbidden Forest.
Why choose the Forbidden Forest as the starting point?
It turned out that Floo Powder needed to be used in a fireplace.
And using the school's fireplace carried considerable risks; once discovered, the consequences would be unimaginable.
In contrast, Ron had a secret cave in the Forbidden Forest, which happened to have a fireplace available for use.
The two quickly arrived deep in the Forbidden Forest.
Ron summoned his Thestral and had Harry also sit on it.
Ron and Harry rode on the Thestral's back, flying swiftly, and soon returned to Ron's cave.
Upon entering Ron's cave, Harry gradually awoke from his dazed state.
He looked around, his eyes filled with surprise and admiration.
"Oh my goodness, Ron, your cave is so well-built now?" Harry exclaimed, "It's almost half the size of our Hogwarts campus, it's magnificent!"
In Harry's sight, a group of hardworking Acromantulas were busily scurrying about, contributing their efforts to the maintenance of the cave.
Looking around, Harry saw patches of spiritual fields, neatly arranged and full of vitality.
The crops in the fields thrived under the nourishment of magic, emitting a captivating glow.
And on the other side of the spiritual fields was a mining area, from which came sounds of magical fluctuations, seemingly hinting at rich mineral deposits.
Even more surprising to Harry was that there was even a beast-taming garden within the cave.
He looked closely and saw that the garden was divided into three areas, each housing different magical creatures.
Giant tigers leisurely paced on the grass, Unicorns stood elegantly in the sunlight.
And pythons quietly coiled in the dark corners. The presence of these creatures added a touch of mystery and fantasy to the cave.
And at the top of the cave, Harry noticed that the trees that had originally obstructed the view were gone.
Sunlight streamed through the gaps, bringing warmth and brightness to the entire cave.
Of course, above some plants that required a dark environment to grow, some trees were still retained, providing the necessary shade for these plants.
Ron smiled, "I had Bane the Centaur handle these beasts. Once the magical creatures are cultivated, we will have more strength."
Harry was shocked, "Ron, you are so farsighted, but how could Acromantulas build such a structure?"
Ron smiled and said easily,
"The sheer number of Acromantulas is enough to make up for any other shortcomings. Moreover, we also have Bane the Centaur's magic; his power can greatly enhance the stability of the structure. So, everything is quite simple."
Harry listened and nodded in agreement.
Then, Harry curiously asked, "So, where is our destination this time?"
Ron smiled mysteriously and replied, "This time, we are going to Knockturn Alley."
Harry immediately understood Ron's intention but then became worried again:
"Then how should we conceal our identities? After all, that's not a safe place."
Ron did not answer directly but led Harry deeper into the underground cave.
They passed through several rooms and finally arrived at an armor chamber filled with a mysterious aura.
In the center of this room were several handsome suits of armor, all of which Ron had made in his spare time a few days ago.
Ron walked to the side, opened a box, and took out two black robes from it.
Harry curiously asked, "What are these?"
Ron explained,
"These are two sets of clothes I made from spider silk; they can conceal our aura, preventing others from seeing through our true identities."
Harry listened and couldn't help but exclaim, "Not bad!"
Then, the two quickly changed into their black robes. In this way, their auras were completely concealed, so even the most perceptive Wizard would not be able to discern their true identities.
Ron left the armor chamber with a smile and turned to the storage room.
He took out a ring and gently placed it on his finger.
Then, he waved his hand, and the items in the storage room seemed to be summoned by some mysterious force, transforming into streaks of light and flying into the ring.
This scene left Harry dumbfounded; he simply couldn't believe his eyes.
After completing all of this, Ron led Harry to the very center of the cave.
Here, the fireplace flames danced joyfully, emitting a warm and bright glow.
Ron pulled out Floo Powder from his pocket and carefully sprinkled it onto the flames.
He took a deep breath and clearly spoke the name Knockturn Alley.
As his words fell, the flames in the fireplace instantly turned a strange green.
This green flame seemed to possess some magic, and it quickly enveloped Ron and Harry.
Harry felt a dizzying sensation, as if he were traveling through a spatial tunnel.
When he opened his eyes again, the two had disappeared into the fireplace, embarking on an unknown journey to Knockturn Alley.
Chapter 105 The Blind Dark Wizard
Soon, Ron and Harry entered the secluded corner of that dark alley.
Harry's heart rate calmed down slightly, and he looked up, vigilantly scanning their surroundings.
Fortunately, it seemed to be deserted for the time being, providing them with a relatively safe haven.
On both sides were towering black walls, like two giant stone tablets, tightly sandwiching the narrow alley.
And directly in front of them was the only exit from this corner, where light filtered in, barely illuminating the ground beneath their feet.
Harry vaguely caught sight of several figures in black Wizard robes hurrying past at the other end of the alley, their footsteps and whispers echoing in the air, sending shivers down his spine.
Harry looked up at the sky, only to see it overcast with dark clouds, as if even the sky had been infected by this gloom, turning pitch black. His mood also became heavy.
Suddenly, an unpleasant smell assailed Harry's nose, making him frown.
He sniffed, and the smell was a putrid stench, mixed with the odor of excrement, making him nauseous.
Harry instinctively pinched his nose, trying to block out the foul smell.
He looked down and saw some rotting animal carcasses scattered on the ground, their bones already protruding from the flesh, looking particularly shocking.
A chill ran through Harry's heart, and he instinctively tightened the black robe he was wearing, trying to ward off the fear that welled up from deep inside him.
Harry turned to Ron, his brow slightly furrowed, his tone tinged with confusion and discomfort:
"Ron, is this the legendary Knockturn Alley? This smell is truly unbearable, it's like a rotting swamp. I never imagined such a dark alley would be hidden so close to the bustling Diagon Alley, it's truly unbelievable."
Ron was equally uncomfortable with the surrounding stench. He gently waved his hand, and an invisible force subtly took effect, as if the surrounding air had been purified. The nauseating smell instantly vanished without a trace.
He nodded in response:
"That's right, Harry, this is Knockturn Alley. This place gathers all kinds of Dark Arts items and transactions. We need to be careful and follow my instructions."
Harry's curiosity was piqued, and he couldn't help but ask:
"Ron, can these Wizard robes we're wearing really hide our true identities? What if someone recognizes us?"
Ron smiled confidently and explained:
"Don't worry, Harry. These black robes have been specially treated with magic and can conceal our aura and identity. Unless we encounter an exceptionally skilled Wizard, it will be very difficult for anyone to see through them. However, this is an unfamiliar place after all, so we still need to remain vigilant. If any special circumstances arise, we'll have to improvise, and we might even need to use force."
After hearing this, Harry took a deep breath of the fresh air around him, and his tension eased slightly.
He looked at Ron and asked, "So, where should we go now? There seem to be many shops here. Which one should we start investigating?"
Ron smiled slightly, a shrewd glint in his eyes:
"We'll go to Borgin and Burkes first. That's the largest shop in Knockturn Alley, and it's said to have a wide variety of goods, even some rare treasures. Moreover, Borgin and Burkes also has a certain reputation in Knockturn Alley, so we might be able to get some useful information from there."
Harry nodded in agreement after hearing this.
Immediately, Ron decisively stepped out of the dark and cramped corner, leading Harry deeper into Knockturn Alley.
The surroundings were unusually eerie, with all sorts of strangely dressed people moving through it.
They wore uniform black magic robes, leaned against the mottled walls, whispered to each other, and occasionally let out low laughs.
The air was filled with the smells of various Potions, some pungent, some nauseating, and some strange odors Harry had never smelled before, making him frown.
A Witch wearing a black magic pointed hat and heavy black makeup on her face walked past them.
Her gaze was like a knife, sweeping over Ron and Harry, as if she could see through their disguise.
Ron and Harry both felt the malice in her gaze, but they didn't stop, only frowned slightly and continued towards Borgin and Burkes.
They walked along the narrow alley, occasionally glancing at the Dark Wizards around them.
A few small puddles were scattered on the alley floor, reflecting faint light. A few small toads hopped from the puddles, making crisp jumping sounds.
In the depths of Knockturn Alley, a bald Wizard inadvertently caught Ron's sharp gaze.
He sized up Ron and Harry, noticing their slightly juvenile height. Their mere 1.6-meter stature seemed somewhat out of place in this dark world.
The bald Wizard's lips curved into a malicious smile, and he mocked:
"Oh, where did these little mice come from? Didn't your adults tell you this isn't a place for children?"
With that, he slowly walked towards Ron and Harry, each step revealing a provocative intent.
Next to him, a person with messy hair like a bird's nest and several star tattoos on his face also cackled.
His voice was sharp and piercing, as if deliberately creating a terrifying atmosphere:
"Hahahahaha, so it's new people! New people coming here, are you looking for trouble?"
His laughter echoed in the narrow alley, sending shivers down one's spine.
Just then, a Witch with a prominent scar on her face suddenly appeared beside Harry.
She reached out a rough hand, grabbing Harry's shoulder, her voice full of teasing:
"Oh, dear, are you lost? Do you want to come with me?"
Facing such a situation, Harry knew that he was protected by immortal magic and could easily defeat these people.
However, Ron had previously warned him not to act rashly, so Harry wanted to see what Ron would do.
Ron had a clear understanding of the current situation.
His eyes were sharp, and he calmly observed the Dark Wizards blocking his path.
These Dark Wizards stood in front of them, but Ron noticed that their attention seemed to be more focused on their companions behind them.
They leaned against the walls, their gazes occasionally darting towards them, with a cautious and vigilant expression on their faces.
Ron knew perfectly well that these three Dark Wizards standing in front of them were merely cannon fodder sent by other Wizards behind them to test their strength.
Their task was to gather information and see if these two newcomers were worth the attention of true masters.
Ron knew that if he and Harry showed any hint of fear or retreat at this moment, these Dark Wizards would likely swarm them and attack.
But Ron had no intention of letting them succeed; he was already prepared to deal with them.
Ron slowly extended his hand from his black robe, revealing his fair palm.
With a slight movement of his hand, a green flame suddenly appeared in his palm.
The flame danced, emitting a scorching light.
Ron's eyes turned cold, and he growled in a low voice:
"Get out!"
Chapter 106: Bone-Rotting Poison Fire
Harry immediately understood the green flame in Ron's hand.
He quickly extended his hand from his black robe, and silver lightning flashed on his palm.
Harry also said in a deep voice, "Get lost!"
His voice revealed firmness, forming a tacit cooperation with Ron's flame.
The three Wizards blocking Harry and Ron now noticed their actions.
Their faces showed wary expressions, obviously not expecting these two seemingly insignificant black-robed men to display such powerful strength.
They originally thought these two would be afraid and retreat.
But now it seemed their judgment was wrong.
And the gray-haired, sinister-faced Dark Wizard behind the three Wizards felt even deeper unease.
He stared intently at the green flame in Ron's hand, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes.
Especially when he recognized that the flame seemed to be Corrosive Bone Fire, his fear intensified.
Relatively speaking, although the silver lightning in Harry's hand was powerful, in his eyes, it was not as terrifying as the green flame.
"Is this... Corrosive Bone Fire?" the gray-haired Dark Wizard muttered to himself in a deep voice, his voice revealing disbelief.
He knew in his heart that anyone who could control this kind of venomous fire was no ordinary person.
However, he did not want to give up testing the strength of these two people just yet, as their mission was not yet complete.
So, he gestured to the bald Wizard, making a sign to test them again.
The bald Wizard was not a benevolent sort either; a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.
He took a step towards Ron and provocatively said, "You brat, you dare to tell us to get lost?"
Ron didn't waste words; he decisively flung the green flame in his hand directly at the three Wizards in front of him.
The flame instantly caught onto their black robes, burning fiercely, and the fire spread rapidly, giving them nowhere to escape.
The three Wizards fell to the ground in pain, their wails rising and falling.
The bald man leading them cried out for mercy, his voice full of fear and despair: "Spare me, spare me!"
He hadn't expected Ron to act so decisively, leaving no room for negotiation.
The two Wizards next to him were in too much pain to even speak a complete sentence, only screaming loudly, their voices shrill and piercing.
Their screams even startled other Wizards passing by; those Wizards stopped to watch but dared not easily intervene.
That's right, this Corrosive Bone Fire was what Ron had comprehended in the Forbidden Forest two days ago.
Ron was secretly surprised; the power of this Corrosive Bone Fire was so strong, far beyond his imagination. He had only wanted to test its power, but he hadn't expected such astonishing results.
Seeing this, Harry also wanted to hurl the silver lightning in his hand at the three Wizards, but Ronstopped him in time.
Ron was worried that the lightning's power would be too great; if it hit the three of them, it might directly kill them.
He only wanted to intimidate the people here, not actually cause a death.
After all, once someone died, things would become troublesome.
Ron knew that this place was a mixed bag, and it was possible there were White Wizards acting as spies here.
If someone really died, it could lead to unnecessary trouble.
The gray-haired Wizard, seeing his subordinates severely injured, felt a wave of panic and quickly walked up to Ron and Harry.
He feigned composure and said in as calm a tone as possible:
"My subordinates were ignorant and offended you, sir. Could you please show mercy and spare them?"
Ron glanced at him, a half-smile playing on his lips: "You? Are you worthy of speaking to me like that?"
The gray-haired Wizard's heart tightened, and he immediately understood the deeper meaning in Ron's words.
He dared not show any slack, quickly pulled out an exquisite wooden box from his pocket, and respectfully presented it to Ron with both hands.
Ron did not reach out to take it, nor did he open the wooden box to inspect it.
He simply waved his black robe, and the wooden box vanished into thin air.
This scene greatly alarmed the gray-haired Wizard; a strong sense of unease surged in his heart.
He secretly guessed that this black-robed Wizard actually possessed spatial storage items, which was definitely not something an ordinary person would have.
Moreover, the other party's short stature might not be due to youth, but possibly due to some old Wizard who had cultivated special magic while living in seclusion in the mountains.
There was even another possibility: these two in front of him were not human at all!
Thinking of these things, the gray-haired Wizard couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.
He knew that he might not be able to get away easily today.
He didn't want to abandon his subordinates and flee; if he did, he would not be able to establish himself in Knockturn Alley in the future.
So, he bit the bullet and said, "My name is Cole, and the treasure in this wooden box is already the most precious thing I can offer."
Saying that, he took out an iron box from his pocket, with strange patterns carved on it.
He carefully held the iron box above his head, his forehead pressed tightly to the ground, and said with a hint of pleading in his voice: "Please, show mercy and let us off."
The surrounding Dark Wizards witnessed this scene, and a wave of shock surged through their hearts.
Cole, known for his toughness and nicknamed "Gray-Eyed," was actually so discomfited in front of these two seemingly inconspicuous black-robed Wizards, even kneeling and begging for mercy.
This completely overturned their understanding of the power dynamics in Knockturn Alley.
These Dark Wizards whispered amongst themselves, their eyes revealing apprehension and unease.
They realized that Knockturn Alley was likely to stir up quite a storm with the arrival of these two individuals.
From now on, they would have to act even more carefully, lest they provoke these two mysterious black-robed Wizards.
Ron looked at Cole's humble appearance, a cold sneer forming in his heart.
He said indifferently, "Take care of yourself."
Then, he lightly waved his black robe, and the iron box vanished into thin air.
After that, he led Harry towards Borgin and Burkes.
Wherever they walked, the surrounding Wizards made way, not even daring to lift their heads.
They were afraid that a single misstep would anger these two powerful black-robed Wizards.
And Cole, after Ron left, remained kneeling on the ground.
He knew that he had truly hit a brick wall today; the black-robed Wizard's methods were not something he could provoke.
He didn't even dare to ask Ron to stop tormenting his subordinates, because he recognized the Corrosive Bone Fire, a flame that was rumored to be used only by the most powerful Dark Wizards.
It wasn't until Ron and Harry's footsteps completely disappeared that Cole dared to cautiously raise his head.
His forehead was covered in cold sweat, and the beads of sweat dripped continuously, soaking his black robe.
It should be known that this robe itself was very waterproof, but at this moment, it was as if a bucket of water had been poured on it, making it soaking wet.
Cole struggled to stand up, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding Wizards.
He noticed that those Wizards were still staring at him, and a surge of anger rose in his heart.
He glared at them and shouted, "What are you looking at? Haven't you seen someone kneel before?"
Those Dark Wizards merely scoffed and then turned and left.
Their laughter sounded particularly harsh in Cole's ears, making him feel a wave of humiliation.
Cole suppressed the anger in his heart and walked towards his three subordinates.
He found that the flames on them had disappeared, but their clothes had been completely burned away.
What shocked him even more was that the skin of all three had completely rotted, revealing horrifying wounds.
Cole felt a pang of fear in his heart; he quickly crouched down and placed his hand on their noses.
Fortunately, he found that all three still had faint breaths, indicating that they were still alive.
Their skin had rotted, but at least their lives were saved.
Cole breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a sense of gratitude.
He understood that being alive was already a blessing.
He knew that if the black-robed Wizard had truly been ruthless, the three of them would probably have died on the spot.
What Cole didn't know was that his future self should be even more grateful, because the methods used by the black-robed person were already quite gentle.
Chapter 107 Bojinbok Store
Ron and Harry walked side-by-side down the narrow street leading to Borgin and Burkes, their steps light.
The surrounding Dark Wizards cast curious glances their way, then instinctively made room for them.
Ron's thoughts churned with each step he took.
Borgin and Burkes, an old, well-established shop in Knockturn Alley, had long been famous.
Its wide variety of high-quality goods and excellent reputation made it a popular destination for many Dark Wizards.
Even more noteworthy was that this shop was the largest in Knockturn Alley, a testament to its extraordinary nature.
The Dark Arts objects sold at Borgin and Burkes were even more astonishing.
These mysterious items, some capable of unleashing powerful magic, others imbued with strange curses, left people in awe but also with a hint of unease.
The owner, Mr. Borgin, was a shrewd businessman and a master of the Dark Arts.
The strange and evil items in his possession were all part of his collection and accumulation over many years.
Ron thought that anyone capable of opening such a shop must be extraordinary.
He remembered how the brilliant Tom Riddle, after graduation, chose to work at Borgin and Burkesinstead of joining a prestigious institution like the Ministry of Magic.
This was enough to show that Mr. Borgin had a profound influence on and understanding of the young Lord Voldemort.
And the Malfoy father and son, a well-known family in the Wizarding World, also held Mr. Borgin in respect and fear.
Whenever they saw Mr. Borgin, they would respectfully address him as "Mr. Borgin," which demonstrated Mr. Borgin's status and prestige in the Dark Wizarding World.
At this thought, Ron felt a surge of nervousness.
He had to be extremely careful when dealing with Mr. Borgin later!
In the dim Knockturn Alley, Ron and Harry walked forward.
The shops on both sides of the street emitted a gloomy light, appearing mysterious and unfathomable.
They searched by the street numbers of Knockturn Alley and soon arrived at 13B.
This was the location of Borgin and Burkes, a notorious yet legendary shop.
A worn wooden door stood in front of the shop, bearing the deep marks of time.
The paint on the door had long peeled off, revealing the natural color of the wood.
Although the shop window was transparent, it was covered with thick dust, preventing passersby from peering into its mysteries.
Harry, wearing a black cloak, followed closely behind Ron, and asked in a low voice:
"Is this it?"
Ron nodded.
He didn't knock, but simply reached out and pushed open the old wooden door.
"Creak—"
The wooden door let out a harsh sound and swung open.
Ron stepped into the shop without hesitation, Harry followed closely, and together they entered this shop filled with an eerie atmosphere.
Ron quickly surveyed the shop, seeing a withered human hand resting quietly on a cushion in a nearby glass case, as if narrating past horror stories.
A stack of blood-stained playing cards lay scattered to the side, emitting an unsettling aura.
And a motionless glass eyeball silently watched them, seemingly able to perceive their inner fears.
The shop's decor was even more astonishing.
Grotesque masks stared down from the walls, sending shivers down their spines.
Various human bones were neatly arranged on the counter, as if displaying some terrifying ritual.
Rusty, pointed implements hanging from the ceiling added to the eerie and terrifying atmosphere.
However, faced with such a scene, Ron showed no fear.
In this Borgin and Burkes, full of strangeness and danger, he had to remain calm and strong to successfully conduct business.
He needed to present himself to Mr. Borgin as a powerful, arrogant, and wealthy Dark Wizard.
Only then could he successfully complete their mission and purchase some crucial items.
Just as Ron was deep in thought, a man's figure appeared behind the counter.
He was bent over, repeatedly combing his greasy hair, which hung over his face, making it appear neat and smooth.
Ron recognized him at a glance; this was Mr. Borgin.
Mr. Borgin's voice, like his hair, had a greasy quality, as if every word was coated in thick oil.
Mr. Borgin glanced at them, then asked:
"What do you two wish to buy? I'm well aware of what happened outside just now. Gentlemen, I've never seen you in Knockturn Alley before."
His voice conveyed authority, as if warning them not to try any tricks here.
Ron's heart tightened; he hadn't expected this old man in the shop to know so clearly what was happening outside.
His words were undoubtedly a warning, an attempt to gauge their intentions and strength.
Ron was not flustered by this; he knew he had to remain calm and not be intimidated by the other party's presence.
So, Ron began to play the role of an arrogant Dark Wizard.
He chuckled and said:
"You don't need to worry about anything else. I'm here to buy and sell things. Do your shops require a household registration check to sell things? Hmm?"
His tone revealed disdain and provocation.
After hearing Ron's words, a hint of surprise flashed in Mr. Borgin's eyes.
He clearly hadn't expected this black-robed, arrogant Wizard to respond so directly to his probing.
However, Mr. Borgin was not angered by this; instead, he eyed Ron with even greater curiosity.
He smiled and said:
"I was just worried you might be some White Wizards. In Knockturn Alley, we always have to be careful. But since you used Dark Arts like the Corroding Bone Fire outside, I'm not so concerned anymore."
Then, Mr. Borgin asked again:
"My name is Borgin. May I ask your esteemed names?"
Ron chuckled and replied, "Just call me Lucifer. The one next to me, you can call him Leviathan."
Upon hearing these two names, a hint of surprise flashed in Mr. Borgin's eyes.
He was clearly not unfamiliar with these two names and might even have heard some stories about them.
He took a deep breath and said, "Hmph, your names are truly extraordinary. So, what do you two wish to buy or sell here?"
Ron lightly waved his black robe, and immediately, ten glass jars filled with vibrant venom appeared on the counter.
These glass jars were crystal clear, and the venom inside shimmered with a faint glow under the light, emitting a chilling aura.
Upon seeing this, Mr. Borgin was once again shocked.
He hadn't expected this young "Mr. Lucifer" to be so generous, producing ten jars of venom right away.
He carefully examined the glass bottles filled with venom in front of him, and after a moment, he asked:
"Mr. Lucifer is truly a big spender. Are these...Acromantula venom?"
Chapter 108 Transaction (Part 1)
In the dark and winding Knockturn Alley.
The lights of Borgin and Burkes were dim and mysterious.
Here, every item was filled with an eerie and dangerous aura.
And at this moment, Borgin's gaze was deeply attracted by ten neatly arranged bottles of Acromantula venom.
Borgin prided himself on his extensive knowledge, being well-versed in all kinds of treasures of the magic world.
These ten bottles of Acromantula venom before him, even in his eyes, appeared particularly precious and rare.
He knew clearly that Acromantula venom was an extremely valuable liquid, its preciousness no less than any rare magical material.
The Acromantula, an extremely dangerous carnivorous creature, secretes venom with strong corrosive and fatal properties.
Therefore, obtaining venom from a living Acromantula was almost an impossible task.
Even collecting venom from a dead Acromantula required a Wizard to possess extremely high skill and speed, because once the venom was exposed to air, it would quickly evaporate.
Borgin gazed at the ten bottles of venom, an indescribable shock surging in his heart.
He wanted to take out so much Acromantula venom at once.
There was one possibility—
This "Mr. Lucifer" before him actually possessed the ability to directly obtain venom from a living Acromantula!
This made Borgin look at this mysterious Wizard's strength with new eyes, and even feel a trace of solemnity.
Lucifer, very likely, possessed strength comparable to his own!
Ron's lips curved slightly, letting out a light chuckle:
"Mr. Borgin, ten bottles of venom are just the beginning; if you still have needs, I have plenty of stock, always available for your selection."
Ron knew in his heart that these ten bottles of Acromantula venom were the carefully prepared stepping stone, and seeing the surprise and interest sparkling in Borgin's eyes now,
He knew his strategy had worked.
Borgin was clearly attracted by the venom before him and began to imagine the vast inventory Ronmight possess.
Upon hearing Ron's words, the shock in Borgin's heart was even greater.
He thought to himself: What? There's even more? Who exactly is this Mr. Lucifer?
The original caution in his eyes gradually gave way to greed, as if he had already seen countless riches beckoning to him.
He rubbed his palms, his tone revealing obvious covetousness: "Mr. Lucifer, do you perhaps keep a nest of Acromantulas at your home?"
Ron merely replied indifferently: "Mr. Borgin, you are being overly curious."
However, the joy in his heart was hard to conceal.
He understood that old Borgin had been completely hooked, and the subsequent transaction would proceed smoothly according to his plan.
Harry, standing nearby, also felt very happy seeing this scene.
He knew Ron's strategy had worked and looked forward to the success of the upcoming transaction.
He quietly awaited Ron's next move, ready to cooperate with him at any time to complete this transaction.
Seeing that Ron did not pursue his question further, Borgin also stopped asking.
He laughed: "It's nothing, nothing, I just asked casually. What I want to say is, if there is more venom in the future, I will buy it all!" His tone was full of expectation and greed.
Ron tapped the counter twice elegantly, saying with a composed demeanor:
"Mr. Borgin, I think we are here to discuss a transaction, are we to stand and talk with you like this?"
Upon hearing this, Borgin hastily turned and walked to the back of the shop.
In a moment, he brought two comfortable chairs, placing them in front of Ron and Harry, his face full of apology:
"I am truly sorry for neglecting you gentlemen, please have a seat."
Ron and Harry exchanged a smile, then sat down.
Ron crossed his legs, looking at ease, as if this were his home turf.
Borgin stood before them, beginning to carefully observe the two cloaked figures.
He secretly guessed that these two were clearly led by Mr. Lucifer, while Mr. Leviathan seemed slightly weaker.
Ron looked at Borgin standing before him while he could sit leisurely, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
He knew deeply that in this world full of magic, money and strength were the keys to earning respect.
Then.
Ron cleared his throat and began to discuss the transaction:
"Mr. Borgin, my Acromantula venom, each bottle contains 2 pints. According to market rates, 1 pint of Acromantula venom is worth 130 Galleons, so I'll price each bottle at 250 Galleons. What do you think?"
No sooner had Ron finished speaking than Harry, understanding, stood up and took over:
"Boss, you must know, selling for 250 Galleons, we're making a pure loss. Currently, Acromantula venom is in short supply on the market, it should be at least 150 Galleons per bottle."
Upon hearing this, Borgin frowned deeply, clearly engaging in an intense internal deliberation.
He knew that in the magical market, although the standard price for Acromantula venom was 100 Galleons per pint, due to its rarity and danger, it was practically impossible to purchase at that price.
The 125 Galleons per bottle proposed by Lucifer seemed reasonable to him.
His own desired price was 110 Galleons per bottle, but he also knew that if he proposed that price, the two cloaked figures would probably leave immediately.
Seeing Borgin remain silent, Ron decided to strike while the iron was hot, pretending to scold Harryangrily:
"Leviathan, I think you've truly lost your head! Mr. Borgin and I hit it off, yet you're haggling here, asking me to raise the price, what are your intentions?"
Harry immediately got into character, pretending to argue with Ron.
The "argument" between the two intensified, seemingly genuinely over the price issue.
Borgin grew increasingly anxious upon hearing their argument.
He worried about missing this transaction and did not want to offend these two seemingly powerful Wizards due to a moment of hesitation.
So, he no longer hesitated and said directly:
"Alright, alright, I think Mr. Lucifer is right. Since we hit it off, then sell them to me for 260 Galleons a bottle. Mr. Lucifer, don't decline any further!"
Although Ron and Harry were secretly delighted, they still pretended to argue a few more times over the price.
They exchanged words, as if truly endlessly debating the price of this transaction.
After the argument.
Ron feigned compromise, a troubled expression on his face:
"Oh, Mr. Borgin, I see you are full of sincerity, so let's make it 250 Galleons a bottle; you really don't need to raise the price for yourself."
Borgin, however, shook his head firmly:
"No, Mr. Lucifer, your venom is so precious, how can I let you suffer a loss? Let's stick to what we just said, 260 Galleons a bottle; this is the highest sincerity I can offer."
Seeing this, Ron again feigned refusal for a while, but ultimately accepted Borgin's proposal.
Thus, Borgin bought the 10 bottles of Acromantula venom for 2600 Galleons.
After the transaction was completed, Borgin's face showed a satisfied smile.
Ron then seized the opportunity to laugh: "Mr. Borgin, since our transaction was so pleasant, I have some other good wares here; would you be interested in taking a look?"
Chapter 109 Transaction (Part 2)
When Mr. Borgin heard Ron mention other good items, a look of confusion and momentary hesitation first appeared on his face.
But soon, his eyes gleamed with surprise and excitement, as if he had discovered an endless treasure.
He thought to himself:
This is truly an unexpected joy! I originally thought these ten bottles of Acromantula venom were rare treasures, but I never imagined there would be more! Who exactly is this Mr. Lucifer, to possess such abundant goods?
Mr. Borgin tried to suppress his inner excitement, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned, revealing a professional smile.
He said softly:
"Please allow me to properly put away the current venom first. This is not a sign of distrust, but a standard procedure for our transactions." Seeing this, Ron made a 'please' gesture, indicating that Mr. Borgin could proceed as he wished.
Mr. Borgin carefully collected the ten bottles of Acromantula venom in front of him. He opened one of the bottles, gently poured out a small amount of venom, and carefully observed its color and texture.
The venom was a deep, translucent purple, sparkling like a gemstone with a mysterious glow.
In just an instant, his eyes widened!
The purity of this venom was absolutely top-notch!
He was deeply shaken, thinking to himself:
This Acromantula venom must have been extracted directly from a living Acromantula, completely unadulterated! I must thank this Mr. Lucifer properly!
Ron, watching Mr. Borgin's reaction, couldn't help but feel a little confused.
He thought to himself: Is this the legendary owner of the biggest shop in Knockturn Alley? Why is he so appreciative of this easily obtainable spider venom? If I brought out even rarer treasures, wouldn't this owner be ecstatic?
Mr. Borgin carefully picked up the ten bottles of Acromantula venom and treasured them like precious items in a secret compartment deep within his shop.
Then, he quickly turned around, his face full of fawning smiles, and came before Ron.
He rubbed his hands, his eyes sparkling with curiosity, and softly said:
"Could you allow me to take a look and see what kind of extraordinary good item this is?"
Ron sat leisurely in his chair and gently waved his hand.
Suddenly, a stack of golden-yellow talismans appeared out of nowhere on Mr. Borgin's counter, emitting a faint glow.
Mr. Borgin looked at these talismans, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes.
He asked doubtfully: "What are these? I've never seen such peculiar items before?"
Ron smiled slightly and explained:
"Mr. Borgin, let me state beforehand, the value of these talismans far exceeds that of the Acromantula venom."
He thought to himself with a touch of pride: To make a name for myself in the Knockturn Alley black market, I specially developed these Dark Arts talismans. If you're not interested, then it would truly be a great disappointment.
Mr. Borgin's eyes widened, his tone filled with disbelief:
"What? Mr. Lucifer, are you saying that these seemingly ordinary yellow paper talismans are worth more than Acromantula venom?"
Harry, standing nearby, understood and chuckled.
At the same time, he deliberately pouted and scoffed:
"Oh dear, just as I expected. A Dark Wizard from a remote village like Mr. Borgin can't even recognize the essence of our boss's uniquely invented talismans!"
Upon hearing this, Ron immediately stopped Harry:
"Don't be rude to Boss Borgin!"
However, he secretly chuckled to himself: Harry is really clever, knowing how to build up my reputation at the right time.
Harry snorted, saying no more, but a smug smile still lingered on his face.
After hearing Harry's disrespectful words, Mr. Borgin's face instantly darkened.
The anger in his heart burned fiercely, like a lit flame!
He thought:
You, a mere subordinate, dare to look down on my Borgin and Burkes? In Knockturn Alley, who doesn't know that I, Borgin, am the largest and most knowledgeable Dark Arts artifact dealer!
Mr. Borgin suppressed his anger, the smile on his face completely gone.
He said in a deep voice to Ron:
"Hmph! Mr. Leviathan, you might not be aware of the reputation and standing of my Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley. You dare to say I don't understand goods? This is the greatest insult to me! Mr. Lucifer, I think you should properly discipline your subordinate."
Seeing this, Ron maintained his smile and calmly replied:
"Mr. Borgin, my subordinate is young and ignorant, please be more forgiving. If you find these talismans not to your liking, then I will not take a single penny for the venom I just sold you and will return it all to you."
Mr. Borgin raised an eyebrow, a glint flashing in his eyes.
He naturally knew Ron's character and was aware that the quality of the Acromantula venom was indeed superior.
So, he took a deep breath, calmed the anger in his heart, and slowly spoke:
"I naturally know Mr. Lucifer's character, and I am very satisfied with the quality of the venom just now. I only hope that these seemingly ordinary yellow paper talismans can also bring me the same surprise, as you said."
Ron smiled: "My talismans are called 'Five Ghosts Seven Fiends Talismans'. As for their effect, you'll see in a moment."
Borgin nodded, saying no more.
Then Ron lightly tapped his finger, and a Five Ghosts Seven Fiends Talisman slowly rose from the stack of talismans.
Mr. Borgin looked intently, only to see patterns he couldn't understand drawn on the talisman, yet he felt a jolt in his heart from it!
Then Ron snapped his fingers.
"Snap!"
The talisman was instantly engulfed by raging black flames.
These flames were distinctly different from ordinary flames; they emitted a chilling and evil aura.
Although Harry was also seeing such a scene for the first time, only a momentary surprise flashed in his eyes before he quickly regained his composure.
As the flames burned, the entire shop seemed to be swept by a cold wind, with evil energy overflowing.
Mr. Borgin involuntarily took a step back, his palms slightly sweating, and he unconsciously tightened his grip on the wand placed in the counter.
A sense of alert surged in his heart.
If the Mr. Lucifer in front of him threatened him, he would not hesitate to strike.
The black flames in the air grew more intense, as if to devour everything.
Suddenly, Mr. Borgin heard a strange laugh, a clear sound, as if a group of children were playing.
Immediately after, five bare-footed children wearing red bellyband (dudou - traditional Chinese undergarment) appeared out of nowhere from the flames.
They giggled and crowded together, full of curiosity about this world.
Mr. Borgin was surprised to find that each child who emerged from the flames seemed to possess one-tenth of his own ability.
A cunning glint sparkled in the children's eyes.
Their appearance was innocent, but their every gesture exuded an indescribable evil aura.
Ron looked at Mr. Borgin in front of him, a slight smile playing on his lips:
"I wonder if you are satisfied with this talisman of mine, sir?"
Mr. Borgin was now too shocked to speak.
The Mr. Lucifer before him had the bearing of a Dark Lord!