[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-above-the-mage":3,"chapter-above-the-mage-above-the-mage-chapter-468":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Above the Mage!",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2257472,4404,"Chapter 468: Heart of the Western Fields","above-the-mage-chapter-468",468,"\u003Cp>Gao De raised an eyebrow at the news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sea Sentinel mages belong to the official system of the Jin Quehua Dynasty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This identity carries many advantages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, being backed by the state, resources and knowledge systems are exceptionally complete and abundant, the entire structure orderly and disciplined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as he achieves sufficient merit, he can exchange it for anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the Sea Sentinel mage’s status is extremely high; abroad, others will grant him some respect, and few dare entertain ill intentions toward him, saving him from many potential troubles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are other benefits as well, which I will not list here one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there are drawbacks too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, as an official-system mage, one must act justly and follow procedural protocols.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, after a mage kills an enemy, the next step is to claim the enemy’s wealth as his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kill a man, set fire to his house, and wear a golden belt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the Sea Sentinel system, such behavior is forbidden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When clearing out water beasts, the beasts’ corpses naturally belong to the mage personally—this is unquestioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if, like Gao De, one is “punishing evildoers,” the evildoers’ wealth cannot be seized directly; it must be surrendered to the state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is, to some extent, meant to prevent Sea Sentinel mages from abusing their authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, if one could simply confiscate property after eliminating evil, driven by profit, countless cases of “power corruption” and “miscarriages of justice” would arise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, most of the seized property ultimately goes to the Sea Sentinel, though a small portion is allocated to Gao De as a reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the process must first involve full surrender and registration, followed by reward distribution based on merit—not Gao De picking out his favorites first, then turning in the rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What Aldrich said now exploits precisely this weakness, hoping to strike a deal with Gao De.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve got some ideas,” Gao De said, looking at Aldrich.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, what do you mean?” Aldrich, sensing a possible opening, cautiously probed further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very tempting,” Gao De nodded, ignoring Aldrich’s brightening eyes, and sighed: “But unfortunately, I’m not interested.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He has the Northern Frontier behind him, with the largest tribe, Zhenbing Tribe, fully supporting him—why would he care about the wealth of a second-ring mage?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though money is never enough, Aldrich swore absolute secrecy, but whether that was genuine remains doubtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Aldrich truly kept quiet, if the Sea Sentinel chose to inquire, under magic, wouldn’t he still be forced to confess everything?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then it would be he who suffered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To risk violating Sea Sentinel regulations for such a trivial sum of money—unimportant to him—and to plant future hazards in his Sea Sentinel career? That would be utterly unworthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without the Northern Frontier’s backing, he would never make such a deal with Aldrich.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew well which was sesame seed and which was watermelon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De was clear-headed, so he refused decisively, even refusing to hear Aldrich’s terms or the specific treasures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the arguments Aldrich had prepared froze on his lips under Gao De’s blunt refusal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spirit he had mustered collapsed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was understandable. A mage so young, with such skill, strength, and bearing, must come from an illustrious background—who would care about the hoard of a petty man like him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To think he could tempt such a person with his meager savings? That was like stripping naked to turn a mill—pure humiliation!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No deal. No deal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who play with fire burn themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, those who do his kind of work—haven’t they thought this day might come?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when it finally arrives, even if you think you’ve prepared mentally, you still find it utterly unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s Viscount McKinley, but I said nothing—it’s useless. He never personally assigns me tasks; he uses intermediaries. All transactions go through them. I only know it’s him—I have no proof.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aldrich’s head suddenly drooped, answering weakly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These big figures leave no loose ends—they never leave incriminating evidence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t care about that,” Gao De said calmly, shaking his head as he recorded Aldrich’s testimony on parchment: “I’ve captured you and will claim the reward. My duty ends here. What comes after is none of my business as a mere apprentice mage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do not meddle in affairs beyond your station.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the water beasts in Marko District already involve nobles from Lagos City—this is a major matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Matters of the upper echelons are for the upper echelons to resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Apprentice mage?!” Aldrich visibly froze, then noticed Gao De’s Sea Sentinel uniform—indeed, it was the lowest rank: Second-Class Apprentice Mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second-Class Apprentice Mage… I’ve been brought down by a Second-Class Apprentice Mage.” After a long silence, he muttered as if to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From when did you begin releasing water beasts into Marko District? What was the frequency? The exact process? Who was involved? The transaction details? Explain everything clearly,” Gao De said, uninterested in Aldrich’s inner turmoil, returning to the subject with precise questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was his merit—he must make it flawless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aldrich bit his dry lips and obediently revealed everything as Gao De demanded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire interrogation proceeded with unusual smoothness, nothing like the stubborn villains in novels and biographies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, this is reality—most people are ordinary; true “hardheads” are rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, in a world where magic exists, everyone understands that unless one is determined to die, lying is pointless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mages have countless ways to make you speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exaggeratedly, even a corpse could be made to temporarily revive and talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After meticulously recording every detail of the Marko District water beast incident, Gao De rolled up the parchment with satisfaction and tucked it into his robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord,” Aldrich suddenly called out as Gao De prepared to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said…” Aldrich’s eyes glimmered faintly, “can I live?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unlikely,” Gao De said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether the nobles behind this affair will face proper punishment remains uncertain to Gao De.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as the public face of the crimes, Aldrich’s chance of survival is slim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether as a scapegoat or under standard law enforcement, his crimes are too grave—without extraordinary intervention, survival is nearly impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lagos Port.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though fishing has declined and the economy is depressed, ships here remain numerous—large and small, gently bobbing with the waves, occasionally bumping softly against each other with dull thuds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Masts stood like a forest of wood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shore teemed with people, noisy and bustling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laborers carried heavy cargo; vendors shouted to sell all manner of goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today was the official departure day for the two-masted sailing ship from Harland Shipyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general process for a new ship’s maiden voyage is as follows:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, prepare and perform the launching ceremony; after launching, conduct inspections and adjustments, load supplies; then recruit and train crew; finally, complete all preparations before setting sail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Depending on the ship’s size, destination distance, route complexity, and official efficiency, this preparation period typically lasts from weeks to months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Comprehensive inspection and tuning of the hull, along with procurement of supplies, proceed simultaneously with crew recruitment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a traditional fishing city, and due to the “layoff wave” following the Spirit Essence craze, Lagos City has many unemployed sailors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, a two-masted sailing ship requires relatively few crew members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the most time-consuming phase—crew recruitment and training—went smoothly, completed in just two weeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the sailing permits, Harland leveraged his decades-long connections and gold in Lagos City, securing all documents within two weeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Port officials in crisp uniforms carefully verified the ship’s documents—the construction permit and registration certificate, crew lists and identity proofs—all accounted for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they boarded the ship to inspect, randomly checking the cargo types and quantities listed on the manifest, and examined the trade license to ensure no illegal smuggling or human trafficking occurred, confirming compliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after completing this rigorous inspection did the officials stamp the sailing permit with the official Lagos seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All was ready—the time to sail had come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But according to local custom, a new ship must undergo a ritual before departure, embodying people’s prayers for safe and successful voyages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many might deem this superstition, but for those who make their living on ships, they believe it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ritual’s most crucial step is naming the ship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The namer is typically a woman of high esteem or close ties to the ship’s owner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amy could not appear publicly, so the namer was ultimately assigned to Danika.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dressed in a solemn nun’s robe, she stood at the bow, holding a bottle of Mulantan champagne, and solemnly declared the ship’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hereby name this two-masted sailing ship, blessed by the ocean’s grace and favor, destined to bring great wealth—Columbus!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, this was the name Gao De himself had chosen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Danika could not understand its meaning, but she would not object—she was merely the one to announce it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Danika spoke, the crew aboard Columbus erupted in loud cheers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, amid the cheers, Danika raised the Mulantan champagne bottle high above her head and smashed it with all her strength against the bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a crisp, melodious shatter, the wine sprayed like fireworks, drenching every corner of the bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This symbolized blessing the new ship, granting it a unique identity and good fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this step, the crew—including the captain—hung their personal talismans around the ship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These talismans varied in form: tiny horseshoes, amulets painted with mysterious patterns, and others…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All were ancient, weathered by time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since becoming crew members, these talismans had accompanied them on countless voyages—they were old companions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to sailors’ lore, the more voyages a talisman had endured, the more luck it carried; hanging it aboard could turn misfortune into fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With all this complete, the captain no longer delayed and gave a loud command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All crew, prepare for departure!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon receiving the order, the sailors sprang into action, turning the capstans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the capstans turned, the iron chains connecting the anchor clattered loudly, slowly lifting the heavy anchor from the seabed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the crew assigned to raise the sails swiftly climbed the masts, unfastened the ropes securing the sails, and pulled hard on the halyards; the massive sails unfurled slowly under the sea breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The helmsman gripped the wheel tightly with both hands and, under the captain’s direction, slowly turned it, steering the ship out of Lagos Port along the designated route.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rudder turned beneath the water, causing the hull to slowly shift direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De watched as the Columbus faded into the distance, framed by golden sunlight and deep blue sea, and exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hope everything goes smoothly,” he thought to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This voyage was crucial for the development of the Northern Frontier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the Columbus carried the vital mission of opening a new route from Lagos to Varal Bay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this voyage succeeded, the route would be established, and the Northern Frontier would be preliminarily connected to the outside world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, exchanging goods and resources would no longer be a problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the Columbus carried timber and craftsmen urgently needed by Phoenix, along with two stranded princesses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——Since the first voyage held unknown risks, Gao De had not allowed the orphans from Ronggu Academy to board.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let them stay for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, with his current wealth, supporting Ronggu Academy was no great burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Time to head back,” Gao De sighed inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had received his mission on Icebound Moon 11 and arrived in Lagos City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it was Winter Solstice Moon 5—twenty-five days had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This mission had taken nearly a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unquestionably, the gains were immense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When not on duty, Sea Sentinels rarely monitored where their subordinate mages went or what they did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if a mission took too long, it would draw attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So on Icebound Moon 15, after completing the water beast expulsion task, Gao De sent a brief report back to the White Tower of Dorn Sea Abyss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It stated he had completed the water beast expulsion task but needed to delay his return due to personal matters before submitting the official report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though complications arose, the gains were immense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unexpected gain of Aldrich alone would secure him a top ranking in his first-year Sea Sentinel year-end evaluation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time to claim the credit!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De strode off from the port, full of confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after only a few steps, his gaze suddenly sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his line of sight appeared a familiar figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a man in a long black robe, gloomy and slightly hunched, his face obscured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Gao De recognized him at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Oufu Kingdom mage he had met at the reception desk of the Palm Tree Inn, searching for Aisha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s unusually long ears peeked slightly from beneath his hood—unmistakable and unforgettable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De’s heart stirred slightly, but his expression remained calm; he merely smiled faintly and kept walking, brushing past the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, the Oufu Kingdom mage no longer remembered Gao De.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He merely glanced around aimlessly, searching for something, his eyes tinged with barely perceptible anxiety and exhaustion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She clearly asked the inn staff about shipyards in the city—she must have intended to flee by sea. Yet after inquiring at every shipyard, not a single trace of her remains.” The man frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve waited at the port for days—still nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted his head, gazing at the sea dotted with ships: “Could I be too late? Has she already sailed away?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If she truly left by sea, how could I ever find her again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Heart of Xidian is too vital. If I cannot bring it back, how can I answer to my sovereign?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2260,"2026-06-19T14:28:50.414Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","bfd99d0457a17c6797055686cff0df9811c12344054e8d7e5cfa99400b5583a0","above-the-mage-chapter-469","above-the-mage-chapter-467",529,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fabove-the-mage-cover.jpg"]