[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-above-the-mage":3,"chapter-above-the-mage-above-the-mage-chapter-480":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},2257484,4404,"Chapter 480","above-the-mage-chapter-480",480,"\u003Cp>Su Nai is reliable, and of course, Gao De is no slouch either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He put away the second-rank Ice Curse bottle, then pulled open a drawer and took out a large sheet of pre-prepared parchment, spreading it out on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the preliminary city design sketch I’ve drawn these past few days—take a look and see if anything needs revision or addition. Once both of us agree it’s fine, we’ll show it to Aisha.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s a princess of the Xidian Duchy; she must know many pitfalls encountered in building Xidian cities and could spot many things we’ve overlooked.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Su Nai’s sapphire eyes flickered with a ripple, like light dancing across a lake’s surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She walked to the table with interest, leaning slightly forward to examine Gao De’s design sketch closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The patterns on the sketch weren’t elegant, but the lines were straight and even, as if drawn with precision instruments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——This was a basic professional trait of a rune-construct specialist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De was not a professional in urban planning, but he had countless references from metropolises with populations exceeding ten million from his past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the overall layout, he adopted the simplest yet most replicable grid-based city design, constructing a grid road network centered on east-west and north-south thoroughfares.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This layout could divide districts most efficiently, like cutting a giant cake into neat chessboard squares, each one perfectly square with clear boundaries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This would make land use extremely convenient and allow orderly building placement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, it left ample space for future urban expansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Building on the grid layout, Gao De integrated the modern urban planning concept of “functional zoning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That is, clearly separating residential, commercial, and industrial zones to avoid interference from mixed functions and improve the city’s operational efficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many nations’ rulers had some awareness of this, but none implemented it with sufficient precision or orderliness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was common for “industrial” shops to be mixed with commercial ones; the clanging of blacksmiths and the rumbling of alchemical machines were extremely noisy, disrupting normal commerce, and raw material transport vehicles would clog streets already too narrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were many such examples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the specific zoning plan Gao De set for Phoenix City was actually not complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conditions of the Northern Frontier were what they were; under reasonable circumstances, simplicity was always best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, the residential zone was divided and graded according to residents’ status, splitting it into distinct areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the limited area affected by the Ice Jade Wutong, a high-end residential zone was created—essentially Gao De and Su Nai’s residences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first outer ring extending from the Ice Jade Wutong was designated for high-ring Iceblood mages or city officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary residents were concentrated near the North Ice Lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although relatively distant from the city center, the area offered convenient transportation and proximity to water, and the natural scenery of the North Ice Lake could create a more comfortable living environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the residential zone, community squares were planned as gathering and activity spaces for residents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Space was also reserved for small grocery stores, taverns, and community shops as supporting facilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Phoenix City currently had no trade system, so such shops didn’t exist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was merely reserved space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The commercial zone followed the same principle: according to Gao De’s idea, several narrow but bustling commercial streets would radiate outward from the Ice Jade Wutong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for now, it could only be reserved space—actual construction was impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The administrative zone centered on the former city hall, concentrated in that area, with a municipal square established within it for ceremonies, events, and decree announcements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The industrial zone was planned along the city’s edge, near the volcano, in a compact layout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It kept distance from the residential zone to avoid industrial disruption to daily life, and also from Jin Hui Farm to prevent interference with agricultural production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The education zone was built around the several large schools already established.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, reserving several grid blocks for the education zone was essential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phoenix City currently couldn’t even universalize basic education; the existing schools were sufficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the future, population growth would increase the number of school-age children, and higher education would inevitably be introduced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that time, more middle schools and advanced schools would be needed, requiring substantial space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roads were designed according to Ducheng standards: the two main thoroughfares—east-west and north-south—were each set at twenty-five meters wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This width allowed four carriages to travel side-by-side in each direction, with a green belt reserved in the center to separate opposing lanes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sidewalks on both sides were each three meters wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Other roads were half the width of the main thoroughfares—the so-called “two-lane” standard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Main and secondary roads interconnected to form a dense transportation network, ensuring unimpeded access between all city zones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De even reserved narrow ribbon-like zones along the roads as future utility corridors, preventing future pipe installation from being blocked by dense buildings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pre-determined inspection well locations based on future pipeline layouts and marked them accordingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——Phoenix City currently lacked the capacity to build pipeline infrastructure, but in Gao De’s eyes, this was a city’s foundation, essential to install eventually, so foresight was mandatory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After studying Gao De’s sketch, Su Nai lifted her gaze and pointed at some unusual lines, “What do these lines mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These lines were far finer than the others on the sketch and were scattered throughout every district of the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re just immature ideas of mine,” Gao De admitted honestly. “Right now, they’re only ideas—I haven’t found a way to realize them yet.” He didn’t elaborate further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m already looking forward to how Phoenix City will look after expansion,” Su Nai said seriously, turning away from the blueprint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had no objections to Gao De’s design concepts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then later, take the blueprint to Aisha and discuss together whether any improvements are needed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De paused, then continued: “I’ll be leaving in a few days. The expansion of Phoenix City must be led by you two. If any problems arise during construction, you must adjust flexibly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry,” Su Nai replied, short and firm, then shifted tone: “Do you have a suitable candidate in mind for the head of the Jianshe Force?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this question, Gao De frowned slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of thought, he shook his head. “There seems to be no one in Phoenix City with the right talent. If absolutely necessary, we’ll have to appoint someone cautious, detail-oriented, and let them gradually build competence and experience through actual construction.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire Northern Frontier had only Phoenix City, and it was a city with almost no planning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under these circumstances, finding a local person qualified for the Jianshe Force was unrealistic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then that’s the only option,” Su Nai agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Education—education!” Gao De sighed deeply. In rapid development, the importance of education became ever clearer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only by universalizing education could the Northern Frontier escape this talent shortage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, it would only grow worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But precisely because universal education hadn’t been implemented, there weren’t enough teachers available.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without enough teachers, universal education couldn’t be rolled out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, a closed loop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De rubbed his temples with his fingertips, feeling a headache coming on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, both he and Su Nai heard hurried footsteps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“War Mother, King, a stranger has arrived outside the city hall and insists on meeting you,” a guard rushed in, standing at attention to report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A stranger?” Gao De and Su Nai both paused, puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Northern Frontier, with their reputations, few people would directly name them and demand to meet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He says his name is Kunxi,” the guard added quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was him—the former Chief Guardian of the Snowfield Guardians, who had wandered the snowfields for years, performing his duties and never returned to headquarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So when the Snowfield Guardians were destroyed, they had never met Kunxi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After so long, he had come knocking now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bring him in,” Gao De and Su Nai exchanged glances, then said slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minutes later, a burly, heavily built man entered, dusty and worn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore rough clothing stitched from animal hides, still streaked with unscraped fur that trembled slightly with his movements; his dark face bore a thick beard, giving him an unkempt appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His appearance and attire, combined with his thick, bulging arms, made him look like a barbarian ready to raise a club and shout “For the Horde”—he showed not a trace of a mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But appearances deceive: this rough-looking man was, in fact, a revered fourth-ring mage—the pinnacle of power in any duchy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had Su Nai not been beside him, even with several other fourth-ring mages from the Zhenbing Tribe accompanying him, Gao De would never have dared to receive him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with Su Nai present, it was different—her presence alone was enough to effortlessly command the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Respected War Mother of Zhenbing, King of Zhenbing, I am Kunxi, former Chief Guardian of the Snowfield Guardians, bowing before you both,” the burly man bowed deeply to sixty degrees, his voice booming and rugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kunxi, why have you come to Phoenix City? To plead for the Snowfield Guardians’ justice, or to surrender yourself?” Su Nai’s sapphire eyes revealed no emotion as she spoke calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Neither. On my way here, I heard the full story of the sect’s destruction; after entering Phoenix City, I went to see the Death Ice Sculptures myself,” Kunxi straightened, meeting their gazes directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Death Ice Sculptures were the ice statues formed by Rian and the fifth-rank zombie beast he summoned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Snowfield Guardians’ doctrine is to protect the snowfields. Rian practiced forbidden necromancy and harmed the people of the Northern Frontier—he got what he deserved. I have no grievance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for surrendering,” said Kunxi, his expression turning serious, “within the Snowfield Guardians, hunters and guardians were always two distinct factions, each doing their own work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added earnestly: “For years, I’ve spent most of my time wandering the snowfields, protecting them—I haven’t returned to the sect’s headquarters in a long time. I knew nothing of Rian’s deeds, not even that the sect had been destroyed until recently.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You can’t hold me responsible for his crimes just because we were from the same sect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Nai fell silent for a moment, then gave a slight nod. “Then why have you come to see us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard the Zhenbing Tribe has announced it will accept Northern Frontier tribes into its fold.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve wandered the snowfields for years, encountered and aided many small and large tribes—they live in extreme hardship. If a major tribe were willing to take them in, they’d gladly accept,” Kunxi’s expression turned serious, gesturing with open hands. “But they’re all small tribes, scattered across the vast snowfields. Your announcement is unlikely to reach them, and even if they somehow heard it, they couldn’t migrate to Phoenix City on their own.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they are all small tribes, scattered across the vast snow plains; the news you spread is unlikely to reach them, and even if they somehow happen to receive it, they would find it nearly impossible to migrate to Phoenix on their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know the exact locations of their tribes. If you’re willing to accept them, I can guide you there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Moreover, there are many other Guardians still out on the snowfields—they likely know of similar small tribes. If you agree, I can gather them to help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know Rian became a fifth-ring mage, don’t you?” Gao De suddenly asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course,” Kunxi replied, glancing at Su Nai with a mix of flattery and awe. “Thanks to you, Iceborn, who else in the Northern Frontier could have brought him to justice?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course I know—thanks to you, Born of Ice, who else in the Northern Frontier could have brought him to justice?\" Kunting glanced at Su Nai and spoke with a mix of flattery and awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De gave Qinting a strange look and said, “You’re quite articulate, with those bushy brows and big eyes. But how dare you come here over something that has nothing to do with you? Aren’t you afraid we’ll treat you as an accomplice and arrest you on the spot?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Afraid? Of course I am,” Qinting spread his hands, speaking with perfect reason. “But my faith demands I protect the Snowfields—that’s my duty. Besides, I believe the Northern King foretold to bring revival to the North must be a man of great wisdom and broad heart, not one who would do such a thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Snowfield Protectors are already extinct,” Su Nai reminded him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The sect is gone, but its doctrine lives on—in my heart,” Qinting said earnestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You just said you’re gathering the other Protectors?” Gao De now caught a detail in Qinting’s words: “The Protectors operate alone, scattered across the Snowfields. How do you even contact them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was both puzzled and probing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the vast, harsh Snowfields, communicating with dispersed individuals was nearly impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not really contact,” Qinting thought a moment, then spoke honestly. “More like leaving messages.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Messages?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qinting pulled a stone from his robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stone was about the size of a palm, smoothly oval. Upon closer inspection, faint silver threads flowed within it, intertwining into a unique, intricate pattern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A little trinket—we call it a Shadowstone. It contains phantom light crystals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When you channel magic into it, the phantom light crystals activate and record the surrounding light, shadow, and sound. Reverse the magic flow, and you can replay the recorded images and voices.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We leave them in the tribes, so later Protectors can find our messages.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was truly just a trinket—curious to look at, but limited in use and burdened with many restrictions, so Qinting hadn’t taken it seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he never expected that after he explained the Shadowstone, Gao De’s eyes suddenly lit up!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2301,"2026-06-19T14:28:50.414Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","018dcaded61cefb2db320403792a21362ca4dfd3a00e8c5713d7ffb4be8c0513","above-the-mage-chapter-481","above-the-mage-chapter-479",529,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fabove-the-mage-cover.jpg"]