Chapter 1044: The Princess's Gift, Wild Poetry

After ordering the tower spirit to seal this Alchemy Laboratory, Xia Duo left the place temporarily, then continued on to the Mythallar Ruins to repair the Magic Net.

Two days later, news came from Seventon that Sikumu had become the first Great Arcanist in Netheril in decades, and had succeeded the Princess as the new Controller of Giles Tower.

This news was transmitted through the public channels of the Arcane Union by the Seven Cities Council; privately, Xia Duo also received more detailed information that could be called inside news—

Some High Mages familiar with the Seven Towers told him that not long ago, a pillar of light suddenly descended from the sky at the Nether Palace, and subsequently, Kaousi announced his withdrawal from the competition with Sikumu.

And in the messages from Master Bailun, Greta, Olong, Bulundesi, and others, it was explicitly mentioned that the Princess had descended an avatar into the Nether Palace, after which the Seven Towers unanimously supported Sikumu's ascension.

As for Kaousi's withdrawal, that was entirely a subsequent matter.

In addition, Greta also mentioned that from now on, the Nether Palace would be converted into a Temple for the God of Exploration and Protection, and since the Princess had no heirs, after her Ascension to Godhood, the Nether Family's Territory and assets would all be entrusted to the Seven Towers.

However, the Princess had gifted a small island located in the Narrow Sea to Niya; if Niya were willing to accept it, she could go to the Seven Cities Council to handle the relevant registration.

When he received this news, Xia Duo was dining with Niya in Linshui Village, and the two happened to be discussing their conjectures about the recent situation in Seventon, never expecting the real news to arrive so coincidentally.

"It seems Her Highness the Princess is quite concerned about you! Even after becoming a god, she didn't forget to leave a gift for you!"

In Xia Duo's view, this gift was not simply just a small island; it was also a halo, a form of care, meaning that someone was looking out for her.

Likewise, the fact that the Princess could descend an avatar also shocked him greatly; although he did not yet know to what extent that avatar could act, it also meant that the gods' interference in the Mortal Plane might not be as difficult as he had imagined.

It might just depend on their mood.

Of course, it is also possible that because the Princess ascended from a mortal, she would be so attached to the mortal world, but even if it were just that, if a few more mortals were to ascend in the future, then this world would become far too "lively"!

After lunch, Niya told Xia Duo, "I plan to make a trip to Seventon to see my teacher; this might be the last time we get to see each other!"

"Alright."

This time Xia Duo did not object; everything was settled, Kaousi was already out of the running, and there was no point in objecting anymore. At the same time, he himself wanted to make a trip to Seventon!

So he said, "I'll go with you. I left in a hurry last time and there were many things I didn't have time to do; this time it's perfect to resolve them all together!"

Upon hearing this, the expression on Niya's face immediately relaxed quite a bit; clearly, she was still somewhat worried that Xia Duo would stop her again.

After returning to the Tower of Time, the two tidied up briefly and then stepped onto the Teleportation Array heading to the Arcane Union.

Seventon, Arcane Plaza.

Xia Duo parted ways with Niya after coming out of the Arcane Union Headquarters; Niya was going to the Old City District to see the Princess at the Nether Palace, while he prepared to wander around Seventon first.

Now that the Princess had become a god, her status was vastly different from before; if Xia Duo had received an invitation or summons in advance, he would have gone along too.

But since he hadn't, there was no need for him to crowd over there.

Currently, the matter of the Princess descending an avatar, although there were external manifestations of the phenomenon, had not been made public after all; it might not be a good thing for him to go see her like this.

It would be better to focus on doing his own things.

Arriving at the Port District, Xia Duo found a small tavern at random. Listening from the outside, it sounded quite lively inside, but just as he stepped half a foot in, it went almost instantly quiet.

Xia Duo didn't understand why at first, but when he saw a few people who looked like Spellcasters looking at the top of his head with awe, he suddenly realized.

It was the Ioun Stone playing tricks!

Of course, it wasn't that the Ioun Stone was bad, but rather—even in Seventon, only those at the level of Archmage or above were qualified to obtain an Ioun Stone.

Although the manufacturing method of the Ioun Stone was not exactly a secret, the threshold for manufacturing, and even the threshold for use, were right there.

Even if an ordinary High Mage obtained an Ioun Stone and was able to use it, they wouldn't be very willing to wear it on their head so ostentatiously.

Generally, those with an Ioun Stone on their head were either some powerful second-generation who had nothing to fear, or a powerhouse themselves; for such a person to appear in a tavern in the port meant trouble.

Thinking this through, Xia Duo did not retreat; since he was already here, he had to find out some useful information regardless.

Thus, bearing the nervous, awe-filled, and prying gazes of the whole room, he arrived at the counter. But before he could even open his mouth to ask, the bartender behind the counter spoke first:

"Respected Lord Xia Duo, welcome to the Drunkard's Home."

"Oh? You recognize me?" Xia Duo asked curiously.

At this moment, he also heard someone behind him whispering his name, seemingly bragging to a companion about something, while the bartender behind the counter replied respectfully:

"A month ago, I saw you from afar during the New Year Festival, my lord. I didn't expect you to appear here today."

"Just wandering around, happened to walk here."

Xia Duo did not explain too much on this question, but went straight to the point: "Let me ask you, has there been any Bard skilled in creation staying in Seventon recently?"

"A Bard skilled in creation?"

The bartender lowered his head slightly, as if pondering. Xia Duo did not urge him, but waited patiently. The next moment, the bartender suddenly raised his head and said affirmatively:

"Yes, my lord. There is a Bard who calls himself 'Wild Poetry' who is very skilled at creation. The 'Gier Epic' that is currently being sung the most in every tavern in Seventon was created by him, and he just happens to be in Seventon recently!"

"'Gier Epic'?" Xia Duo was very certain that this was his first time hearing this name, so he asked again: "Is it a story about the history of Jilan Tower?"

"No, my lord. This is actually a legendary story about the successive Great Arcanists of Jilan Tower."

Speaking of this, the bartender's expression suddenly became strange, his voice lowered quite a bit, and he said pointedly:

"My lord, although that fellow 'Wild Poetry' is very skilled at creation, compared to other Bards, his stories are full of pink atmosphere."

Xia Duo understood immediately; the so-called "Wild Poetry" was actually a writer of smut. However, he didn't care; as long as the other party truly had creative talent, he could always guide them onto the right path.

Next, he asked about other people, and the bartender also provided a few candidates who were quite famous and currently in Seventon.

Finally, Xia Duo asked about Mu Yan, a "kinsman" from Kara-Tur; it had been quite some time since he had heard any news about that person.

The bartender was worthy of being someone who hung out in taverns; even if it was just a small tavern in the Port District, the news was very well-informed:

"My lord, are you talking about Master Mu Yan who once performed at the Cormanthor Palace?"

"Yes, that's him. Do you have any news about him?"