Chapter 1497: Attending an Appointment, A Misunderstanding

Old City District, east side of the Nether Palace.

Unlike the silver-white, elven-style architecture in the area where Giles Tower and the Nether Palace are located, the color scheme of the buildings here is primarily gold and blue.

This area mainly consists of merchant guild headquarters, Mage associations, and offices for Mage Tower organizations or small groups from outside Seventon.

The headquarters of the Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce is located in the heart of this "CBD"; the original structure was an elegant and beautiful elven manor, later renovated to include some local Netherese styles.

It's just that in Xia Duo's view, one should either change everything or change nothing; acting like this—striving to shed elven influence while being unable to fully break free—is somewhat comical.

Regarding President Zhenna's invitation for tonight, Xia Duo can roughly guess the reason, and he happens to have some matters he wants to facilitate through her channels.

While lost in thought, he soon arrived at the Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce headquarters. He removed his disguise before the main gate, restoring his original appearance. The chamber's steward, who had been waiting for a long time, was startled at first, then immediately hurried over:

"Respected Lord Xia Duo, the President is waiting for you in the Winter Hall. Please, follow me!"

Xia Duo nodded. He had been here once before and knew that the Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce headquarters had four formal reception halls named after the seasons. His last visit was just to an ordinary reception room, so clearly, the treatment was different this time.

As they walked, Saide received the news at some point and took over from the initial steward, personally leading Xia Duo toward the Winter Hall, only quietly withdrawing once they reached the outside of the hall.

Xia Duo stepped inside, and Zhenna had already risen to welcome him, "Lord Xia Duo, it hasn't been long since we last met, and you've already given me a huge surprise!"

"Just a stroke of luck; President Zhenna is the one who is truly gifted!"

Xia Duo knows his own situation; from the time he first came into contact with Magic until now, he has spent at least ten-plus years, though most of this time was covered by the Projection Plane.

And as far as he knows, almost every current Great Arcanist achieved their status before the age of forty. President Zhenna, who stands before him, is even called "a genius second only to the Princess" by Iolum.

Born into an ordinary background and becoming a Great Arcanist at less than thirty years old, Xia Duo feels quite envious looking at her.

If she had received magical enlightenment from a young age and undergone a more scientific Modern Education, perhaps she could have been admitted to the youth class and graduated from university (as a Great Arcanist) by eighteen.

One can only say that this era is not worthy of a genius like Zhenna.

Of course, there are other Great Arcanists like Zhenna; they have almost all grown up through a process of self-study, taking countless detours along the way, and in the end, they might not even be able to walk the path they truly desire.

Various thoughts flashed through Xia Duo's mind. After a brief exchange of flattery and pleasantries, he went straight to the point, "What is the reason President Zhenna asked me to come this time?"

"Lord Xia Duo is a bit impatient; couldn't it just be friends getting together?" Zhenna asked back with a smile.

As she spoke, she playfully tucked a strand of bright golden hair behind her ear. This scene made Xia Duo's heart race, but the moment he thought about the age hidden beneath her beautiful face—old enough to be his mother—he instantly lost all interest.

*Cough*—

"President Zhenna, if there is something, just say it directly. I still have to go to my teacher's place in a while!"

"You unromantic little fellow, your rigid manner is just like your teacher's!"

After a slight tease, Zhenna immediately returned to a serious demeanor, "Alright, no more jokes. I did indeed ask you here because there is something I would like your help with!"

"President Zhenna, please speak?"

"I have already heard about that matter from a short while ago. I presume your relationship with Crown King Kaiersaike of Akaola should be quite good. I would like to ask you to act as an intermediary and contact Crown King Kaiersaike for me."

"Is that all?" Xia Duo frowned slightly, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

Logically speaking, Akaola has already signed a Common Defense Agreement with Netheril, along with subsequent supplementary agreements involving commerce. For matters like contacting the Akaola Crown King, wouldn't it be easier for Zhenna to go through the Seventon Council?

After a moment of thought, Xia Duo roughly grasped the crux of the matter. If she went through official channels, everything would be handled by the book, and perhaps Zhenna's identity would be exposed.

And the next moment, Zhenna provided an explanation that deviated slightly from Xia Duo's guess—

"Yes, that is the matter. Originally, I wanted to find the Seven Towers, but something I discovered a short while ago changed my mind. Huo En also intends to make moves in the commercial sector."

"Huo En?" Xia Duo asked in confusion, "The internal forces of the Seven Towers are intertwined; has Huo En convinced the others so quickly?"

"I haven't found out the specific situation yet, but from what I understand, this should be Huo En's private decision," Zhenna said in a low voice.

"I see!"

A private decision only highlights a more resolute attitude and makes it harder to compromise. In fact, long ago, Xia Duo had anticipated a situation like today's.

The Ascension Path is not unique, but it also cannot be changed. Simple, easy-to-execute, or high-potential domains might be targeted by multiple potential Ascended Gods at the same time.

The domain Zhenna chose is the currency sub-sector within commerce. Promoting the Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce's New Coin is an important step in the ritual; as for more, only Zhenna herself knows.

Although Zhenna mentioned long ago that Ascension to Godhood was merely her backup plan, even if it is a backup plan, having it targeted by others is nothing to be happy about.

It's just that Xia Duo has no conflict with Jilan Tower, and it is unlikely there will be any conflict in the foreseeable future. Xia Duo is still very hesitant about whether to go up against Jilan Tower for Zhenna's sake.

Even if Zhenna just said that Huo En's actions only represent himself, and even without considering the possibility of Zhenna's words, given the position Huo En holds, it is hard to say he truly only represents himself.

At this moment, Xia Duo couldn't help but feel a bit fortunate. Fortunately, this time, Zhenna still had some sincerity; otherwise, if she had dragged him into the water directly, he wouldn't even know who to complain to!

After thinking for a moment, Xia Duo asked a key question: "Have you talked to Huo En? Is there any misunderstanding in this?"

Every word and action of a Great Arcanist involves various aspects, much like interactions between nations. If they do not communicate frequently, it is very likely that misjudgments will arise due to certain actions.

For example, if a certain country mobilizes troops to suppress a border rebellion without notifying neighboring countries in advance, the neighbor or another country with interests related to the neighbor might misjudge the situation, thinking a war is about to break out against the neighbor, and thus launch a war first.

Regarding the question Xia Duo raised, Zhenna shook her head with helplessness, "With something like this happening, how could I possibly take the initiative to find him! Shouldn't he have taken the initiative to notify me before taking action? Or is it that he, a dignified Controller of the Seven Towers, doesn't know the inside story of the Ascension Ritual?"