Chapter 782: Joint Operation, Preheating the Communication Magic Tool

Near noon, Xia Duo stretched comfortably. After an entire morning, he had finally finished reading through most of the books within his permission level at the Arcane Union Library.

Of course, the cost was not small; the 30,000 Gold Coins he had pre-deposited were nearly gone. Fortunately, he had memorized all the books, so it was all worth it.

Before returning to Giles Tower, Xia Duo specifically inquired about the recent prices of Communication Magic Tools at the Arcane Union. Upon learning that the prices for the two different versions remained 1,500 and 3,000, he left satisfied.

The journey back was just like the journey there; he did not encounter any attacks, nor even a single accident. While Xia Duo felt a sense of wonder, he also secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Niya did not return at noon, and Xia Duo could not enter the private area of Giles Tower alone. He simply skipped the dining hall and went straight back to his guest room to begin producing copies of "Principles."

There were two more exchange meetings ahead, and he had to prepare the books for gifting as soon as possible.

Although leaving 6 books at the Arcane Union was slightly beyond his plan, wasn't the empty time between the three exchange meetings meant for making preparations and replenishing stock?

Although time was a bit tight, there was still enough.

……

Meanwhile, at the Nether Palace.

In an elegant study, Niya was respectfully bidding farewell to her teacher. The Princess nodded slightly, encouraging her with a serious expression: "Since you have chosen the Magic Net as your main research direction, then put in the effort!"

"I will, Teacher!" Niya replied solemnly.

She was now aiming for her teacher as a goal, so how could she not be serious and hardworking!

The Princess seemed very satisfied with Niya's attitude, yet she still did not let Niya leave, saying instead: "However, as Arcanists, while exploring truth is indeed our primary duty, we must not neglect other aspects."

"Teacher, which aspects are you referring to?"

"Do not neglect your family and your people."

Speaking of this, the Princess suddenly became somewhat sorrowful, but her wealth of experience allowed her to hide it well in front of Niya, and she then said: "Of course, I am now speaking of another matter."

"Before long, there will be a joint operation between Giles Tower and Gustav Tower. As my student, you must participate. I will arrange for someone to provide you with special training later."

"Ah, this—"

Niya hesitated. Her relationship with Xia Duo had just made a breakthrough recently. It wasn't that they absolutely had to meet, but training plus an operation would clearly take up a large amount of her time, making her reluctant to let go.

"Do you have questions?"

Although the Princess's tone was calm, it revealed an irresistible majesty. Niya immediately felt her heartbeat quicken. She dared not refuse and could only ask weakly:

"Teacher, may I ask what the operation is?"

"It concerns the Elves!" the Princess said heavily.

When mentioning the Elves, her face was clearly filled with murderous intent. Niya saw this, and her heart became increasingly uneasy, but the situation did not allow her to refuse.

At this moment, the Princess continued: "Do you remember the gambling duel you participated in when you first became my student? The one with Gustav Tower and Jilan Tower."

"The stake for that time was a habitable Sub-plane, which I later transferred to Gustav Tower for certain reasons."

"Recently, the figures of Elves have suddenly appeared in that Sub-plane, suspected to be Cormanthor Elves. Badijiaer invited me to launch a joint operation, and I agreed!"

So that was it!

Niya understood somewhat, but she had even more questions. Seeing that her teacher was still waiting for her response, she gritted her teeth and agreed.

The Princess nodded with satisfaction and added:

"By the way, there is one more piece of news I can tell you in advance: all Pioneers must also participate, including Xia Duo. I will issue a summons in the name of the Seven Cities Council before long, but you can start receiving training with Xia Duo in advance starting now."

"Ah?!"

Niya immediately realized that this matter would likely be a major event. Although the current Pioneers were all granted the title in her teacher's name, that was also done with the consent of the Seven Cities Council.

The forces involved were by no means limited to just Giles Tower and Gustav Tower.

For a moment, Niya thought of many things, yet felt as if she knew nothing. Her mind was in a mess; this news had come far too suddenly.

She really wanted to hear what Xia Duo thought about this right now!

"You may leave!"

"Oh!"

Niya left her teacher's study and the Nether Palace in a somewhat numb state. Once she walked outside and was blown by the slightly chilly autumn wind, she immediately regained her senses and flew directly toward Giles Tower with a Haste spell.

……

Seventon, Old City District, Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce main store.

Two young clerks were sitting behind the counter chatting back and forth. Just as they were getting into it, one of the clerks stood up with a 'snap'—very quickly—and bowed toward the entrance while shouting:

"Welcome to the Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce! May I ask what you need?"

Seeing his companion's action, the other clerk also reacted, shouting the same welcome phrase just half a sentence behind.

"Do you have Communication Magic Tools from the Tower of Time here?" The person who entered was a middle-aged Mage with messy hair and a disheveled appearance; his voice seemed to carry a hint of caution.

However, the two clerks dared not look down on the other party. Although they could also perform a few small spells, no Spellcaster who could appear in the Old City District was someone they could afford to provoke, especially when they saw the Morien Tower emblem on the other party's collar, making them even more cautious.

"This guest, we have Communication Magic Tools made by Seven Towers Mages here, as well as those made by well-known Archmages. As for the Tower of Time you mentioned, we have truly never heard of it."

"That's impossible, how could that lord be wrong!" the middle-aged Mage muttered to himself.

He touched the not-so-wealthy purse in his bosom and asked again, unwilling to give up: "Are there really no Communication Magic Tools from the Tower of Time?"

"There really aren't! But we can keep an eye out for you." The clerk denied it again and offered a suggestion.

"Then forget it, I was just asking."

After saying this, the middle-aged Mage simply walked away.

Leaving only the two clerks staring at each other, looking indescribably comical.

However, after the guest left, the two clerks' topic of conversation shifted to the Tower of Time the guest had just mentioned. "Have you heard of the Tower of Time?"

"No, have you?"

"I haven't either!"

The two discussed it back and forth and confirmed that this was the first time they had heard a name like the Tower of Time.

Their location was the main store, which carried all kinds of goods, and they were very knowledgeable about the sources of their products; otherwise, they wouldn't be able to introduce them to guests.

They truly had never heard of any Tower of Time.

However, things changed a bit after that; following the first customer, two or three more came in succession, all inquiring about the Communication Magic Tool from the Tower of Time.

This left the two shop assistants completely bewildered; who on earth was spreading rumors that the Ming Shui Chamber of Commerce had such a Communication Magic Tool, and for 1200 Gold Coins with a Learning Scroll included? This had to be a joke!

"Hurry and contact the store manager; we can't handle this!"

"The store manager is drinking at Purple Sky; do you dare go find him?"

"Why wouldn't I dare! There is clearly a problem with this; if we don't find someone to take responsibility as soon as possible, are you and I supposed to be responsible for it?"

"This—"

One assistant was still hesitating, but the decisive one had already taken off his work uniform and ran out of the shop.

The hesitant assistant watched his companion's departing figure, suddenly feeling a bit of regret in his heart, as if something had been snatched away from him.