Chapter 605: Door

When Luo Qi returned to the real world, he felt a momentary dizziness; he only vaguely sensed that Clownfish had performed some action, and Zhao Jiaozhu had intercepted him. Just moments ago, Luo Qi had only just begun to meddle with Zhao Jiaozhu when Clownfish closed the three-way connection in the Mental World, driving him out of the interconnected Consciousness World. He hurriedly exited his full-consciousness state and returned to the real world.

Clownfish really was quite unscrupulous. Luo Qi knew that he, too, was meddling with Zhao Jiaozhu, subtly and softly tugging at Zhao Jiaozhu's behavior with threads of emotion.

This method might not be able to sway a person's deepest inner drives and desires, nor could it have a very obvious effect on those with firm wills. However, as an immediate tactic, this kind of emotional suggestion could always achieve some minor goals right before one's eyes.

For instance, right now, Clownfish was desperate to shake off them, the Mages of Qionglin, and enter the Seal Land; he hoped to persuade Zhao Jiaozhu to choose the option of "avoiding long nights and many dreams." In Zhao Jiaozhu's decision-making system, this might fall under the category of a split-second whim, and Clownfish could likely often get his way in such small matters. Perhaps there was a tiny chance that a decision made on a whim could have a huge impact on the future, but Luo Qi highly doubted that Clownfish could truly see the future accurately from such Chaos. He surely just felt that this was less of a headache. After all, every second-in-command feels that their immediate superior is an idiot who isn't decisive enough.

However, Zhao Jiaozhu shelved Clownfish's "urging." Luo Qi wasn't sure if it was because he had made Zhao Jiaozhu "sober" up; he had just sent a wave of very "depressing" feelings to Zhao Jiaozhu, which was very helpful for someone to find their true self.

Zhao Jiaozhu was a man with a bit of poise; Luo Qi saw that he did not forget to first turn back and nod apologetically to the rejected Clownfish, his posture elegant. It was clear that he... had practiced, practiced diligently. Luo Qi silently estimated how many times he had rehearsed in front of a mirror, ensuring every one of his gestures was worthy of the high position he had inherited at such a young age.

He walked forward confidently a few steps, refused the sycophantic obstruction of his underlings, and slowly walked straight toward them. Like a newly hyped-up young idol reigning over an ocean of admirers, at this moment, there ought to have been holy light shining down.

Beside Luo Qi, several Mages suddenly erupted with small magical storms. If one were to use a human scenario, this was equivalent to a "Click!" sound, as if guns on both sides had all been cocked.

Zhao Jiaozhu walked slowly and steadily, maintaining a perfect balance of confidence and harmlessness. Luo Qi sighed inwardly, looking at Zhao Jiaozhu carefully.

He was not bad-looking—hardly any Mages were bad-looking—so he couldn't be considered stunningly beautiful either. He wasn't the type of person who was naturally dashing; he meticulously relaxed his limbs to prevent any tension that would be considered unrefined. His movements were carefully designed, walking confidently through the hall like a wedding officiant who had taken control of the entire hotel lobby.

An apprentice officiant. The cut of the Mage robe he wore had been improved to hide the flaw of his shoulders not being broad enough. He looked at Luo Qi with sincere eyes, looked at Du Zhengyi, and even spared the Wushan Mage some ritualistic attention. But that sincere gaze was also newly learned; he had to deliberately heighten his temporary inner purity to be able to stare with such a look. When older Mages burdened with official business wanted to express sincerity, they wouldn't waste effort making themselves appear pure; they would rather use a gaze of trust to achieve the same goal.

Even without logging into his mind, Luo Qi could see that he was an apprentice of power, learning how to be someone in a high and powerful position. He was barely a smart person, which made it all the more annoying. Because the privileges brought by power could not satisfy smart people; they also wanted to prove themselves, to prove that they were wise and mighty enough to be worthy of that power.

"Hello." He nodded sincerely, with no added aggressive power around him. The several Battle Mages around Luo Qi could tear him into pieces in an instant, at least that was how it appeared on the surface. But Luo Qi could be certain that things would not be like that; he must have had insurance. People in this position were especially protective of their lives and would never risk themselves alone just to show off.

The Battle Mages were confused by him, and several of those standing closest were subconsciously keeping an eye on Du Zhengyi's instructions.

Du Zhengyi had no instructions; he just stood there quietly, also looking at Zhao Jiaozhu.

The latter finally fixed his gaze on him, as if he had finally determined who the person in charge here really was.

Zhao Jiaozhu looked left and right dramatically. "You all did quite well. I had originally hoped to make you suffer at least fifty percent casualties."

Luo Qi felt the surrounding anger rise. Zhao Jiaozhu was at least not hypocritical on this point, frankly admitting his combat intentions. Moreover, he looked at these Battle Mages, "If it were me, I truly couldn't do it. You must not imagine how much I admire you."

Luo Qi felt the anger subside again. He vaguely sensed the worst part, which was that Zhao Jiaozhu was sincere when he said this, with no disguise whatsoever. The warriors could also realize this, and a certain tension was removed. Of course, no one could remove someone else's loyalty and values with just a few words.

"Thank you for your recognition."

Suddenly someone answered. Luo Qi was startled and turned to see Yan Hao's feigned serious face. Yan Hao continued calmly, "However, the work was all done by Du Zhengyi. We don't want to take too much credit. Recently, Qionglin has been promoting Mental Health Month, the main theme of which is to reduce the burden on Battle Mages."

Zhao Jiaozhu took Yan Hao's humor in stride and laughed heartily, "Du Zhengyi, after all, is a direct descendant of the God of War; no wonder his combat efficiency is so high. Thinking of it this way, I feel better. If my combat results don't reach Du Zhengyi's level, it can't be considered a disgrace for me."

Luo Qi glanced at Du Zhengyi, feeling that he had been silent for far too long. Zhao Jiaozhu also looked at him and said as if making small talk, "How is it? Returning to your own territory, do you feel that the power of Magic has changed somewhat?"

Luo Qi became alert, "Zhao Jiaozhu, no one will open the door for you."

"No, no." Zhao Jiaozhu said with a smile, "We actually have no disagreements, nothing to fight over. Because the door has already been opened for Du Zhengyi. The Magic World is destined to open for its true heir; regardless of whether he is intentional or unintentional, he only needs to stand here."

This was already the second time they had said this, and Luo Qi hesitated and stopped speaking.

"The door has been opened." Zhao Jiaozhu repeated again, saying politely, "I am not declaring war on you. There has always been a debate among us; some of my friends do not trust you, which is why there was the previous attack. As it turns out, you passed the ambush, which happens to suit my wishes; perhaps it is Heaven's will as well. Here, I also want to be open and honest with you about my philosophy—everyone in this world who can harness Magic is my friend, the same kind that I will do my utmost to protect. I do not take any Mage as an enemy. Any Mage, even one who has personally slapped me in the face, as long as one day they can understand the truth I pursue and believe in my cause, they are also my friend. In the Magic World, I have no enemies."

Luo Qi was just about to open his mouth when he extended a finger to stop Luo Qi from speaking, "We don't need to argue, Luo Mage. I admire your genius; your very existence is a miracle and hope for the Magic World. Your Magic proves that Magic itself has not headed toward decay."

Luo Qi closed his mouth; no one could curse someone who sincerely praised them.

He continued speaking, looking around at everyone, "The door has been opened. I am not here to challenge you; I am here to invite you. Come with me; I guarantee that after you witness the truth of Magic, you will stand with me."

(End of chapter)