Chapter 415: The True Ruler

The True Ruler

The next morning, a sliver of dawn light from the horizon pierced the long night of the Northern Wasteland, gilding the rolling snow-capped mountains with a hopeful golden hue.

Along with the dawn light came a resonant dragon's roar, which descended upon the terrace of the branch tower of the Grand Sage's Tower with a reassuring majesty.

Porphyry Saiyi, dressed in black mage robes, had been waiting here for a long time. He watched the old man on the back of the wyvern and bowed respectfully, letting the wind tousle his wig to appear more weathered.

"Respected Grand Sage... welcome home."

The wyvern lowered its proud head and folded its wings behind it.

At the same time, an old man in simple white robes with a kind face slowly stepped down from the dragon's back.

He was the supreme leader of the Academy Union, the Grand Sage of the Source Magic School, and the most learned scholar on the Os Continent—Duoliuke.

"Mm."

Duoliuke nodded. His wise eyes, which seemed to see through everything in the world, were filled with the weariness of the journey and concern for the situation on the front lines.

Looking at Sage Porphyry, who had been managing the Academy Union for him for many days, he spoke slowly.

"You have worked hard while I was away."

Porphyry lowered his head and said respectfully.

"This is our duty!"

Porphyry respected Grand Sage Duoliuke from the bottom of his heart.

Not only because this Grand Sage was the founder of Void research, but also because under his governance, the Academy Union had entered an era of unprecedented prosperity, with many fields even surpassing the Shengcheng, leaving the moribund Empire far behind! Looking at the devoutly bowing Law Sage, a kind smile appeared on Duoliuke's face, and he said in a comforting tone.

"Please raise your head, Professor Porphyry. I have seen your hardships and hard work; there is no need to be humble."

"Yes!"

Porphyry raised his head, moved, but when his gaze fell beside the Grand Sage, he was slightly stunned and asked curiously.

"Lord Sage, where is that... young man who went to the Huang Tong Pass with you?"

He remembered that the Grand Sage had a magic apprentice accompanying him when he set off, but that apprentice was not by his side at this moment.

"I had him go to the Kingdom of Lei En to handle some matters for me, so he did not return with me." Duoliuke ended the topic in a gentle tone and then continued, "Let's talk about business. How is the aftermath of the Labyrinth Trial being handled?"

"I was just about to report to you."

Porphyry straightened up and began to report the follow-up handling of the Labyrinth Trial incident in his usual rigorous and concise language.

"... The accomplices of Alistair Thorne, the 'Thorne Society,' have been thoroughly liquidated, and a total of thirty-seven members have been permanently stripped of their scholar status and expelled! Including other uninvolved personnel, they have also been properly dealt with after an investigation by the Sage Council's appointment hearing... This work is being handled by Professor Uriel of the Sacred Energy School."

"In addition, the compensation for the victimized apprentices has also been distributed. We have waived their tuition for this semester, and the awards for those who performed bravely in the incident have also been implemented."

"The formal notification of the relevant situation has been sent to the Shengcheng's Church via magic transmission."

Porphyry originally wanted to mention Prince Kelin in passing, but thinking that Professor Alistair was, after all, Duoliuke's beloved disciple, he hesitated for a moment and ultimately did not say it.

It was true that Prince Kelin saved more than three thousand apprentices, but it was also a fact that he concealed his strength and killed Alistair without authorization.

Porphyry even suspected that Kelin had deliberately left a flaw to lure Alistair into making a move; otherwise, with Alistair's caution, how could he possibly go looking for trouble with an Imperial Prince? Of course, saying this was somewhat politically incorrect, as it seemed to imply that three thousand lives didn't matter at all.

Especially since Alistair was also a Chosen of Chaos.

At the thought of this, Porphyry felt a pang of grief.

He didn't understand why that professor with a bright future would take such a risk to do such a thing. Even without relying on the power of Chaos, he would sooner or later have been able to ascend to the Amethyst Tier.

Or even—

Inherit the mantle of the Grand Sage.

He could only understand it as Alistair and Kelin having a deeper personal grudge, but it had been concealed by Kelin.

After listening to the report, a pained expression appeared on Duoliuke's face.

He sighed long and hard, the sound filled with both heartache for the suffering the apprentices had endured and sadness for the fall of his beloved disciple.

"... I didn't expect that so many painful things would happen in just the one month I was away. If I had known, I shouldn't have left here in the first place."

"My lord, please do not blame yourself! Your wisdom does not belong only to the Academy Union. The Huang Tong Pass is the barrier of the Empire, and it is also our barrier. You have done nothing wrong; the problem lies entirely with us. It is our negligence in managing the grassroots, and also our negligence in our own faith..."

Porphyry lowered his head again and said in an earnest tone.

"Please forgive your immature children; we will definitely take this as a warning."

The powerhouses of the Academy Union were different from those in other places; here, even Amethyst-tier powerhouses would be sickeningly sweet when the time called for it.

Of course—

This humility and gentleness would turn back into the demeanor of an elder and the contempt of a superior when facing someone of a lower rank.

Duoliuke was silent for a moment, his gaze falling on the dormitory tower not far away, and he suddenly spoke: "I want to see that Prince Kelin."

Porphyry was slightly startled and raised his head in disbelief.

He had thought that after the Grand Sage returned, even if he didn't immediately attack the Imperial Prince who "killed" his beloved disciple, he would never have any good feelings toward him. He had even prepared a set of rhetoric to deal with the Grand Sage's possible anger.

But he didn't expect the Grand Sage's reaction to be so calm, and he couldn't even hear a hint of dissatisfaction in that voice.

Could it be that he had misjudged? Actually, the Grand Sage didn't want to drive the Prince away? Impossible...

Although his heart was full of confusion, Porphyry agreed without hesitation, "I will send someone to notify him immediately."

Duoliuke smiled kindly.

"No need to be so urgent. He is, after all, a guest of the Empire. Just let him come to my garden when he has time."

After a pause, he continued.

"Anyway, we have plenty of time, don't we?"

Porphyry's eyes lit up, and he smiled knowingly.

"Yes, I understand what you mean!"

Sure enough—

He hadn't misjudged.

Porphyry bowed respectfully and turned to leave.

Watching Porphyry's retreating back, all the expressions on Grand Sage Duoliuke's face faded away in an instant, leaving only the wisdom to see through everything and an indifference as still as an ancient well.

The wyvern crawling behind him shivered, and a kitten-like whimper came from its throat, as if it were subconsciously fawning.

Although it was not a true dragon, it did, after all, have dragon blood flowing in its veins. To be able to train a descendant of the Dragon God into such a humble state, this Grand Sage also had some means.

At this moment, the indifferent corners of his mouth suddenly curled into a smile.

"This result is not bad either."

Although the "rotting flower" was even more tenacious than he had imagined, and even corroded his dear "scissors," this precisely explained its power.

A long time ago, the magic apprentice chosen by the "Mist of Deception" Novier was born in his mage tower, and he had turned a blind eye and let that guy go to the south.

Later, that young man disappeared without a trace, and the Kingdom of Lei En did not experience any serious chaos, so he even once thought... Novier had failed.

Now it seems that was not the case.

That cunning guy had always been there, hovering over the Os Continent like a ghost, and like himself, had never left.

And now, it had indeed returned in a more secretive form, and even greeted him in a not-so-friendly way.

However...

This bad habit of "looking around" had to be changed; it should go to the territory of Shengxisi to expand its territory, instead of fighting with him for territory.

A black shadow as subtle as light smoke slid out from Duoliuke's cuff like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, and slowly crawled up his index finger along his arm.

The ethereal black smoke was like an illusory ring, and it seemed to open its mouth, speaking in the softest voice.

"Welcome home."

"My master."

The news of the Grand Sage's return spread throughout the high tower in an instant, and it also brought a hint of warmth to this dull and cold spring.

Professor Hector was undoubtedly the most excited person.

Previously, because of the Thorne Society incident, his work and life had been seriously affected, and he was counting on the Grand Sage to return and uphold justice for him.

Honest people always get happy too early.

If justice exists, it would never be late.

Hector was waiting.

However, it was Kelin, who had never waited for anyone, who received the Grand Sage's invitation first.

The invitation letter was delivered in person by a mentor with a serious expression.

On it, the time and place of the meeting were written in elegant ancient script, and it was stamped with the Grand Sage's own magic seal as a credential to enter the top floor of the high tower.

This made Luo Yan quite surprised.

Logically speaking, he had killed Alistair and exposed the latter's identity as a Chosen of Chaos to the sunlight, leaving no room for subtlety.

Even if this Sage didn't view him as a thorn in his side, it was absolutely impossible for him to invite him to a meeting so calmly.

He had experienced similar things in Hell.

This had nothing to do with right or wrong; it was purely human nature.

"This must be a trap!"

A pure white mist floated out from behind Luo Yan, drifting around him, its concerned voice filled with anxiety.

"Lord Demon King, that old man named Duoliuke is Alistair's teacher, right? It would be good enough if he didn't cause trouble for you, but he actually invited you to the top of the tower for tea? There must be no good intentions here! You must not fall for it!"

"It's not quite a trap."

Luo Yan stared at the elegantly worded invitation, rubbing his chin thoughtfully with his index finger, and analyzed it unhurriedly.

"Even if he wanted to make a move on me, he wouldn't do it in his mage tower. This would do him no good, and... it would offend many people."

An Imperial Prince was a very useful card.

Especially since he had taken a stroll around the Shengcheng, the entire Shengcheng was full of potential allies of the "Kelin family."

The Templar Knights' big promises were waiting for him to fulfill them; in the face of higher-level interests, personal grudges were insignificant.

You You was still worried, and said in a puzzled tone.

"Then what does he want to do?"

"Who knows? Maybe it's a probe, maybe it's just for show... After all, the Grand Sage's disciple had a problem, and it's not that easy for him to wash the mud off his butt. Otherwise, why would he appoint a professor from the Sacred Energy School to be his successor?"

Although Professor Uriel was also an abstract guy, others didn't know that.

To the vast majority of mages, that gentleman was a scholar as warm and humble as sunlight, just like a priest in the Shengcheng.

Luo Yan paused for a moment, a playful smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

"It's useless to guess here; I'll know once I go take a look."

Although there was a hint of doubt in his heart, Luo Yan still decided to show the composure of a Prince and gladly accepted the invitation.

The meeting place was the hanging garden at the top of the Grand Sage's Tower.

That was a miraculous place isolated from the world, and also a holy land that countless mages could only look up to but never reach.

A translucent magic dome isolated the wind and snow of the North, and under the dome, it was like spring all year round. Rare magic plants grew quietly in the carefully designed garden, emitting soft halos and refreshing fragrances.

Compared to the scenery on the snowfield, this place was like another world.

While admiring this garden, Luo Yan couldn't help but compare it with Professor Ailin's garden.

In terms of the rarity and value of the species, the collection of the Vice Headmaster of the Advanced Demon Academy was far inferior to this Sage. However, interestingly, Professor Ailin's garden was filled with a vitality that this place lacked.

By comparison, this garden was more like a frozen oil painting.

In short, each had its own merits.

When Luo Yan arrived here, Grand Sage Duoliuke was wearing a simple gray robe, working in a corner of the garden.

He was like an ordinary old gardener, focused on pruning the branches and leaves of a plant with star-blue flowers in full bloom, so focused that it was as if he hadn't noticed the Prince's arrival.

That was obviously impossible.

Just as Luo Yan was wondering whether to cough to remind this old man who was pretending to be stupid, Duoliuke seemed to have finally finished his gardening work.

He patted the dust off his hands and put the scissors aside.

"You're here, Kelin."

He didn't look back, his voice gentle and kind, as if he were chatting with a friend of a different generation.

Even though it was their first time meeting.

Luo Yan nodded slightly and said in a gentle tone.

"I've kept you waiting, respected Mr. Sage."

Duoliuke slowly turned around, his aged eyes filled with the elegance and smile of an elder. He pointed to the stone stool beside the stone table in the garden pavilion and said gently.

"Please sit down, no need to be reserved, just treat this as your own home."

Luo Yan sat down calmly.

Duoliuke walked to the opposite side of him and sat down, waved his hand to summon a teapot and teacups, and personally poured him a cup of clear tea emitting a floral fragrance.

Luo Yan had no research on tea leaves, but he could still intuitively feel that this stuff should be even more premium than the "Quiet Snow Bud" he had swiped from Professor Hector.

"Good tea!"

Looking at Kelin, who was full of praise, Duoliuke smiled kindly.

"The secret of the fragrance lies in the shells of the Star Fall fruit. It is of great help to meditation, but the yield is scarce, so it is hard to see on the market. If the Prince doesn't mind, you can take some back later."

Luo Yan smiled somewhat shyly.

That was so embarrassing.

"Thank you! To tell you the truth, I am also very interested in gardening. If you could share some seeds with me, I would be even more grateful!"

Duoliuke was slightly stunned, obviously not expecting this Prince to be so unreserved, but he still smiled freely and said.

"That's easy to say... but the Star Fall fruit is extremely picky about its growing environment, so you'll have to spend more time on it."

"Thank you, I will keep that in mind!" Luo Yan nodded with a smile.

On his territory, there was a branch of the Tree of Life, "Gray Wind," and there were Dark Elves who were good at gardening, so raising this stuff shouldn't be much of a problem.

The matter of the tea leaves was thus put aside, and Duoliuke didn't seem to want to continue discussing his collection, quickly turning the topic to Prince Kelin himself.

"Are you used to your time in the Academy Union? I heard that the 'Science' class you opened is very popular with the young children."

Facing the Grand Sage's concern, Luo Yan smiled appropriately and responded with a smile.

"Thanks to you, I am doing well. The academic atmosphere of the Academy Union is strong, and the students are also very energetic. I have lived a very fulfilling life here."

"Haha, being energetic is a good thing." Duoliuke smiled and continued in a kind tone, "I heard Sage Porphyry mention your students. They are all very talented children. It is not easy for you to screen them out from the crowd."

Gently blowing on the tea leaves floating in the cup, Luo Yan took a sip of the refreshing fragrance, then put down the teacup and said with a smile.

"Compared to screening, I prefer to use the word 'discovery'."

Duoliuke said with slight surprise.

"Oh? Is there any difference?"

Luo Yan said in a gentle tone.

"The difference is... I don't think those children who were not chosen should be screened out, or eliminated. They may not be the protagonists in my story, but they also have their own talents or highlights, it's just that I haven't discovered them yet."

After Duoliuke was stunned for a moment, he laughed.

"This sounds a bit like philosophy."

Luo Yan's smile was the same as ever.

"Maybe, this is just my teaching philosophy. I will give those gifted young men and women a platform, but the rest of the people can still see me in class often, and the door to science is still open to them... Who knows, one day in the future, they will surprise me."

"It seems you really like being a mentor."

Duoliuke smiled noncommittally, took a sip of tea, as if he were a kind elder who truly cared about the studies of the younger generation, but ended the topic without a trace.

"I have just read your book on science. Whether it is the papers above or the publication itself, they are all very interesting ideas..."

The two's topic soon drifted from teaching philosophy to academics.

And what surprised Luo Yan was that from beginning to end, he never mentioned the name Alistair Thorne, nor did he mention the storm that had recently swept through the entire Academy Union.

As if everything had already been turned over.

At an incredible speed.

Especially Duoliuke's attitude, which made Luo Yan feel a subtle sense of incongruity.

He cared about everything and tolerated different opinions, but there was no human emotion in it, especially no sadness or anger could be seen.

At this moment, Duoliuke seemed to have finished chatting about family matters and suddenly cast his gaze toward the vast snowfield outside the dome.

In an instant, his voice became distant and meaningful.

"I have always believed that arrogance and conspiracy are not enemies."

Looking at the stunned Prince Kelin, Duoliuke said softly, and a hint of light that was hard to detect flashed in his eyes, which were as still as an ancient well.

"Before ending the true crown, they have always been potential partners, and can even become close allies... What do you think?"

The air was quiet for an instant.

A magic butterfly landed lightly on the branches the Sage had just pruned, and the insect chirping in the shadows was eyeing the colorful wings.

Looking at that kind and unfathomable face, the expression on Luo Yan's face did not change at all, but his spine was slightly cold.

Arrogance...

Conspiracy?

Allies?

What is... this situation? "De, Demon King!? Does, does he mean..." You You looked at Luo Yan tremblingly, and then looked at the old man in mage robes in front of him in horror.

The true ruler was not Alistair?!

But...

The Grand Sage?!

"Shut up... call me Prince." Luo Yan whispered in his heart, trying hard to maintain the calm on his face.

Actually, a long time ago, he had a vague feeling that Alistair was just like Alakto under his command, just a little spider lying in the shadows.

That was the invisible black hand hidden in the higher reaches of the high tower.

It was just that he didn't expect this person to be the Grand Sage himself, and he didn't expect this guy to show his cards to him?!

Of course—

It wasn't just him who didn't expect it; the Grand Sage had obviously misjudged many things.

Luo Yan analyzed calmly.

Conspiracy naturally corresponded to the "Mist of Deception."

For some reason, Duoliuke, as the Chosen of Arvano, the Crown of Arrogance, mistook him for his own kind—the Chosen of Novier, the "Mist of Deception"! The other party obviously didn't expect that the divinity on him didn't come from Novier, but from a wild faith that had nothing to do with it.

Compared to other local gods in this world, the "God of Machines" was too niche, and its existence was too short.

Realizing that he was safe for the time being, Luo Yan relaxed a little, but he didn't stop thinking in his mind.

By peeling the cocoon from the limited information, he could know that the gods in the void could not communicate directly with each other.

Just like the researchers in Kelin Tower could not cross the gray people of Void 178 to make contact with Earth.

At the same time, these "foreign forces" that took the local faith of the main world as a common enemy were potential allies to each other.

At least until the faith of the main world completely collapsed! Just as Luo Yan was analyzing rapidly, those turbid pupils also radiated an unprecedented penetrating power, infiltrating the depths of his soul.

That was the pressure from a demigod-level powerhouse!

Controlling the rhythm of his breathing, Luo Yan stabilized his mind, which was swaying in the storm, and a calm and fake smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

"You are very smart, my old friend."

He neither admitted nor denied, and didn't even answer Duoliuke's question, but responded to the latter's showdown with a cryptic whisper.

Compared to showing his cards, or rashly playing an identity the other party was familiar with, letting the other party guess for himself might be the best result.

After all, he was an apostle of arrogance.

Arrogant puppets only believe in their own judgment.

Luo Yan didn't expect that his impromptu performance would be unexpectedly successful.

Duoliuke's mouth curled into a smile similar to his, and the pressure on his shoulders suddenly loosened.

That was a smile of arrogance.

It was also a smile of victory.

"Sure enough, it's you."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 416 =====