Chapter 1068: The Elders

Rights and status!

Strength and glory!

Imperial Elders almost mean everything; the benefits they can obtain even surpass those of previous Consuls, just as His Majesty said, this is the highest honor and privilege an emperor can grant.

The Imperial senators stared intently at the row of Elder Seal Rings, their eyes reddening, eager to snatch one and wear it on their own hand.

The Holy Soul Wizards also reacted in unison.

Lei En mentioned those things; some Holy Soul Wizards coveted the annual salary, some coveted the Legend Grade magical rings, and some coveted power, but the only thing all Holy Soul Wizards truly cared about was the Star Destroyer!

The Elder Seal Rings are fine, but they are negligible compared to a Star Destroyer.

The Star Destroyer has already replaced Fu Kong Cheng, becoming the greatest magical creation in the world!

However, every Star Destroyer belongs to Lei En.

It is the emperor's great invention, which overthrew the Supreme Council and forms the foundation of his rule over the Empire; even though Holy Soul Wizards covet it and harbor desire, they dare not show any hint before Lei En, not even ask about it.

Everyone assumes the emperor will monopolize the Star Destroyer for at least several hundred years, perhaps forever.

But he unexpectedly offered an opportunity!

Serving consecutively for five terms as an Imperial Elder requires a hundred years, which isn't long for Holy Soul Wizards; if a hundred years of service to Lei En yields a Star Destroyer, no one in the world could refuse.

However, Lei En says one must also stand out and achieve great deeds for the Empire to have a chance.

The standard is vague; what counts as outstanding performance, what counts as great deeds, all rests on Lei En's whim, possibly just a bait he tosses out.

Yet the Holy Soul Wizards still cannot refuse!

Especially a few Holy Soul Wizards closely tied to Lei En, thinking that if they work hard during this hundred years, given Lei En's nostalgic and upright nature and their mutual rapport, the chance of obtaining a Star Destroyer remains high.

Even without a Star Destroyer, a yearly salary of 500,000 Gold Shields and a Legend Grade Elder Seal Ring would still be worthwhile.

Most importantly, if you don't become an Elder, others are willing to be.

And they scramble to enter the Elder Council!

Obviously, the Elder Council will become the Empire's most important institution, second only to the emperor in status and power; countless people flock to it, representing the Empire's future. Even Holy Soul Wizards, if they fail to enter the Imperial Elder Council, will soon be marginalized, their prestige and reputation severely damaged, possibly unable to keep up with the Empire's magical knowledge development and be left behind by the times.

Whether from a personal or any other standpoint, one must enter the Imperial Elder Council!

The least senior Ke Luo Nuo Man Se could no longer stay silent, shouting, "I am willing to serve His Majesty and contribute my strength to the Empire."

"I also am willing," Mei Difu added.

He still owes Lei En 50 million Gold Shields; if he can become a five‑term Imperial Elder, a hundred years of salary would exactly clear that debt.

Sabbath Dean feels the same.

Silver Star Duke and Storm Queen both declared without hesitation that they are willing to serve as Imperial Elders.

Kang Jielade Tan candidly said, "I didn't expect His Majesty to use a Star Destroyer as a reward; I am extremely interested in the Star Destroyer and truly cannot refuse."

"Indeed," Ouroin Master sighed.

He was one of the earliest to learn of the Star Destroyer's existence, having witnessed its power on the bridge, yet he still built Fu Kong Cheng for the development of the combat school.

If he had known earlier that Lei En might give up the Star Destroyer, he would never have built Fu Kong Cheng; now that it's half built, halting it would incur too great a loss, and he can't help feeling some regret.

Fortunately, Fu Kong Cheng and the Star Destroyer do not conflict.

One can serve as a base for the combat school, training more combat Wizards, while the other serves as an individual's ultimate magical artifact!

Anxiwodasi thought the same; as Lei En's teacher, he has no reason to oppose Lei En establishing the Imperial Elder Council.

Ao Xi Li Ya need not be mentioned; she had long reserved a Star Destroyer.

After the Supreme Council dissolved, besides Lei En there were eleven Holy Soul Wizards; now only Howai Master and Black Robe Duke Tu Zi Lei have not spoken.

Lei En looked at the old Wizard smoking a pipe, saw his hesitant expression, and said, "Howai Master, the Imperial Elder Council is not the Supreme Council; its nature is different, and joining it does not violate the original oath. You are the Empire's sole Saint Rank thousand‑method Wizard; the Elder Council needs your participation, the Empire needs you, and countless thousand‑method Wizards hope to learn magical knowledge from you."

Wan Tusi Rui, also known as Howai, is one of the few Holy Soul Wizards above Thirty-level, but he intends to retire in seclusion, and Lei En does not wish to let him go.

Moreover, Howai has a close relationship with the Silver Star Duke's seven sisters, serving as their adoptive father.

As long as he is kept stable, the seven sisters are indirectly won over.

Upon hearing Lei En mention the thousand‑method Wizards, Howai Master's demeanor softened; he set down his pipe and sighed, "Since His Majesty extends such a generous invitation, I can only obey."

Lei En smiled and nodded, then turned his gaze to the expressionless, silent Tu Zi Lei.

He hoped Tu Zi Lei would refuse.

Augulevi Master's avatar must be kicked as far away as possible, preferably out of the Empire; even if Tu Zi Lei achieves a world‑shaking feat, he will never be granted a Star Destroyer.

However, Tu Zi Lei immediately said, "It is my honor to serve as an Imperial Elder."

Lei En cursed inwardly, yet his face showed delight, happily saying, "Lord Tu Zi Lei is willing to enter the Elder Council; this is the Empire's fortune."

Tu Zi Lei's mouth twitched slightly, but he said nothing.

But Lei En sensed a silent mockery coming from the shadowy region of Yilaientu.

Damn…

Lei En was helpless.

He pretended nothing had happened; with a thought, part of the floating row of Elder Seal Rings flew out, landing in the hands of the eleven Holy Soul Wizards and the Grand Mage, and he laughed, "Congratulations, Masters, you are now members of the first Imperial Elder Council."

The crowd caught the Elder Seal Rings, feeling the magical potency emanating from them.

After close inspection, they discovered the Elder Seal Rings were not identical; on the inner side, at the base of the seal, a grain‑sized number was engraved, apparently the ring's serial number.

Lei En said, "Each Elder Seal Ring has slight variations; they do not affect the enchantment or function, merely distinguishing the wearer's identity. Except for the Number One Ring, the other Elder Seal Rings hold no hierarchical distinction."

"Number One Ring?"

Anxiwodasi looked at the inner side of his ring; the number was "1", and he raised it slightly.

"Yes, teacher."

Lei En said warmly, "The Number One Ring represents the Empire's Chief Elder, responsible for convening and presiding over Elder Council meetings, maintaining its discipline and order; the term lasts a hundred years, and within five terms one need not stand for Elder elections, as only the emperor can dismiss them."

Everyone understood; the Chief Elder is the Elder Council's GrandSpeaker!

The Chief Elder's status surpasses that of other Elders, wielding greater power, making them the Empire's second‑most important figure, second only to the emperor.

In an instant, everyone cast envious glances at Anxiwodasi.

But no one raised any objection.

Master Anxiwodasi is Lei En's teacher; Lei En could become emperor only with his support. No one is more suitable than Master Anxiwodasi to serve as Chief Elder. In fact, the position of Chief Elder seems to have been created by the emperor especially for Master Anxiwodasi, and no one else could enjoy such trust.

Anxiwodasi, however, felt the heavy responsibility and, if he could choose, would rather decline the Chief Elder post.

But Lei En's goodwill made it hard for him to refuse.

"Lei En, you are thoughtful."

Anxiwodasi smiled, slipped the No. 1 seal ring onto his hand, indicating his acceptance of the Chief Elder title.

The other Holy Soul Wizards also donned the Elder seal rings, and instantly the enchantments and functions of the rings amazed them. Several were already considering replacing the Anti-Magic Ray with the Nine-ring Technique that best suits them.

The Empire council members were exceedingly envious, then looked at the remaining Elder seal rings.

Fourteen more!

That means fourteen slots for Empire Elders!

The Empire senators glanced at each other; besides the Holy Soul Wizards, there were over thirty others present, each a competitor to themselves.

The first cohort of Elders required no election, all appointed by His Majesty, making this the best chance to enter the Elder Council.

Miss today, and you must wait twenty years.

Moreover, twenty years later the Empire council will elect Elders, which is even harder.

If one becomes a first‑generation Elder and uses these twenty years to perform well, building prestige and achievements, one will have a huge advantage in the next election, with re‑election difficulty at least halved. Even serving only one term yields a total salary of ten million Gold Shields!

Everyone was intent on securing it, their eyes on the emperor blazing hot, even a bit obsequious.

But Lei En did not look at them; his gaze fell on an elderly man with silver hair and a solemn face, clad in silvery armor, a golden balance on his chest, tall and upright—a senior arbiter of the Justice Church, Lusper.

"Lusper, Your Majesty," Lei En shouted.

"Your Majesty."

Lusper's face showed deep surprise; he had thought his presence today was merely ceremonial, that the establishment of the Empire Elder Council had nothing to do with him, so he hadn't spoken a word.

The Empire is a realm ruled by Wizards, while the Justice Church only enforces law and eradicates evil, never intervening in imperial politics.

This is the tacit understanding among the Empire's three divine churches.

Could it be?

While Lusper was still pondering, the emperor spoke: "Your Majesty, I hope the Justice Church will play a greater role in the Empire. I also need some legal counsel to promote imperial rule of law, uphold justice and order, so I invite Your Majesty to serve as an Elder. How do you feel about that?"

Everyone cast sideways glances at those words, puzzled why His Majesty would break the unwritten rule that the Justice Church does not meddle in politics.

Lusper felt ecstatic inside, yet his face remained impassive as he replied immediately: "Thank you for His Majesty's grace. I will not betray this trust; the Justice Church vows to execute His Majesty's will, defend the Empire's people, and uphold justice and order!"

He spoke while walking to Lei En, kneeling halfway:

"May the Sword of Tiriel clear the thorns for Your Majesty and eradicate all evil!"

The Justice Sword Saint prayed aloud, his resonant, authoritative voice echoing through Rike Palace, shaking the hearts of everyone present.

Lei En stood, gently placed an Elder seal ring onto Lusper's palm, and said with great meaning: "The sword is a servant of justice. Power, however, is the sharpest sword in the world and must be held by the right person. I hope Your Majesty will wield this sword well, to benefit the Empire's people."

"I shall faithfully follow His Majesty's holy decree!"

Lusper again responded loudly, rose and placed the Elder seal ring on his hand.

Some Wizards frowned, but did not think too deeply, as His Majesty called again: "Lodia, Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty."

A plain‑looking middle‑aged female priest stood up.

Lodia, the Primate of the Earth Church, the Empire's highest‑ranked Life Divine Agent, at level thirty‑four, mastering many Divine Techniques, whose status among the Empire's people even surpasses that of Holy Soul Wizards, is the earthly spokesperson of the Mother Earth deity, having blessed countless people.

She wore only a plain linen robe, her figure plump, and her face now, like Lusper's, was full of surprise.

"Life be endless, nourishing all!" Lodia hurried to Lei En, speaking gently: "May the Mother Goddess bless Your Majesty."

Lei En felt the overwhelming life force and asked: "Your Majesty, would you be willing to assume the role of Empire Elder?"

"Naturally, I am willing."

Lodia answered without hesitation.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. The Earth Church will not betray your trust; every Mother Goddess follower will devote themselves fully to serving the Empire." She took the Elder seal ring Lei En handed her, placed it on her finger, and returned to her seat.

Lei En called again: "Vice‑President Belisalu."

"Your Majesty!"

Belisalu, the chief vice‑president of the Steam and Machinery Guild, rose with an excited expression, his surprise greater than that of the two prelates, yet the prior groundwork had already prepared him mentally.

Lei En looked at Belisalu, smiling.

The Machinery Guild had offered much assistance since Lei En's time in Glamorgan; over the years the cooperation had been very pleasant, and this Elder slot is their reward.

An Elder seal ring fell into Belisalu's hand.

He placed the magical ring on, inhaled deeply, and shouted: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Lei En then called: "Marquis Batula."

"Your Majesty!" Batula immediately rose, half‑kneeling before Lei En. He knew his chance was great, yet upon hearing his name he could not hide the excitement, mixed with indescribable complexity and relief.

He is a steel knight, formerly an Iron Guard.

It is the most common transcendental profession in the world, possessing no spells at all, sitting at the bottom of the transcendental profession contempt chain. Even at level twenty‑seven, its power far exceeds that of ordinary Saint Rank strongmen, yet its status remains far below that of Holy Soul Wizards.

For centuries he has regretted countless times why he once chose the Iron Guard.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The moment Batula placed the Elder seal ring on, his heart swelled with emotion; at last, today he entered the Empire Elder Council and could stand as an equal with the Holy Soul Wizards!

This is the reward for choosing the right side, and also His Majesty's grace.

Among the crowd, the GriffinLegion commander Lage Griffin saw the scene, his eyes full of envy and remorse. His strength matched Batula's, his level even two higher; the two had both once been commanders of Empire legions, with comparable status, but a different alignment had completely widened the gap.

Batula is an Empire Elder, while he is merely a division commander of the Imperial Defense Army.

What hurt Laige Lifen the most was that Batula was still the Minister of Defense, his direct superior's superior, several ranks above him!

"Sigh…"

Laige Lifen fell silent, only cursing himself for having pledged loyalty to the Naiser faction.

"Dean Maga Lita."

Hearing the Emperor call her name, the female sorcerer almost leapt up; years of cultivation kept her composure. She gracefully approached Lei En, bowed slightly, and a faint white sheen revealed an unfathomable chasm.

Sorcerers are also spellcasters, but in the eyes of Wizards and Grand Mages their status is not much higher than that of Iron Guard and Berserker.

Since the day sorcerers were created, they have been excluded from the Supreme Council.

This is a bitter fact for countless Empire sorcerers.

During the shocking incident half a month ago, Dean Maga Lita unwaveringly backed Lei En; many Imperial councilors defected to Lei En, thanks in part to her. To be precise, Maga Lita had the female sorcerers of Aila Tusa spread rumors, employing every means to hasten the Imperial council's defection.

The contributions of the female sorcerers were significant, and Lei En would not forget them.

This Elder Seal Ring is what she deserves.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Maga Lita placed the Elder Seal Ring on, her excitement overflowing, a hint of tears glimmering in her eyes—tears of joy.

The status of Empire sorcerers changes from today!

"Lord Hei Si Ta Fu." Lei En called out another surprising name, and even Hei Si Ta Fu himself was stunned.

The sixteen Elders before him were all renowned Imperial powerhouses.

Need not mention the Holy Soul Wizards and Grand Mages; the two Pontiffs' strength is equally unmatched. Beili Saliu is the world's only Grand Engineer, Batula is famed as the "Empire Iron Wall," Dean Maga Lita is the spiritual leader of Empire sorcerers, and she is one of only three Destruction Sorcerers.

And Hei Si Ta Fu is merely a Legendary Wizard.

Even though he has been at the Legendary Peak for years, only one step away from Holy Soul Ascension, he remains a legend, and no one can guarantee he will achieve Holy Soul Ascension.

Although Your Majesty said Elders are not limited by power, appointing a Legendary Wizard as an Elder still shocked everyone.

Hei Si Ta Fu rose slowly, appearing very composed.

"Your Majesty."

Lei En looked at the Legendary Wizard who had once placed great pressure on him and smiled inwardly. Hei Si Ta Fu had already merged the Law Seals of two Nine-ring Techniques, only one Law Seal away from breakthrough, surpassing even his wife Laila by a step.

If he can employ the "Anxiwodasi Holy Soul Ascension Technique," he will ascend within half a year.

Hei Si Ta Fu is the actual ruler of the Trade City‑States; the southern Imperial nobles look to him for guidance and have openly supported him during his ascent to the throne.

The southern Imperial nobles also need an Elder to keep them in line.

Hei Si Ta Fu is the best choice!

As for his wife Laila, Lei En does not want too many members of the Seven Sisters in the Elder Council; Kuilu is also to become an Elder, together with Duke Silver Star, Storm Queen, and their adoptive father Howai Master, easily forming an undeniable small faction.

Lei En stared at Hei Si Ta Fu but did not immediately hand him the Elder Seal Ring.

A mental message rang in Hei Si Ta Fu's mind.

He shivered, looked up abruptly at the Emperor, eyes showing great delight, then hesitated, finally seeming to make a momentous decision.

"Your Majesty, the Turde Trade City‑States will relinquish autonomy within three years, and Thus: Thus: Shengangcheng along with eight other cities will be fully incorporated into the Empire. The private armies of the Trade City‑States' lords will be disbanded, and the Imperial Defense Army will be stationed to accept Your Majesty's rule."

Hei Si Ta Fu's words shocked everyone present.

His wife Laila was also taken aback, exclaiming, "Lord, absolutely not!"

Yet Hei Si Ta Fu merely glanced back at her, shaking his head slightly. United, Laila instantly realized her husband must have sufficient reason.

"Lord, your discernment pleases me," Lei En said with a smile, handing the Elder Seal Ring to Hei Si Ta Fu.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After thanking, Hei Si Ta Fu placed the ring on and returned to his seat.

Lei En turned to Queen Ai Mi Li Si, speaking softly, "Queen Ai Mi Li Si, please come up."

Ai Mi Li Si's eyes lit up at first, then grew uneasy. These days she had been angry with Lei En; even though Lei En gave his son a Floating City, he still refused to meet her, just now announced Viola as Empress, and now mentioned her name.

She instantly suspected that Lei En was asking her, like Lord Hei Si Ta Fu, to have the Kangjietuo Kingdom merged into the Empire, in exchange for an Imperial Elder position.

If so, she would absolutely refuse.

The throne of Kangjietuo, in both status and value, surpasses that of an Imperial Elder!

With hesitation, Ai Mi Li Si approached Lei En, saw Viola seated beside him, let out a cold snort, but said nothing.

Lei En directly placed an Elder Seal Ring on her finger, calmly saying, "Your Majesty, your arduous service merits you as an Imperial Elder."

This Elder Seal Ring was given to her out of respect for Rex.

If she does not perform well, twenty years later she will lose the next Elder election, relinquish the seat, and be sent back to Kangjietuo!

Ai Mi Li Si's face turned astonished.

Immediately, she grasped Lei En's intention and bowed, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Go ahead."

Lei En nodded, waited for Ai Mi Li Si to step down, then in one breath called out seven names: "Reslin, Ms. Kuilu, Commander Li Fu Lin, Lord Axi Na, Fa Lan Jia Si Ka, Lord Sa Lu Man, Dean Ze Wei Er, please come up."

The others present cast sideways glances, the Imperial councilors showing disappointment.

The remaining Elder slots were just filled.

Then everyone noticed these seven Elders shared a common trait: they were Lei En's absolute confidants. Reslin is Lei En's student; the other six have long managed cities, territories, armies, and academies on the New Continent for Lei En, representing the New Continent in the Elder Council.

Although the seven Elders were unfamiliar, no one dared to object.

They are Saint Rank powerhouses!

Ms. Kuilu's name is known even throughout the Empire; a Chosen One of both the God of Magic and the Dark Maiden, a powerful Zhuo Er Grand Mage!

The others may not be as famous as Ms. Kuilu, but none are weak.

Most importantly, this is the Emperor's decision!

Lei En allocated the seven Elder Seal Rings to them; thus, the first session's twenty‑five Elders of the Elder Council were finalized.

After taking their seats again, Lei En looked at Anxiwodasi and said, "Teacher, you may make the announcement."

"Very well."

Anxiwodasi stood up, and amid the puzzled gazes of the crowd, with excitement, said, "Goddess's protection, truth everlasting!"

"A few months ago, with Lei En's help I completed an invention: a rune formation that assists Wizards in merging Law Seals to breakthrough to Saint Rank; other transcendental professions can also use it, enhancing the speed and success rate of merging magic souls…"

Wow…

Before Anxiwodasi could finish, the whole palace erupted.

(End of chapter)