Chapter 253: The Youngest Speaker

"Can't leave Fu Kong Cheng…"

Lei En looked at his teacher, feeling very conflicted.

Although the teacher's expression seemed calm, as if the severe blow hadn't hit him, as a student Lei En could empathize.

Fu Kong Cheng was originally the Holy Soul Wizard's greatest support, standing in an invincible position; now it has become his own cage, a huge irony.

In theory, Fu Kong Cheng can fly at will; it is a true sky city.

Fu Kong Cheng can also perform jumps, shuttling the whole city to other planes, but this consumes massive energy, and each jump requires lengthy preparation.

Moreover, traveling to another plane may encounter unknown dangers.

Each of the Empire's seven Fu Kong Cheng has a fixed hover point; a few two or three roam the sky, also following established routes, never wandering arbitrarily.

The Weizelan Fu Kong Cheng has left Mo Du only three times since its founding.

Each departure of the Fu Kong Cheng was a major historical event, such as participating in a national war, even the gods' conflicts, or facing serious threats.

If Weizelan's position shifts without sufficient reason, it could spark countless rumors and panic, even causing Empire turmoil.

Unless absolutely necessary, the Fu Kong Cheng must not act rashly.

Thus, even Master Mei Difu's prophecy did not make Weizelan leave Mo Du.

This limits the teacher's range to within fifty li of the Fu Kong Cheng; beyond that, the Iola Core's energy cannot be summoned.

More importantly, the teacher's injury must not be leaked.

The Supreme Council is not monolithic; as one of the Empire's three great leaders, the teacher is also a faction leader within the Supreme Council, and if opponents learn he cannot leave the Fu Kong Cheng, they may exploit him, employ covert tactics, or use the opportunity to achieve certain ends.

Red Dragon Kelaoaosi frowned, saying seriously, "GrandSpeaker, have you thought of a solution?"

"There are three ideas at present," Anxiwodasi said, stroking his beard.

Upon hearing, everyone perked up; truly worthy of a Holy Soul Wizard, he conceived three methods in such a short time.

"The best method is, of course, to fuse an ability Element that can strengthen the physique, allowing me to resist Disintegrate," Anxiwodasi said as the surroundings shifted, sending everyone back to a bright study; he sat behind the desk, raised his hand, and a translucent image lit up in midair.

It listed seven or eight Elements.

Lei En stared, instantly recognizing the familiar "Earth Pulse," as well as "Limb Severed Rebirth" and "Rubber Physique," all Superlative Elements; there were also Legendary Elements like "Undying Body" and "Blood Dripping Rebirth," among others.

Iron Body, which has extremely strong defense, was not listed.

Lei En understood immediately.

Each Element here is of the ability type, because the teacher is a Law Seal school's Elementalist, able to strip Arcane Elements and ability Elements from demon souls, forging them into Law Seals that merge with the soul.

Arcane Elements rarely strengthen the physique, so they are all ability Elements.

However, Superlative Elements are rare and cannot be obtained at will; even a Holy Soul Wizard cannot instantly acquire them, requiring the power of the entire Six-person Council.

Lei En silently noted these Elements, vowing to secure them when encountered.

"Second method."

Anxiwodasi continued, "I abandon my body, letting the soul exist in another form, anchored to another object, such as an 'Iron Soul' or an 'Elemental Magic Body'; if I could choose, I prefer the Elemental Magic Body."

Both are ability-type Superlative Elements.

He had just witnessed an Iron Soul; the death knight Erlon Rivennat possessed an Iron Soul, but it escaped, otherwise the problem would have been solved.

Although extracting other transcendents' Elements to forge Law Seals is a black wizard's practice and carries side effects, for the grand plan of Weizelan's Fu Kong Cheng, these are minor obstacles that can be overcome.

"The final method…"

Anxiwodasi suddenly halted, seeming to think the method was too far‑fetched to achieve; after two laughs he said, "I carry an Iola Core to draw energy, so I wouldn't be bound to the Fu Kong Cheng."

Lei En and the others were stunned.

If the Iola Core were that easy to obtain, Modra and Korstted wouldn't have plotted for so many years.

The Silver Star Duke, as a Holy Soul Wizard, spent centuries before finally acquiring the Iola Core.

The third method has no chance of being realized.

Lei En couldn't help shaking his head; seeking those Superlative Elements that strengthen the physique is more reliable.

Kaidejia said, "GrandSpeaker, we will do our utmost to help you obtain Elements; with the Fu Kong Cheng's power, a few Superlative Elements are no problem, and within at most three years, there will be results."

"I trouble you all."

Anxiwodasi stood and thanked, "Also, keep it confidential; never let outsiders know I'm injured, lest another incident arises."

"Yes, we will act cautiously," the others nodded in response.

"One more thing." Anxiwodasi's gaze swept over several Speakers, finally landing on Lei En, and he said slowly, "According to Weizelan tradition, a vacancy among the Six-person Council's Speakers must be filled promptly."

Hearing this, those present felt a slight tremor in their hearts.

The Weizelan Council governs the Fu Kong Cheng, fixed at six members; the chief leader is the GrandSpeaker, the other five are Speakers.

In major decisions, the GrandSpeaker holds two votes, each Speaker only one.

Korstted betrayed, Modra died, now two Speaker slots are vacant, and two Legendary Wizards must be chosen from the remaining to join the Council.

Speakers are not selected by the Wizards; they are nominated by current Speakers, discussed in the Council, then voted on, and a majority passes them as new Speakers.

"Three Speakers, do you have nominees?" Anxiwodasi asked softly.

Kaidejia, Kelaoaosi, and Roni all shook their heads.

"None at present."

"I haven't considered this yet."

"Please have the GrandSpeaker nominate."

"Then I'll do it," Anxiwodasi thought for a few seconds, then said, "I first nominate Wizard Dalan Deng; what do you think?"

Standing aside, Lei En pictured a dignified middle‑aged Wizard.

Dalan Deng is a Mid‑stage Legendary Elementalist, profession level fifteen, one level away from advancing to Legendary High‑rank, and currently the highest‑level Wizard aside from the Speakers.

Moreover, Dalan Deng is an Alchemy Master; his alchemical items are highly popular in Weizelan, giving him a strong chance to join the Alchemy Association's Sage Council as an Alchemy Sage.

Strength, reputation, prospects.

Da Lande is the most outstanding; entering the council with proper titles and words, no one can find any fault.

Seeing that the three Speakers had no objections, Anxiwodasi nodded, "Then let's raise our hands for a vote." After speaking, he himself was the first to raise his right hand.

The other three hands also rose.

Passed unanimously.

"Hmm, Da Lande will serve as the fifth Speaker; we'll announce it externally later." Anxiwodasi paused, then continued, "There is also one Speaker seat left; I decide to nominate Ryan Augustus."

"Huh?" Kai De Jia was startled into silence.

Kelaoaosi and Roni, the master‑apprentice pair, were also full of astonishment.

Even Lei En himself was extremely surprised, feeling as if a pie had fallen from the sky and struck his head, leaving him a bit dizzy.

GrandSpeaker!

Roni stood up and said, "Is letting Lei En into the council too hasty?"

"I think it's quite appropriate," Anxiwodasi replied unconcerned, "You've all seen Lei En's strength; he can directly defeat Ai Long * Ruiwen Nat. If I'm not mistaken, that death knight is Legendary High-rank."

"But Lei En hasn't reached Legendary yet."

Roni still had doubts, "Weizelan still has two Legendary Mid-stage Wizards; their seniority and reputation both surpass Lei En…"

Anxiwodasi interrupted, "There has never been a rule that only Legendary Wizards can enter the council. A Wizard's strength isn't determined by rank; could those two Legendary Mid-stage Wizards defeat Ai Long * Ruiwen Nat?"

"Cannot," Roni replied bluntly.

He knows that even if he acts himself, he might not be able to win.

Anxiwodasi wasn't angry about Roni's objection, saying, "We all know Lei En's contributions. Without him, Weizelan might have already collapsed. To let him enter the council as a reward would still be too light in my eyes."

"Moreover, with Lei En's talent, reaching Legendary is only a matter of time."

"As for other Wizards' complaints, whether Lei En can win over the masses, those matters need not be considered."

"Kelaoaosi, Kai De Jia, do you have any more opinions?"

Anxiwodasi, in one breath, stated his reasons, then looked at the two Speakers. Seeing both silent, he immediately said, "Then let's raise our hands for a vote."

Lei En, who had remained silent, felt a bit nervous; after seeing the teacher raise his hand, Kai De Jia immediately followed, while Kelaoaosi and Roni hesitated for a second or two, but ultimately raised their hands and passed it.

In fact, Anxiwodasi, as GrandSpeaker, held two votes.

Only one more Speaker's agreement is needed for Lei En to get three votes, achieving a majority; Kelaoaosi and Roni's opinions no longer matter, and the nomination passes nonetheless.

"Very good!"

Anxiwodasi smiled and nodded, "Ryan Augustus will serve as the sixth Speaker."

"Congratulations!"

Kai Jia De looked at Lei En and laughed, "When I entered the council back then, I set the record for the youngest Speaker. I never thought that just a decade later you'd break it. I recall you're just over twenty this year; I doubt anyone will ever enter the council earlier than you again!"

"Thank you," Lei En replied modestly, "and I must also thank the Speaker for his consent."

Kelaoaosi smiled faintly, indicating that the red dragon remained as unruffled as ever.

"Congratulations, Lei En," Roni walked over. His head of red hair, usually never smiling, was very serious, but now showed a hint of smile: "I'm not opposed to you entering the council; I just think it should be done cautiously. Lei En, you're too young; taking a high position too early would be detrimental to you."

"I think we could leave the Speaker seat vacant until you reach Legendary, then nominate you," Roni said without any reservation.

Lei En's soul eye saw that Roni's words were heartfelt, not hostile toward him.

Actually, he himself also felt it was a bit overstepping.

Regarding the Speaker position, Lei En wasn't particularly eager; the biggest benefit is obtaining a Wu Shi Ta and more cultivation resources.

Controlling a Wu Shi Ta is still rather demanding given his current strength.

As for cultivation resources, being the lord of Ge La Mo Gen, he doesn't lack that money at all, and Weizelan's finances are currently strained, offering few good things.

However, the teacher's determination to push him into the six-person council naturally means he cannot refuse this kindness.

Behind this, the teacher clearly has deeper considerations.

After Korstted's betrayal, the teacher no longer has any absolutely trustworthy Speaker in the council, even though several Speakers seem unambitious, but lacking control over the council always feels like something is missing.

Moreover, the teacher is currently in a period of injury, and must not let the council get out of control.

If he becomes a Speaker himself, gaining an extra vote, and sways another Speaker to his side, he can reach a 4‑to‑3 vote, fully placing the council under the teacher's control.

"Thank you, Speaker Roni, for your concern."

Lei En also responded with a smile, secretly suspecting that the teacher was actually guarding against Roni and his teacher.

Even though this master‑apprentice pair harbors no ulterior motives.

"Alright, you all may return," Anxiwodasi showed a weary expression, waved his hand and dismissed everyone.

"Yes, GrandSpeaker."

The group saluted and took their leave.

Lei En used the random door to return to his room inside the high tower; just as he was about to teleport back to the castle, he heard a knock, and Ao Xi Li Ya's image appeared before his eyes.

He hurried over to open the door, laughing, "Ao Xi Li Ya, what's up?"

"I haven't had a chance to congratulate you on entering the council yet."

Ao Xi Li Ya's cold, elegant face showed a rather admiring expression, "You always manage to surprise people. In less than two months since arriving at Weizelan, you've done so many astonishing things, even becoming a Speaker. My ten‑plus years at Weizelan have never been as exciting as your few dozen days."

"Haha, really? Come in and talk."

Lei En invited her in, and seeing the soul of this iridescent dragon fluctuate noticeably, it seemed she had something to tell him.

"No need," Ao Xi Li Ya bit her lip, then ultimately shook her head, "I just came to congratulate you."

After speaking, she turned and returned to the room opposite her.

Lei En watched her slender back, shrugged, thinking that even a woman transformed from a giant dragon was a bit fussy, speaking half a sentence, clearly having something on her mind yet refusing to say it outright.

"Never mind, she'll speak when she wants to."

Lei En didn't want to force Ao Xi Li Ya to reveal her thoughts, and returned to his own room.

He thought for a moment, but instead of returning to the castle, he entered his bedroom, sat cross‑legged on the bed, eagerly opened the mobile interface, and explored the changes after this Soul Transformation.

(End of chapter)