Chapter 257: Mysterious Chairman

Lei En dropped his half‑eaten dinner, wiped his mouth, and entered the reception room.

Akalan De, who was sipping tea, stood up; his tall, muscular frame was a head taller than Lei En's, his face beaming yet his eyes a little embarrassed, and said, "Lei En, I'm disturbing you again."

"No problem, please sit, you're welcome to visit my castle," he replied.

Lei En was not angry because of it.

He never strikes a smiling person, and besides he had a good impression of Akalan De.

The legendary mechanic's personality resembled that of a former‑life engineering nerd, fascinated by mechanical technology; though shrewd, he was not a profit‑driven scoundrel.

Moreover, Akalan De was a major taxpayer in his own domain, backed by the Mechanical Guild, so there was no need to offend him.

The two took their seats separately.

Akalan De got straight to the point: "Lei En, I'm here because of the machine gun you invented." Seeing Lei En's eyebrows lift, he quickened his speech, "I know you have clearly refused, and I don't wish to force a look into your secrets, but I was commissioned, so I had to come again."

"Commissioned by whom?" Lei En asked, curious.

Given Akalan De's status and power, someone who could make him knock on the door at midnight without regard for face must be an important figure.

Akalan De glanced left and right, lowered his voice, and said, "Chairman."

Lei En's face flashed briefly; after a second or two he responded, "You mean the Chairman of the Mechanical Guild?"

"Yes." Akalan De nodded lightly.

Lei En fell silent.

He had known about the Steam and Mechanical Guild, one of the Empire's top powers, since his arrival through the portal.

The Mechanical Guild had branches in every city of the Empire and even in some prosperous villages, but the heads of these branches were never a single person; they were overseen by several vice‑chairmen.

He knew Kai Nieji*Luo Kefeier and the Akalan De before him; both held the title of vice‑chairman.

Of course, the vice‑chairman of the Longshande branch ranked lower than the vice‑chairman of Mo Du.

Because Mo Du houses the Mechanical Guild's headquarters, located within Viscount Stoynd's domain, specifically in Mo Du's Old City center, the Yero district on the north bank of the Yero River.

Over four hundred years ago, the Mechanical Guild was founded in Mo Du.

Since that day, the Mechanical Guild has had only one chairman—the founder—who remains in office, with no succession.

That chairman is the most mysterious figure in Empire history, perhaps unrivaled.

His mechanical technology reshaped the world, spurring productivity and overhauling society, yet few know his origins or name, even whether he is male or female, or even human.

When people speak of him, they refer to him simply as "the Chairman."

The title "Chairman" has almost become a proper noun for this mysterious figure; to the Empire's people, the Chairman is a symbolic presence they know little about.

Lei En imagined many would covet the machine gun, but never expected it to draw the Chairman's attention.

He chose his words carefully and asked, "Is the Chairman in Mo Du?"

When he was in Longshande, a conversation with Kai Nieji revealed that the Chairman's whereabouts were secret, rarely appearing; even the headquarters' mechanics had seldom seen him.

"I don't know where the Chairman is," he said.

Akalan De forced a wry smile and shook his head, "I just received a message from the Chairman at home, asking me to ask you whether you can reveal the manufacturing method of Rambo's Gun; the Mechanical Guild is willing to pay a sufficient price to buy it."

Lei En was first stunned, then let out two short laughs.

The Mechanical Guild is wealthy and powerful, clearing the way with Gold Shield, buying hearts and technology; that's their usual tactic.

Lei En thought for a few seconds, then shook his head firmly.

But his tone was less harsh than before, "May I refuse?"

To have founded and controlled the Mechanical Guild for centuries, the Chairman must be a top‑tier figure, at least a Holy Soul‑ranked transcendent; even with a mentor behind him, he cannot press too hard and sour the relationship.

Moreover, his mentor is now gravely injured, trapped in Fu Kong Cheng.

Akalan De was not surprised; he had known Lei En would refuse, yet he lamented, "What is the Chairman's offer that you won't hear?"

"I can't hear it," Lei En suppressed his curiosity.

He feared that hearing the price would make him waver.

The machine gun's impact is huge, its production cost low; once simplified, ordinary people can use it, and if machine‑gun and firearm technology spread unchecked, the world would plunge into violent turmoil.

Ai Lun E Si is a world ruled by transcendent power.

Transcendent rulers constitute only a tiny fraction of the population—perhaps less than half a percent—but they suppress the remaining ninety‑five percent, seizing most of the power, wealth, and land, leaving the lower classes with almost no chance to rise.

Yet the machine gun can grant the massive masses of ordinary people a unique power.

This would inevitably spark a massive revolution; transcendent beings below legend level would have little difference from ordinary people under the barrel.

As a transcendent and a feudal lord, Lei En is naturally a target of the revolution.

Yet the machine gun poses almost no threat to top‑tier transcendent powers—legend‑mid‑stage and above, even Holy Soul Wizards—while ordinary people cannot truly seize power with it.

Not to mention the existence of deities!

Lei En was unsure how the world would evolve or whether ordinary people and transcendants could reach balance, but he knew countless lives would be lost.

The machine gun's killing efficiency is high; rivers of blood are no longer a mere saying.

Until now, Lei En had not wanted the machine gun to appear early, but circumstances forced him; fortunately, after becoming a disciple of a Holy Soul Wizard, he had the courage to give it to Extreme Warriors.

If the Mechanical Guild obtained firearm technology, it would be like adding wings to a tiger; the Guild's strength would soar, possibly overwhelming the Tri‑God Church and threatening the Supreme Council's rule.

From any angle, the Mechanical Guild must not succeed.

Hearing Lei En's answer, Akalan De was very puzzled.

He sighed helplessly and said, "I've never met a young man with your power and talent who can resist temptation."

"I will report truthfully to the Chairman."

Lei En let out a breath.

In fact, he had been using his Soul Eye to watch Akalan De covertly; from his emotional swings, Akalan De did not have an insistent desire for the machine gun technology, nor was his attitude very resolute.

Thus, the Chairman behind Akalan De was likely only testing.

Fortunately, that Chairman's knowledge of the machine gun is shallow; otherwise he would not give up easily. Of course, it might also be that the Chairman fears...

"Lei En, I have another matter this time," Akaland said suddenly.

"Please speak."

Akaland took a sip of tea and said, "The President asked me to convey to Master Anxiwodasi that the Mechanical Guild is willing to provide a loan of three million Gold Shields, interest‑free, for the repair and after‑care of Weizelan Fu Kong Cheng, to be repaid in a single payment after ten years."

Lei En grew more surprised as he listened; three million Gold Shields was no small sum and could solve the urgent crisis of the floating city.

Moreover, it is a ten‑year interest‑free loan, almost like giving money away!

This money is truly a timely aid, arriving just when needed; the Mechanical Guild uses the chance to curry favor with the teacher, and given the teacher's character, will surely remember this favor.

Lei En looked at Akaland, a bit puzzled, "Why didn't you tell the teacher yourself?"

"The President is probably not in Mo Du, so I have to relay it," Akaland's face showed a hint of shrewdness as he smiled, "Master Anxiwodasi is, after all, a Holy Soul Wizard, the leader of the floating city, with such high status and reputation that if I asked him in person for a loan, I would likely be refused and also offend Master Anxiwodasi."

Lei En sighed inwardly, thinking this fellow was truly a clever person.

He feared damaging the teacher's face, so he let himself be the messenger; not only does it raise the chance of the loan being granted, but as a middleman he gains some merit and also incurs a favor.

No wonder he rose to become Vice President of the Mechanical Guild, possessing billions of wealth.

Lei En nodded, "I will tell the teacher."

"That's wonderful," Akaland seemed pleased, saying meaningfully, "Once this is done, you may come to the Mechanical Guild for a visit; we can talk more."

That's the promised benefit fee, commonly called a kickback…

"I will go," Lei En replied with an understanding smile, recalling something, "I happen to have an idea for a mechanical product; later I can discuss it with you, perhaps we could cooperate and open a brand‑new market."

Akaland's eyes lit up, "What idea? Can you tell me now?"

"Give me half a month; I'll tell you after I have a prototype," Lei En deliberately teased. His idea was actually a steam motorcycle, whose success was still uncertain.

"Then I'll wait for your good news," Akaland, intrigued, rubbed his hands in anticipation.

Lei En changed the subject, asking, "I haven't thanked you for that bottle of Titan Power you gave me; how much is it worth? I could buy it."

"There's no need to buy it; I was thinking of the greater picture. Without you defeating Eilon*Rivennat, I might not be alive now; the elixir is precious, but as long as it's used in the right place it's not waste," Akaland glanced at Lei En, read his mind, and smiled, spreading his hands, "But if you want me to produce another bottle of Titan Power, that will be impossible."

Lei En, a bit disappointed, pressed, "Where did you get it?"

"Have you heard of the demon soul of a Titan Giant that was auctioned in Mo Du decades ago?"

Lei En nodded.

That demon soul contained the legendary Element "Titan Divine Power," setting an Empire auction record with a final price of 2.4 million Gold Shields!

Akaland continued, "Along with the demon soul, a few bottles of elixir made from the Titan Giant's heart blood—known as Titan Power—were also auctioned. I casually bought one for collection; I don't recall the exact price, but it seemed to be three thousand Gold Shields."

Three thousand Gold Shields is mere pocket change for a legendary mechanic, and after so many years, forgetting the exact amount is understandable.

"What a pity," Lei En said, very regretful.

To him the price wasn't high; it bought a three‑fold power boost for an hour and a thunder‑form effect—simply a great bargain.

If he could buy a few to keep in reserve, drinking them against a strong foe could very likely turn the tide.

Moreover, there was a chance to obtain Thunder God's Hammer early.

Lei En saw no other way, thinking he could only settle for buying a few bottles of "Frenzy Beast Blood Elixir" as backup; this elixir wasn't that rare, its price was low and could be bought at many alchemy shops.

The two chatted idly for a moment, then Akaland stood up to take his leave.

Lei En escorted him out of the castle himself, returned to fill his stomach, ignored Emily's probing, and went back to his room to rest.

Three days later.

Lei En, for the first time as Speaker, attended the six‑person Weizelan council.

Anxiwodasi had previously announced the list of two newly appointed Speakers, which surprised many Wizards, though it was merely surprise.

The Wizards discussed at length in private, yet no one stepped forward to oppose.

Dalandeng's entry into the council was widely welcomed.

Lei En's performance in this calamity was a powerful reversal, earning him a monumental merit.

With his strength, he would sooner or later be promoted to Legendary Wizard; though overly young, comparable to some senior apprentices in the academy, council admission looks only at ability, not age, so even jealous parties cannot find grounds to oppose.

Lei En possessed the Voice of All Things; these days in Fu Kong Cheng he naturally also heard many people's discussions about him.

The overwhelming majority of Wizards still supported him; occasionally a few, due to past antagonistic stances, were very displeased but kept it to themselves.

Those people could not stir any great wave; it was negligible.

At the top of Weizelan's high tower, the spacious bright conference room featured a purple‑eye emblem of Weizelan at its center, surrounded by six high‑back chairs, an anti‑sound formation beneath the floor, walls that were transparent, and even the floor was see‑through, as if floating in the sky, allowing a view over the entire Fu Kong Cheng.

This was the place where Weizelan's rulers discussed decisions.

The six high‑back chairs formed a circle; Lei En sat on one of them, looking around, with Dalandeng, who had just entered the council like himself, on his left.

This legendary Mid-stage Elementalist appeared as a man in his forties, a sturdy figure with thick eyebrows, a high nose, a broad forehead, eyes brimming with wisdom, a composed complexion, and ten long slender fingers; although he had undergone magical cleansing, a faint elixir scent still clung to him, a typical alchemist hallmark.

Seeing Lei En's gaze, Dalandeng returned a composed smile.

Lei En also nodded in acknowledgment.

Though Dalandeng seemed outwardly composed, his soul, constantly shifting colors, betrayed him; inside he was actually quite excited and a bit nervous.

To his right sat Speaker Kaidejia, then Kelaoaosi, while Roni sat on Dalandeng's left.

Lei En looked opposite, where Teacher Anxiwodasi's complexion had already returned to health.

Without knowing the background, one could not tell he had been seriously injured.

After integrating the Key of Doors, Lei En, even without using the Soul Eye, could see the teacher's anomaly. A massive mysterious energy surged from the void, forming a closed loop within the teacher's body, preserving its integrity and preventing disintegration.

This energy originated from the Iola Core, its nature identical to the power of space‑time.

Anxiwodasi took out several sheets of paper, sent them flying to the five Speakers, and said, "The loss report for this Fu Kong Cheng incident is ready; all Speakers, please review it."

Today the outline details of the new volume were organized; there will be a Chapter Two, but it will be later.

(End of Chapter)