Chapter 517: Wizard Domination

After a night's rest, Lei En spent half a day handling the long‑accumulated territorial duties, and after noon he teleported to Weizelan's tower.

On the spacious, bright top floor of the tower, Lei En sat down, his spirit linking to the tower's control core.

The state of the entire tower flashed into his mind; overall it ran smoothly, and each floor had people moving about. The lodging area, meditation area, alchemy area, magical testing area, leisure area, garden area—all were normal, unlike the previous desolation.

Lei En has been stationed in the tower for three years, and only in the first year did he take students.

In the following two years, he recruited a batch of Wizard apprentices from the Weizelan Academy, because his reputation was widespread and the tower's benefits were excellent, making the spots highly coveted among apprentices.

After screening, Lei En selected over thirty apprentices, plus seven or eight formal Wizards whose talent was not outstanding, as supplements for the tower; most entered the alchemy area to assist his students, with Sipa Luo Huo Ke serving as a helper.

He knows the talents of the seven students well, so even rapid progress would not surprise him.

Only Sipa Luo Huo Ke gave him a great surprise.

This shy shepherd boy from the Heron Trace Archipelago not only has a respectable cultivation talent, but also gradually reveals an exceptionally high alchemy talent; he excels at brewing magical elixirs and is a once‑in‑a‑generation genius at crafting magical items, making even Lei En feel inferior.

After discovering Sipa Luo Huo Ke's alchemy talent, he spared no effort in giving the greatest assistance, even spending money lavishly on his training.

Sipa Luo Huo Ke's growth also exceeded expectations.

In just three years, he earned the title of Senior Alchemist in the Alchemy Association, his fame soaring, even the Speaker Da Lande of the Six‑Person Council took notice, regretting that he had not taken the student earlier, while Lei En got a bargain.

Lei En handed the recruitment of this batch of apprentices and Wizards over to Sipa Luo Huo Ke.

Since last year, the tower's alchemy chamber has begun producing items, and several of the magical elixirs and gear forged by Sipa Luo Huo Ke are in high demand in Fu Kong Cheng, promising to recoup Lei En's investment within a few years.

However, because most of his energy went into alchemy, Sipa Luo Huo Ke's personal strength lagged behind the other students; he is currently a fifth‑level Wizard.

Among the other students, only Zhenna, who comes from a great noble family and lacks pressure, is also a fifth‑level Wizard due to insufficient dedication; the rest are at least sixth‑level.

The most talented Da Lamma, Po La Ruisi, and An Wei La have already entered the high‑level Wizard tier.

High‑level Wizards are already the backbone of Fu Kong Cheng.

In just over two years, they rose from beginner Wizard to high‑level; such speed, if seen in one or two individuals, could be explained as exceptional talent. Yet three appeared at once, all Lei En's students, and the other students also progress rapidly, far surpassing ordinary Wizards, which is even more astonishing.

Moreover, with Da Lamma, Po La Ruisi, and An Wei La's momentum, ascending to legendary Wizard is inevitable, and together with the mysterious low‑key Reslin, Lei En's disciples have gathered the most outstanding young Wizards in Fu Kong Cheng, making the tower the most dazzling.

Lei En's tower has leapt to become the most coveted destination for apprentices and Wizards, standing alongside Anxiwodasi's Weizelan tower.

After observing the students for a moment, Lei En sent them a transmission spell.

A few seconds later.

In the top‑level hall, a series of portal doors opened, and the seven students stepped out—four males and three females—bowing and calling, "Teacher."

Lei En merely nodded, and the most lively Zhenna giggled, "Teacher, congratulations on becoming a father! This is my gift for Prince Lei Kesi; please deliver it to Her Majesty the Queen."

She said, taking out an exquisite gift box and placing it on the desk.

The others also offered congratulations, each presenting a gift, and even the blunt, usually clueless half‑orc Jia Lu did not miss out.

It was obvious this was Zhenna's idea; perhaps she even selected the gifts for everyone.

"Thank you, everyone's thoughtfulness is appreciated."

Lei En smiled as he accepted the students' tokens, his gaze sweeping over them; his Soul Transformation eye saw their conditions clearly.

Having spent years with Lei En, they knew the teacher was testing them, and their spirits surged; except for Lei En himself, the others straightened their backs, feeling a bit nervous.

Lei En's mouth curled in a smile, his gaze focused.

Reslin is his own avatar, need not say, the focus is the other six.

The high‑elf Da Lamma is already an eighth‑level Wizard, and the perfectly Soul‑Transformed Po La Ruisi is also an eighth‑level Wizard; they have the highest levels and strongest power. In Weizelan's Fu Kong Cheng there is a spell duel arena where the younger generation of Wizards often spar, and the two rarely find opponents, only when facing each other do they trade victories.

Next is An Wei La; after three years she is no longer the frail figure she was in Kingslan, now tall and lithe, with a lively aura, half‑moon‑elf blood revealing astonishing beauty, attracting many secret admirers in Fu Kong Cheng.

However, she remains aloof, silent, usually staying within the tower and rarely venturing out.

As a combat Wizard, An Wei La is Lei En's primary cultivation target; in just three years she underwent three Soul Transformations, leaping to high‑level as a seventh‑level combat Wizard.

Such talent makes Da Lamma and Po La Ruisi feel immense pressure.

They have never sparred with An Wei La, and she always declines challenges, yet they can sense the threat from the occasional aura she leaks. Moreover, An Wei La, like the teacher, is a combat Wizard; since Lei En's fame, any mention of a combat Wizard in Fu Kong Cheng raises eyebrows, and no one dares to underestimate them.

Half‑orc Jia Lu is the student who ventures out most; he is a Ten Thousand Spirits Wizard who needs to collect suitable demon souls.

Although Jia Lu is only a sixth‑level Wizard, his strength is not inferior to the others.

Lei En's Soul Transformation eye saw that Jia Lu's soul‑gathering tower holds over a dozen demon souls, all from magical beasts, each with different functions—flying in the sky, running on land, swimming in water—all rare. Some were purchased by him, but most were hunted by Jia Lu himself; under his "Beast King" Element, they wield greater power and effect.

Jia Lu's combat experience is the richest, allowing him to adapt to harsh environments; if he meets Da Lamma or Po La Ruisi in the wild and fights for survival, he is likely the one who lives.

The remaining Sipa Luo Huo Ke and Zhenna are only fifth‑level Wizards, but each has strengths.

Lei En nodded in satisfaction.

"These past years, except for Jia Lu, you have all cultivated within Fu Kong Cheng; continuing this will hinder your growth," he said. "Transcendents must eventually rely on themselves; I cannot shelter you forever. Everyone must learn to stand on their own."

The students exchanged glances; the teacher's meaning was to have them leave the tower?

Some were excited, some nervous.

"Of course, I'm not forcing you to go on adventures," Lei En smiled, "Each of you is the result of my great effort and resources; I won't send you to a death‑trap, otherwise I'd be at a loss."

Especially Sipa Luo Huo Ke, a once‑in‑a‑century alchemy prodigy and scholar‑type Wizard; sending him out to fight would be sheer waste.

Sure enough, upon hearing that, Sipa Luo Huo Ke let out a sigh of relief.

Noble lady Zhenna also stuck out her tongue.

Da Lamma, however, was a bit impatient, suppressing his urge to ask, "Teacher, what is your intention?"

"Everything follows the principle of voluntariness," Lei En said calmly. "If you wish to stay in the tower, stay; if you wish to adventure, I won't stop you. It's your decision; I'm merely offering advice."

"Teacher." Da Lamma replied immediately, "I will ascend to ninth‑level mage this year and want to go out to seek a breakthrough to become legendary."

"Fine." Lei En nodded in agreement.

Po La Ruisi promptly asked, "Teacher, I as well."

Lei En also agreed, then looked at An Wei La, the beautiful half‑elf girl, who shook her head, "I don't want to go out."

"Alright."

Lei En was not at all surprised by her choice; An Wei La resembled a recluse from a past life, staying home whenever possible. He muttered to himself, then said, "The three of you have already entered the high tier, and Jia Lu as well; prepare yourselves, the Empire will soon hold a Wizard exchange tournament, and I will send the four of you to participate."

"Wizard Exchange Tournament!"

The students' faces showed surprise, then excitement and anticipation.

The Wizard Exchange Tournament is organized by the Empire's officials, with no fixed time or place, generally held every ten years rotating among the major floating cities or cities. Contestants mainly come from floating cities and the Supernatural Academy, and some spellcaster organizations permitted by the Empire can also join.

Since it's an exchange tournament among Wizards, it inevitably involves dueling, comparing spell prowess.

Contestants must be below Legendary, divided into Initial, Mid-stage, and High groups; the winners of the three groups will receive prizes prepared by the host location.

Among the three champions, the most eye‑catching is the High‑group champion.

It is the best chance for Wizards below Legendary to make a name for themselves; both titles and prizes make countless Wizards envious.

In previous years, most champions came from the three floating cities Naiser, Franlis, and Weizelan, which happen to be under the three great houses of the Supreme Council, so it was also called the "Three‑Strong Contest". However, since Duke Hong Shi's ParrasFloatingCity rose, their Wizards have repeatedly won the championship, gaining momentum to catch up with Weizelan, turning the three‑strong into a four‑strong.

"Teacher, where is this exchange tournament being held?" Perarisu asked.

Lei En replied, "BrewotzAcademy."

The venue for this Wizard Exchange Tournament is the capital of East Province, "Brewotz," which is the Empire's oldest Supernatural Academy.

In fact, it is the teacher and the Sabbath Dean of BrewotzAcademy who are pushing it behind the scenes.

The Sabbath Dean is about to ascend to Holy Soul Wizard, and it will take no more than two months.

He will announce his ascension during the Wizard Exchange Tournament, broadcasting throughout the Empire, and use the occasion to petition the Supreme Council, holding a celebratory ceremony at BrewotzAcademy, inviting all Holy Soul Wizards to attend, and witnessing his entry into the Supreme Council and the bestowal of the Duke title.

As the Empire's longest‑standing Supernatural Academy, Brewotz finally produced a Holy Soul Wizard, which is a great joy for the Empire, and the request is not unreasonable.

The teacher will also work behind the scenes in the Supreme Council to get the request approved.

The clever part is that Augulevi Master once studied at BrewotzAcademy, albeit only for a few years before leaving, but the Academy still feels a debt of gratitude, considering him a Brewotz alumnus.

For both reason and propriety, Augulevi Master must attend the ceremony.

East Province is more than three thousand li from the Empire's capital Nuosiruier, far beyond the effective range of illusionary projections; the other Holy Soul Wizards have arrived, so if Augulevi does not wish to commit a serious breach of etiquette, he must appear in person.

At that time, the teacher will use the opportunity to observe Augulevi's condition.

To confirm whether this human's first Wizard has truly fallen!

Of course, if Augulevi Master still appears as an illusionary duplicate, hiding his true body, that would essentially confirm that this Holy Soul Wizard has already betrayed.

Once confirmed, the Empire could face the most terrifying civil war in its history.

The teacher did not reveal the follow‑up plan, but Lei En couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat for him.

He naturally will not tell the students these behind‑the‑scenes truths.

Dala Ma, Perarisu and Jia Lu are all eager to try, and even Spairuohoke and Zhenna, whose strength makes winning impossible, are full of longing; only An Weila shows little interest, even a bit of resistance, whispering, "Teacher, may I not go?"

"No." Lei En said seriously, "You must go."

An Weila, a homebound girl who stays indoors all day, will eventually drive herself mad; she must occasionally go out to stretch her limbs, and this is also An Weila's chance.

"Hmm." An Weila replied lightly, saying nothing more.

The Soul Eye saw her emotions return to calm, appearing very compliant, not sulking over the teacher's forced request.

Dala Ma glanced at Reslin beside her.

From start to finish, Reslin said not a single word, as if he didn't exist.

Dala Ma frowned darkly, hesitated a moment, then couldn't help asking, "Teacher, doesn't Reslin need to join the exchange tournament?"

The other students also showed curiosity.

Besides seeking magical knowledge, Reslin never initiates contact with them; he has little reputation in the floating cities, and many people don't even know that Chairman Lei En has such a student.

However, everyone present knows that Reslin is the teacher's most outstanding student.

Especially Dala Ma, who constantly thinks about defeating Reslin; in recent years, each slight improvement prompts him to challenge Reslin, and every time he loses, miserably, never discovering Reslin's strength ceiling.

This is also his greatest motivation to work hard and improve himself.

However, Mala Ma has to admit she has no chance; if Reslin joins the Wizard Exchange Tournament, this championship is secured!

Reslin remains silent.

Lei En replied for him, "Reslin is a Legendary Wizard, so he has no eligibility to compete."

(End of chapter)