Chapter 616: Chief Grand Mage

"Taekilis Grand Mage wants to meet me?"

Lei En received a message from the Titan Elder, and his complexion involuntarily froze; he had originally planned to avoid the world‑renowned Grand Mage, but the other party showed up at his door.

After sealing a soul contract, Asina's attention was basically on Lei En, and she instantly sensed his change of mind, asking without hesitation, "What's wrong?"

Lei En relayed the contents of the message.

"How could that elf Grand Mage know you're in the Storm Sanctuary?" Asina asked, her tone implying something.

"It must have been the elder who disclosed it," Lei En said, his expression clearing as he guessed the possible reason Taekilis wanted to meet him.

The only link between them was the Titan Elder and the fact that both were source crystal traders, and he had just exchanged an "Endless Storm" with Soriim. Unsurprisingly, Taekilis also coveted this Legend Grade staff from the elves.

"That's a relief."

Lei En thought to himself that if he delayed another half‑day, the Endless Storm would be gone.

A Legend Grade staff is a matter of chance, and a staff suitable for Reslin is even rarer; perhaps only a handful exist worldwide, let alone possessing one, let alone even seeing one.

Even if one sees it, it may be unattainable, such as "Time's End".

If he misses it this time, Reslin may go a lifetime without a suitable spell‑casting weapon.

Seeing his hesitation, Asina asked, "Are you going to meet them?"

"Can I refuse?" Lei En shook his head helplessly; of course he wouldn't hand the Endless Storm to Taekilis, but he couldn't skip the meeting entirely. When a Grand Mage of such stature requests a meeting, no mortal can decline, and even a deity must show respect.

He thought for a moment and said, "Asina, stay here."

Given a Grand Mage's perception, appearing together with Asina would make it hard to conceal that they had already sealed a soul contract.

The existence and identity of a soul partner constitute an exploitable weakness; the fewer who know, the better.

"Fine," Asina replied, also understanding this.

Lei En returned to his room to bid farewell to Meidis and Bolosi.

His mother and son personally escorted him out of the house, a stark contrast to their earlier attitude when he visited; they had both seen Lei En transform into a giant in the garden, knew he had sealed a contract with Asina, and now regarded him as family.

Clack!

Lei En transformed into a massive bolt of lightning and shot away.

Having received two lightning forms from Asina, he now possessed three lightning forms, and after drinking Lightning Essence he gained three lightning affinities; his affinity for the lightning element reached a terrifying level, and the potency of each lightning‑type spell was greatly amplified.

The Five‑ring Electric Flash Teleport extended his displacement distance by more than threefold.

When incarnated as lightning, a single shot could strike over a kilometer away, and the speed increased by a few degrees.

Some Storm Giants along the way only sensed something flash by, looked up without seeing what it was, and then heard thunder roar in their ears, making their eardrums sting.

"Who was that?"

The Storm Giants were puzzled, assuming it was one of the Titan Giants of their clan, yet the aura felt unfamiliar.

During the rapid lightning shots, Lei En discovered that if his thoughts were swift enough, he could steer the lightning to bend, and with sufficient precision he could even slash directly at enemies.

Boom—

The lightning struck the ground, revealing Lei En's figure.

He lingered at the spot for about half a breath, the gap between Electric Flash Teleports already restored, then transformed again into a huge lightning bolt and took off.

The lightning crackled with sparks along the way; after four or five successive shots, Lei En landed before the doors of the Furnace Sanctuary.

He entered the palace.

A tall and a short silhouette sat opposite each other at a stone table, a bland "Qingyan" tea set before them; Soriim's cup was still full, showing he hadn't drunk much. Opposite him, an elf gently lifted his cup, savoring it with a look of enjoyment.

When Lei En entered, the elf glanced at him, set down his cup, and stood up politely.

Lei En also observed the other.

He was an atypical High Elf.

The elf race has many branches, with varying status and notable differences in innate talents. From the name, High Elves stand out; their status within the elf race is distinct, and they are easily recognized by their great height.

High Elves are almost a perfect race.

They are tall and robust; males average nearly two meters, muscular, agile, with a balanced yet massive build that never appears clumsy. Their soul strength surpasses that of most sentient races, making them highly sensitive to all energies and innately gifted with extraordinary magical talent.

Like other elves, High Elves possess striking looks—handsome men, beautiful women—often surpassing other elves in beauty.

Among the many elf branches, some possess even higher specific talents.

For example, Silver‑Gray elves have the strongest magical aptitude, Moon elves are the most stunningly beautiful, Wind elves are the swiftest, Sea elves excel in underwater combat, and Earth elves have the toughest defenses; each surpasses High Elves in a particular domain.

However, these elves each have some drawbacks, such as severe specialization.

Only High Elves have virtually no weak points; their combined talents make them the strongest elves, with a great additional advantage.

That advantage is their large population.

Although their numbers are lower than Wood, Wind, and Earth elves—ranking fourth among all elf branches—their talents far exceed those three ordinary elves, producing many mages and sword‑mages, and their overall strength easily tops the hierarchy.

Lei En is proficient in multiple elf languages and has perused many elf chronicles and records.

Whether during the era when elves dominated the world in the Third Epoch or in the present declining New Epoch, High Elves have always held absolute dominion among elves. With less than one‑tenth of the total elf population, they control political, economic, and military power, their status unshakable.

At their zenith, High Elves were undeniably the strongest sentient race.

Even now they are not weak, gradually emerging from decline.

They have developed a splendid civilization, magic, art, and more; to this day they still influence the entire world and human nations, leaving tangible traces in architecture, manufacturing, runes, and intangible spiritual philosophy, ideas, and all professions—an indelible legacy.

Even though humans are the dominant power of this age, when facing High Elves there remains a feeling of awe, as if looking up at a towering mountain.

Conversely, High Elves maintain a proud attitude toward humans.

In fact, High Elves are haughty toward all races.

But the High Elf before him was quite different.

He was very tall, just over 1.9 meters, yet his build was extremely slender, his looks plain and unremarkable—barely qualifying as thick eyebrows and big eyes, far from handsome.

He wore a blue magical robe embroidered with intricate silver patterns, a golden cuirass over it, a sky‑blue great cloak draped behind, a sword at his waist, and a pointed helm that exposed only his eyes, nose, and mouth. The helm's sides were inlaid with a pair of wing‑shaped ornaments woven from feathers; the wings spread, their tips curving upward to align with the helm's apex. While this design might seem flamboyant by human standards, on a High Elf it blends seamlessly with the race's aura, appearing both elegant and imposing.

The long sword at his waist was also unusual, seeming to be a Legend Grade weapon.

"Such a skinny mage, does he also use a long sword in melee?" Lei En quickly sized him up, silently observing with his Soul Eye.

As expected, the opponent's Soul Element was invisible.

Yet judging from the vast, sea‑like magical aura, this elf Grand Mage's level must be above Thirty-level, surpassing Duke Hong Shi, and should be comparable to his own teacher, around Thirty‑five level.

He reached Thirty‑five level at just over three hundred and forty years old.

On average, less than ten years per level.

Lei En silently marveled; indeed he is the most outstanding Grand Mage among the High Elves in over two thousand years!

At that moment, the High Elf rose, left hand on the sword hilt at his waist, right hand gesturing forward, with flawless poise slightly bowing in salute, smiling, and in Imperial language announced loudly: "You must be Ryan Augustus, Count, I presume."

The Soul Eye showed the counterpart's emotions were very calm, with no trace of hostility.

"Indeed."

Lei En respectfully replied in High Elf tongue: "Honored to meet you, Grand Mage Taike Lisi."

An elf and a human greeting each other in the other's language made the scene a bit odd. Lei En then saluted Suo Limu, "Honored, Elder."

"Lei En, please sit."

The Titan Elder beckoned Lei En to the table, and as Lei En approached, he seemed to sense a slight change in Lei En's aura, vaguely familiar, and instantly understood what was happening.

A smile lingered at the corner of his mouth, but he did not show it in front of Taike Lisi.

"Lei En," Suo Limu said kindly, "I never reveal other people's existence to traders; if we happen to cross paths, I stagger the meeting times to avoid you meeting them. But this time is different—Taike Lisi's strong request forces me to give him face."

Face fruit…

Lei En thought to himself that perhaps only a powerful Grand Mage like Taike Lisi could make a demi‑god Titan Elder make an exception.

With any other source‑crystal trader, not being kicked out of the sanctuary would already be lucky.

He nodded in understanding.

Then he looked at the High Elf, appearing startled by the honor, and solemnly said: "Grand Mage Taike Lisi wishes to see me; it is my honor."

"Count, you flatter me," Taike Lisi smiled, "I have been cultivating in the White Tower these years, never venturing out, yet I have heard of your name. Even in Aoroan, the Count's name is somewhat known among elves, drawing considerable attention."

At this point, he gave Lei En a serious look.

"Your innate strength exceeds the rumors; I did not expect a human hero like you to appear," Taike Lisi exclaimed, "Count, if you can spare the time, I, in the name of the Chief Grand Mage of Hes White Tower, invite you to visit."

This time Lei En was truly surprised.

Hes White Tower stands in one of the ten great elf kingdoms, the Saloma Kingdom, as a towering spire. It is the world's first Mage Tower, taking centuries to complete, over five thousand years old, housing countless elf mage wisdom and knowledge, symbolizing the glorious might of magic.

All subsequent Mage Towers and Wizard Towers were modeled after Hes White Tower.

Today, Hes White Tower exceeds a kilometer in height, becoming the most iconic elven structure, perhaps unrivaled.

No spellcaster would refuse the chance to visit Hes White Tower.

However, only elf mages may enter; outsiders have virtually no chance unless invited by a White Tower Grand Mage and approved by the Chief Grand Mage.

Apart from the elven high‑rank, outsiders do not know how many Grand Mages reside in Hes White Tower.

Rumors say more than ten.

If the rumors are true, the strength of Hes White Tower would be comparable to the number of Holy Soul Wizards in the Supreme Council. Yet not all elf Grand Mages are in the White Tower; many Mage Towers exist across the kingdoms, and the total number of Grand Mages far exceeds the Supreme Council, perhaps more than double.

Lei En recalled that the Chief Grand Mage of Hes White Tower was someone else.

He asked with some surprise, "Grand Mage Taike Lisi, have you already been promoted to Chief Grand Mage of the White Tower?"

"Yes." Taike Lisi nodded slightly.

That was big news.

The Chief Grand Mage of Hes White Tower is the leader of all elf mages, ranking just below the Phoenix King and the Dark Moon Queen, wielding the countless mages under the White Tower and the magical power of the ten kingdoms, making him the third most important figure among elves.

Taike Lisi said calmly, "The former Chief Grand Mage Koyus has stepped down; after being elected by the Grand Mages, I succeeded him, though it has not been publicly announced yet."

"Congratulations," Lei En said.

"It is a heavy responsibility." Taike Lisi showed little joy, sighing deeply, "I originally did not wish to take the Chief Grand Mage position, but for the benefit of the entire elf race and the trust of the White Tower Grand Mages, unwilling to disappoint them, I could only reluctantly accept."

"If…"

Lei En almost recited a poem on the spot.

Taike Lisi added, "Count, my meeting with you also concerns the Chief Grand Mage of the White Tower."

Lei En thought, the main point is coming.

"The Endless Storm was originally the staff of the third Chief Grand Mage of the White Tower, lost at the end of the last era, fortunately recovered by Elder Suo Limu," Taike Lisi said in an unhurried tone, sounding convincing, "I already possess a superior staff and had no intention of retrieving the Endless Storm, but when I was elected last year, a Grand Mage suggested promptly reclaiming this Legend Grade staff that had drifted abroad. For that, I specifically gathered source crystals, only to be a step behind you."

Lei En immediately understood.

Any Legend Grade magical item is extremely precious, even among the ancient elves; one more can add a fraction of power to the whole race.

If Taike Lisi reclaimed the Endless Storm right after taking office, it would undoubtedly bolster his prestige in Hes White Tower.

Indeed, Taike Lisi said, "Count, I have no more source crystals, but I am willing to add other, higher‑value items to fifteen thousand pounds of source crystals to exchange for the Endless Storm from you; please grant it."

These past two days have been a blur; the chapters I just cleared are now overdue again…

(End of Chapter)