Chapter 686: Pioneering Project

Dao En Suosi's mental shift was clearly seen by Reslin's soul eye; the seemingly hulking wildman priest is actually a very subtle‑minded individual and has begun to doubt his teacher‑student relationship with Lei En.

Yizite and Beilake, because they didn't understand the Empire's situation, didn't think much, only eagerly looked forward to meeting Lei En.

But afterward, they could certainly guess some truth.

Reslin hesitated; at that moment Axi Na looked over, feeling very guilty for her carelessness, and the soul contract transmitted her voice: "Lei En, this is my oversight…"

"It's fine." Lei En, who was far away in Glamorogen, replied: "As long as we keep interacting, Reslin's identity will eventually be exposed. With my current strength, people knowing that Reslin is my split‑self isn't really a big issue."

A once‑in‑a‑lifetime prodigy can be taken as an exception; two such prodigies in succession, both so young and in a teacher‑student relationship, few will be willing to believe, and suspicion is inevitable.

In the future, as Reslin becomes increasingly involved in my affairs, anyone who isn't a fool can guess that this suddenly appearing mysterious Wizard is far more than just a student.

Unless Reslin hides forever in the shadows and never appears publicly.

But that is difficult.

It may be possible to deceive outsiders, but not those close to you.

Through the observations of these past days, the character of these three teammates proves trustworthy; there will be future occasions where I'll need them, so revealing Reslin's true identity to them now not only has no downside but also can strengthen our bond.

Dao En Suosi, seeing Reslin not respond, said: "If His Excellency Lei En is unavailable, we would not dare to press the matter, though some regret is inevitable…"

He hadn't finished speaking when the Reslin before his eyes suddenly changed.

From a frail, emaciated Wizard, he instantly became a tall, robust young man in light armor, handsome, with a faint smile, saying: "Dao En Suosi, we are friends; you may see me whenever you wish."

"Uh…" Dao En Suosi was startled, then exclaimed with surprise: "Lei En?"

Axi Na's face showed shock: "Lei En, why did you come over?"

Yizite and Beilake stood up excitedly.

When Lei En fought Aiken earlier, his speed was too great for them to see clearly. Moreover, Lei En's combat form differed vastly from his usual, appearing completely different; they examined him curiously and instantly realized he was far too young!

"Everyone." Lei En greeted his teammates, smiling: "It has been my honor to fight side‑by‑side with you these past days."

The moment those words were spoken, Dao En Suosi immediately understood.

Reslin truly is Lei En!

The wildman priest repeatedly said he dared not; usually boisterous, he now seemed a bit restrained, sighing: "I never imagined I could one day become a friend of Lei En; fate is truly wondrous."

"Just call me Lei En." Lei En showed no airs of a great figure.

Yizite widened his eyes.

Beilake was initially confused; listening to their conversation, his mind made a leap and he realized, exclaiming in shock: "You are Reslin? No—Reslin is you?"

"Exactly." Lei En nodded with a smile: "Reslin is a split‑self I created, but publicly his identity is my student; please keep this confidential."

"The sun!"

"The goddess above…"

Except for Axi Na, the three teammates were all shocked and couldn't help exclaiming in amazement.

Although Dao En Suosi had his suspicions, hearing Lei En admit it himself still left him in disbelief. Such a powerful Reslin turned out to be merely Lei En's split‑self!

Yizite's and the other's thinking was also overturned.

They could not imagine how this was accomplished.

Dao En Suosi did not probe further, solemnly saying: "Lei En, rest assured, we will not utter a single word about Reslin."

The other two also nodded repeatedly.

"I trust you." Lei En said that and said no more, sitting beside Axi Na and taking her hand. Axi Na, a bit shy, instinctively tried to pull away but found Lei En's grip tight, so she could only let it be.

Lei En, unchanged in expression, asked: "Yizite, what are your next plans?"

"Huh?"

Yizite, a bit unaccustomed to Lei En, felt both familiar and strange; after a pause he realized what Lei En meant and replied: "I will go with you to the Dark Realm, heading to Yilaientu. But before that I need some time to attempt a breakthrough to Saint Rank."

Yilaientu is the city of Spirit-absorbing Monsters he once visited.

"Sure." Lei En replied readily: "How long will you need?"

The dark elf considered a few breaths and said: "Half a month."

Then, his expression grew solemn as he said: "I have prepared for over twenty years to break through Saint Rank; the blood‑flesh essence of the Baro Flame Demon isn't the best fit for me, but Dima'etu is far stronger than expected, so the chance of success is close to forty percent."

"Forty percent is high." Lei En nodded.

As far as he knows, the difficulty of breaking into Saint Rank far exceeds that of breaking Legendary Peak; throughout history countless geniuses have been stuck at this step, never getting a chance to try, dying still as legends.

Yizite reached Legendary Peak only twenty years ago, yet already has a forty‑percent chance to break Saint Rank, surpassing over ninety‑nine percent of Legendary masters.

"If you need anything, just tell me." Lei En said.

Yizite felt moved: "Alright."

Although he lacks nothing, Lei En's intention was enough.

At that moment Lei En recalled something and said: "If you wish to seek the Phoenix Crown, be careful. These past days Aiken has been covertly watching our moves, using us to eliminate Dima'etu. His goal is simply to seize Danmofu, which is why he brought that Abyss Knight Order here; now it seems he has already succeeded."

The teammates were all startled, assuming the Eternal Chosen came to avenge Akoulage.

"Danmofu was actually annexed by Aiken."

Dao En Suosi's face grew very heavy; he shook his head and said: "In that case, his controlled territory has expanded to the foot of the Rokekis Mountains. Give him a few years to develop, and it could threaten the western coast, pressing straight toward Albert Bay."

Yizite, however, was more worried about his own plan and felt very helpless.

It had taken great effort to kill Dima'etu and destroy the Abyssal Gate; he had thought the next few years could be spent peacefully in Danmofu searching for the Phoenix Crown, only to have an even more terrifying Eternal Chosen appear.

Had he known this, it would have been better to spare Dima'etu!

Relying on himself alone, even if he ascended to Saint Rank Demonic Hunter, storming Danmofu would be extremely dangerous; encountering the Eternal Chosen would leave only death, so he must have teammates' aid.

The best helper stands right before him.

The dark elf looked at the young human opposite; whether it's Lei En or his split‑self Reslin, having either act makes it much easier.

Of course, the search for the Phoenix Crown must wait until they return from the Dark Realm.

Lei En smiled faintly to himself; Yizite's thoughts could not hide from his eyes, and he waited for Lei En to speak. A potential Saint Rank strongman naturally needs to first build good relations.

"Beilake, can you give the Bolt Gun back to me?" Lei En extended his hand toward the Holy Spear ranger.

Beilake wore a look of reluctance.

He had previously doubted how Reslin could possibly make a Bolt Gun, but now he fully believed it, reluctantly took out two guns, was about to hand them back to Lei En, when his eyes suddenly shifted and, curiously, he asked, "Lei En, are you going to the Dark Realm later?"

"Yes, what's up?" Lei En's face remained impassive, but inside he thought, the fish had taken the bait.

"The Dark Realm is very dangerous, Lei En, are you still lacking help?" Beilake was very enthusiastic, volunteering, "I've been to the Underground World a few times and have some experience; why not let me join as well!"

Lei En glanced at the Dark Elf.

"Yizite grew up in the Dark World from childhood; having him lead the way is enough."

"One more teammate makes it safer." Beilake pounded his chest and shouted, "And I take no payment."

Lei En pretended to think for a few seconds, "Fine, then I'll trouble you."

Saying that, he withdrew his hand.

"Not a trouble at all, we're friends, helping is expected." Beilake happily put away the Bolt Gun; he hadn't fully studied the two guns yet, planning to ask Lei En more, and it would be even better if Lei En could give one to him.

Little did he know, while he was scheming about the Bolt Gun, Lei En was scheming about him as a whole.

"I'll join too." Dao En Suosi didn't wait for anyone to ask, and said plainly, "I really enjoy fighting together with everyone; moreover, I want to experience the Dark Realm, and in that dim world, this priest of mine should be useful."

"Of course, welcome aboard." Lei En smiled.

He values the wildman priest greatly; not only is his strength formidable, able to bestow Divine Technique on teammates, raising the overall combat power by more than one level, but Dao En Suosi is also loyal and reliable in critical moments.

This Dark Realm expedition is, first, to search for the Spirit-absorbing Monster city.

At the same time, it's also to recruit a few teammates.

Lei En has a plan to establish a base on the New Continent, currently only a rough idea, not even a location chosen. He needs a few trustworthy helpers who know the New Continent well and are strong enough.

These three teammates are ideal choices.

Yizite needs no introduction; a potential Saint Rank powerhouse.

Beilake is the best candidate to lead the Gunwing Knights; as for Dao En Suosi, his potential is actually the greatest among the three, and although he's only a seventeenth‑level priest now, he has great hope to ascend to Saint Rank priest, that is, a Life Divine Messenger!

The reason is simple: Dao En Suosi's faith is extremely devout and he is still young enough.

This fierce‑looking wildman seems weathered, but is actually only in his eighties, which is very young for a Legendary High-rank, at least much younger than Yizite and Beilake.

The Dark Elf is already over two hundred years old, and the cheerful Beilake is also over one hundred forty.

Dao En Suosi only needs to rise two more levels to reach Legendary Peak; with his devotion to the Earth Mother Goddess, having practiced the doctrine for years, he will surely gain the Earth Mother Goddess's favor, with a great chance to become a Divine Chosen, or even receive a blessing that directly promotes him to Life Divine Messenger.

If the three can be recruited, the future New Continent expansion plan will surely go much smoother.

A Xina also guessed some reasons, maintaining tacit understanding with Lei En.

A moment later, Lei En returned to Gela Morgan, swapping Reslin back. He and A Xina settled in Yizite's house, and Beilake and Dao En Suosi came by daily, either together or out, playing around Albert Bay.

A few days later, Dao En Suosi entered and said, "Reslin, Yizite, the city lord Oukelan, the 'One‑fist Martial Saint', asked me to convey that he wants to see you."

This chapter counts as yesterday's, still owes three chapters.

(End of chapter)