Chapter 818: Viola

Lei En's gaze pierced the doorway, seeing the breathtaking Half-elf standing outside.

Viola has been the Pope of the Beauty and Goodness Church for over a year, dignified and majestic, her stunning beauty making ordinary people feel ashamed of themselves, daring not even a second glance. The two gatekeeping Extreme Warriors, aware of her status, did not block her.

However, her expression now was somewhat anxious.

Lei En was just a bit slow to react, and Viola could not wait to knock again, hearing Lei En's voice echo from the study: "Come in."

The door opened automatically.

Viola stepped inside and saw Lei En seated behind the desk.

At that moment, bright sunlight streamed through the window, falling on Lei En, as if coating him with a dazzling radiance that glittered, causing Viola's mind to flutter and feel an unfamiliar awe.

"What's wrong? Didn't you rest well last night?"

Lei En looked up at the halted Half-elf, his expression gentle, bearing the concern only intimate lovers share.

"It's fine, I'm just happy to see you." Viola smiled brightly, the room blooming like a hundred flowers, becoming even more radiant, and softly said, "I heard you acquired a Fu Kong Cheng; I'm glad for you, but haven't had a chance to congratulate you yet."

"Hahaha…"

Lei En rose, walked around the desk, took her delicate hand, and sat together on the sofa, his expression teasing as he said, "You're not just here to congratulate me, are you?"

"Nothing can be hidden from you, truly." Viola said, somewhat helpless.

Since meeting Lei En, she had watched him grow step by step from an ordinary person to a stature that even she now looks up to. In his presence, she felt like a different person, his thoughts always laid bare to him, and now Lei En's power and status were comparable to a Holy Soul Wizard, leaving her even more passive.

Sometimes, she felt an inexplicable sense of crisis, yet utterly powerless, not knowing how to keep up with Lei En's pace.

Lei En slipped an arm around her shoulder, "Did Duke Silver Star send you?"

"Yes." Viola gave a slight nod.

"Her reaction is swift, already playing the family card with me." Lei En shook his head noncommittally and asked, "What does Duke Silver Star want to say?"

Seeing his casual mention of the duke, Viola felt a jolt, truly realizing Lei En was no longer the same as before, standing on equal footing with a Holy Soul Wizard, his status subtly higher, even the duke now had to appeal to him.

Viola said, "Duke Silver Star wishes to meet you privately as soon possible to discuss the auction of the Fu Kong Cheng, preferably arranging it immediately."

"There's nothing to discuss." Lei En refused without hesitation.

"Not even a meeting?" Viola worried, "After all, she's my great‑grandmother; if you won't even see her, I fear she'll be angry."

Lei En glanced at the Half-elf; although she now held the title of church head, her power rising rapidly, already ascended to Legendary High‑rank, she had grown up under the reputation of Duke Silver Star and still harbored fear of her great‑grandmother, unable to shake the shadow.

"I don't care whether she's angry or not." Lei En sneered, "Meeting her is meaningless; the auction rules are set. If she wants the Fu Kong Cheng, she bids. I won't break the rules for her."

"But…" Viola's eyes were filled with worry.

"There is no 'but'; I won't see her."

Lei En cut her off, his large hand encircling her slender waist, comforting, "We have nothing to owe her. With me backing you, you needn't fear her. Even without me, you are the Pope of the Beauty and Goodness Church, the Chosen One of Longhaired Lady; she wouldn't dare touch you."

Viola saw his resolve and knew she could not change it.

She could only sigh, "I understand."

Lei En shook his head inwardly; the Holy Soul Wizard's reputation was too terrifying, and Viola's fear of Duke Silver Star would not fade soon, perhaps only after she, with Longhaired Lady's help, ascended to Holy Soul Wizard could she truly change her mindset.

By then, she would discover that Duke Silver Star is a "wet‑goods".

Whether in personal strength or the mindset of the strong, Duke Silver Star lags behind other Holy Soul Wizards, and cannot compare to the level of the three great powers.

Viola stopped speaking of Duke Silver Star, her mood brightened, her beautiful eyes fixed on her man's face, curiously asking, "Lei En, are you really going to sell the Fu Kong Cheng? I was startled when I heard it, thinking Duke Silver Star had deceived me. Why won't you keep the Fu Kong Cheng?"

It's a Fu Kong Cheng, after all!

Even if she thought the New Village Fu Kong Cheng was ugly, its status and power mattered far more than appearance, and it could even be remodeled.

Lei En was speaking when a startled shout rang out.

"You're going to sell the Fu Kong Cheng!"

A fiery‑red figure materialized before them, a petite, delicate body clad in an opulent long gown, silver‑gold hair swept into a bun, a jeweled crown atop her head—Ai Mi Li Si.

She wore a shocked expression and asked again, "Lei En, you're selling the Fu Kong Cheng?"

Viola rose from Lei En's arms, regaining her papal bearing before outsiders, gave Ai Mi Li Si a slight nod, and calmly addressed, "Your Majesty."

Ai Mi Li Si also replied with a respectful "Your Holiness," then turned her gaze back to Lei En; her thoughts now focused solely on the Fu Kong Cheng, indifferent to Lei En and Viola's intimacy, with no mind for jealousy.

"Yes, I intend to auction it."

Lei En gave a brief rundown of the auction scheduled three days later.

Ai Mi Li Si's violet eyes began to shine, her breathing quickening involuntarily. If she could obtain a Fu Kong Cheng, her power would surge, giving her a chance to ascend to Saint Rank, and the Zhuogengfort family's rule over Kangjiatuo would become even more unassailable!

Ignoring Viola standing nearby, she sat beside Lei En, slipped her arm around his, and eagerly said, "Lei En, I also want to join this auction."

Lei En shook his head, "You can't."

"Why?" Ai Mi Li Si asked, bewildered.

"You're not an Empire citizen." Lei En explained, "Only citizens of the Oriense Empire may bid on a Fu Kong Cheng, and even then the buyer must be a Wizard or a Saint Rank caster. Do you think the Supreme Council would allow a Fu Kong Cheng to fall under foreign control?"

Ai Mi Li Si was greatly disappointed; she was neither an Empire citizen nor a Wizard.

But she was unwilling to accept it.

"Lei En, can't you make an exception for Rex's sake?" Ai Mi Li Si swayed Lei En's arm, pleading, "If I obtain the Fu Kong Cheng, I'll eventually pass it to Lei Ke Si; he's your son."

The reason was compelling, yet Lei En hesitated briefly before shaking his head in refusal.

Ai Mi Li Si's eyes dimmed.

She released her grip, complaining, "You're so ruthless!"

Lei En said calmly, "I know Lei Ke Si is my son; it should be his. I'll prepare it for him, and no one can take it away. Anything not his, no matter how much you fight for him, is useless."

"Alright…"

Ai Mi Li Si was deeply disappointed, without causing an unreasonable scene.

In truth she knew that such a vital Fu Kong Cheng could not be obtained merely by a few words. Not to mention a single son, countless people would abandon family, lovers, and friends, paying any price they could, even a hundred sons, just to exchange for a Fu Kong Cheng.

She only thought it was such a waste!

A Fu Kong Cheng is worth over a hundred million Gold Shields; Lei En's New Village Fu Kong Cheng is partially damaged, so it cannot fetch such a price and will certainly be discounted. Otherwise, why would other Holy Soul Wizards buy it? They have enough money; they could simply build another Fu Kong Cheng themselves.

The Zhuo Gengbao family's dragon‑blood treasure has been fully excavated, and with the Kangjiatuo Kingdom's treasury it should amount to around sixty‑to‑seventy million Gold Shields.

That sum is certainly enough; if not, we can still borrow.

As long as we can obtain a Fu Kong Cheng, even an extra few tens of millions is worth it. One must know that a Fu Kong Cheng cannot be bought merely with money; the crucial Iola Core is held only by the Supreme Council, and auctioning a Fu Kong Cheng is something no one dares to imagine.

This once‑in‑a‑millennium chance is missed simply because they're not from the Empire, and Lei En shows no mercy; Ai Mili Si truly has grievances she cannot voice.

Seeing her despondent, Lei En felt a pang of compassion and soothed, "You're not without any chance either."

"What do you mean?" Ai Mili Si's hope rekindled.

"Once you publicly worship the God of Magic, most of Kangjiatuo Kingdom's people will become the goddess's followers; if the kingdom then allies with the Empire and the two sign a friendly mutual‑access treaty, the Supreme Council should permit Kangjiatuo to take possession of a Fu Kong Cheng," Lei En said with a smile.

Ai Mili Si instantly bristled, "Then won't Kangjiatuo become a vassal state of the Empire?"

"It's merely a title," Lei En shrugged. "Kangjiatuo is so far from the Empire that it's practically ungovernable; you and the Zhuo Gengbao family remain the kingdom's rulers, just like the Howa Wen Kingdom and the Turde Trade City‑State, enjoying high autonomy."

"Trust me."

Lei En's expression turned serious, "As long as you're willing to attach to the Empire, any condition can be negotiated. You wouldn't even have to pay taxes to the Empire; on the contrary, the Empire would grant Kangjiatuo abundant benefits."

"Such a boon!" Ai Mili Si was somewhat incredulous, "How could the Supreme Council possibly agree to such terms?"

"Heh…" Lei En gave a mysterious smile, "When the time comes, the decision‑maker might not be the Supreme Council at all."

Ai Mili Si saw he wasn't joking and began to weigh the matter carefully.

Gaining a chance to control a Fu Kong Cheng under the guise of vassalage is valuable enough on its own. Moreover, the dragon‑blood family would receive the Empire's support, solidifying their rule; even in the worst case—if the dragon‑blood family lost the throne—they could rely on the Fu Kong Cheng to preserve their lineage and secure a chance for a comeback.

But there's another issue.

Ai Mili Si lightly swayed her head, the jeweled crown atop her head glittering, and said, "If Kangjiatuo Kingdom attaches to the Empire, then where would a second Fu Kong Cheng be available for purchase?"

"As long as Kangjiatuo obtains permission to command a Fu Kong Cheng, you gather enough money and materials, and I'll forge the Iola Core for you," Lei En promised.

"Great!" Ai Mili Si was thrilled, "Lei En, that's what you said!"

"Of course, it's a promise," Lei En replied earnestly.

"It's a promise!"

Ai Mili Si's earlier disappointment vanished, and she thought about how to accelerate Kangjiatuo's conversion to the God of Magic before initiating a treaty with the Empire.

"Lei En, I'm heading back to the kingdom first," she rose impatiently, signaled to Viola, and hurried away, soon teleporting back to Jin Si Lan with her son.

Only Lei En and Viola remained in the room.

Viola, seated on the nearby sofa listening to their conversation, felt a twinge of envy.

She too wanted a Fu Kong Cheng!

Lei En guessed her thoughts and laughed, "You want one too?"

Viola moved closer, her lively eyes flashing at him, and in a coquettish voice said, "Obviously, who wouldn't want a Fu Kong Cheng? Don't forget I'm also a Wizard."

Lei En smiled without replying.

He used to think the Ten Thousand Spirits Wizard was immensely powerful, touted as a late‑game transcendent class, getting stronger over time, a single person being a legion.

However, upon reaching a higher realm, he realized the claims were exaggerated; the Ten Thousand Spirits Wizard is ultimately more like a summoner, and the number of magic souls can hardly compensate for the quality gap.

The Duke is a typical example.

As the sole Holy Soul Ten Thousand Spirits Wizard, she excels at crushing weaker foes and holds her own against peers, but against higher‑rank enemies she is virtually helpless.

That is actually the weakness of the entire Soul‑Command School.

Wizards of the Soul‑Command School are not pure casters; all three branches heavily rely on magic‑soul quality, making it hard to challenge higher tiers. The representative of the Shapeshifting Wizards, Sabbath Dean, is even weaker in the Supreme Council, ranking below the Duke.

Nonetheless, Lei En wouldn't dare claim that the Soul‑Command School is all trash.

Wantu Sui Howai Master, also of the Soul‑Command School, is absurdly strong; this old cur is extremely low‑key in the Supreme Council, yet his power rivals the three giants.

Viola, unaware of Lei En's thoughts, murmured, "I'm not a queen like Ai Mili Si; she rules a kingdom with over thirty million subjects, abundant mining resources, and a family‑inherited treasure, while I can't even muster a five‑million Gold Shield deposit."

"I heard the Beauty and Goodness Church is wealthy," Lei En laughed.

Longhaired Lady's followers are generally affluent and regularly donate a sum to the Church.

Only the wealthy and idle can study the arts—painting, photography, dance, performance… each talent costs money. Pursuing love and beauty burns even more—cosmetics, clothes, shoes, countless banquets and salons; the poor simply can't afford them.

The poor may worship Longhaired Lady, but a follower who doesn't spend money can't be truly devout.

"That's church money; I wouldn't dare misappropriate it."

Viola lowered her voice, "Moreover, after I took office I learned that Mrs. Ilesha had long drained the Church's funds—some embezzled, some spent on lavish indulgence. When she left Nuosiruier, she even took the last cash on the ledger, leaving a deficit of over a million Gold Shields, which I personally covered most of."

The Half‑elf sighed helplessly and couldn't help venting to Lei En.

She had labored over a Camera and a record company, barely saving some money over the years, only to find that becoming a Pope required her to pour more in.

Forget a Fu Kong Cheng; even the Wu Shi Ta can only be dreamed of.

It was Lei En's first time learning this, "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

Viola's expression remained blank.

She had her own dignity and wouldn't turn to Lei En for every difficulty; perhaps it was a trivial effort for Lei En, but she didn't want him to look down on her.

Lei En understood at a glance, sighed inwardly, "Viola is still too headstrong."

Yet it is precisely that independent spirit that makes him love her more. Since he now knows her predicament, he must lend a hand. The way to help must be subtle, not overly forceful, and phrased gently so she can accept it.

"Viola, your birthday is approaching, isn't it?" Lei En instantly had an idea.

"Next month—what about it?"

Lei En smiled mysteriously, "I've prepared a gift for you. But you'll have to open it yourself; I don't even know what's inside."

"Fine, where's the gift?" Viola waited for Lei En to produce it.

"I placed it in a spot only I know," Lei En stood, extending his hand to the unparalleled Half‑elf, "Come with me."

Viola's curiosity was piqued by his enigmatic demeanor, her eyes full of anticipation.

She let Lei En lead her out of the study.

As they descended past the castle's great hall, the wind‑elf steward saw the scene and politely greeted, "Sir, the Pope's coronation is underway."

Lei En paused briefly, then ordered: "Fabian, go to the Mo Du Daily and run an errand—publish a notice."

"Yes, sir." Fabian listened attentively.

"Three days later at noon, Glamorgan Castle will hold an auction, selling New Town Fu Kong Cheng in a sealed-bid format. Any Empire Wizard or Saint Rank spellcaster is eligible to participate; by depositing five million Gold Shield, one can obtain an entry ticket, which will be refunded after the auction." Lei En said casually, "If I'm not at the castle, you will register the guest list, collect the deposit, and the Extreme Warrior will protect your safety."

Fabian was struck as if by lightning, terrified by this news.

"Do you remember?" Lei En asked.

The wind spirit's expression stiffened as it nodded, its mind blank, it stammered: "I—I remember, sir..."

Lei En no longer paid him any mind, taking Viola's hand as they stepped onto the teleportation array.

Fabian stood there dazed for a long time; as soon as he came to his senses, he immediately raced out of the castle at top speed, heading for the Mo Du Daily headquarters.

Half an hour later, the Empire was in an uproar!

(End of chapter)