Chapter 858: The Deal That Determines the Future

Master Tim*Kenan.

Lei En, without realizing it, changed his address, closing the distance, and asked confidently, "I heard the Master once visited the Hes White Tower?"

"Yes, I've visited three times," Tim*Kenan nodded.

The Hes White Tower is the world's first towering spire, standing for over seven thousand years, housing the crystallized wisdom of elf wizards since the Second Era; the magical knowledge within the tower is so vast that the Empire's eight Fu Kong Cheng combined might still fall short.

All spellcasters worldwide yearn for the Hes White Tower, hoping to find their answers on the path of magic within it.

However, the Hes White Tower is virtually closed to non‑elf races.

Even elf wizards can enter only the most outstanding geniuses and legendary wizards; Tim*Kenan's three visits are clearly due to his Holy Soul Wizard status.

A Holy Soul Wizard's power is comparable to a Grand Mage, with no hierarchy, thus naturally earning the elves' recognition.

All members of the Supreme Council have visited the Hes White Tower.

Lei En smiled, and in Tim*Kenan's puzzled gaze suddenly said, "The Master has been to the Hes White Tower; you must have heard of the Hes magical array, right?"

Mid‑sentence, he drew a magic notebook from his Nebula Ring.

The notebook was not thick, and its cover bore no text.

However, Tim*Kenan's expression changed as he caught Lei En's meaning, "Does this record the Hes magical array?"

"Exactly."

Lei En opened to the first page, revealing a complex rune array.

Beside it were dense annotations in high‑elf script.

This is only a small fragment of the massive Hes magical array, yet Tim*Kenan's knowledgeable eye instantly verified its authenticity, and his attention was instantly captured.

But Lei En closed it after a few seconds, then stowed the magic notebook back into the Nebula Ring.

Tim*Kenan felt a hint of regret, yet with that glance he memorized what he saw and found it rather inspiring.

He shifted his gaze back to Lei En, exclaiming, "Where did you get it?"

The Hes magical array is the elves' supreme secret, a crystallized wisdom amassed over millennia; it aids in constructing Nine-ring Technique models, lowering difficulty and boosting efficiency. It is precisely because of the Hes magical array that the elves possess so many Grand Mages.

Just the Grand Mages of the Hes White Tower exceed ten; the total number of elf Grand Mages could easily double that, perhaps even more!

He visited the Hes White Tower three times, yet never had a chance to encounter the Hes magical array.

The elves could not share it with other races.

Legend has it that even the God of Magic could not master the Hes magical array's knowledge; she once hinted to the elves, seeking a glimpse, but was rebuffed by the arrogant elf Grand Mages.

Now Lei En can produce it!

Obviously, Lei En didn't obtain it from the God of Magic, which made Tim*Kenan very curious about how he did it.

In fact, Lei En himself doesn't quite know.

The Hes magical array was built by the Obsidian Tower; Zuo'er Wizard Keweisasen recorded it in the tower's log, and no one likely knows where Keweisasen obtained it.

Lei En speculated that when Zuo'er split from the elves' civil war, the Hes magical array also leaked out.

The origin of the array is irrelevant.

What matters is that the Hes magical array in my hands is genuine; Reslin has been using it for two or three years, and the results are excellent.

Lei En replied honestly, "This is a spoil I acquired by chance; its provenance is hard to trace, but it is certainly the Hes magical array. Master Tim*Kenan, I wonder if you are interested?"

Tim*Kenan, of course, is interested!

Spellcasters' thirst for magical knowledge is endless, especially the stronger they are, because they can truly convert knowledge into power.

Knowledge is power!

For spellcasters, this is not a metaphor or exaggeration, but a fact.

The famed Hes magical array, one of the world's most elite magical knowledges, even the God of Magic could not master; which spellcaster wouldn't want it?

But Tim*Kenan's face remained impassive as he calmly said, "The Hes magical array is only useful to wizards; we are Wizards, and the way we break through Saint Rank differs from wizards. The difference between constructing a spell model and integrating a Law Seal should be obvious without me elaborating."

Lei En obviously understood; he was being pressed for price.

He didn't rush to rebut, saying, "Even if Master Tim*Kenan can't use it, the knowledge contained in the Hes magical array has great reference value."

"Indeed so."

Tim*Kenan also acknowledged this.

When spellcasters discuss magical knowledge, they are always rather pragmatic.

Each rune array contains myriad layers of knowledge—its operating principles, layout techniques, applications to alchemical materials, energy transmutation, and so on. The most elite rune arrays are far more than a single spell effect; they are like a massive tome, inevitably possessing unique insights.

Moreover, this is the Hes magical array!

Even the rune array of a Ten-ring Spell pales in value compared to it.

Lei En didn't linger on the array's value; the topic suddenly shifted as he asked, "Master Tim*Kenan, will Master Ma Youfu also join the revenge operation in Banbei City this time?"

"Of course."

Tim*Kenan understood as soon as the words left his mouth.

Ma Youfu is one of Franz's Eight Leaves; each Eight Leaf member is a renowned spellcaster who has invented many spells and enjoys great prestige, and Ma Youfu is no exception.

His best‑known spells are "Ma Youfu Micro Meteor" and "Ma Youfu Strong Acid Arrow."

However, Ma Youfu differs from the other Eight Leaves in that he is not human but a wood elf.

Elves lack the Blood Soul Curse and cannot become Wizards.

Thus Ma Youfu is a wizard.

Moreover, Master Ma Youfu is a nineteenth‑level Legendary Mage; three years ago at BrewotzAcademy, Lei En met him face‑to‑face, and with the Soul Eye saw clearly that Ma Youfu had already built a Nine-ring Technique model, and the second Nine-ring Technique was nearly mastered.

Advancing to Grand Mage requires three Nine-ring Techniques; he has already succeeded in half.

Lei En has met four Eight Leaf members—Ou Ti Luk, Bi Ge Bai, Tan Sen, and Ma Youfu—who are all Legendary Peak spellcasters, and these four enjoy the greatest fame.

Ma Youfu is the youngest, just over two hundred years old.

His talent ranks just below Bi Ge Bai, making him very likely to become a Grand Mage.

If Ma Youfu can obtain the help of the Hesi Magic Array, the chance to break through to Grand Mage is increased by at least half, and time is greatly saved.

Tim*Kenan's current biggest worry is that the Balance Faction has only two members left and has lost influence in the Supreme Council. If Ma Youfu can quickly become a Grand Mage and enter the Supreme Council, the Balance Faction would gain an extra vote; together with the Naiser Faction they would have seven votes, enough to overwhelm the Mo Du Faction's six votes.

Thus, the Balance Faction regains its voice, and the Supreme Council returns to equilibrium.

It can be said to be a win on many fronts!

Lei En looked at Tim*Kenan and said calmly, "Master Ma Youfu should soon master the second Nine-ring Technique, right?"

Tim*Kenan did not deny, "I didn't expect you were still paying attention to Eight Leaves."

"Since we are to make an exchange with the Master, I naturally need to conduct some investigation first," Lei En said seriously, "the Hesi Magic Array can not only aid Master Ma Youfu, but with the Master's wisdom, perhaps after mastering it it can be modified for use by Wizards."

Tim*Kenan finally showed emotion, "Do you think this is possible?"

"Yes."

Lei En answered confidently, "I am too young; my magical knowledge is far inferior to the Master's, perhaps not even one percent of yours. What I cannot accomplish is easy for the Master."

His own words were the truth.

The Hesi Magic Array indeed has the possibility of being modified for Wizards, but it is extremely difficult.

Assisting in building spell models and integrating Law Seals are two completely different advancement paths, yet both involve triggering the seventh Soul Metamorphosis; they share about twenty percent in common, so modification is not entirely impossible.

Lei En had also tried it himself, but gave up quickly.

He assessed that completing the modification of the Hesi Magic Array is no less difficult than inventing a Ten-ring Spell, such as the "Augulevi Longevity Technique," and would require a very long time—tens of years at best, perhaps several hundred years still insufficient.

In the Empire, only three of the most learned Holy Soul Wizards are capable of doing this.

His teacher, Master Tim*Kenan, KangJieladeGreatSage.

If they can cooperate fully, perhaps the time can be greatly shortened. Once completed and the application taught, the number of Holy Soul Wizards in the Empire will inevitably surge, which is unprecedented good news for all Wizards in the world!

And the Wizard who accomplishes this will have their name enshrined for eternity.

His personal prestige will reach its peak, enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with Augulevi Master!

In comparison, the spells invented by Eight Leaves members are hardly worth mentioning; even Tim Kainen Disintegrate and Demon Sword Technique appear extremely insignificant when compared with the achievement of modifying the Hesi Magic Array.

This is a great invention comparable to the Iola Core!

Tim*Kenan was quite excited; he was already naming it, hesitating whether to call it "Tim Kenan Magic Array" or "Tim Kenan Holy Soul Technique".

The Soul Eye saw his emotional fluctuations clearly.

Lei En smiled inwardly.

The art of trade is to prescribe the right remedy, to pinpoint the other party's need.

GreyEagle Duke already has a Floating City; he also has money, authority, influence, and great power—nothing he lacks, but he seeks fame. He wants higher prestige and greater achievement, to leave a brilliant page of his own in the history of the Ellenor World.

This can be seen from the series of spells named "Tim Kenan".

Not only Tim*Kenan, but the Eight Leaves members are the same.

Otiluk, seeing no hope for Holy Soul Ascension, directly abandoned that path, turned to seeking fame, decided to run for Consul, also to leave his name in history.

The Hesi Magic Array can both solve the Balance Faction's dilemma and serve as a starting point toward higher achievement and fame, so Tim*Kenan could not help but be moved.

"Master Tim*Kenan, what have you considered?" Lei En asked with a smile.

"Good!"

Tim*Kenan immediately agreed, "As long as you can win in the Empire Council, when the Supreme Council raises a hand to vote, I can cast a vote for you."

Lei En shook his head, "Master, a single vote is not enough, and we are still far off."

A vote is merely a hand raise.

Moreover, that vote only decides the Consul for the next ten years, which cannot be compared to the value of the Hesi Magic Array.

Tim*Kenan also knew the value gap was huge, thought for a moment, and said, "I can guarantee Howai will also cast a favorable vote."

"Seven votes and eight votes make little difference," Lei En's mind was clear, not fooled.

"I will have Otiluk give up running for Consul."

"No need." Lei En shook his head again, replying confidently, "Whether Master Otiluk runs or not makes no difference to me. As long as I wish, no opponent can threaten me or block my path to the Consul throne."

"Also…"

Tim*Kenan nodded slightly, not thinking Lei En was bragging.

Lei En's strength is evident to all; since he is preparing to run, no one in the Empire besides the Holy Soul Wizards can surpass him.

"Then what do you want?"

Tim*Kenan understood he was being held by Lei En, but he really wanted the Hesi Magic Array, helplessly passive, so he tried to appear calm and said, "State your price directly; everything can be discussed."

"First, the Master and Howai Master must both vote for me in the Supreme Council," Lei En presented the first condition.

"Didn't you say seven votes and eight votes make little difference?" Tim*Kenan retorted.

Lei En laughed, "Eight votes are a bit safer."

"Fine, I agree," Tim*Kenan said without further argument, "I congratulate you in advance on becoming the Empire's forty‑fifth Consul."

With Mo Du Faction's six votes plus the Balance Faction's two, Lei En is almost certain not to lose.

"Thank you, Master."

Lei En continued, "Besides this Consul vote, I would like another promise from the Master: when I need it, the Master will unconditionally exercise voting power according to my wishes, not necessarily in favor, possibly against."

Tim*Kenan's expression was solemn.

That promise may seem light, but in some future crucial resolutions it could be the decisive vote.

He hesitated, "If the vote you demand harms the Balance Faction's interests…"

"Master, does the Balance Faction still have any interests in the Supreme Council?" Lei En got to the point; the Balance Faction now has only two votes, even allied with the Naiser Faction they have six, unable to pass any resolution. He said, "Master, perhaps you should temporarily cooperate with the Mo Du Faction, jointly control the Supreme Council, and leverage that to exert influence."

"That would make the Mo Du Faction dominate alone, throwing the Empire's balance completely off," Tim*Kenan thought this contradicted his own principles.

"It's only once."

Lei En extended a single finger, acting relaxed, "I only need one promise from the Master; once is enough."

Tim*Kenan thought for a long while, and finally spoke up.

But he still said cautiously, "This promise must have a term; I can keep it for you for at most thirty years."

Ma Youfu had only mastered the second Nine-ring Technique a few months ago; with his talent, constructing the Hes Magic Array to fully assist, perhaps he could break through to Grand Mage within thirty years, and then the Balance Faction's dilemma would be resolved, Tim*Kenan thought.

Lei En was rapidly calculating in his mind.

Thirty years…

It should be in time, even more than enough.

"Very well, Master." He kept an expressionless face and said, "Then we shall agree that this promise is valid within thirty years."

Tim*Kenan nodded in agreement.

"The final condition." Lei En continued his offer: "Please, Master, produce another ten million Gold Shields."

"Deal!"

Tim*Kenan hesitated hardly at all and agreed very briskly.

That instead made Lei En feel a bit regretful.

In today's transaction, his true aim was the promise; demanding ten million Gold Shields at the end was merely a cover, and even if the other side haggled down to zero, he would still agree.

He didn't expect Tim*Kenan to agree outright; had he known, he would have opened his mouth wide and asked for twenty or even thirty million Gold Shields.

He still underestimated the Hes Magic Array's attraction to Holy Soul Wizards.

What a loss!

Tim*Kenan saw Lei En's regret and gave him no chance to backtrack, saying, "I'll have someone deliver the money to Glamorgan tonight."

Then he reached out his hand.

Lei En, somewhat gloomy, took out the magical notebook, handed it to Tim*Kenan, and said, "Please, Master, keep it safe."

This gesture showed his trust in the Holy Soul Wizard, making Tim*Kenan very satisfied; he took the magical notebook, placed it on the table, and said, "You may leave now."

Lei En knew he would soon study the Hes Magic Array, so he rose and took his leave.

Leaving He Palace, he teleported to Marlinge Manor.

Viola had been waiting for Lei En's return; as soon as she saw his figure and stepped forward without speaking, she heard Lei En burst into a hearty laugh: "Hahaha…"

"Duke, has the lord accepted your candidacy?" Viola asked.

Lei En nodded.

Viola was very puzzled and wondered, "It's only a Consul; are you that happy?"

"Hahaha…" Lei En laughed again, his expression deeply meaningful, and said, "It's not that simple as being a Consul; you'll understand later, hehe…"

(End of Chapter)