Chapter 888: Community of Shared Interests

Anxiwodasi was delighted to hear Lei En say that, upon being elected Consul, he would strike the Holy Soul Wizard; Lei En's ascension, as his most outstanding student, is more persuasive than Reslin's.

After his delight, he felt a bit helpless.

Lei En's talent is ancient and dazzling, even allowing him to arbitrarily choose when to strike the Holy Soul Wizard—a feat no one has ever achieved; not only does he outshine himself, the "strongest wizard in history" Ao Gulewei and the "first genius in history" Hong Shi Duke are left far behind.

Anxiwodasi never doubts that Lei En will fail; without sufficient certainty, Lei En would not tell him to prepare for ascension.

By the end of the month, Lei En had just turned twenty‑seven.

This record of Kai Er Si Tong was moved forward by a full twenty‑one years; a Holy Soul Wizard under thirty, if placed a few years ago, no one would have believed it.

However, it is precisely because Lei En's talent is excessive that he feels even ascending to a Holy Soul Wizard offers no challenge, and he even intends to overthrow the Supreme Council and become Emperor of the Empire!

Becoming Consul is only the first step.

Becoming Consul and immediately striking the Holy Soul Wizard, claiming that Lei En is not deliberately suppressing his wizard rank, is outright insulting.

"You will eventually have to take this step," Anxiwodasi sighed.

Lei En shook his head, "Teacher, the first step was taken years ago; there is no way back now, and I don't want to turn back."

"You just became Consul and became a Holy Soul Wizard; what do the others in the Supreme Council think?" Anxiwodasi's eyes flickered, "Aren't you afraid that people will see through your ambition, unite to stop you, and propose to impeach your Consul position?"

"Just a coincidence."

Lei En smiled, looking sincerely at his teacher, "Moreover, the Supreme Council is controlled by the Mo Du faction; with me, seven of the thirteen members are ours, how could they impeach me?"

"I originally promised not to interfere in your affairs, and never said I would help you," Anxiwodasi snorted.

"Then I could also conceal that I am a Holy Soul Wizard," Lei En said with a sly grin, "unless you, Teacher, also play conspiracies and secretly leak the matter."

Anxiwodasi was at a loss for words.

Only then did he realize he had been outmaneuvered by Lei En; he had earnestly hoped Lei En would publicly announce his ascension to Holy Soul Wizard, proving the Mo Du faction's doctrine superior to the Naisè faction, and to fulfill this millennial ambition, he needed to help Lei En control the Supreme Council and suppress the other Holy Soul Wizards.

He hesitated for a long time, then finally said, "If people discover you intend to overthrow the Supreme Council, even as a member of the Mo Du faction, they will not follow my Willpower."

When that sentence was spoken, Lei En knew the teacher had compromised.

A victorious smile appeared on his face.

"As the founder and leader of the Mo Du faction, you can't possibly be unable to appease even a few allies, can you?" Lei En, pressing further, "The time has come to test your grasp of the faction."

"You bastard…"

Anxiwodasi, furious enough to blow his beard and glare, felt completely used by Lei En yet tightly controlled, and now regret was useless. He waved his hand irritably, "Enough, enough, I know what to do; if there's nothing else, you may leave."

"Actually there is one thing, Teacher," Lei En said with a smile.

"Speak if you have something."

Lei En said earnestly, "I would like to commission you to create an Iola Core; I wonder if you are willing?"

"Iola Core!"

Anxiwodasi nearly jumped up, "Where did you get the money?"

The price of an Iola Core is roughly fifty million Gold Shields; he knows Lei En is very rich, having installed an Iola Core obtained from the Silver Star Duke into the God of Magic statue, poured countless resources into constructing Gotham City, and even promised to repay the debt of Weizelan Fu Kong Cheng; even with all his wealth, it should be spent up.

He originally thought Lei En would have to wait several more years, perhaps even a decade or more, before beginning to craft a new Iola Core to build his own Fu Kong Cheng.

But in just over a month, it had already begun.

"War is the best opportunity to get rich," Lei En said honestly to his teacher, "I have looted the royal treasure and treasury of the Gupita Kingdom; that should be just enough to craft an Iola Core."

Anxiwodasi was stunned; that's fifty million Gold Shields!

"Teacher, do you have time?" Lei En asked again.

"I need to think it over," Anxiwodasi replied without an immediate answer, weighing his words: "I have never manufactured an Iola Core, but it isn't difficult for me; it just consumes a lot of time, and for at least two years I won't be able to do anything else."

The Iola Core is the most complex magical artifact in the world, yet its manufacturing method is fixed and has never changed; as long as there are sufficient alchemical materials and schematics, making it is not as difficult as ordinary people imagine.

Lei En had previously estimated about three years, but did not expect the teacher would need only two.

If I help myself together, it should be even faster.

The Star Destroyer's current progress is about 30%; as Gotham City's population grows, opportunities to test the rune array diminish, so it is best to install the Iola Core into the Star Destroyer within three years, lest the construction schedule be delayed.

Seeing the teacher's hesitation, Lei En tossed a bait, speaking softly, "Teacher, manufacturing an Iola Core is extremely time‑consuming and labor‑intensive; I won't let you work in vain—I'm willing to give you one million Gold Shields as payment."

"You're trying to bribe me again?" Anxiwodasi's face hardened, looking very displeased.

Lei En immediately raised the offer: "Three million Gold Shields."

Anxiwodasi remained silent, his gaze unmoving as he stared at Lei En; the atmosphere in the high‑tower hall solidified, as if he were truly angry.

"Five million Gold Shields," Lei En startled, quickly raising the price again.

"Deal."

Anxiwodasi agreed at once, his sternness vanished, revealing a somewhat smug smile.

"Uh..." Lei En was taken aback.

He only then realized he had been duped by the teacher.

He had originally intended to pay the teacher one million Gold Shields, but a few words turned it into five million, which is one‑tenth of the Iola Core's cost. Such a high labor cost, even though he is now wealthy, pains him a bit; he would rather waste some time and make it himself.

Anxiwodasi smiled broadly, giving Lei En no chance to back out, and said, "Deliver the materials to Weizelan tomorrow, and I will start making it immediately."

"Alright, Teacher," Lei En said with a pained expression.

"Go then."

Anxiwodasi waved cheerfully.

Lei En rose and left; when he teleported back to the Glamo Extreme Castle, his complexion instantly became extremely relaxed, with no pang of losing five million Gold Shields.

Possessing the Soul Eye, he never misjudges others' emotions.

The teacher was not truly angry; although he was indeed somewhat displeased that Lei En had schemed him and pretended to be, the Soul Eye saw it all clearly, and he wasn't foolish enough to expose it—he was merely playing along with the teacher's act.

Of the five million Gold Shields, only one million is the subcontract fee for the Iola Core.

The remaining amount is the teacher's payment to appease the other Holy Soul Wizards and stabilize the Supreme Council, and that money was well spent.

The wind‑elf butler Fabian, accompanied by the castle servants, warmly welcomed Lei En home.

His own several students—Dalama, Peralysis, Jenna and Queying—came to the castle to pay respects to the teacher; Anvira did not come from the X Battle Academy, and Lei En looked at the excited faces of the students and talked with them for a long time.

Dalama and Peralysis are already legendary Wizards.

Jenna and Spirohok are still high-level Wizards; their talents are slightly lower, and they are still some way from the high-level pinnacle.

Jialu was absent; this half‑orc Ten Thousand Spirits Wizard had shown astonishing potential in recent years, winning the Mid-stage division championship at the Bruwotz Wizard Exchange Tournament, quickly surpassing the high-level Wizards to reach the pinnacle; a few months ago he left Weizelan to travel for experience, seeking a chance to break through the legend.

Lei En knew Jialu had his own secret, gave him several magical items, reminded him of a few things, and then let Jialu leave.

Now each student can stand on their own.

Therefore Lei En did not impose many restrictions, allowing them to develop on their own and walk their own magical paths.

In fact, when Lei En first took them in, he valued their talents, intending to cultivate them to aid himself in the future.

But plans could not keep up with changes; he obtained the Heart of the Mastermind and the Augurevi Creation Technique, enabling him to create countless clones—whether Thundercast Celestial Soldiers or Wizard duplicates—each of whose function and strength far surpasses his students.

Thus, how far his students could grow no longer mattered.

Although Lei En still instructed them, imparting magical knowledge and casting techniques and providing the best resources, with their wisdom they still sensed subtle differences from before, and the teacher no longer held any particular expectations of them.

"Teacher."

Dalama suddenly said, "I want to return to Aoroan; I may not come back for a very long time."

The study fell silent at once.

Peralysis's expression did not change, as if he had known all along.

Jenna and Queying showed reluctance on their faces; although Dalama's demeanor is cold, they knew it was only a façade—Dalama is a cold‑faced, warm‑hearted person, and years of companionship had forged a deep friendship.

Lei En glanced at the high elf disguised as a Half‑elf, asked nothing further, and replied cheerfully, "Very well. If you encounter danger or an unsolvable trouble, Weizelan is always your home; you may also seek my help—do not hesitate to speak up."

Dalama's eyes flickered, "I will, thank you, Teacher."

Then he reverted to his usual aloofness, saying nothing further.

Because Dalama was about to embark on a long journey, the joyous atmosphere in the study grew somewhat heavy; Lei En sighed inwardly and let them depart first.

Peralysis walked at the rear; before leaving the study, she turned back to Lei En, the melancholy in her eyes nearly overflowing.

The renowned Lady Polaris has lived these past two years rather quietly.

Lei En understood her feelings perfectly; claiming indifference would be a lie, but he is swamped now— even as a time‑management Master, he has no time to return her favor. Such matters must be handled by his true self, not by sending a duplicate.

Just after the students left, Fabian brought over a dozen invitation letters.

At the same time, several guests had already visited Gra Morgan; having learned of their return from Weizelan, they immediately came to request an audience.

Lei En knew the purpose of these guests.

The soon‑to‑be‑established "Empire Subcontinent Trade Company" attracts factions and merchants like sharks smelling blood, all rushing to pounce.

Anyone with a hint of business sense can see that the Trade Company will generate countless profits; securing a franchise for even the most trivial commodity still means immense wealth.

How could profit‑driven merchants pass up such a golden opportunity?

Many well‑informed individuals had already arrived at Mo Du before Lei En returned to the Empire, delivering invitations and even staying at the hotel nearest Gra Morgan Castle.

Lei En had anticipated this; it was the outcome he wanted.

The Trade Company is a massive cake.

As the allocator of this cake, he can reap the greatest benefit; by wielding distribution power, he can weave a vast network covering the entire Empire—anyone who joins the Trade Company boards his ship, their interests bound together.

In the Empire, power and wealth are inseparable.

Empire senators, nobles, and powerful supernaturals are often one and the same; most Empire senators are themselves great magnates, regional officials, noble‑born, or possess great power.

When they become shareholders of the Trade Company and taste its sweetness, none will be willing to quit; they all desire more.

"If you want to make money, you must obey!"

Every shareholder of the Trade Company will become part of his own interest collective.

In the Empire Council vote half a month later, getting them to cast their ballots for him is the most basic step; when he later becomes Consul, they must also approve certain reforms—anyone daring to oppose will be expelled from the Trade Company; after subtle influence, when they have become flush with profits on the subcontinent and he reveals his ambition, standing opposite the Supreme Council, it will be too late for them to withdraw.

The Trade Company is an overt scheme toward the subcontinent nations.

However, the Trade Company is a conspiracy against the Empire, and only Lei En fully understands its true purpose.

He flipped through the guest list, recalling each person's background, while also comparing a trade‑goods list in his mind.

Each commodity's franchise can be granted to only one shareholder.

He must carefully vet and assign them to the most suitable individuals.

Lei En quickly formed a plan, rose, and said, "Fabian, please summon Viscount Banfaser to the reception room."

"Very well, sir." Fabian bowed and left.

In the following days, Lei En spent most of his time at Gra Morgan Castle meeting guests, using his Soul Eye to discern truth from lies and friend from foe, matching each to their status, and assigning shareholders for dozens of commodities. During that period, he also found time to visit the Storm Temple, asking Elder Sorum to repair the Titan Power Armor, which he personally delivered into Batura's hands.

Lei En proactively invited Batura to join the Trade Company; after consideration, Batura nodded in agreement.

Half a month passed quickly.

Every seven days, Lei En used Holy Blood Amber to perform a full resurrection, reviving Otiluk and the Iron Knight Order's commander Sorik in turn.

Tomorrow is the date of the Empire Council vote.

That night, Lei En was at Marlinge Manor; learning from his duplicate that Duke Silver Star was visiting, he hurried back and met the slightly pallid Duke Silver Star.

She, upon seeing Lei En, immediately tossed a high‑grade Soul Stone, saying, "This is the ancient dragon‑demon's soul I promised you; take a look yourself."

(End of Chapter)