Chapter 942: Hot Spring Night Talk

Lei En stared at the spot where the rustic gate had vanished, a hint of bewilderment on his face; would that indescribable great being even care about being taken advantage of?

It seems, then, that it also possesses some self‑awareness.

That frantic, wild roar carried no malice—of course, no kindness either—but it unmistakably expressed emotion, demonstrating the existence of consciousness. As long as communication is possible, regardless of how lofty the entity, there might be a chance to interact, to be taken advantage of… no, to make a friend.

"Unfortunately, both chances to reach the Nine‑ring Technique have been used up."

Lei En thought with some regret that the next time he opens this rustic gate, the Key of Doors must be upgraded to the Ten‑ring, and by then he will have reached Thirty‑level.

"Forget it."

He shook his head and examined the new spell he had acquired.

Time Stop!

This so‑called strongest Nine‑ring Technique in the world truly lives up to its name; Lei En has already witnessed its power and decided long ago that when the Key of Doors reaches the Nine‑ring, he would choose it, for it can boost his strength dramatically—so much so that even Holy Soul Wizards and Grand Mages would scarcely take notice.

With Reslin and his own body working together, Lei En believes there are hardly any opponents left in the Prime Material Plane.

Nevertheless, he still remains cautious and low‑key.

Because of Augulevi Master!

This historically strongest Wizard is unfathomable; all along, Lei En has felt that Augulevi Master seems to be everywhere, hiding behind the scenes and controlling everything, and his every move and all his plans have likely already been seen through by Augulevi Master.

"Big brother is watching you!"

Lei En recalled a saying from his previous life: Augulevi Master is indeed that most terrifying big brother.

And he has a premonition—though he cannot yet guess the cause—that sooner or later he will have a battle with Augulevi Master.

"Still need to work harder…"

Lei En whispered to himself, then began practicing the spell, casting Time Stop.

About two seconds later, the spell completed; an invisible magical ripple instantly spread outward, enveloping the space within several hundred meters, quieting the world inside the radius—everything halted, and time itself ceased to flow.

Only Lei En and Reslin could still move.

During Time Stop, physical attacks can take effect immediately, but spells cannot; any spell cast that leaves Lei En or Reslin will be affected, frozen mid‑air, and will take effect instantly once Time Stop ends.

Moreover, Mirror Image cannot cast Time Stop, because Mirror Image technique itself tops out at an Eight‑ring Spell, and any spell it casts cannot exceed Eight‑ring.

The Ten‑ring True Mirror Image Technique can, but it requires prior preparation—using a minute to summon the True Mirror Image.

Most of the time, battles erupt suddenly, leaving no time to prepare; not even a minute, let alone a second, can be spared.

Thus Lei En excludes the True Mirror Image Technique from his casting sequence.

In such peak combat, not a single mistake can be tolerated; one must be 100% certain before adding a spell to the sequence.

Lei En repeatedly cast Time Stop over a dozen times, gradually becoming proficient.

However, the casting was still a bit slow.

Just over two seconds!

That is too slow in battles involving Saint Rank elites; the magical ripple is also quite obvious, and if the opponent is a Holy Soul Wizard or Grand Mage, they will surely do everything they can to disrupt the casting or keep distance, evading the Time Stop effect.

Lei En glanced at Reslin's "Endless Storm" and "Crimson Seal Ring".

These two Legend Grade magical items each shave a second off casting time, allowing Reslin to achieve near‑instant Time Stop and seize the initiative in combat.

"I'll give it a try too."

Reslin handed over his staff and ring.

After Lei En equipped them, he cast Time Stop again, and indeed it became much faster—almost completed in the blink of an eye.

"So useful!"

He had possessed Endless Storm and Crimson Seal Ring for a long time, and only now realized their greatest utility— even casting a Nine‑ring Technique can be shortened by a second, truly god‑defying.

If he relied on his own magical research, that one second would require centuries of effort.

"Truly Legend Grade!"

Lei En without hesitation returned the equipment to Reslin; only a pure caster like Reslin can fully exploit their effect.

Of course, when facing a strong enemy, Reslin must also take the first move.

"Um…"

Lei En stroked his chin; unfortunately, such magical items that can shorten Nine‑ring Technique casting are all Legend Grade—rare and unattainable.

The stacking effect of magical items has a limit; even if Reslin received another, it still wouldn't achieve true instant casting. That final tiny fragment of casting time can only be eliminated through deep study of the spell, reaching full comprehension.

Therefore, any further similar magical items can only be used by the original body.

Lei En spent half a day studying Time Stop, then coordinated drills with Reslin, achieving flawless eighteen‑second field control, seamless transition, giving the enemy no moment to breathe.

When he emerged from the Obsidian Tower, Gotham City was already night.

"Sir."

Fa Lan Jia Si Ka stood outside the teleportation hall; seeing Lei En emerge, her eyes lit slightly, and she said softly, "I've had my servant prepare hot water and dinner. Sir, would you like to bathe first or dine first?"

Lei En shrugged his shoulders, "I'll bathe first."

Having spent more than half a month in the Abyssal Plane, even though most of the time was aboard the Star Destroyer, his body inevitably absorbed some foul aura; the conditions aboard the Star Destroyer are limited, and to conserve water, he hadn't bathed in a long while.

"Sir, follow me," Fa Lan Jia Si Ka said with an elegant bow, then led the way.

After walking a stretch, Lei En realized they were heading the wrong way—not toward his own room—so he asked, "Where are we going?"

Fa Lan Jia Si Ka turned back, smiling, "You'll know when we arrive."

"Fine."

Lei En said nothing further.

The Soul Eye had already inspected; his chief maid harbored no ill intent, her emotions were a bit tense—but not the conspiratorial kind—seeming to be preparing a surprise for him.

The Willpower of Truth also showed no signs of danger.

Within this Highland Fortress, two squads of Extreme Warriors and over a hundred Thundercast Celestial Soldiers stand guard constantly; no plot or danger can escape his notice.

Soon, Fa Lan Jia Si Ka led Lei En to the rear of the Highland Fortress, pushed open a large door, and entered a luxuriously renovated suite; the interior décor was meticulously arranged, evidently by her own hand, and through the towering floor‑to‑ceiling windows, a garden lay outside.

The garden isn't large, yet even in winter it is filled with multicolored blossoms, a sight that pleases the eye.

However, Lei En's attention is fixed on the center of the garden.

A pool of a few dozen square meters sits in the middle, surrounded by flower walls, with steam rising from its surface.

"Hot spring?" Lei En says, surprised.

"Yes, sir." Fa Lan Jia Si Ka nods lightly, "When you're weary you can soak here; it relieves fatigue and benefits body and mind."

"You're thoughtful."

Lei En glances at his chief maid; clearly she has poured much effort into this garden hot spring, preparing it for a long time, with only one purpose—to please him.

He does like it.

Fa Lan Jia Si Ka's face lights with delight as she boldly meets Lei En's gaze and earnestly says, "I'll do anything as long as I can serve you well."

This woman…

Lei En instantly understands, eyes her stunningly beautiful face, feels a stir inside, yet remains composed and nods, "I'll try the hot spring first."

"Alright."

Fa Lan Jia Si Ka shows no disappointment, steps forward naturally, removes Lei En's armor and lining, even his shorts, leaving him naked before her.

Neither shows any change; for years, whenever Lei En spends a night in Gotham City, she has attended to his washing.

Nevertheless, the Soul‑Eye still detects her emotional fluctuations.

Lei En steps in, sits by the pool's edge, the hot water engulfs his body, his hair stands up, feeling extremely pleasant. A pair of skilled hands settle on his shoulders, applying just‑right pressure, kneading and tapping, prompting a low hum from him.

"Your massage technique has improved again." Lei En says, eyes closed, enjoying it.

"Mm."

Fa Lan Jia Si Ka replies softly, saying nothing more.

Lei En half‑opens his eyes, glances at her; the chief maid kneels half‑prone at the pool's edge, leaning forward so that from his viewpoint he can see into her neckline, a flash of snow‑white smoothness and an unfathomable gorge. Though he had just battled Li Fei Lin that afternoon, for a Holy Soul Wizard it cost nothing, and he instantly feels a physical response.

He offers no concealment.

As a Legendary Warlock, Fa Lan Jia Si Ka naturally sees the changes underwater; her neck flushes pink, and her grip becomes a bit erratic.

Lei En chuckles inwardly but makes no move, saying, "Tell me about Gotham City's recent situation."

"Certainly, sir."

Fa Lan Jia Si Ka massages Lei En while reporting Gotham City's affairs.

Lei En listens with his eyes closed.

When Lei En is absent, Fa Lan Jia Si Ka is effectively the ruler of Gotham City; the Extreme Warrior and Thundercast Celestial Soldier obey her commands, and commerce, infrastructure, security, land development, law and so on—all departments of the Gotham City municipal hall report to her.

Among Gotham City's upper echelons, no one still regards Fa Lan Jia Si Ka as a maid.

People respectfully call her "Chief Lady."

Even Saint Rank elites Li Fei Lin and Kuilu must show Fa Lan Jia Si Ka a measure of respect.

Of course, Fa Lan Jia Si Ka performs excellently and harbors no ulterior motives, so Lei En grants her full trust and great authority.

Such power can be withdrawn by a single word from him.

Today Gotham City's population exceeds 1.5 million, with an exceptionally high proportion of super‑humans—over 30 %, meaning nearly 500,000 super‑humans, surpassing Bayabel Bay and making it the most attractive city on the New Continent.

Moreover, the population grows daily; more super‑humans, blessed by the wisdom of the God of Magic statue, arrive from the New and Old Continents to settle.

Gotham's main city lies on Shield Island and is nearly finished.

The city is expanding toward the Aibolaken Peninsula, which was the main district of the Elven Magic Capital in the previous era.

Even the lands west of Aibolaken are being developed.

Fa Lan Jia Si Ka's goal is to, within ten years, develop the entire area illuminated by the God of Magic statue, expand the city beyond the peninsula, plan over twenty districts, and build a super‑city of five million residents!

Lei En agrees with her plan and lets her carry it out.

"Sir."

Fa Lan Jia Si Ka says, "The Magic Academy on Truth Island is built and nearly ready, but there are not enough teachers and no dean appointed yet."

"I'll handle that," Lei En replies immediately.

The Magic Academy in Gotham City is crucial; during the unveiling ceremony of the God of Magic statue, Lei En promised the public to build, behind the Temple of Wisdom, a cost‑free academy open to all races, dedicated to training Wizards, spells, and Warlocks, embracing every magical school.

In the future, graduates will become his core staff.

Lei En plans to send several of his mage clones into the academy, masquerading as teachers, then create a batch of sub‑Legendary Wizards and mage clones to fill key positions, fully controlling the academy.

Of course, he will also recruit teachers from outside.

He belongs to the Combat School and is well‑versed in the Law Seal School and mage knowledge, but not omniscient; the Soul‑Control School and Warlocks require others to teach.

Lei En thinks and adds, "Please convey a message to Dean Ma Ge Li Ta for me, asking her to send several senior Warlocks to join the academy."

"Alright."

Fa Lan Jia Si Ka gladly agrees.

In fact, Ailatusa Academy has many female Warlocks who have long inquired about her, hoping to develop in Gotham City; Dean Ma Ge Li Ta also wishes to bring more female Warlocks into Gotham's system to exert influence.

Lei En is fully aware of this but does not mind.

"Once the academy's teachers are in place, you may begin enrollment," Lei En instructs. "The Magic Academy will open on the first day of the New Year, and I will attend the opening ceremony."

"Yes."

Fa Lan Jia Si Ka nods, indicating she remembers, "Sir, you haven't named the academy yet."

"Augustus Truth Academy, commonly shortened to 'Truth Academy,'" Lei En had already decided, and the academy will be built on Truth Island, with the motto of practicing the God of Magic's doctrine as its school creed. "As for the dean's position, I will assume it myself."

Having finished, Lei En falls silent.

Fa Lan Jia Si Ka continues the massage.

She is only a Legendary Warlock; her physique isn't as robust as a melee super‑human. Though Lei En deliberately relaxes his muscles, his titanium‑extreme golden body is indestructible, harder than steel; after a while her massage becomes laborious, and her breathing quickens.

Lei En looks up at her; the pool water has soaked her elaborate long dress, making it look somewhat disheveled.

Her face was flushed, not knowing whether it was from overexertion or from frequently sneaking glances at her big brother standing upright underwater.

Lei En felt the teasing was enough.

A mental force field instantly condensed an invisible big hand that gently pushed her from behind; Falan Jiāsika was caught off guard, immediately falling into the hot spring, landing right in his embrace.

"My lord..."

Falan Jiāsika flustered, hurried to climb out of the water, but heard Lei En's command: "Take off your clothes."

(End of chapter)