Ernst Academy did not make any seventh-level or higher magic spells publicly available.
If you wanted to learn higher-tier spells, you could only choose to pledge yourself to one side or another.
"Thank you, Lord Gilmore, Lord Lampson," Lin Lei said gratefully.
Images from the books he had read about the more powerful wind system spells flickered through Lin Lei's mind. The higher the tier of wind system magic, the more terrifying its power. Single-target attack spells, in particular, could even be considered the best among all the systems.
Like the Forbidden Magic "Dimensional Slash," or the ninth-tier spell "Vacuum Annihilation."
"Lin Lei, here's what we'll do — once we get back to Fenn City, I'll immediately send word to Clyde. He will grant you a noble title and a manor within the next few days," Gilmore said with a smile.
Lin Lei nodded.
"Lin Lei," Lampson said warmly, patting Lin Lei on the shoulder, "you don't need to worry about any of the political matters. All you need to do is cultivate quietly. I'd love to see the Church of Light gain another Saint Realm powerhouse within the next fifty years."
Fifty years?
Lin Lei was confident he could become a Saint Realm Dragon Blood Warrior within fifty years. As for becoming a Saint Realm Grand Mage in that time — the difficulty would be far too great.
"Keep up the good work," Gilmore said, also enthusiastically patting Lin Lei on the shoulder.
One luxurious carriage after another raced along the country roads, metasequoia trees blurring past to the sides. Rows of imposing knights flanked the convoy both ahead and behind. This splendid procession arrived in Fenn City by midday.
Fenn City — inside the guest parlor of the Debus Family's manor.
"Alice, can you forgive me?" Kalan held Alice's hand and gazed intently into her eyes.
Alice gave a faint, resigned nod.
What could she do?
"Roline will be here any moment now," Alice said softly. "I should head back."
Regardless, Alice and Kalan were not yet husband and wife. Even an engagement did not make them a married couple. Only after the wedding ceremony could they truly be considered husband and wife. Until then, Alice still had to maintain proper decorum. She went home to her own family every day.
"Roline?" Kalan's brow furrowed at the name.
Roline — Kalan's official wife.
Because of the fame of the stone sculpture "Awakening," the female figure carved into it had sunk deep into the hearts of many. Once Kalan's engagement was publicized, people would almost certainly recognize Alice. The Debus Family had quickly arranged for Kalan to take a proper wife.
"Kalan."
A cheerful voice rang out. A golden-haired girl with a long braid came skipping over. She looked very pure and innocent, and carried the unmistakable air of nobility. Her wide, sparkling eyes were especially adorable.
"Roline, you're here," Kalan forced a smile.
He had to admit that Roline was a very lovely girl. No one would refuse to be around her. But the one he truly loved in his heart was Alice.
"Where's Uncle Bernard?" Roline's big eyes darted around the room.
"Father went out on business. He should be back in a little while," Kalan answered.
Kalan knew perfectly well what his father had gone to do. Under the pressure of the Dawson Trading Company, nearly all of the Debus Family's businesses in the Fenlei Kingdom had been driven to the brink of collapse. They were losing money every day — a loss of this sort could be borne for a year or two, but if it dragged on much longer, even the deepest family coffers couldn't withstand it.
Moreover, the family couldn't just sit idle and burn through their reserves. Other families in the Fenlei Kingdom were watching them like hawks.
So…
His father Bernard had made a highly risky decision: to smuggle water jade ore.
Water jade was a comparatively precious type of crystal stone, generally used as inlays on magic staves. It was extremely beneficial for water system mages. And the Fenlei Kingdom possessed substantial underground deposits of water jade. The kingdom had amassed staggering wealth through water jade.
Because of its preciousness, a number of people had begun smuggling water jade ore.
But smuggling water jade was something King Clyde despised above all else. Any smuggler who was caught was executed without exception. Yet the profits from smuggling water jade ore were enormous — five or six times the normal return. Such profit was enough to make merchants risk everything.
In the past, the Debus Family hadn't needed to take such risks. But now they had no choice.
Their legitimate business channels had been completely sealed off by the Dawson Trading Company. The Debus Family had no option but to turn to smuggling.
"Nothing should go wrong," Kalan thought to himself. "The partner Father chose is the kingdom's current Minister of Finance — the king's own younger brother, Duke Patterson. Working with him, the chances of something going wrong should be very low."
Patterson was indeed the Minister of Finance of the Fenlei Kingdom.
When it came to managing a kingdom's finances, Clyde naturally wanted someone he trusted most in that position.
"Uncle Bernard is back!" Roline's bright voice chimed.
Kalan looked up.
Bernard walked in through the door with a broad smile, and upon seeing Roline, he said warmly, "Roline, you're here! Have you eaten dinner yet?"
"Not yet," Roline answered.
Bernard nodded. "Then tonight, eat dinner with your Kalan. Hmm, I have some things to discuss with Kalan first — go chat with Alice for a bit. I'll have Kalan come keep you company later." As he spoke, Bernard gave Kalan a meaningful look.
Kalan obediently followed Bernard, and the two entered a hidden chamber.
The stone door was shut tight, and candles were lit.