The Wizard: From Zero-Ring Wizard to Almighty Lord.

Chapter 232 Hearthstone Daily and Hercules
Chapter 232

The territory of the Forgestone is unimaginably vast. The strange landscape that Lynn saw when he stood atop Obsidian Mountain was merely the tip of the iceberg of this colossal wizarding fortress.

For a wizard who is new to this place, it would probably take years to truly explore the Forgestone from the inside out.

Although Lynn was filled with curiosity, he knew very well that now was not the time for sightseeing.

He did not forget the true purpose of his trip: to raise a great banner inside the Forgestone to counter the immense pressure from Aquila.

Those who can rival Aquila must at least be at the level of a constellation wizard.

Although the Forgestone is home to over a hundred Morning Star Wizards, only a very few of them have truly entered the ranks of Constellation Wizards.

They held a high position and wielded immense power, making them far beyond the reach of ordinary wizards.

However, Lynn was not unprepared.

He had already done his homework and had obtained key contact information.

The source of all this is the memories and information he inherited from the Spirit Eye Wizard.

The Spirit Eye Wizard had traveled extensively within the Forgestone and had varying degrees of contact with several constellation wizards.

After all, he had entered the treasure trove of the [Landscape] and exchanged for all sorts of rare and precious artifacts.

These wondrous objects possess extremely high research value for Morning Star and even constellation-level wizards.

This is why, even though the Spirit Eye Wizard has not yet joined the ranks of the Morning Stars, he has already gained the right to contact the constellation wizard circle.

Of course, this so-called "contact" does not mean establishing a real personal relationship with the astrology wizard himself.

Instead, they built subtle networks of connections through their followers, subordinates, assistants, and other external forces.

In the process of sorting through the memories of the Spirit Eye Wizard, Lynn deduced three constellation wizards who could be contacted and planned out paths for each of them:
First, Sirius.

This person, nicknamed "Greedy Wolf," is a typical example of someone driven by self-interest.

Establishing contact is not difficult as long as treasures pave the way. The initial contact between the Spirit-Eyed Wizard and him was achieved through a treasure transaction.

Secondly, Ophiuchus.

This person has always been at odds with Aquila, and their relationship is extremely poor.

Back when the Spirit-Eyed Wizard was still a Level 3 Archmage, he obtained a batch of valuable resources from the Ophiuchus constellation by exchanging a certain precious artifact.

This includes the extremely mysterious "Deceiving Heaven and Dividing Soul Technique".

Thirdly, Hercules.

This person is different from the previous two; he is an absolute high-ranking member of the Forgestone and a true powerhouse among the constellation wizards.

The Spirit Eye Wizard had interacted with his disciples, and although he had never seen their true forms, he had at least made contact with them.

These three were the targets Lynn had set out to meet.

However, Lynn had already made his choice among these three constellation wizards.

The first one to be ruled out was the Sirius.

Although the likelihood of him making a move is extremely high, the name "Greedy Wolf" is not given lightly.

Once they open their mouths, the price they demand is almost always an enormous cost that Lynn can hardly afford.

Rather than doing that, it's better to just put it as the lowest priority.

The remaining two are Ophiuchus and Hercules.

Between the two, Lynn leans more towards Ophiuchus.

Firstly, it stems from hatred. There has been a long-standing feud between Aquila and Ophiuchus, and this could be used to win over Ophiuchus.

Secondly, there's the consideration of hierarchy. The Martial God's power and influence are too great; whether one can be moved is already uncertain, and hastily making contact would likely be counterproductive.

At this moment, Lynn led Clara through an area resembling a market, his eyes darting between various stalls and buildings, while his mind quietly plotted the entire operation.

Clara, on the other hand, looked around excitedly, her eyes filled with curiosity and amazement at the Furnace Stone, much like a little animal stepping into the forest for the first time.

Walking along the neatly paved bluestone avenue, Lynn soon arrived at the most conspicuous tall building in the market.

It was a classical, imposing, and magnificent building, its entire body gleaming with the unique luster of alchemical materials.

The rooftop sign is a relief of an open book, with a clear inscription directly below it:

Hearthstone Daily

This is one of the most famous intelligence organizations within the Forgestone.

It is responsible not only for intelligence gathering and mission issuance, but also for handling foreign affairs, making it almost the central nervous system of the entire external region.

That's right, the area Lynn is currently in is the outer area of ​​the Forgestone.

As an outsider wizard, unless introduced by a wizard inside the Forgestone, one has no right to enter the true core area.

Lynn walked straight into the lobby of Hearthstone Daily.

The receptionist was a freckled, sweet-smiling witch. She was probably only at level one, and she was dressed in a uniform witch's outfit, looking neat and capable.

She smiled slightly, her voice clear and crisp: "Welcome to Hearthstone Daily. What service do you require?"

"I need a Hearthstone daily report, with the privileges of a Spirit Eye Wizard."

Lynn took out the Spirit-Eyed Wizard's token from his pocket and handed it over.

The witch bowed her head to verify, and after a moment gave a respectful smile:
"Dear Level 4 customer, this is your Level 4 daily report."

Lynn nodded slightly and calmly took back the token and the encrypted daily report.

The identity of the Spirit-Eyed Wizard was indeed useful; he had a considerable amount of magic stones in the account he opened through Hearthstone Daily, so Lynn didn't even have to spend any money on his own...

Lynn and Clara found an empty seat in the lobby on the first floor and sat down, then took out the Level 4 Daily Report.

Hearthstone Daily Report provides information that is strictly differentiated based on the client's level.

After all, what might be a momentous event for a first-level wizard is nothing more than a topic of casual conversation for a Morningstar wizard.

Therefore, the daily newspaper is not divided according to age or status, but rather according to the actual level of cultivation.

From a first-level wizard to a third-level archmage, the range of content that can be read gradually expands as the level increases;

Once they enter the Morning Star realm, they become the backbone of the entire wizarding system, and the daily reports will reach a higher level.

The Level 4 Daily Report is designed specifically for these types of wizards, and it contains an extremely rich amount of information, although most of it still revolves around the Forgestone and its surrounding area.

However, it also includes a lot of high-level information related to the entire wizarding world.

For example, the movements of extraterrestrial civilizations, battle reports from interdimensional expeditions, and even the policy dynamics of the Wizard Council.

Lynn took out the withered yellow parchment and immersed his mental energy into it.

The parchment surface rippled like water, and gradually, pages of fine text emerged, arranged into an index-like interface resembling a catalog.

Instead of rushing to follow the clues, he started from the first page and browsed through each item one by one.

The opening section features the latest developments within the Forgestone, followed by intelligence updates on surrounding factions:
"The next Morning Star Wizard who has a chance of being promoted to a constellation is probably..."

"The four melting pots have reached a preliminary agreement to hold a grand exchange event across the entire region in ten years..."

The further you flip through the pages, the more expansive the content becomes, soon reaching the section on interdimensional expeditions and even touching upon the strategic plans of the Wizarding Council:

"Warning: Frequent anomalies have occurred during the recent interdimensional expeditions! The civilization of the gods appears to be launching a new round of attacks!"

"The Wizarding Council has officially issued a decree regarding the battle situation on the front lines of the Nightmare Rift. Regarding the civilization of the gods, we should..."

Line after line of intelligence flooded into Lynn's mind, allowing him to quickly construct a clear outline of the overall structure of the wizarding world today.

Previously, he had long lived in remote areas and had limited knowledge and experience; but now, with just one daily newspaper, he could feel the surging tide and the explosion of information.

This is the true heartland.

Hearthstone Daily is clearly just the tip of the iceberg among many resource channels.

"call……"

Lynn let out a soft breath, her eyes flickering slightly.

Judging from the information in the daily newspaper, the conflict between the civilization of gods and the civilization of wizards is intensifying.

Even wizards with Morning Star cultivation levels encountered direct attacks from the divine faction during the dimensional expedition.

The trigger for all of this was most likely the chain reaction caused by the plan surrounding the "hunting of the goddess's body" in the Nightmare Rift.

Whether the plan ultimately succeeded or not, Lynn had no way of knowing.

But what is certain is that it has become a crucial juncture in the dramatic shift in the relationship between the two civilizations.

A full-scale war is unlikely, but regional retaliation, purges, and counterattacks will probably be frequent. Lynn murmured softly.

"So... I've gotten involved in this trend? And even, to some extent, driven its evolution?"

A strange light appeared deep within his eyes.

He knew that the Spirit of the Azure Sky and the Golden Scales had played a significant role in this upheaval.

The former is a fragment of divine essence left behind after the fall of the main god, which is something that divine civilizations must seize; the latter is even more mysterious and unpredictable, and its full appearance has not yet been seen.

These two items alone were enough to move the gods.

Thinking of this, Lynn couldn't help but smile slightly, but there was no arrogance in his expression.

After all, throughout the whole process, he was just a fugitive struggling to survive on the edge of the vortex, narrowly escaping death several times. How could he possibly control the situation or dominate the trend?
“Those who truly influence the overall situation… must at least be like ‘Qi’, daring to plot against the gods and plan for civilization.”

He put away his wandering thoughts, and his gaze became steady again.

Having confirmed the general trend, Lynn did not hesitate and immediately used the Morning Star Wizard's token to send a private contact request to Ophiuchus through the Hearthstone Daily's internal high-level channel.

He originally thought he would have to wait, since beings of Ophiuchus's level are mostly active among the various planes of existence and might not be able to respond immediately.

Unexpectedly, Lynn received an immediate reply shortly after the message was sent.

Clearly, Ophiuchus is currently in the Wizarding World and has not participated in the expedition.

To Lynn's surprise, Ophiuchus's tone also carried a hint of friendliness:
"Lingmou, it's been a long time."

I did take advantage of you in the last transaction.

"Speak your mind directly. As long as it's not too outrageous, I won't refuse."

Lynn's eyes lit up when he saw this sentence.

Sure enough, it was convenient to do things under the name of "Spirit Eye Wizard," which was equivalent to inheriting the network of connections of a former Morning Star Wizard.

Without hesitation, he conveyed the details of his conflict with Aquila in a sincere manner, even offering some resources as a token of his "sincerity," hoping only that Ophiuchus would step in to protect him.

Given the old grudges between Ophiuchus and Aquila, coupled with the resources involved, this matter seems almost certain to succeed.

However, unexpectedly, Ophiuchus's reply a moment later left Lynn speechless.

This reply is both bad news and good news.

The bad news is: Ophiuchus refused to offer him refuge.

The good news is that Ophiuchus didn't give a vague answer, but instead frankly explained his reasons.

The Aquila constellation is currently trapped on the dimensional expedition battlefield and is unable to take action personally for the time being. Therefore, it has entrusted two powerful beings to do so: the Sirius constellation and an enforcement wizard from the Wizard Council.

Ophiuchus refused Lynn's request precisely because he did not want to have a direct confrontation with Sirius and the council enforcer at this critical juncture.

Although it was a refusal, it was done politely, not a cold shoulder, but more like a subtle hint or reminder.

Lynn knew perfectly well that Ophiuchus was unwilling to get involved because of the name "Spirit Eye," but still managed to pass on enough information.

As for how Ophiuchus was able to know such secret information?
This is not hard to guess.

Aquila has a bad reputation among astrologists; they are suspicious, vindictive, and good at shifting blame, which makes them offend many people.

This time, he asked someone to help him. Sirius was obviously also worried. In order to avoid being implicated, he made a point of "explaining clearly" to several important figures who had grudges against Aquila, so as to show that he "was just accepting the mission and did not have any personal grudges."

And Ophiuchus is one of them.

In short, Lynn's ability to learn all this can be considered an unexpected stroke of luck.

Just as Lynn was about to ask for more details, Ophiuchus ended the conversation prematurely, leaving only a brief sentence:

"If there's anything else, feel free to contact me, but this matter is probably really difficult to handle."

The information window is closed; Ophiuchus is now completely offline.

Lynn sat there, silent for a moment, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

He did feel somewhat helpless.

The path through Ophiuchus is blocked, and Sirius, which is already at a disadvantage for him, makes it even less likely that he can place any hope in it.

At this point, he had lost all the forces he could openly rely on.

But he also felt a sense of relief.

I'm glad I contacted Ophiuchus in advance, otherwise I wouldn't have known the real plan behind Aquila.

If he still thinks that his opponent is only Aquila himself, then sooner or later he will die unexpectedly from the combined attack of Sirius and the Law Enforcement Wizard.

"...The enemy has changed."

Lynn murmured softly, her eyes narrowing slightly, but her mind became increasingly clear.

"Now... it seems I only have one last option left."

He looked down at the keepsake left by the Spirit-Eyed Wizard, his gaze slowly sliding to the name at the very bottom of the contact list—someone he had almost never contacted.

Green Jefferson.

Hercules's personal student, a third-level archmage.

“Hercules…” Lynn’s eyes narrowed. “Perhaps, he is the strongest backer I can gamble on right now.”

He knew in his heart that only the prestige of Hercules could possibly intimidate Aquila, Sirius, and even that enforcer from the Wizarding Council.

But he also understood that this protection was destined to be costly.

The reason Ophiuchus was willing to take action was because of his personal grudge against Aquila and his old feelings for "Spirit Eye".

The necessary resources are still within the scope of what can be compensated by personal connections.

But Hercules is completely different.

The Wizard of the Spirit Eyes had virtually no connection with Hercules. In the past, he had only engaged in a few superficial resource exchanges through Grimm Jefferson and had never met Hercules in person.

Moreover, Hercules is one of the most powerful and highest-ranking beings in the entire Forgestone system.

Controlling the teleportation array, this money-devouring behemoth project, signifies the pinnacle of power, wealth, and influence.

His strength and vision have long surpassed the level that ordinary people can reach.

To move such a person, personal connections alone are far from enough.

Lynn shook his head slightly, his voice low:
"Under any other circumstances... I'm afraid I wouldn't have anything to offer him that could move him. Unless I'm crazy enough to bring out the Azure Sky Spirit and the Golden Scales..."

One of these two items is a fragment of the divine essence of a fallen god, while the other has an even more mysterious origin and may involve a higher level.

If exposed, it might attract even more terrifying surveillance.

But at this moment, Lynn's eyes gleamed with an undisguised light.

He had just finished reading the Level 4 Hearthstone Daily and had a clear understanding of the current state of affairs in the Wizarding World:

He does indeed possess a treasure, which is practically useless in the current climate.

Even in the foreseeable future, it won't do much to help Lynn's growth.

However, this treasure is very likely to move the Martial Immortal himself, who is pursuing a higher level and may have already stepped into the sixth level.

That is, the divine body of the Goddess of the Magic Network!
That was the corpse of a formal deity, equivalent to a level six Morning Star Wizard, which was already incredibly valuable.

Against the backdrop of increasingly fierce conflicts between the wizarding civilization and the god civilization, the value of this goddess's remains has increased several times over!
Whether used as a research sample, for divine analysis, energy extraction, or even as a medium for ascension, it is a rare treasure.

"...If even this cannot sway the Martial God, then I will have no choice but to seek another path."

Lynn did not hesitate any longer and immediately contacted Green Jefferson without making any attempt to conceal it.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he frankly revealed his request, the threats he faced, and even the valuable treasures he could offer:
He wanted to ask Hercules for help in exchange for protection.

The price, according to Lynn, was a resource worth nearly seven levels of the Bright Moon realm.

This description may be a bit exaggerated, but it is definitely quite attractive!

On Lynn's palm, the Spirit-Eyed Wizard's keepsake lay slowly.

The token was covered with rays of light, and on each ray of light was a piece of information.

At the very top is the exchange Lynn had just had with Green, the student of Hercules.

call out!
As rays of light emerged one after another, lines of text appeared on the other side.

Lynn saw the contents, his expression remained unchanged, but a hint of calm appeared in his eyes.

Look down to the bottom, and you'll see the sentence:
Where are you? I'm coming to find you right now!

(End of this chapter)