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

“My lord, these are three Morning Star Wizards who have come to pay their respects to you.”

Beverly's voice echoed softly in the ivory tower.

She has led the people there.

At this moment, Lynn was not sitting in the position that symbolized the lord's authority.

As he had previously stated, today's meeting was merely a "private one."

On the outermost level of the penthouse, with the window half-open, Lynn stood before it, his hands clasped behind his back.

His gaze swept over layers of arrays and courtyards, overlooking the entire lord's mansion and even the more distant areas.

Only after Beverly finished speaking did he slightly turn his head, his gaze slowly falling behind him.

All three auras were at the Morning Star level, but there were only three of them.

It should be noted that the aura that gathered outside the mansion just now was far more than that.

Even through layers of arrays, he could still clearly feel the increasing oppressive atmosphere.

Now only three people remain, and the outcome is self-evident.

The others left, unwilling to see him or bow their heads.

In other words, these three people are either willing to "talk" or have already made their choices.

Lynn's gaze lingered briefly on the three of them.

The Spirit Lion Gena of the Illusion Grass, this one has already chosen sides, so there's no need to say more.

As for the other two, their auras were stable, but there was a hint of decline; their hair was gray, and their life force had passed its peak.

Their lifespan of three thousand years has probably been mostly used up, and they don't have much time left. That's why they made the choice they are making now.

"Only three people...?"

Lynn's heart stirred slightly. This result was not unexpected, but it was certainly not ideal either.

Throughout the entire Western Maple Domain, there are quite a few Morning Star Wizards.

Currently, only three people are willing to cooperate with him.

For anyone else, this would almost certainly be a doomed start.

After all, no matter how strong a lord is, he is still just one person.

The operation of a region can never be sustained by a single point of power.

Resource allocation, order maintenance, and benefit distribution are all indispensable.

All of this is inseparable from "people," and from these nobles.

However, Lynn's expression did not change at all; in fact, a slight smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"interesting……"

This situation was indeed unfavorable, but it was not unexpected.

Before he took office, both Siye and Gna had warned him more than once what he might encounter.

Lynn's gaze returned to the three of them, and then he spoke calmly.

"Gernard, write down the names of all those who just left and bring them to me."

Lynn's gaze narrowed slightly, but his tone remained calm.

"Since these 'high and mighty' Morning Star nobles are unwilling to cooperate with me, the new lord."

"Then... I should also respond."

Upon hearing this, Genna immediately composed himself, nodded respectfully, and bowed slightly in agreement, his movements swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

However, this scene, witnessed by the other two Morning Star Wizards, caused their pupils to shrink abruptly, and their hearts to surge with turmoil almost simultaneously:
"You thick-browed, big-eyed Genna! You've actually secretly pledged allegiance to this newly appointed lord all along?!"

"Now they've even turned around and are trying to make things difficult for their former colleagues on behalf of the newly promoted lord... Tsk, their methods are certainly underhanded!"

Thoughts churned in my mind, but in the end, they were just thoughts.

The two men remained calm, even showing a hint of respect, as if their earlier complaints had never existed.

At that moment, Lynn's gaze slowly fell on the two of them.

Before he could even ask a question, Grenner, quite perceptively, stepped forward and whispered the introduction:
"This is Aaron Coleman of the Coleman family."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and pointed to one of them.

He was an old man with a rather old-fashioned demeanor, wearing a pair of slightly worn-out reading glasses on his nose, his gray hair hanging down in a slightly messy manner, and a topped wizard's hat on his head.

Standing there, he resembled an old professor who had been immersed in academia for many years, exuding a faint scholarly air.

After being called out, Wizard Aaron slightly raised his hand and gently adjusted his wizard's hat, a small gesture that served as a greeting to Lynn.

Gna's gaze quickly shifted to another person.

In stark contrast to Aaron was the burly Morning Star Wizard.

This man was nearly three meters tall, with broad shoulders and a strong back. He exuded an imposing presence simply by standing there.

The wizard's robes looked tight on him, as if they would burst open at any moment.

If someone unaware of his background saw him, they would likely mistake him for a wrestler on the battlefield rather than a wizard skilled in magic.

However, upon closer inspection, the marks of time are clearly etched on his face.

The wrinkles, crisscrossing like ravines, diminished much of the fierce aura that might have been present, instead giving off an air of composure and shrewdness.

"This is Ian Morgan of the Morgan family."

As the introductions concluded, the burly Morgan wizard subtly restrained his aura and bowed respectfully to Lynn. The gesture was not elegant, but it was certainly respectful.

Lynn watched all this quietly, her expression calm, but a hint of contemplation flickered in her eyes.

He was not particularly skilled in the art of managing people.

After all, since embarking on the path of cultivation, he had never truly managed a large and complex force by his own hands.

The powers he controlled in the past were mostly suppressed by force with absolute strength, and then trusted people were chosen to manage them, rather than him personally handling and carefully managing them.

Now that he has come to the Natural God Dynasty, he obviously cannot suppress it with his current strength, so he has to use some simple methods.

Even so, he still understood some of the most basic principles.

When first entering a new territory, the worst thing is to be surrounded by enemies.

The Western Maple Domain naturally harbored a sense of rejection and wariness towards this newly appointed lord.

Whether it's Aaron or Ian in front of them, even if they are respectful at the moment, they probably still harbor some hesitation or even resistance in their hearts.

This sentiment must be stirred and differentiated.

"Win one faction over another."

This is the simplest, yet most direct and effective, method.

That's why he made Grena "remember those people" in front of everyone.

Those who offend him, having left their mark, must pay the price.

This is Wei.

Since these three people have clearly expressed their intention to pledge allegiance and submit, they have rendered meritorious service.

Those who have made contributions should naturally be rewarded.

Rewards are not just about fulfilling promises, but about firmly binding their interests to them, making it difficult for them to extricate themselves.

Enticing them with benefits and intimidating them with power is a simple but never ineffective tactic.

The thought flashed through Lynn's mind, his gaze darkened slightly, and the next moment, his lips moved slightly, his tone calm:

"Today I take over the Western Maple Domain, and it's time to change the things from the previous generation."

As soon as he finished speaking, the air seemed to pause slightly.

Not only did Ian and Aaron's expressions tighten slightly, a hint of confusion arising in their hearts, but even Gnar, standing to the side, was slightly taken aback, a barely concealed look of doubt flashing between his brows:

What exactly does this newly appointed lord want to do?
However, before they could think it through, Lynn continued speaking, his tone still calm, but each sentence more astonishing than the last:
"first."

He paused, his gaze sweeping lightly over the three of them, as if to confirm whether they could keep up with his pace.

"Now that the former lord, Lord Xiye, has departed and I have taken over this place, it is time for this Xifeng Domain to be renamed."

He spoke of it casually, as if it were merely a matter of changing a title.

"The three of you can think about this matter and offer some suggestions."

The words, seemingly offering room for participation, actually subtly sent a clear signal to their hearts.

The old era has come to a complete end, and the new order begins with names.

Before the three could react, Lynn pressed on, his tone still calm and unhurried, but now with a sharper edge:

"second."

"This region is in dire need of reconstruction, and many systems are in disarray. Since we are going to rebuild, there is no need for minor repairs."

"I plan to completely integrate and unify the taxes within the territory and establish a new system... Western Regions Taxes."

"From this day forward, all taxes from noble fiefdoms, profits from trade, and various other miscellaneous incomes will be incorporated into the Western Regions' tax revenue and allocated uniformly." This statement was tantamount to directly seizing control of the lifeline of the entire noble class in the Western Maple Region.

Lynn's tone remained calm, even offering a somewhat "reasonable" explanation:

"Since it is a reconstruction, it naturally needs sufficient resources to support it. This move is also to ensure that the recovery of the entire Western Regions is at least... presentable."

The words were spoken in a grand and dignified manner, yet there was no way to refute them.

Immediately afterwards, without giving the three any time to react, the third strike landed, even sharper than the first two:
"third."

This time, Lynn's gaze did not sweep over them, but lingered on the three of them, as if scrutinizing them or weighing their strengths.

"Those institutions outside the lord's manor... I don't know how many of them are willing to cooperate with me, and how many have ulterior motives."

He paused slightly, then uttered a sentence in a low voice—

"Since that's the case, then there's no need to argue."

"All will be laid off."

These four simple words convey an almost ruthless decisiveness.

"The vacant position can be filled by recommendations from the three of you."

As he said this, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"One should not avoid suspicion when bringing relatives or friends."

These words were like honey on a blade; as soon as they were spoken, the hall fell silent.

The three Morning Star Wizards gasped almost simultaneously, their shock palpable despite their long experience.

Even Gna, who was the first to express his opinion and had already taken sides, felt a chill run down his spine. He had thought that this new lord was just a bit more decisive.

But I never expected them to be so ruthless.

The first step is to change the name.

It may seem insignificant on its own, but in reality it is the foundation of the entire transformation.

Once the name is changed, it is tantamount to completely severing the legitimacy of the old system of "West Maple Domain".

From that moment on, this land no longer belonged to the past, but belonged only to Lynn.

Article 2, integrate taxation.

This is no longer a weakening, but a direct overhaul, bringing the entire chain of interests upon which the nobles depend for survival under the control of the lord.

Those nobles who originally enjoyed tax revenue and dominated their territories, once they lost this foundation, were like skeletons removed, and could no longer maintain their original status and voice.

As for the so-called "for reconstruction," it's nothing more than a pretext to silence dissent.

The third point is even more ruthless.

The second clause only targets the aristocratic class, while this clause directly purges the existing institutional system outside the lord's mansion, regardless of loyalty or treachery, or stance, and completely overhauls everything.

Then, the vacancies are filled by "our own people".

Power was redistributed at this moment.

Loyalty can also be reshaped by self-interest.

None of the three measures were mitigating; they were all swift and decisive actions aimed at breaking down the old and rebuilding the new.

It is foreseeable that once implemented, the entire Western Maple Domain will be completely transformed!
Do not……

The thought paused in their minds simultaneously.

It can no longer be called the "Western Maple Domain".

This name has been erased; for now, we can only temporarily refer to it as the Western Regions.

As for what name it will be given in the future, no one knows for sure at this moment.

However, after the initial shock and disbelief, a completely opposite emotion surged within the hearts of the three Morning Star Wizards almost simultaneously—an almost uncontrollable ecstasy.

Lynn's words were already quite straightforward.

For these three rules to be implemented, people are needed to carry them out and support this new system.

Since these three families have clearly pledged allegiance, it means that they will be the most direct and core beneficiaries in this redistribution of power and resources!
Whether it's the newly established "Western Regions Tax," or the various institutions outside the lord's mansion that are about to be completely abolished and rebuilt...

These vacant positions are power nodes that are about to be reshaped.

They could openly and brazenly place their people in and out of the country!
This is blatant decentralization.

This was a "grand gift" that the newly appointed lord personally handed to them.

In that instant, Ian and Aaron almost had the same thought: "This step was the right one!"

At this moment, the decision to side with Lynn was completely validated.

As for this newly appointed lord, will he be able to hold onto this position for a long time?
Even if we are replaced or driven out in a hundred years, so what?

As long as their family can use this trust and power to accumulate and expand within this century, that will be enough!

A century is enough time for a family to undergo a complete transformation.

Resources can be stockpiled, but cultural heritage can be preserved.

More importantly, they can use this time to pave the way for the next generation of their clan, allocate resources, and cultivate new Morning Star Wizards!

If another Morning Star were added...

That would no longer be a simple prosperity, but a true continuation and consolidation.

By then, even if the situation changes or power shifts, they will still have a foothold and will not be easily swallowed up in the storm.

As for whether the interests of other clans will be encroached upon in the process, or whether other nobles will be offended, these questions are almost insignificant in the face of "family inheritance".

So what if I offended them?
Power and resources are never obtained through gentle means.

Having made their choice, they are not afraid to be enemies with others.

The only thing they care about is whether this power is big enough.

And now, the answer is right in front of us.

With such immense power pressing down on them, what do they have to fear?
With this in mind, Ian and Aaron took a step forward together without any hesitation.

This time, their response was no longer a simple courtesy; they bowed deeply with utmost solemnity—a true act of submission.

At the same time, Gna, who was standing to the side, paused slightly upon seeing this, as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately did not speak.

A faint hint of resentment flashed in his eyes, as if he were silently complaining:
"The Davis family has such a close relationship with the lord, yet... they didn't even reveal anything about this beforehand?"

However, this feeling was only fleeting.

The next moment, he had already gathered all his thoughts and followed suit, bowing deeply to Lynn.

The three figures of the Morning Star Wizards simultaneously lowered their heads.

Lynn took it all in, a slight smile playing on his lips, his expression showing more composure and control.

He didn't say much, but simply turned his gaze to Beverly, who was waiting quietly to the side, and said in a calm tone:

"Beverney".

"Go and fetch the lord's seal."

“Write a letter for the three Morning Star Wizards on the spot, and stamp it... so that outsiders can see it.”

Upon hearing this, Beverly responded softly, then turned and walked towards the depths of the lord's mansion to retrieve the lord's seal, which symbolized the highest authority.

Her figure quickly disappeared from sight.

However, the atmosphere inside the hall subtly changed at that moment.

Ian, Aaron, and Gna felt a slight chill run down their spines almost simultaneously.

Their attention, without prior agreement, fell on the seemingly insignificant elven maid with a faint aura, or rather, on the "duty" she had just taken on.

Able to directly access the Lord's Seal...

Moreover, Lynn personally called out the name, without the slightest hesitation in his tone.

What this means is self-evident.

Almost simultaneously, the three of them came to the same conclusion: this elven maid's position in the lord's heart was anything but ordinary.

It is even possible that the result will far exceed their initial estimates.

Thinking of this, the group secretly made a mental note: this person should not be underestimated, much less offended.

Only then did they realize that the lord's aura had suddenly vanished, and they exchanged glances, puzzled.

In fact, Lynn had already done what he needed to do. He simply had Beverly write a few letters, affix the lord's seal, and spread his message.

Even if the Western Regions become chaotic afterward, so what? No destruction, no construction. A new broom sweeps clean, and now is the perfect time.

As for him personally, he had more important things to do at the moment...

Compared to the various troubles in the Western Regions, his own affairs were more important, because a hundred years later, he would have to accept a challenge from a lord.

But he needs to have enough power before that happens!
Therefore, cultivation is the most important and crucial matter! (End of Chapter)