Above the mage

Chapter 745 Foreign Forces

"Since you joined the Sea Sentinels, your mage level has improved at an extremely fast pace, even comparable to that of Liu Ying," Grand Duke Wang Mian said, looking up at Gao De with admiration.

While it was called praise, it was actually more of a request for information.

The fireflies have a special constitution, and their resources are beyond question.

As an ordinary person, how can Gaode be compared to Liu Ying?

Gao De understood what Grand Duke Wang Mian meant.

He understood better than anyone that the speed at which his mage level was increasing had long exceeded the limits of his innate talent.

In this situation, it would be a bad thing if there wasn't a reasonable explanation.

First, it will attract unnecessary speculation and suspicion.

Secondly, it attracts the attention of those with ulterior motives.

After all, in a world of extraordinary power, behind the abnormal often lie hidden opportunities or treasures.

That is the kind of existence that countless mages flock to.

In fact, Gaode had already been secretly planning to find a suitable opportunity to reasonably reveal to the outside world the reason for its rapid promotion.

However, he knew that revealing it would be too deliberate and would only make him seem like he was trying to hide something, making people more likely to suspect that he was deliberately concealing something.

At this moment, Grand Duke Wang Mian's initiative to ask a question provided him with an excellent opportunity:

A passive response, forced to reveal the truth.

Furthermore, if this matter comes from the Wang Mian family, it is equivalent to having the endorsement of a top noble family, so its credibility is self-evident.

Therefore, Gao De smiled slightly and explained, "The Duke has keen insight. One of the reasons I have been able to advance so quickly is that after joining the Sea Sentinels, the Legion valued me highly and never hesitated to invest cultivation resources in me, giving me the greatest support."

"Yes, the Sea Sentinels even applied for a drop of Emerald Dragon Marrow for you, which shows how much they value you. Your current performance certainly deserves their respect." Grand Duke Wang Mian already knew everything and nodded slightly.

Gao De felt a slight chill in his heart, but he remained calm and slowly added, "Another reason is that I awakened my bloodline specialization when I advanced to the second ring."

He didn't elaborate further, stopping short of elaboration.

Given Grand Duke Wang Mian's knowledge and status, he didn't need to explain much; the phrase "bloodline expertise" was enough to connect all the illogical points.

This is the most reasonable and convincing explanation for Grand Duke Wang Mian.

Moreover, this is not a lie.

The Zhenbing bloodline was indeed an important reason for his rapid advancement, but it wasn't the only one.

"Bloodline specialization..." Upon hearing this, Grand Duke Wang Mian's heart stirred slightly, and the scrutiny in his eyes softened a little as he looked at Gao De.

"You're not only exceptionally talented, but also incredibly lucky."

Bloodline power can not only explain the speed at which a mage levels up, which is difficult to explain by common sense, but also explain why he has such a rich spell system.

As for the specific bloodline, Grand Duke Wang Mian did not inquire further.

This is the monk's privacy.

Furthermore, it would be extremely undignified for someone of his status to delve into the expertise of a third-ring mage.

Just then, servants carrying silver trays stepped forward in an orderly fashion.

The main course was laid out on a tray.

The golden-brown, glistening lion meat chops are drizzled with a sauce made from kiwifruit and herbs, and garnished with fresh seasonal vegetables.

Each main course is served individually and personally delivered to each guest by a waiter.

The banquet then moved into the main dining session.

The atmosphere at the dinner table wasn't exactly lively, but it was certainly not dull either.

Lady Wang Mian had a very clever mind.

She always manages to bring up lighthearted topics at the right time, skillfully defusing any occasional tension during the meal and keeping the atmosphere peaceful without falling into any awkwardness.

In this peaceful atmosphere, the banquet gradually came to an end.

The waiters came forward again to remove the main course plates from the table and replace them with fruit tea and desserts.

This means the banquet is coming to an end, and the host and guests can have a final chat.

After the servants had left, Grand Duke Wang Mian picked up the fruit tea cup in front of him, took a small sip, and spoke again: "I heard from the lady that you refused her offer of payment and thanks."

Gao De nodded and said, "Your Excellency, Liu Ying and I are friends. In the desolate and barren Soul Realm, we went through hardships together and forged a deep friendship."

"It is only natural for friends to support each other, so it is really inappropriate to offer any reward. I cannot accept it."

Grand Duke Wang Mian had already heard these words from his wife.

The same sentence can be interpreted in completely different ways by different people.

As a woman, Lady Wang Mian couldn't help but have more negative speculations when she heard these words. She felt that Gao De might be pretending to be aloof in order to gain favor or to scheme for something else.

However, when Grand Duke Wang Mian heard this, his opinion was more positive.

For a man, having ambition is a rare and good thing.

Especially when facing a top noble like Wang Mian, he was able to maintain his integrity. This character was something he valued more than talent and strength.

Grand Duke Wang Mian abruptly changed the subject, posing a seemingly casual question: "You are a military mage, belonging to the Sea Sentinels. You must want to join one of the Dynasty's three major military mage legions, right?"

Gao De nodded and said truthfully, "Of course, the three major military mage legions represent the pinnacle of military mages in the Golden Flower Dynasty, bringing together the dynasty's top combat mages. I have always longed to join them."

The Sea Sentinels are already a highly powerful military mages organization in the Golden Flower Dynasty.

Over the past two years, he has received much support and resources from the Sea Sentinel.

However, as the pinnacle of the dynasty's military mages, the three major military mage legions far surpassed the sea sentinels in terms of cultivation resources, spell inheritance, status, and opportunities.

If he could join them, why wouldn't he be happy?

Grand Duke Wang Mian tapped his fingertips lightly on the edge of the table, his tone still casual: "If all three major military mage legions were willing to recruit you, which one would you choose?"

This question made Gaode pause slightly, and he subconsciously hesitate.

He hadn't really considered this situation.

The three major military mage legions have extremely high entry requirements, and each one is full of talented individuals.

Being chosen by one of the legions is a great honor, and it is the lifelong pursuit of countless military mages.

He never imagined that one day all three legions would extend olive branches to him at the same time.

But since Grand Duke Wang Mian had asked, Gao De naturally had to think about it carefully.

He lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment before finally giving his answer: "Sentinel of Light."

"Is it because you were a sea sentinel?" Grand Duke Wang Mian lowered his eyelids and only glanced at Gao De.

Gao De nodded: "That is indeed one of the reasons and considerations."

This is a simple and unpretentious reason.

The three major mage legions were not much different to him, although they certainly had their own strengths.

But he was an exception among mages, specializing in all aspects.

Therefore, in a sense, he is suitable to join and adapt to any mage organization.

Under such circumstances, he would naturally prioritize choosing the Sentinel of Light.

After all, the Light Sentinels originated from the Sea Sentinels. The two share the same lineage and have a deep bond, like branches connected to roots, an inseparable connection.

Moreover, the Sea Sentinels all hoped that he could join the Light Sentinels.

During his two years with the Sea Sentinels, many prominent figures among them showed him goodwill and offered him guidance and assistance.

These can be considered his foundational network within the Plantagenet dynasty.

Therefore, making a choice that pleases everyone and does not disappoint their expectations is obviously more appropriate.

"Why not consider the Silver Dragon Cavalry?"

Grand Duke Wang Mian spoke slowly, each word filled with allure: "The Silver Dragon Cavalry is under the command of our Wang Mian. Richard is now the general of the Silver Dragon Cavalry, holding real power over the legion."

"Even if you are unwilling to accept the reward we previously offered, with your friendship with Liu Ying, as long as you join the Silver Dragon Cavalry, it's as if you will naturally have someone to take care of you."

"No need to start from scratch, and no need to worry about being ostracized or suppressed."

"By joining the Silver Dragon Cavalry, the resource allocation you receive will far surpass that of the other two legions."

"With the same combat performance and the same mission achievements, your rank will rise much faster in the Silver Dragon Cavalry than in the Sentinels of Light and Vanguard of Justice."

"Future development will be smoother, and we may even be able to access the core power circle of the dynasty more quickly."

Grand Duke Wang Mian's sudden words stunned Gao De.

He subconsciously looked up at Richard, whom Grand Duke Wang Mian had mentioned.

Richard sat upright to one side, his expression unchanged.

He did not deny a single word that Grand Duke Wang Mian had said.

This silence is the clearest acquiescence.

"This matter is not appropriate, so we will not consider it." Gao De pondered for a moment, then glanced at Liu Ying, who was quietly watching him and listening to his conversation with Grand Duke Wang Mian, before speaking.

"Furthermore, the Sea Sentinels have treated me well, and the officers have shown me great kindness and recognition. If the Light Sentinels are willing to accept me, I will definitely give priority to the Light Sentinels. This is not only a way to repay the Sea Sentinels, but also the most appropriate choice in my mind."

Actually, there is an even more important reason.

Of the three major military mage legions, the Light Sentinels have the largest area of ​​activity and the most freedom.

Silver Dragon Cavalry are bound to dragon birds, have frequent daily training missions, and are stationed in Liuge County year-round, so they generally do not leave easily.

The Vanguard of Justice has a heavy mission and cannot return to the North for an extended period.

Of course, it's not convenient to say this reason, so Gaode Maps gave this secondary reason.

Little did he know that his reasoning had caused Grand Duke Wang Mian's approval rating of him to skyrocket.

This quality of being able to consider friendship and gratitude in the face of temptation, and to uphold one's integrity, is something that surpasses talent and background for Grand Duke Wang Mian.

The reason is simple: in the Golden Flower Dynasty, apart from the royal family, could anyone with an extraordinary background surpass the Wang Mian family?

Can anyone with exceptional talent compare to Liu Ying?

"An interesting young man," Grand Duke Wang Mian said with a smile, finally ceasing his questioning.

After laughing, he composed himself and made a promise: "If you can perform well in this French fighting competition, try to get a higher ranking on the combat power list."

"As long as you rank in the top two, I guarantee you'll be seeded and directly enter one of the three major mage legions after the Mage Tournament."

This promise carried immense weight, and before Gao De could react, Grand Duke Wang Mian spoke up.

"besides...

'

He paused, then flicked his fingertips, and a pale golden light emerged from his palm, slowly drifting to Gao De's table.

As the light faded, a crystal badge engraved with intricate magical patterns lay there quietly, exuding extraordinary beauty.

"What is this?" Gao De looked at the badge, puzzled.

"This is the emblem of the lifelong honorary mage of Nashlamy City."

Grand Duke Wang Mian explained, "With this emblem, your status in Nashlame City is equivalent to that of a member of the city council, and you enjoy some of the powers equivalent to those of a deputy city lord."

"This includes mobilizing the low-level mage legions stationed in the city, having priority in resource allocation and policy support, and even participating in the decision-making of major affairs in the city."

He added specifically to allay Gaode's concerns: "Don't overthink it, this isn't a reward, it's what you deserve."

"I deserve it?" Gao De was even more puzzled.

"Yes," Grand Duke Wang Mian confirmed with certainty, "because Nashlamay City was ceded by the Holy Empire as an apology for the firefly incident."

"If it weren't for you, Liu Ying would have had a hard time escaping safely from the Desolate Soul Domain, and there wouldn't have been the subsequent peace negotiations with the Holy Empire."

The matter of ceding territory and paying reparations.

"Our Wang Mian family, and even the entire Golden Flower Dynasty, deserves at least great credit for acquiring this city, if not the greatest credit."

"You deserve this badge."

"Where is Nashlamay located?" Upon hearing that it was ceded by the Holy Empire, Gaud felt a strange sense of unease.

Grand Duke Wang Mian saw through Gao De's thoughts and nodded, saying, "Yes, it is extremely far from the Golden Flower Dynasty."

"Nashlame City is not on the Nolan Continent, but on the Terra Continent. It is one of the major cities on the northern coastline of the Terra Continent, and also one of the important strongholds of the Holy Empire on the Terra Continent."

"Now, it is under the trusteeship of our Wang Mian family."

This answer was even worse than Gaode had anticipated.

He had considered that Nashlamy City was not adjacent to the territory of the Plantagenet Dynasty, but he did not expect that it was not even on the same continent as the Plantagenet Dynasty.

This emblem appears to have a very prestigious title and extremely attractive authority.

However, it is almost useless for Gaode Maps nowadays.

Since he had no reason to go to Terra in the short term, he naturally couldn't enjoy the authority granted by the emblem.

Grand Duke Wang Mian took in the subtle changes in his expression but did not point them out.

His tone suddenly turned serious, and he dropped another bombshell: "There's something else I think I need to tell you."

"There are foreign forces secretly investigating your situation."

He discovered this by chance while investigating Gaode's situation; there was another hand doing the same thing as him.

"I've already stopped them for you and started investigating their background, but they've been extremely secretive and have done everything perfectly, leaving no trace whatsoever."

Upon hearing this, Gao De felt a chill run down his spine, and his expression became serious.

Foreign forces are secretly investigating him?!

Grand Duke Wang Mian, observing his expression, continued, his tone carrying both certainty and a hint of warning.

"But there aren't many forces on the entire continent that can extend their reach into the territory of my Golden Flower Dynasty and do it so cleanly without leaving the slightest flaw."

It's not that there aren't many, but rather that there are only two:

The Holy Empire and the Seaside City.

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